The highly ranked Department of Art’s degree programs provide creative students with the critical and artistic skills needed to excel in contemporary and multidisciplinary art and design practices. The art curriculum fosters positive collaboration, the creation of innovative and technically-advanced artworks, and encourages the sharing of diverse points of view.
Approximately 17 of the 45 required studio credits for a Bachelor of Science in Art are spent in intermediate and advanced-level studio courses, allowing students to graduate with a high-intermediate level portfolio. The smaller number of studio credits required in the BS-Art degree affords the flexibility for students to pursue second majors, certificates, or simply take more courses in other areas of academic interest. This degree can be completed in four years.
All degree programs in art feature a rigorous foundation program, a set of six courses that students often complete by participating in the popular Contemporary Art & Artists First-Year Interest Group (FIG), before branching out into one or more specialized areas:
- 4D Digital Media
- 4D Video and Performance
- Ceramics
- Drawing/Painting
- Glass/Neon
- Graphic Design
- Metals/Jewelry
- Printmaking/Book Arts
- Photography
- Sculpture
- Wood/Furniture
Potential careers for artists include
The Department of Art believes that hardworking students who learn to harness and nurture their creative energies today will be the people influencing progress tomorrow. Come join us!
"I came in as a Communication Arts major and knew I wanted to get an Art certificate. Then, through the art classes at UW, I was like, this is where I need to be and went full Art [major] my sophomore year." – Wylie Knight (read more)
How to Get In
Program Admission Overview
The Art–BS degree program currently admits on-campus students to begin in the fall, spring, and summer. Requirements and selection criteria may be modified from one application/admission period to the next. Potential applicants should consult the School of Education's Undergraduate Admissions page for eligibility requirements prior to submitting an application.
Entering the School of Education
Prospective UW–Madison Applicants
The Office of Admissions and Recruitment makes final determinations regarding admission criteria and status of all applicants. Additional information, including submission guidelines, is available on the How to Apply page of the art department's website.
New and Current UW–Madison Students
New freshmen and off-campus transfers are admitted directly to the Art–BS degree program. Students planning on declaring the Art-BS: Graphic Design named option should first declare Art-BS The successful completion of ART 102 2D Foundations and ART 107 Introduction to Digital Forms is required to declare the named option. All other on-campus students interested in becoming Art students must follow the application procedures outlined below.
Prospective Transfer Students
Applicants not already enrolled on the UW–Madison campus must be admissible to the university to enroll in a School of Education program. Admission to UW–Madison requires a separate application and admission process. See UW–Madison Office of Admissions and Recruitment for application information. BFA candidates cannot transfer directly into the Art–BFA degree program; instead, they will be admitted to campus as if pursuing the Art–BS degree program (ART classification) and can apply for the BFA program once enrolled on campus. Transfer students are strongly encouraged to meet with the art department advisor prior to coming to campus; call 608-262-1660 to schedule an appointment. Prospective transfer students are strongly advised to meet with an advisor in the School of Education Student Services office in advance of their application; to schedule, call 608-262-1651.
Students With A Previous Degree
Prospective applicants who already hold an undergraduate degree are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor in the School of Education Student Services office in advance of their application. Consultations with advisors are available in person or via telephone; to schedule, call 608-262-1651.
Applicants who already hold an undergraduate degree are admitted to the School of Education as either an Education Special student or a second degree student, depending on their interests and academic background. Admission as an Education Special student indicates that that the student has an interest in pursuing certification in a subject area studied during the initial degree; another degree is not awarded for this "certification only" coursework. Second degree students are seeking a second, unrelated degree from the School of Education, which may, or may not, include teacher certification. Candidates for limited enrollment programs must meet all admission eligibility requirements for the program and must compete with the eligible applicants for program admission. More information is available here.
Application and Admission
On-campus students should contact an undergraduate advisor in the Department of Art to discuss their interest in pursuing the Art–BS degree program. This meeting is required and can be scheduled using Starfish, or by contacting the Department of Art at 608-262-1660. An application to the Art–BS degree program will be completed after this meeting.
Criteria for Admission
- Cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.5 based on UW–Madison campus coursework, as modified by the Last 60 Credits Rule (detailed below).
- If applying for named option in Graphic Design, successful completion of ART 102 2D Foundations and ART 107 Introduction to Digital Forms.
- Filing of all required paperwork, including professional program application and transcripts. Application must be signed by the art department advisor.
Last 60 Credits Rule
Two grade point averages will be calculated to determine candidates' eligibility to programs. GPAs will be calculated using
- all transferable college level coursework attempted, and
- the last 60 credits attempted.
The higher GPA of these two will be used for purposes of determining eligibility. If fewer than 60 credits have been attempted, all credits will be used to calculate the GPA. Graded graduate coursework will also be used in all GPA calculations. ("Attempted" coursework indicates coursework for which a grade has been earned.) For more information on this rule, see this link.
University Requirements
All undergraduate students must complete both the following Core General Education (Core GenEd) and University Degree and Quality of Work requirements. The requirements below apply to students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution is Summer 2026 or later.
Students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution occurred before Summer 2026 should refer to the archived Guide for the requirements that apply to them.
Core General Education (Core GenEd) Requirements
| Civics & Perspectives | 3 credits of Civics & Perspectives coursework. |
| Communication & Literacy | 6 credits of Communication & Literacy coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingenglishplacement |
| Humanities & Arts | 6 credits of Humanities & Arts coursework. |
| Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning | 6 credits of Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingmathplacement |
| Natural Science & Wellness | Complete both:
|
| Social & Behavioral Science | 3 credits of Social & Behavioral Science coursework. |
| Total Credits | 30 credits. |
For more information see the policy.
University Degree and Quality of Work Requirements
All undergraduate degree recipients must complete the following minimum requirements. Requirements for some programs will exceed these requirements; see program requirements for additional information.
| Total Degree | 120 degree credits. |
| Residency | Complete 30 credits in residence. A course is considered “in residence” if it is taken when in undergraduate degree-seeking status and:
|
| Quality of Work | Achieve at least the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, and/or academic program. |
| Math | Demonstrate minimal mathematics competence by: |
| English Language | If required to take the UW-Madison English as a Second Language Assessment Test (MSN-ESLAT), demonstrate minimal English language competence by:
|
| Language | Complete one:
|
| Major Declaration | Declare and complete the requirements for at least one major. |
School of Education Liberal Studies Requirements
All students are required to complete a minimum of 40 credits of Liberal Studies coursework. This requirement provides an opportunity to do some academic exploration beyond the scope of the major. Students take courses in areas of particular interest and also have an opportunity to sample the wide selection of courses offered across the university. Coursework is required in humanities, social studies, science, and cultural and historical studies. Some elective coursework is also needed to reach the required number of credits.
The School of Education’s Liberal Studies Requirements automatically satisfy most of the University General Education Requirements outlined above, including ethnic studies, humanities/literature, social studies, and science. Students pursuing most School of Education degree programs may also complete Communication Part B, Quantitative Reasoning Part A, and Quantitative Reasoning Part B through courses required by their degree program. If a student cannot complete a General Education Requirement within the curriculum of their chosen School of Education program, academic advisors can offer suggestions for courses that meet the requirement and augment the student’s primary area of study.
A basic outline of the liberal studies is included below. Students must consult the detailed version of the requirements for information about course selection and approved course options.
Humanities, 9 credits
All students must complete a minimum of 9 credits to include:
- Literature
- Fine Arts
- Humanities Electives
Social Studies (Social Science)
All students must complete a minimum of 9 credits. Teacher certification programs and Kinesiology have unique requirements in this category.
Science
All students must complete a minimum of 9 credits to include:
- Biological Science
- Physical Science
- Laboratory Science
- Science Electives
Cultural and Historical Studies
All students must complete three requirements (9 credits) met by separate courses. Any of these courses can also be used to meet the Humanities or Social Studies (Social Sciences) requirements if it has the relevant breadth designation.
- Ethnic Studies
- U.S./European History
- Global Perspectives
Complete Liberal Studies Electives to total 40 Credits.
Program Structure
The bachelor of science (BS) degree program in art has five components:
- Liberal studies courses expose students to a broad range of academic disciplines. The university-wide General Education requirements also encourage this breadth of study.
- The Foundations Program requires six interrelated studio and aesthetics courses designed to prepare first-year students for further study in studio art and design.
- Aesthetics coursework gives students an opportunity to study both the history of art and contemporary developments in the visual arts.
- Major requirements permit in-depth studies of studio art. After taking courses in the Foundations area, students complete coursework in each of the four studio areas: 2D, 3D, 4D, and Graphics. BS–Art majors are required to reach an advanced level in at least one studio discipline.
- Elective credits to pursue individual areas of interest, such as a second major or additional studio credits. Many BS–Art students complete an additional major from the College of Letters & Science. Some use this major to complement their art preparation (e.g., focusing on written communication for an eventual career in advertising), or a subject that complements their interest in art. Students interested in medical illustration, for example, may wish to take courses in the biological sciences. Others select majors that reflect interests completely unrelated to art.
Art Foundations Program
The Art Foundations Program is a series of interrelated studio and lecture courses to be taken by art and art education majors in their first year as preparation for further study in studio art and design. The program addresses the fundamentals of art through investigation of formal, technical and conceptual issues. The drawing, 2D and 3D design, digital media, and art historical lecture classes are designed to expose, broaden, and challenge students' understanding of contemporary art production.
Art foundations classes are meant to be taken concurrently and the information covered in them is interrelated. Students completing the Foundations Program should enroll in ART 102 2D Foundations, ART 212 Drawing Foundations, and ART 108 Foundations of Contemporary Art for the fall semester and complete ART 104 3D Foundations, ART 107 Introduction to Digital Forms, and ART 208 Current Directions in Art in the spring.
Most freshman art majors complete their foundations courses through participation in the very popular Contemporary Art and Artists First-Year Interest Group (FIG), which also creates a network of corresponding experiences and a peer community that will continue throughout the program and often beyond graduation. Students in FIGs enjoy studying with instructors dedicated to serving first year students, the opportunity to integrate related ideas from all three classes, and the ready-made opportunities to form support networks and lasting friendships.
Additional information about the Foundations Program is available on the departmental website.
Aesthetics Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART 108 | Foundations of Contemporary Art (component of the Foundations Program) | 3 |
| ART 208 | Current Directions in Art (component of the Foundations Program) | 3 |
| Select two additional courses from the following: | 8 | |
| History of Western Art I: From Pyramids to Cathedrals | ||
| History of Western Art II: From Renaissance to Contemporary | ||
| Global Arts | ||
| History of Graphic Design and Typography 1 | ||
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If taken prior to summer, 2018, ART 438 may count toward either the aesthetics or studio requirements, but not both. Effective summer, 2018, it may only count toward the aesthetics requirement. This course is designed for students pursuing graphic design.
Major Requirements
The requirements listed here are effective for students admitted to the program effective summer 2016. Students admitted prior to this time can find their major requirements listed in previous editions of the Undergraduate Catalog and on their DARS reports.
Complete a minimum of 45 studio credits, including the specific coursework below. No more than 58 studio credits will be counted toward the minimum 120 credits required for the BS degree. Thus, if a student wishes to graduate with the minimum of 120 credits, 62 of these credits must be "non-studio" coursework.
Major residency requirement: Students completing the BS degree must complete at least 24 credits of major studio coursework in residence on the UW–Madison campus.
Art and BFA degree students have priority access to studio courses. Note: Some courses are offered for 3 or 4 credits; it is preferred that the course be taken for 4 credits.
Required Studio Foundations Courses
Complete the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART 102 | 2D Foundations | 3 |
| ART 104 | 3D Foundations | 3 |
| ART 107 | Introduction to Digital Forms | 3 |
| ART 212 | Drawing Foundations | 3 |
Required Studio Breadth Courses
Select one course in each of the 2D, 3D, 4D, and Graphics areas. Students will also take ART 508 at least once and complete a 500-level or 600-level art studio course in at least one discipline.
2D Studio
Select one of the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART 222 | Introduction to Painting | 3-4 |
| ART 232 | Life Drawing I | 4 |
| ART 242 | Watercolor I | 3-4 |
| ART 302 | Color | 4 |
| ART 312 | Intermediate Drawing I | 3-4 |
3D Studio
Select one of the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART 214 | Sculpture I | 4 |
| ART 224 | Ceramics I | 4 |
| ART 244 | Art Metal I | 3-4 |
| ART 334 | Wood Working | 3-4 |
| ART 343 | Metal Fabrication and Welding in Sculpture | 3-4 |
| ART 354 | Glassworking | 4 |
| ART 454 | Neon: Light as Sculpture | 4 |
4D Studio
Select one of the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART 309 | Digital Art and Code | 4 |
| ART 318 | Introduction to Video, Performance & Installation Art | 4 |
| ART 338 | Service Learning in Art | 2 |
| ART 409 | Digital Fabrication Studio | 4 |
| ART 428 | Digital Imaging Studio | 4 |
| ART 429 | 3D Digital Studio I | 4 |
| ART 470 | Special Topics in 4D Art | 3-4 |
| ART 521 | Installations and Environments | 4 |
| ART 531 | Screen Performance | 3-4 |
Graphics
Select one of the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART 306 | Relief Printmaking | 3-4 |
| ART 316 | Lithography | 4 |
| ART 326 | Etching | 4 |
| ART 336 | Serigraphy | 3-4 |
| ART 346 | Basic Graphic Design | 4 |
| ART 348 | Introduction to Digital Printmaking | 4 |
| ART 376 | Darkroom Photography | 4 |
| ART 446 | Artists' Books | 4 |
Art Colloquium
Complete the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART 508 | Colloquium in Art (Students are encouraged to enroll in this visiting artist lecture series multiple times) | 1 |
Advanced Studio Requirement
Complete a 500-level or 600-level art studio course in at least one discipline. ART 508, ART 608, and ART 699 will not fulfill this requirement.
Elective Studio Courses
Select elective studio courses to reach the minimum of 45 credits.
Areas of Concentration
Although a concentration is not required, students may wish to select a sequence of related courses to develop an area of interest. Concentrations in multi-media, 2D studio, 3D studio, and printmaking are just some of the concentrations listed on the art department's website. Students wishing to concentrate in graphic design should declare the Graphic Design Named Option when eligible..
Elective Coursework
BS–Art students must complete additional coursework to reach the minimum 120 credits required for the degree. These students must complete a minimum of 62 non-studio credits. Another way of describing this requirement is that only 13 additional studio credits beyond the required 45 credits can count toward the 120 credits. Students interested in completing more than 58 total studio credits may wish to consider the BFA degree program, which requires at least 72 studio credits.
Completing an additional major. Students choosing the BS–Art option often also choose to complete an additional major in the College of Letters & Science. Review Academic Policies and Procedures to find detailed information about declaring an additional L&S major while a student in the School of Education.
Completing two degree programs. Students also occasionally choose a second degree in another campus school or college. For instance, students may choose an Art degree program as well as a science degree program in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. See Academic Policies and Procedures for more detailed information about the requirements and the approvals necessary to be permitted to complete dual degrees. Important note: Some campus schools/colleges do not permit dual degrees; at the present time this includes the College of Letters & Science and the College of Engineering. These policies do not permit students to complete, for example, an art degree program and a journalism degree program.
Students interested in additional majors or dual degrees should consult carefully with an advisor in the School of Education Student Services office. Students may be referred to the associate dean for additional consultation and approvals.
GPA and other Graduation Requirements
Graduation Requirements
Requirements are based on UW–Madison coursework.
- 2.5 minimum cumulative grade point average. This may be modified by the Last 60 Credits Rule.
- Cumulative major grade point average: 2.5 cumulative grade point average in all major studio coursework.
- Upper-level major coursework: 2.5 cumulative grade point average in all upper-level major coursework (Art courses numbered 214 and above, excluding ART 236 and ART 338).
- Major Residency: Must complete at least 24 credits of major coursework in residence on the UW–Madison campus.
- Senior Residency: Degree candidates must complete their last 30 credits in residence on the UW–Madison campus, excluding retroactive credits and credits granted by examination.
- Total Credits: A minimum of 120 credits to include at least 62 non-studio credits are required for graduation in the Art–BS degree program.
Degree Audit (DARS)
UW–Madison uses “DARS” to document a student's progress toward the completion of their degree, including any additional majors and certificates. A DARS (Degree Audit Reporting System) report shows all the requirements for completing a degree and, against courses that are planned or completed, shows the requirements that have been met, and those that are unmet. A report can offer suggestions about courses that may be taken to meet specific requirements and can assist in the academic planning and enrollment process. Students can access a DARS report in the Course Search & Enroll app or Student Center via My UW.
DARS also has a "what-if" function. This feature makes it possible to request a DARS report as if pursuing another program, major, or certificate. It is an excellent tool if considering a new or additional area of study. School of Education students in a pre-professional classification such as Pre-Elementary (PRE) or Pre-Kinesiology should request a "what if" DARS report of their professional program of interest. For example, Pre-Elementary Education (PRE) students will request Elementary Education K-9; Pre-Kinesiology (PKN) students will request the Kinesiology report. Minors have their own DARS programs and are run separately from the main degree audit.
More information (including tutorials) on how to request and read regular and what-if DARS reports is available under the Resources tab on the Office of the Registrar’s website.
DARS is not intended to replace student contact with academic advisors. It creates more time in an advising appointment to discuss course options, research opportunities, graduate school, or issues of personal interest or concern to students.
DARS is used as the document of record for degree program, major, and certificate completion in the School of Education.
Learning Outcomes
- Learn the fundamentals of art and design through investigation of form, technology and concept within a cohort of like-minded and diverse artists and designers.
- Develop skills in research, creative problem solving, and professional practices.
- Expand knowledge of historical, thematic, critical, and theoretical issues as a means of strengthening verbal and visual vocabulary.
- Demonstrate a broad understanding of distinct concepts and practices in two-dimensional media, three-dimensional media, four-dimensional media, and in a choice of printmaking, photography, or graphic design media.
- Demonstrate competency at an advanced level in at least one discipline of student's choice. (Graphic design named option: Generate advanced level competency in graphic design.)
Four-Year Plan
Bachelor of Science in Art: Sample Four-Year Plan
This four-year sample graduation plan is designed to guide your course selection throughout your academic career; it does not establish a contractual agreement. Use it along with your DARS report, the Guide, and the Course Search and Enroll app to create a four-year plan reflecting your placement scores, incoming credits, and individual interests. Consult with your academic advisor(s) to develop a personalized plan of study and refer to the Guide for a complete list of requirements. You will likely revise your plan several times during your academic career here, based on your activities and changing academic interests.
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Communication A (fall or spring) | 3 | Communication A (fall or spring) | 3 |
| ART 108 | 3 | ART 208 | 3 |
| ART 102 | 3 | ART 104 | 3 |
| ART 212 | 3 | ART 107 | 3 |
| ART 508 | 1 | ART 508 (recommended) | 1 |
| Liberal Studies course work | 2-5 | Liberal Studies course work | 2-5 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Aesthetics Elective | 3-4 | Aesthetics Elective | 3-4 |
| Two Art Studio Breadth courses from 2D, 3D, 4D or GR categories | 8 | Art Studio Breadth course from 2D, 3D, 4D or GR categories | 4 |
| Quantitative Reasoning A | 3 | Communication B | 3 |
| Liberal Studies or General Elective course work | 4-6 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Art Studio Breadth course from 2D, 3D, 4D or GR categories | 4 | Art Studio Elective course work | 4 |
| Art Studio Elective course work | 4 | Quantitative Reasoning B | 3 |
| Ethnic Studies | 3 | Liberal Studies or General Elective course work | 8 |
| Liberal Studies or General Elective course work | 4 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Studio Elective course work | 3-4 | Advanced Studio Elective | 4 |
| Liberal Studies, Studio or General Elective course work1 | 11-12 | Liberal Studies, Studio or General Elective course work | 11 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
- 1
At least 62 “non-studio” credits must be taken to complete the BS Art degree. Aesthetics courses are considered to be non-studio. No more than 58 studio credits can be applied toward the 120 credits.
Advising and Careers
Art Department Advising
Students declared in the BS–Art or BFA–Art major (including graphic design named options), as well as potential transfers into art, will meet with undergraduate art program advisor A`ha Vuong, ttvuong@wisc.edu, or through artadvising@education.wisc.edu.
Prospective freshmen and art studio/graphic design certificate students will meet with the prospective student and certificate advisor Annmarie Suglio, suglio@wisc.edu, or through artadvising@education.wisc.edu.
Current art majors can schedule an appointment with A`ha online through the Starfish app in MyUW. Certificate students can also use the Starfish app to schedule an appointment with Annmarie. Appointments can also be made via email or by calling 608-262-1660. Students are also strongly encouraged to confer with an advisor in the School of Education Student Services office on a regular basis, see below.
School of Education Advising
Academic Advising in the School of Education
Dedicated to supporting and promoting student success, academic advisors are here to assist students with the adjustment to college, understanding their degree and career goals, and connecting them to resources. Advisors support prospective and current School of Education students in all programs through:
- Course selection
- Mentoring and advocacy for underrepresented and international students
- Understanding degree requirements and progression
- Interpreting academic policies
- Helping students recognize their strengths and suggesting ways to expand their skills
- Expanding learning through activities such as study abroad, volunteering/work/internship, and by assuming leadership roles
Advising appointments are available in person, virtually, or over the phone. Current students schedule appointments through the Starfish app in MyUW. Appointments can also be made by calling 608-262-1651, or in person in Room 139 Education Building.
Academic Dean Support staff are also here for you when facing academic or personal challenges. We provide undergraduate School of Education students support, problem-solving, advocacy, resources, and approve exceptions to policies.
Career Advising in the School of Education
Through individual appointments, events, courses, and online resources, the Career Center provides students and alumni with the tools needed to be successful in their career development.
Career and Internship Advisors are prepared to help students with:
- Exploration of career and academic pathways
- Resumes
- Cover letters
- Job/Internship search
- Interview preparation
- Mock interviews
- Graduate school search, applications and decisions
- Negotiating job or internship offers
- Professional networking
- Connecting with employers
Students are encouraged to meet with their Career and Internship Advisor early in their college experience to take full advantage of the resources and support available.
To make an appointment: log into Starfish from the MyUW dashboard.
For more information, visit the School of Education Career Center website or reach out at career-center@education.wisc.edu.
Information about common career pathways, ways to get involved and gain experience, and transferrable skills developed through this major can be found on the School of Education Career Center's Art Pathways webpage.
Wisconsin Experience
UW–Madison’s vision for the total student experience, the Wisconsin Experience, combines learning in and out of the classroom. Tied to the Wisconsin Idea and steeped in long-standing institutional values — the commitment to the truth, shared participation in decision-making, and service to local and global communities — the Wisconsin Experience describes how students develop and integrate these core values across their educational experience.
UW–Madison encourages students to mindfully engage in four core concepts throughout their time on campus: Empathy & Humility, Relentless Curiosity, Intellectual Confidence, and Purposeful Action.
Since its inception, the School of Education has embraced the concepts of the Wisconsin Experience, providing opportunities for students to learn in venues beyond the traditional classroom. Our students also independently seek out related activities and experiences, thus creating their own unique Wisconsin Experience.
Art and the Wisconsin Experience
The UW–Madison art department provides a wide range of opportunities for students on campus and beyond. Available resources include courses that connect with the community, job opportunities, the chance to show work, and the ability to manage campus student organizations.
Visiting Artists
The art department is unique in its ability to bring in weekly visiting artists through the Art Colloquium series. A professional national or international artist comes to campus to provide an artist’s talk, studio visits, and general conversation about art-making with students. Individual courses often bring in visiting artists throughout the semester to provide workshops on unique techniques from those who specialize in particular processes.
Career Advising and Internships
The School of Education Career Center has a designated advisor for art students who can provide connections with hourly campus employment, internships, and career options after graduation. Art advisors host informational town halls for students to learn best practices in art entrepreneurship, applying to graduate programs, and how to get involved in Art student organizations. The BFA capstone course also provides detailed instruction in writing a resume, cover letter, grant proposals, residency applications, and portfolio websites.
Service Learning
The art department offers a two-credit Service Learning in the Arts course in which students examine community-based art practices and the roles artists play in fostering civic engagement and cultural development. In partnership with Madison-area art organizations, students apply service-learning principles by creating impactful projects that address identified community needs, integrating academic study with hands-on experience.
Student Organizations
Student organizations are an excellent opportunity for art majors to establish connections with working artists, host workshops for the community, and raise funds for travel. Fresh Hot Press (printmaking), AIGA (graphic design), Mad Gaffers (glassblowing), Mad Metals (Metals), and Art Club are just a few of the art-related options. Student organizations are led by undergraduates and graduate students, with several using fundraising throughout the year to attend national conferences. Overall, there are multiple ways for undergraduates to refine their professional and technical skills in relation to their future career goals in the arts through student organizations.
Exhibiting Artwork
It is important for any artist to consistently show their work, and the art department does its part to provide this professional development to our students. Undergraduates may reserve one of our three large-scale galleries to install and document their work for future exhibition submissions. During the department’s Fall Open House, art student organizations exhibit together in one of its premier galleries. In the spring term, the BFA capstone course culminates in a group exhibition across two galleries, where students develop skills in collaboration, exhibition planning, installation, and lighting. Faculty guide participating students to clearly articulating the concepts and intentions behind their exhibited work. The art department works with students in many ways to help promote their work and develop the skills necessary to establish a thriving career in the world of art.
Study Abroad
The art department designates the Santa Reparata Institute for Studio Art (SRISA) program as one that meets the department’s philosophy of teaching and learning for Art majors. Located in the heart of Florence, Italy, this English-speaking program allows students to explore the rich tradition of Italian Art and offers the most access to courses that can satisfy art program requirements. In the summer, two Art faculty lead UW City as Studio: Drawing in Portugal, one of the three-credit study abroad programs. Through visual and drawing skills, students acquire immersive knowledge through their interaction with the city and its natural and built environments as a venue that functions as a “studio.”
Resources and Scholarships
Information related to scholarships, academic and career advising, study abroad opportunities, student well-being, and other resources for students in the School of Education can be found on the School's Resources page.