WSS Certificate Programs

WSS Foundation & Master Certificate Programs

The certificate program at the Washington Studio School offers an immersive learning process for the serious art student, beginner to advanced, who wants to grow in the practice of art and art-based research. Students will have the opportunity to engage with other certificate students at the school and join in events catered for their growth. Students can use classrooms in between classes to develop their work, will have one-on-one mentorship and will also have early registration access. Consider joining a vibrant group of dedicated students!

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Foundation Certificate

Early Registration

Gain access to pre-registration and sign up for classes ahead of time.

Pathway Guidance

One-on-one advising from our practicing-artist faculty members.

Open Studio Access

Use available studios to do your classwork or personal work.

Upon availabilty*

Certificate Program Benefits

WSS Foundation Certificate Program

Washington Studio School's FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE PROGRAM is a 2-year program designed to equip the individual student with solid technical and conceptual proficiency.

WSS Foundation Certificate Program Overview

Launched in the Fall of 2018, the WSS FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE PROGRAM offers a structured curriculum that introduces students to the materials, techniques, language, and concepts of visual art. Students who complete the program are able to translate the observed world with both a solid degree of technical skill and emphatic response. By the second year, students will be exposed to a variety of traditional and contemporary practices and will begin to see how they each connect to the visual world in their own personal way. Hard work and commitment are expected, including work outside of the classroom.

Each student is assigned a faculty advisor throughout the program to advise on course selection and to provide feedback.

WHO THIS PROGRAM IS FOR: This program is ideal for individuals with all levels of experience who want to engage in a deeper process of learning. Whether you're a beginner or have prior experience, this certificate program focuses on building a solid foundation in drawing and painting. Participants will learn to develop strong technical skills through direct observation and will learn to push the work from that solid foundation.

2-Year Foundation Certificate Course Pathway

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Comparison Table List Infographic year two Chart Graph Year Two.png

WSS Foundation Certificate Program Submission Requirements & Acceptance Criteria

WSS accepts applications on a rolling basis, but students are encouraged to start the program during the Fall Term. The application process includes a form, a statement, an interview, and a non-refundable $50 application fee. There are no prerequisites, and a portfolio is not required.

It is recommended that you take at least one class and meet with the certificate program coordinator prior to applying.

APPLY TO WSS FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

WSS Master Certificate Program

Washington Studio School’s MASTER CERTIFICATE PROGRAM, designed for serious, advanced students at various stages of life, as an alternative non-degree option to a university MFA program. The Master Certificate Program has been a hallmark of the school’s offerings for over 30 years.

WSS accepts applications on a rolling basis. Application is by form, statement, portfolio (see submission criteria below), recommendations, and a non-refundable application fee of $100.

Master Certificate Program Overview

Students who are accepted into the program enter with strong skills and a commitment to the rigor, seriousness of purpose, and curiosity necessary to the life of an artist. During their time in the program, students deepen their existing skills and begin producing work that is meaningful and personal to them. The genesis of their work may come from a vocabulary built out of direct observation but can move into abstraction, memory, or imagination.

The program involves required classes and coursework at an advanced level and independent time in the studio. Students work with a faculty advisor throughout. The final year of the program is primarily an independent study with a faculty mentor. The goal for each student is to develop a strong studio practice, discipline, and independent thinking, representing a level of mastery in the use of visual language, material technique, conceptual development and research. The program culminates in a thesis exhibition of work, teaching students how to develop, produce, and mount a cohesive and personal body of work. WSS Master Certificate graduates have had successful careers as gallery-affiliated artists and as instructors of drawing and painting.

WHO THIS PROGRAM IS FOR: The Washington Studio School’s MASTER CERTIFICATE PROGRAM is tailored for serious and advanced students who are deeply committed to their artistic development. Whether you're an established artist seeking to refine your skills or a dedicated learner at any stage of life looking for a rigorous, immersive alternative to a traditional university MFA program, this program offers a comprehensive and focused pathway.

Master Certificate Program Course Pathways.png

*Intermediate/Advanced level course

WSS Master Certificate Program Submission Requirements & Acceptance Criteria

WSS accepts applications on a rolling basis.

A portfolio of 20 works (see RUBRIC below for specifics) The work for consideration must demonstrate solid technical skills, but also a personal direction of interest.
Essay/Letter of Intent. Address the following: Briefly explain your current work. Why do you want to join the Master Certificate Program? What do you hope to gain from the program? What are you interested in developing research-wise?
Recommendation letters from 2-3 former art instructors, WSS or otherwise.
CV

APPLY TO WSS MASTER CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

What is the Foundation Certificate Program?

This 2-year structured introductory program is meant to develop fundamental proficiency in drawing and painting based on direct observation. The program will provide students with a firm foundation in the materials, techniques, language, concepts and processes of visual art.
What is the Master Certificate Program?

The Master Certificate Program is designed for serious, advanced level students at various stages of life as an alternative to a university MFA program. Students who are accepted into the program enter with strong skills and a commitment to the rigor, seriousness of purpose, and curiosity necessary to the life of an artist. The Master Certificate Program has been a hallmark of the school’s offerings for over 20 years.
Why earn it?

Foundation Certificate: Students who complete the Foundation Certificate will have received a comprehensive, sequential course of study in the basics of visual art, and will emerge being able to see as an artist does and translate that response with assurance, skill and a vocabulary of visual elements and principles. Master Certificate: Students who complete the Master Certificate will emerge with the necessary skill, discipline, curiosity and independence required to maintain a strong studio practice. They will be prepared to go on as professional artists, asking individual questions and producing personal work.
Am I ready?

Foundation Certificate: Anyone willing to make the commitment to the sequential, structured study of the basic foundations of art is ready. There are no prerequisites. Master Certificate: Program Directors and faculty are available to help assess whether you are ready to apply to the Master Certificate program. Strong skills at the intermediate level as well the willingness to put in time both inside and outside of classes helps determine the readiness for the rigor of this program.
What do you look for in a portfolio?

Master Certificate Only: The portfolio should demonstrate skill in seeing visual relationships (shape, value, color, etc.) and how they find form, space, movement, and feeling. Reviewers will look for both depth and breadth in media used and subject matter. Portfolios are expected to portray a high level of proficiency, but with the understanding that it is student work rather than professional level.
Is an interview required?

After reviewing other materials, the Program Directors may schedule a brief interview to further assess applicant’s commitment and compatibility with the program philosophy.
Does Washington Studio School offer student visas or permits for international students?

WSS is a non-accredited non-profit institution. Accordingly, Washington Studio School is unable to offer visas or permits for international students to attend our program.
How long will the program take?

Foundation Certificate: If the recommended sequence and schedule is followed, the program will take two academic years. However, it may be extended up to four years. Master Certificate: The program will take approximately three years. The completion timetable is based on achieving a level of mastery determined by faculty review. Some students take more time to achieve that level than others.
Can I start any time?

Foundation Certificate: It is recommended that students begin this program in the fall to best benefit from the sequential aspect of the three terms (Fall, Winter and Spring). Master Certificate: Applications to the Master Certificate program are on a rolling basis. Students can apply to begin any of the three 10-week terms.
Is financial aid available?

At this time, only very limited scholarship funds and work study opportunities are available. Please visit the Work Study & Scholarships page to learn more.
Who are the instructors?

Faculty at WSS are all practicing artists who are highly trained, experienced instructors. While they all have individual artistic styles and teaching styles, they are chosen to teach at WSS because of an overall shared language and teaching philosophy. This makes it possible to move from instructor to instructor without hearing conflicting lessons. Please visit our Faculty page for more details about our individual faculty members.
Are my classes only with certificate students?

No. Certificate and non-certificate students enjoy classes together. Many strong students do not have schedules that allow them to participate in the certificate programs, yet all students benefit from the combined nature of our classes. Occasionally a class is planned just for Certificate students.
How much time is required outside of class?

Foundation Certificate: Full-time students are expected to put in a minimum of 10 hours per week beyond class time. This includes keeping a sketchbook as well as attending drop-in figure drawing sessions. Master Certificate: Full-time students are expected to put in a minimum of 20 hours per week of independent work in addition to coursework. This includes sketchbook/journal, transcriptions, drop-in figure sessions, and independent studio time.
Can I take classes before committing to a program?

Foundation Certificate: Yes. If you would like to try a class before applying to the program you may. If the review committee feels the work meets standards, the class may be applied to the program requirements. Master Certificate: Almost all applicants to the Master Certificate program have taken classes at WSS before applying to the program. These classes prepare them for the rigors of the Master program and allow them to experience the culture and philosophy of the school, ensuring that it’s a good fit.
Can I take another class in place of a required course?

Our curriculum for both programs is carefully considered to give the most depth and growth possibility to the students’ experience, but we will consider on a case by case basis the substitution of a class for another if there is reason.
May I take a leave of absence? For how long?

Continuity is important in the growth of an artist. Occasionally a student must take a leave of absence from the program for health, family or work matters. We may accommodate a maximum of one year leave. For absences loners than one year, students must reapply to the program.
Will I have an advisor, and what role do they play?

Foundation Certificate: Students will have a faculty advisor who they will meet with three hours per term to discuss progress and recommendations for classes. Master Certificate: Students will have a faculty advisor who they meet with three hours per term, with increments to be decided by the student and advisor. Meetings are for the purpose of discussing progress, artists to look at, and recommended classes. Working with an advisor is a separate aspect of the program from the Independent Study component. Students are expected to maintain a journal of their process and growth and to submit it for review by their advisor at the end of every term. A minimum of two entries per week are expected in a ten week term.
How am I evaluated?

Foundation Certificate: Instructors and advisors will evaluate work based on a set of criteria established to demonstrate understanding of visual language at different levels of learning. Successful candidates will complete all coursework with regular attendance and evidence that they are working outside of class in sketchbooks and open sessions. Master Certificate: The Master Certificate is based on reaching a high level of mastery, rather than the mere completion of a list of classes. Instructors and advisors will evaluate work based on a set of criteria established to demonstrate understanding of visual language at different levels of learning, including the use of visual elements and principles to develop a personal vocabulary for communication. Students meet with their faculty advisor multiple times during the term.
Is there a formal graduation?

There is no formal graduation. There are opportunities for exhibition.
What can I do with the certificate?

Foundation Certificate: Graduates of our Foundation program will have developed a portfolio of work. This program can stand as an independent course of study or prepare students for further study. Master Certificate: Graduates of our Master Certificate program are professional practicing artists who are showing their work in galleries and alternative spaces, and a number are teaching in non-degree visual art schools.

FAQs