Blacksmithing, Undergraduate Certificate
Overview
The undergraduate Certificate in Blacksmithing is a sequence of courses designed to build technical proficiency and creative depth in metalworking with a mix of traditional and contemporary processes.
You’ll begin with foundational coursework in digital fabrication before advancing into blacksmithing, sculptural practices and construction and fabrication. Along the way, you’ll develop skills in forging, metal forming and material exploration while learning to create both functional and sculptural objects.
Required coursework is complemented by elective options that allow you to deepen your study in areas such as industrial processes, advanced blacksmithing or making and marketing. Through hands-on studio practice, you’ll build a cohesive portfolio of refined metalwork that demonstrates technical skill, creative problem-solving and your evolving artistic voice.
Faculty and Staff
Our inspirational faculty and staff make sure students feel welcome and empowered to think outside the box and explore all possibilities of making art at UWM. Visit the Peck School of the Arts directory to meet these artists, explore their biographies and engage with recent work.
Minors, Certificates and Microcredentials
Peck School of the Arts minors, certificates and microcredentials are open to all students who have already earned or are currently seeking a degree. Most certificates are also open to non-degree seeking students.
To be admitted individuals must meet general University admission requirements. To determine aid eligibility, please review all financial aid requirements.
Contact us to get started and one of our Peck School of the Arts advisors will connect with you about your interests and opportunities.
Undergraduate Advising
Academic advising is a collaborative process that empowers students to realize their maximum educational potential. Students are encouraged to visit the Peck School of the Arts Advising & Student Services page to meet with your advisor prior to each semester’s registration period. Advisors provide students with individualized appointments to assist with degree requirements, course selection, campus resources, college success strategies, graduation assessment, academic policies and more.
Credits and Courses
Students enrolling in the Blacksmithing Certificate program are required to complete a minimum of 18 credits. These credits are structured sequentially, with courses ranging from 200-level to 500-level. Courses counting for the certificate may not be taken on a credit/no credit basis. To earn the certificate, students must maintain a grade point average of 2.5 or above in all applicable courses.
Students must be aware of any course prerequisites. Students who do not meet the prerequisites for any certificate course must submit evidence of competencies or academic equivalencies for permission to enroll and should contact the Peck School of the Arts advising office to discuss submitting a portfolio or other materials for evaluation.
Credits earned at other institutions equivalent to courses in the certificate program may be accepted in partial fulfillment of the program requirements, subject to approval by the Certificate Program Committee.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses | ||
| ART 277 | Introduction to Digital Fabrication | 3 |
| ART 368 | Sculptural Practices: 1 | 3 |
| ART 371 | Construction and Fabrication in Jewelry and Metalsmithing | 3 |
| Metal Forming | ||
| ART 373 | Blacksmithing | 3 |
| ART 573 | Advanced Blacksmithing | 3 |
| Elective | ||
| Students choose one course (3 credits) not previously taken or with a change in topic. | 3 | |
| Construction and Fabrication in Jewelry and Metalsmithing | ||
| Blacksmithing 2 | ||
| Intermediate Digital Fabrication | ||
| Industrial Processes and Fabrication | ||
| Sculptural Practices: 1 | ||
| Advanced Sculptural Practices: 1 | ||
| Metal Forming | ||
| Making and Marketing | ||
| Advanced Blacksmithing 2 | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Blacksmithing Certificate Learning Outcomes
Students who complete a Certificate in Blacksmithing will be able to:
- Demonstrate proficiency with blacksmithing techniques through the creation of functional or sculptural objects.
- Demonstrate proficiency with the safe operation of blacksmithing tools and equipment.
- Research and analyze historical and contemporary blacksmithing practices.
- Develop original creative works by applying design thinking with blacksmithing techniques.