New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University

Alfred, New York, United States · Est. 1900 · Public

About

Official

SUNY's premier ceramics and engineering college, founded 1900 by Theodore Roosevelt.

  • Founded April 11, 1900 by Governor Theodore Roosevelt as the New York State School of Clay-Working and Ceramics
  • Statutory college of SUNY located on Alfred University campus in Alfred, New York
  • 616 total students (536 undergraduates, 80 graduates)
  • One of only two U.S. institutions offering B.S. in Ceramic Engineering; only institution offering glass science degrees
  • Houses Inamori Museum of Fine Ceramics, one of two world collections focused on technical ceramics and glass
  • Comprises School of Art and Design, Inamori School of Engineering, and Samuel R. Scholes Library

Academics

The college offers programs through the School of Art and Design and the Inamori School of Engineering. Engineering programs include ceramics, glass, biomaterials, and materials science engineering, with additional mechanical engineering and renewable energy engineering programs offered through Alfred University. The college is one of only two institutions in the U.S. offering a B.S. in Ceramic Engineering and the sole institution offering degrees in glass science.

History

Established by an act signed by Governor Theodore Roosevelt on April 11, 1900, the college was originally named the New York State School of Clay-Working and Ceramics. Charles Fergus Binns, a British ceramist from Royal Worcester Porcelain Works, served as the first director. In 1932, it was renamed the New York State College of Ceramics with two departments: General Technology and Engineering and Applied Art.

Collections & Facilities

The college houses the Inamori Museum of Fine Ceramics, one of only two collections in the world focused on technical ceramics and glass. The campus includes the Samuel R. Scholes Library and facilities supporting both art and engineering disciplines.

Founded
1900
Type
Public
Courses
7
Total intake
Not yet verified
AffiliationState University of New York (SUNY) statutory college; affiliated with Alfred University
HousingNot available
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
7
Avg career outcomes
Not yet verified
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
No
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources