Tyler Metals/Jewelry/CAD-CAM program defines the term "craft" as, the creation, by an individual, of unique aesthetic forms intended to serve the functional and utilitarian needs of the individuals of a given society. The crafts are categorized by the materials used and the functions performed by the objects.

The faculty in this program undertakes its mission by focusing instruction on the history of object making and the techniques and materials that were developed to meet the needs of society. Distinctions are drawn between the mass produced commodities for a consumer society and the art object for aesthetic experience. There are increasing numbers in our society that require objects to help them express their own individually, in both their surroundings, and apparel. The student is guided to an understanding of this segment in our economy.

These goals are pursued through acquiring traditional technical competencies in our well equipped studios. The faculty are nationally acknowledged masters of their craft and are therefore capable mentors for the next generation of crafts producers. While firmly grounded in the craft traditions, we see our research and teaching responsibilities as extending to the most current technical innovations. The M/J/C-C Program is committed to adopting emerging technologies to advance its discipline. We have established leadership in the application of the computer to the production of 3-D objects. Graduate students and advanced undergraduates have extensive opportunities to participate in this ongoing research. This program acknowledges the desire of its students to develop an understanding of the economics of craft production and marketing. To this end, instruction in business practices have become an integral part of the curriculum. The M/J/C-C Program assists its students in the transition from student to producing craftsperson.

At the graduate level, students are encouraged to develop personal vision. For the student whose goal is to teach a craft at the college level, preparation is provided through seminar discussions and assignments. Through application procedures, developed by this program's faculty, qualified students are identified for undergraduate teaching duties. These teaching assistants are monitored and mentored by the senior full time faculty. It is in this manner that the program prepares the next generation of Metals/Jewelry/CAD-CAM artists, teachers, producers and researchers.

BFA in M/J/CC Key Learning Outcomes

• Understanding of the conceptual and theoretical principles in their major
• Effective critical thinking and analytical skills
• Effective utilization of oral and written communication
• Knowledge of research sources and tools for project development
• Knowledge of health and safety issues surrounding the use of materials and equipment
• Technical expertise in various construction processes utilized in each discipline
• Technical expertise in the software and hardware utilized in each discipline
• Knowledge of the history and tradition of each discipline
• Highly developed aesthetic and conceptual skills
• Professional caliber image and object making abilities
• Professional presentation, installation, and documentation abilities

MFA in M/J/CC Key Learning Outcomes

• Ability to critically analyze work.
• Exploration of the expressive possibilities of the discipline with knowledge of the full range of conceptual modes and material manipulations.
• Ability to articulate ideas in written and oral format.
• Understanding how innovations in the field are the outcome of first acknowledging and then questioning existing boundaries and conventions.
• Understanding the discipline as it relates to other forms of cultural production in a contemporary, multi-cultural, international field.
• Ability to work independently. Identify research towards the development of focused and personal direction.