Academic Certificate

Woodworking Foundations: Craft, Culture, and Sustainability

Create beautiful and functional objects with sustainable woodworking practices
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Contact and location

Credits & Duration

  • 16 credits
  • 3-6 quarters

Format

Start Term

  • Fall
    Winter
    Spring

Schedule

  • Varies by course - see catalog

What You'll Learn

This certificate will give you the foundational skills, knowledge, and insight to work wisely and effectively with wood for a variety of purposes. It serves as preparation for entry-level positions in architectural woodworking and millwork, small-scale residential remodeling and construction, furniture design, cabinetry and other woodworking occupations. It is also lays a foundation for further potential study in 3D arts and design.

Using a combination of hand and power tools, you’ll learn about:

  • Wood science
  • Wood selection, cutting and milling
  • Measurement and dimensioning
  • Joinery design and application 
  • Order of shop operations    
  • Shaping and sanding   
  • Adhesives and assembly 
  • Mechanical hardware and fasteners    
  • Final surfacing and finishing

Through hands-on learning, lectures and workshops, you’ll learn to craft boxes, cabinets and chests, as well as tables, desks, benches and other seating.

Certificate Coursework

This certificate consists of 16 undergraduate credits, with 12 credits of core coursework plus 4 credits selected from elective offerings.

Students can expect to spend 10 hours each week per class: 4 hours in class, 4 hours in open studio and 2 hours on class reading. It is recommended that students take one certificate course at a time. Those taking two certificate courses at once should be prepared for the challenge such coursework requires.

Core Coursework (12 credits)

Woodworking: Enclosures and Containers - Fall Quarter, 4 credits
Woodworking: Frames and Surfaces - Winter Quarter, 4 credits
Woodworking: Summative Research and Studio Project* - Spring Quarter, 4 credits

*This is the final course in the certificate and must be taken after all other core coursework and required elective credits have been completed.

Electives (select 4 credits)

Woodworking Special Topics: Laminations-Bentwood Forms - Fall, 4 credits 
Woodworking Special Topics: Seating - Winter Quarter, 4 credits
Woodworking Special Topics: Multiples - Spring Quarter, 4 credits

In order to take an elective, students must be concurrently enrolled in or have already completed one core course. However, students with previous woodworking experience may be able to enroll in an elective and waive this requirement with consent of the faculty.

Learn more about courses in the Academic Catalog