The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art program is a pre-professional degree focusing on studio practice and research, preparing students to become successful studio practitioners and professionals in the arts. From the First Year Program coursework through the Senior Capstone Project, students are encouraged to explore a wide variety of studio practice. During their sophomore year, students choose between the two BFA Studio Art degree plans: Single Discipline Focus and Dual Discipline Focus.
The Dual Discipline Focus curriculum is for students who wish to develop their studio research through interdisciplinary explorations. For their primary focus, students can choose coursework in Ceramics, Creative Technologies, Digital Fabrication, Fibers, Jewelry & Metalsmithing, Painting & Drawing, Photography & Imaging, Printmaking & Book Arts, or Sculpture. For their secondary focus, students can choose coursework from Ceramics, Creative Technologies, Design, Digital Fabrication, Fibers, Jewelry & Metalsmithing, Painting & Drawing, Photography & Imaging, Printmaking & Book Arts, or Sculpture.
Students are encouraged to use electives to explore all the media offered within the Department of Art and Design (listed above) to create a well-informed conceptual, formal and technical studio practice.
Requirements
Laptop Requirement
Preparing for a future defined by digital technology is an important step in developing artists. Our digitally integrated curriculum helps you achieve a professional level with leading art-related software and practices.
Laptop ownership is strongly recommended for all undergraduates. However, it’s required for the programs below. For more information please visit the Peck School of the Arts admission page.
- Art & Design (BA and BFA Programs)
- Dance (BA and BFA Programs)
- Film, Video, Animation & New Genres (BA and BFA Programs)
- Music (Composition & Technology Program)
- Theatre (BFA Production and BA Theatre Education Programs)
Credit Overview
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| University Core | 45 | |
| First Year Program | 15 | |
| Art & Design Core | 12 | |
| Degree Requirements | 51 | |
| Total Credits | 123 | |
University Core
The minimum number of credits required to complete the Bachelor of Arts is 120; the minimum number of credits required to complete the Bachelor of Fine Arts is 123. Students who need background preparation courses in math, English, and foreign language may need additional credits.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements 1 | ||
| Compentencies 1 | ||
| English Parts A & B 2 | ||
| Math Parts A & B 2 | ||
| Foreign Language 2 | ||
| Distribution Requirements 1 | ||
| ARTHIST 101 | Ancient and Medieval Art and Architecture (counts as Humanities GER) | 3 |
| ARTHIST 102 | Renaissance to Modern Art and Architecture (counts as Humanities GER) | 3 |
| Social Science | 6 | |
| Natural Science (1 course with lab) | 6 | |
| Cultural Diversity 2 | ||
| Electives | ||
| General Electives outside PSOA | 9 | |
| Art & Design History | ||
| ART 509 | Art & Design Seminar: | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Design Survey | ||
| Photography Survey | ||
Advanced Art History Course 3 | ||
| Select 3 areas in PSOA outside Art & Design 4 | 9 | |
| Art in PSOA | ||
| ART 309 | Issues in Contemporary Art: | 3 |
| Total Credits | 45 | |
- 1
Learn more about the General Education Requirements.
- 2
Credit may be utilized in required curriculum areas.
- 3
Any Art History course above ARTHIST 102
- 4
In 3 different Art areas: Dance, Film, Music, Theatre
First Year Program
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 cumulative GPA required: | ||
| ART 101 | Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 106 | Art Survey: Creative Practice, Culture and Context | 3 |
| ART 108 | 2D Studio: Concept, Color and Composition | 3 |
| ART 109 | 3D Studio: Form, Idea and Technique | 3 |
| ART 118 | Digital Arts: Culture, Theory, Practice | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Art & Design Core
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 200 Level Studio Electives 1 | ||
| Select 12 credits of the following: | 12 | |
| Drawing II 2 | ||
| Creative Technologies 4 | ||
| Moving Images and Sound in Art & Design 4 | ||
| Introduction to Design 2, 4 | ||
| Introduction to Typography 2, 4 | ||
| Introduction to Fibers 3 | ||
| Introduction to Painting 2 | ||
| Introduction to Photography 2, 4 | ||
| Introduction to Sculpture 3 | ||
| Introduction to Jewelry and Metalsmithing 3 | ||
| Design for Digital Fabrication 2, 3, 4 | ||
| Introduction to Industrial Craft 2, 3, 4 | ||
| Introduction to Ceramics 3 | ||
| Introduction to Printmaking & Book Arts 2, 4 | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
Complete 12 credits total, with 3 credits in a 2D-focused course, 3 credits in a 3D-focused course, and 3 credits in a Digitally-focused course.
- 2
Counts as 2D-focused course.
- 3
Counts as 3D-focused course.
- 4
Counts as Digital-focused class.
Degree Requirements
Studio Concentration: Choose Option 1 or Option 2
Option 1: Single Discipline Focus1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | 18 | |
| Minimum of 18 credits taken at the 300+ level in Art and Design from one of the listed disciplines. (See the studio discipline list for Single Discipline media options.) 2 | ||
| Art and Design Electives | 24 | |
| Any course offered in Art and Design at the 200+ level. A minimum of 12 credits must be taken at the 300+ level. | ||
| Total Credits | 42 | |
- 1
Note: If a listed discipline does not offer enough courses to fulfill the 18 credit hour requirement for a single discipline focus then the student must choose Option 2.
- 2
The following courses may not count towards the student's Primary Focus (18 credits): ART 309, ART 501, ART 509, ART 601, and ART 604. A full list of eligible courses will be available each semester.
Single Discipline Focus Studio Disciplines
- Jewelry/Metalsmithing
- Painting/Drawing
- Photography/Imaging
- Printmaking/Book Arts
- Sculpture
Option 2: Dual-Discipline Focus
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | 12 | |
| Minimum of 12 credits taken at the 300+ level in Art and Design from one of the listed disciplines. (See the studio discipline list for Dual-Discipline primary focus media options.) 1 | ||
| Secondary Focus | 9 | |
| Minimum of 9 credits taken at the 300+ level in Art and Design from one of the listed disciplines. (See the studio discipline list for Dual-Discipline secondary focus media options.) 1 | ||
| Art and Design Electives | 21 | |
| Any course offered in Art and Design at the 200+ level. A minimum of 12 credits must be taken at the 300+ level. | ||
| Total Credits | 42 | |
- 1
The following courses may not count towards the student's Primary or Secondary Foci in the Dual Focus option (18 credits): ART 309, ART 501, ART 509, ART 601, and ART 604. A full list of eligible courses will be available each semester.
Dual Discipline Focus (Primary) Studio Disciplines
- Ceramics
- Creative Technologies
- Digital Fabrication
- Fibers
- Jewelry/Metalsmithing
- Painting/Drawing
- Photography/Imaging
- Printmaking/Book Arts
- Sculpture
Dual Discipline Focus (Secondary) Studio Disciplines
- Ceramics
- Creative Technologies
- Design
- Digital Fabrication
- Fibers
- Jewelry/Metalsmithing
- Painting/Drawing
- Photography/Imaging
- Printmaking/Book Arts
- Sculpture
Senior Capstone
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART 501 | Studio Research, Practice, and Portfolio | 3 |
| ART 601 | BFA Project and Exhibition | 3 |
| ART 604 | Professional Practices | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Sophomore Proficiency Review (between 30-60 earned credits)
All sophomores are required to participate in the Sophomore Scholarship Competition. The review is designed to serve as an advisement opportunity to provide students direction as to how they might proceed through the program. Upon completing the review, students will plan their coursework within their studio pathway.
Plan of Study
Recommended Four-Year Sequence for Single and Dual Focus BFA in Studio Art
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| (Includes OWC-A and QL-A Requirements.) Students must be aware of the prerequisites for the 200-level course they wish to take in the second semester of the First Year and enroll in the appropriate First Year Program courses in fall. | ||
| ART 101 | Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 106 | Art Survey: Creative Practice, Culture and Context | 3 |
| ART 108 or ART 109 | 2D Studio: Concept, Color and Composition or 3D Studio: Form, Idea and Technique | 3 |
| University Core 1 | 3 | |
| University Core 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| ART 109 or ART 108 | 3D Studio: Form, Idea and Technique or 2D Studio: Concept, Color and Composition | 3 |
| ART 118 | Digital Arts: Culture, Theory, Practice | 3 |
| 200-level studio in Art 2 | 3 | |
| ARTHIST 101 | Ancient and Medieval Art and Architecture | 3 |
| University Core 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| Students are reminded that all First Year Program courses must be completed in the first 45 credits (usually in Fall semester of sophomore year). | ||
| 200-level studio in Art 2 | 3 | |
| 200-level studio in Art 2 | 3 | |
| Art & Design Elective | 3 | |
| ART 309 | Issues in Contemporary Art: (Art & Design Lecture Series) | 3 |
| University Core 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Sophomore Proficiency Review: All sophomores are required to participate in the Sophomore Scholarship Competition. Students will be assigned a minimum of two faculty members to meet with to review their submitted artwork. The review is designed to give students critical feedback over their artwork and to serve as an advisement opportunity to provide students direction as to how they might proceed through the program. Upon completing the review, students may declare their focus. | ||
| 300-level and above Studio Focus 3 | 3 | |
| 200-level studio in Art 2 | 3 | |
| ARTHIST 102 | Renaissance to Modern Art and Architecture 4 | 3 |
| Art & Design Elective | 3 | |
| University Core 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| 300-level and above Studio Focus 3 | 3 | |
| 300-level and above Studio Focus 3 | 3 | |
| Art & Design Elective | 3 | |
| University Core 1 | 3 | |
| University Core 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| 300-level and above Studio Focus 3 | 3 | |
| ART 509 | Art & Design Seminar: | 3 |
| Art & Design History choice: | 3 | |
| Design Survey | ||
| Photography Survey | ||
or any Art History course above ARTHIST 102 | ||
| Art & Design Elective | 3 | |
| Art & Design Elective | 3 | |
| University Core 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| Students are encouraged to choose a 300-level and above Studio Focus course for their final semester that will support their Capstone. | ||
| 300-level and above Studio Focus 3 | 3 | |
| ART 501 | Studio Research, Practice, and Portfolio | 3 |
| Select one of following based on your degree: | 3 | |
Art & Design Elective (Single Focus BFA) | ||
300-level and above Studio Focus (Dual Focus BFA) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Professional Practices | ||
University Core 1 | ||
| University Core 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Students are encouraged to choose a 300-level and above Studio Focus course for their final semester that will support their Capstone. | ||
| 300-level and above Studio Focus 3 | 3 | |
| ART 601 | BFA Project and Exhibition | 3 |
| Art & Design Elective | 3 | |
| Art & Design Elective | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Professional Practices | ||
University Core 1 | ||
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 123 | |
- 1
Consult your academic advisor in the Peck School of the Arts Student Services Office for requirements in the Core Curriculum. PSOA Arts Distribution Requirement is part of the 45-credit Core: 9 credits outside of Art & Design, in 3 of the 4 other departments in PSOA: Dance, Music, Theatre, or Film, Video, Animation, and New Genres.
- 2
Four 200-level Art Studio Electives are required; one 2D-focused, one 3D-focused, one Digital-focused, and the last from another 2D, 3D, or Digital area.
- 3
Students in the Single Focus BFA must choose 18 credits of 300-level Art Studio courses in their focus area. Students in the Dual Focus BFA must choose 12 credits of 300-level Art Studio courses in their Primary Focus area and 9 credits of 300-level Art Studios in their Secondary Focus area.
- 4
Six credits (ARTHIST 101 and ARTHIST 102) count as Humanities GER.
Art & Design Undergraduate Admission Requirements
To be admitted in good standing, applicants (incoming freshmen and transfer students) must meet general University requirements. After being admitted to UWM and indicating Art as your chosen major, no further steps are required for acceptance into the Department of Art & Design.
Scholarships
Declared majors in Art & Design should fill out the general scholarship application and department application (if applicable) by logging in to the Panther Scholarship Portal.
In addition, incoming undergraduate students should visit the Peck School of the Arts scholarship page for details on portfolio submissions.
Advancement to Major
Students accepted into the Art & Design program receive priority registration over non-art majors. To advance to the Art & Design major, students must complete the requirements outlined below:
- Complete First Year Program courses (15 credits; see course list below).
- Oral and Written Communications Competency Part A (OWC-A).
- Quantitative Literacy Competency Part A (QL-A).
- A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Students pursuing the Design and Visual Communication BFA have additional requirements: complete ART 124, ART 221, and ART 223 with a B- or better; and pass the Design and Visual Communication Portfolio review.
- Students should complete the above to advance to major within the first 45 credits.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART 101 | Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 106 | Art Survey: Creative Practice, Culture and Context | 3 |
| ART 108 | 2D Studio: Concept, Color and Composition | 3 |
| ART 109 | 3D Studio: Form, Idea and Technique | 3 |
| ART 118 | Digital Arts: Culture, Theory, Practice | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Appeal Process
An appeal process is established for students who do not meet the department's criteria for classification, GPA, and area of concentration enrollment management requirements. The appeal process will provide an opportunity for individual students to request advancement to the art major or enrollment into courses as exceptions to the department's enrollment policies based on defined, pre-determined conditions. All appeals are to be directed to the Undergraduate Advisor or PSOA advisor, who will forward the appeals to the department chair or appropriate appeals committee. The department chair or appeals committee will consult with the First Year Program Director, area head, faculty, advisors, and student if necessary before making a decision.
Studio Art BFA Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with the BFA in Studio Art from the Art & Design Program will be able to:
- Apply technical expertise and proficiency of craft in handling tools and materials from multiple disciplines, with fluency in at least one medium.
- Produce a focused body of creative works that demonstrate consistency and cohesiveness.
- Communicate concepts and intentions through studio works, and in written and oral forms.
- Synthesize skills specific to the broader context of contemporary art practice through critical and creative thinking and research.
- Analyze historical and contemporary artistic influences through critique and creative practice.
- Employ professional practices in the field with familiarity and confidence.
Advising
Location: Theatre 120
Hours: M–Th 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Fri. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (closed on university holidays)
Contact: 414-229-4763 | Contact Form
Academic advising is an important aspect of long-term academic success. At the Peck School of the Arts, we offer professional advising in the undergraduate disciplines of art, dance, film, music and theatre.
Our advisors provide students with individualized appointments to assist them in areas such as: degree requirements, major options, course selection, campus resources, college success strategies, graduation assessment, academic policies and procedures, and more.
For more information please visit the Peck School of the Arts advising and student services page.
Honors in the Major
Honors in the Major is granted to students who have earned a GPA of 3.500 or greater in the major and the academic department's recommendation.
High Honors in the Major is granted to students who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or greater and the academic department's recommendation.
Departmental Honors are granted to students recommended by their academic department for Honors excellence in performance not reflected in the GPA.
Dean's Honors are granted to students with major achievements in one or more of the arts.
College of the Arts and Architecture Dean's Honor List
GPA of 3.750 or above, earned on a full-time student's GPA on 12 or more graded credits in a given semester.
Honors College Degree and Honors College Degree with Distinction
Granted to graduating seniors who complete Honors College requirements, as listed in the Honors College section of this site.
Commencement Honors
Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester, will receive all-university commencement honors and be awarded the traditional gold cord at the December or May Honors Convocation. Please note that for honors calculation, the GPA is not rounded and is truncated at the third decimal (e.g., 3.499).
Final Honors
Earned on a minimum of 60 graded UWM credits: Cum Laude - 3.500 or above; Magna Cum Laude - 3.650 or above; Summa Cum Laude - 3.800 or above.