Our diverse metalsmithing program emphasizes the development of hands-on skills and practical training. Available in both a BFA and MFA, our individualized program will prepare you with technical skills, aesthetic values and creative thinking to excel in your field.
The interdisciplinary program has developed connections in Europe, the Pacific Rim and Mexico, and it attracts students from all over the world. Students learn a variety of artistic practices from jewellery making and fine metalsmithing, to the more unique elements of blacksmithing.
Graduates of the program have gone on to highly successful careers in academia and museum work, as well as that of a self-sustaining independent artist. We offer the only MFA blacksmithing program in the nation.
Careers
Students in metalsmithing have the foundational skills to work in a variety of positions in the art world. With a background in blacksmithing, jewellery making and metalsmithing, many of our graduates have moved on to residencies, graduate programs, community art directors and so much more. Some of the popular career options include: Studio artist; Metals technician; Jewellery product developer; Director of jewellery; Gallery professional; Jewellery specialist; Metals caster.
September 2025
College of Liberal Arts
Southern Illinois University,
CARBONDALE,
Illinois,
62901, United States
Students need to have Transcripts from high school and/or college. At SIU Carbondale, applicants for admission will be eligible for automatic admission if they are on track to complete our course pattern requirements and who meet one of the following criteria: A cumulative high school GPA of 2.75; A ranking in the top 10% of their graduating class.
English Language Requirement: Any one of the following methods will automatically meet the minimum English requirement. Applicants who do not meet the automatic English language admission requirement will undergo a holistic review to determine potential admissibility.
TOEFL (IBT internet-based test) - 68
TOEFL (paper based test) - 520
ITEP - 4.0 (academic plus only)
IELTS - 6.0
2 Face-to-face English composition classes taken in the U.S. at the college level with a grade of A or B
More than 48 college-level credit hours completed at a U.S. institution
If an applicant is from a country whose primary language is English
Graduation from a U.S. high school having spent the final 2 years in the U.S.
Meeting the SAT or ACT requirements for admission of domestic freshmen
Duolingo English Test (accepted during COVID-19 closures)- 95
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.