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Glass Major

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Glass

Combine contemporary art context with coursework that emphasizes the history, chemistry and technical aspects of working with glass in the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Glass in the Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University. The 126-credit bachelor's program contains a curriculum that integrates studio practices in hot glass and cold construction and the study of issues in contemporary art, critical theory and the artist’s place in the 21st century with a hands-on approach to materiality and matter. In addition to learning glassblowing, glass casting and kiln work, students are responsible for helping to run the hot and cold studios, and for learning to build the tools they need to articulate their concepts in glass and other media.

The Glass bachelor's program emphasizes the development of a close-knit artistic community, essential to the collaborative nature of glass blowing and other glass processes. Having a cohesive group of students is a valued goal, and genuine teamwork is required to make work and run the studios. Students play an essential role in overseeing the studios—a significant responsibility and a real-time opportunity to experience what a practicing artist’s career is like. Glass majors leave Tyler fully prepared to take on their careers.

Tyler also exposes students to the greater glass community. Through membership in a variety of professional associations, faculty members bring visiting artists, workshops and guest lecturers to campus. Students tour Philadelphia studios and explore the city’s wealth of cultural institutions. Internships, scholarship opportunities for summer study and a study abroad program round out the curriculum.

Entrepreneurial Studies

In partnership with Temple University’s Fox School of Business, Tyler offers BFA students an entrepreneurial studies option for students who want to learn skills for entrepreneurship—from innovative thinking to how to start a business—as part of their art education. Program coursework is a focused and interdisciplinary blend of art, art history, business, entrepreneurship and other courses as well as open electives. The BFA with Entrepreneurial Studies gives students the skills needed for success as entrepreneurs in the studio discipline of their choice and the necessary preparation to pursue graduate studies in their studio discipline, entrepreneurship or related professions upon graduation.

Learn more about Entrepreneurial Studies at Tyler.

student inserting glass blowing instrument into the kiln.

Photo by Photo credit: Joseph V. Labolito

Classes & Curriculum

The BFA in Glass curriculum starts with a foundational year of studying drawing, 2D and 3D principles, woodshop and art history, and critical reading and writing. Introductory studio classes teach the basic processes of off-hand glass working techniques. Students also learn the history of glass, studio operations and studio safety. Glassblowing, mold blowing, glass finishing and teamwork are learned as students move forward through the major. Students refine their studio skills in their third and fourth years in advanced classes that hone a full range of processes and techniques. Examples of courses students in the program can expect to take include the following.

  • Business Practices
  • Hot Glass Casting
  • Imagery and Glass
  • Special Topics: Optics and Light
  • Stained Glass

Learn more about the curriculum. 

Minors

Related Graduate Degrees

Related Graduate Certificates

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Fine Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $26,592.00 per year
Out-of-state: $44,532.00 per year

Our Academic Advisors

Tyler’s academic advising team offers every Tyler student one-on-one, personal and academic guidance, beginning at Orientation right through to graduation. The academic advisors help you chart your course through your degree program and major, and ensure you are on a clear educational path. 

Advisors are available to discuss registration, study abroad and staying on track to graduate, as well as policy and procedures and navigating other available resources across the university. 

Appointments with the advising team can be made by visiting the Student Tools tab in TUportal. General questions can be submitted to the team’s virtual front desk during regular business hours, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Academic Advising Office 
Tyler 212  
2001 N. 13th St. 
Philadelphia, PA 19122

Program Contact

For more information about the Glass program, please contact

Jessica Jane Julius, assistant professor and program head.
Phone: 215-280-6521
Email: 

Student Clubs & Organizations

Joining a student organization can enrich your coursework, help you build meaningful networks with peers and gain leadership experience. Below are examples of student clubs and organizations that can help you grow academically, creatively and professionally. 

See a full list of student organizations.

Study Away

Exposure to diverse cultures, environments and mindsets is essential for art, architecture and design students. At Tyler, you are encouraged to broaden your perspective and explore unique environments through study away programs. 

Programs to study in Rome, Tokyo and Venice are offered throughout the year. 

For a half-century, Temple Rome has been a center for hands-on, interdisciplinary learning, where the “Eternal City” is the classroom, the studio and the campus. It offers extensive experiences for art and architecture students, with courses in architecture, art history, drawing, liberal arts, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.  

Temple University Japan offers a Bachelor of Arts in Art with a Digital Media concentration. Students may also take individual digital photography, art history and architecture courses on the Japan campus. 

The Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses office is available to answer questions. 
Email:  
Phone: 215-204-0720

Accreditation

Tyler School of Art and Architecture’s degree programs are accredited by the following accrediting bodies. 

Tyler School of Art and Architecture’s architecture and environmental design programs are accredited by the following accrediting bodies. 

Concentrations

This degree program can be completed with or without a concentration. Your concentration options include

    Additional Program Information