Design and Visual Communication, BFA
Overview
The Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Design & Visual Communication (DVC) offers students autonomy and agency in the face of an ever-changing cultural landscape. The study of graphic design, design methodologies, modes of production, and design histories, provides our students with the skillsets required to actively participate in visual culture, commerce, and communication.
Deeply rooted in community and focused on experimentation and collaboration, our dynamic DVC curriculum meets each student where they’re at to foster self-expression, empathy, visual literacy, strategy, and a critical approach to the creation and production of wide array of design artifacts and touch points.
The DVC program places a high degree of value on diverse, equitable, and inclusive viewpoints and approaches. Our emphasis on personal growth and an entrepreneurial mindset prepares students to make meaningful contributions to the field, challenge the status quo, and carve their own path forward.
The aDream Lab, a digital fabrication and design laboratory, offers students access to develop their work with professional-grade 3D printers, vinyl cutter, laser cutter, vacuum former, heat press, wide-format color printer, die-cutting printer, DSLR cameras, photo sweep, lighting kit, fabrication tools, and rapid prototyping supplies. All design students are expected to have their own personal computer.
Additional studio and curricular resources with the Department of Art & Design support interdisciplinary projects. This includes facilities for digital fabrication and design, motion capture, VR and AR as well as the wide range of studio disciplines within the department. In addition, students draw on the extraordinary resources of UW-Milwaukee's courses, centers, films, lectures, and galleries, and especially the extensive research and special book collections of the Golda Meir Library and the American Geographical Society Library, one of the premier collections of its kind in North America, containing over 1.5 million items supporting instruction, research, and outreach at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and around the world.
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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.
Scholarships and Aid
Financial constraints shouldn’t hinder your artistic dreams. Our comprehensive range of scholarships and aid programs is designed to empower and support artists like you.
Study Abroad
We believe that a complete education in the arts should take you beyond the classroom and the local community. By studying abroad, you’ll gain more than a change of scenery. You’ll embark on a transformative educational experience and bring a global perspective to your field of study. Explore upcoming trips offered in partnership with the Center for International Education.
Requirements
Credit Overview
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements | 30 | |
| Arts Requirements | 18 | |
| First Year Program | 15 | |
| BFA Introductory Studio Requirements | 12 | |
| Major Requirements | 48 | |
| Total Credits | 123 | |
Preparatory Coursework
Based on individual placement results, some students may be required to complete preparatory coursework before enrolling in the courses listed here. This may include English language or composition preparation, developmental math, introductory chemistry, and/or student support courses for students participating in the First Year Bridge program.
General Education Requirements (GER)
UW-Milwaukee has General Education Requirements that must be met in order to earn a bachelor’s or associate degree. They include at minimum 30 credits (10 courses) in six categories that are designed to assure basic student competencies and provide a broad body of knowledge as a context for specialization.
Some degree requirements may fulfill GERs. Please review the requirements and consult with your academic advisor.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Categories and Credits | ||
| Civics and Perspectives (CP) | 6 | |
| Communication and Literacy (CL) | 6 | |
| Humanities and Arts (HA) | 6 | |
| Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning (MQR) | 3 | |
| Natural Science and Wellness (NSW/NSWL) | 6 | |
| Social and Behavioral Science (SBS) | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate applicants must meet general University admission requirements in addition to specific Peck School of the Arts requirements.
Advance to Major and Retention
Students accepted into the Art & Design program receive priority registration over non-art majors. To advance to the major students must complete the following requirements within the first 45 credits:
- Complete First Year Program courses.
- Complete general degree requirements.
- Maintain a 2.5+ cumulative GPA.
- Complete ART 124 with a grade of C or better, and ART 221 and ART 223 with a grade of B- or better, and pass the DVC portfolio review.
Design and Visual Communication Portfolio Review
All DVC-intended students are required to participate in the annual Portfolio Review after completing ART 124 Design Survey, ART 221 Introduction to Design and ART 223 Introduction to Typography. DVC-intended students must apply to the annual Portfolio Review, which is held at the end of every Spring semester. Students who pass the portfolio review are admitted to the Design and Visual Communication BFA program, and subsequently enroll in ART 321 Design and Visual Communication I for the following Fall semester. Students enrolled in ART 221 and ART 223 are provided the guidelines, timeline and rubric for the Portfolio Review.
Credits and Courses
Arts Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Art and Design History | ||
| ARTHIST 101 | Ancient and Medieval Art and Architecture | 3 |
| ARTHIST 102 | Renaissance to Modern Art and Architecture | 3 |
| ART 124 | Design Survey | 3 |
| ART 209 | Issues in Contemporary Art: | 3 |
| ART 509 | Art & Design Seminar: | 3 |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
First Year Program Requirements
| 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 | |
BFA Introductory Studio Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 200-level Studio Requirements | ||
| ART 221 | Introduction to Design | 3 |
| ART 223 | Introduction to Typography | 3 |
| 200-level Studio Electives | ||
| Choose 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Moving Images and Sound in Art & Design | ||
| Introduction to Photography | ||
| Introduction to Digital Fabrication | ||
| Choose 3 credits not already taken from the following: | 3 | |
| Drawing II | ||
| Introduction to Creative Technologies: Computer Games and Interactive Art | ||
| Moving Images and Sound in Art & Design | ||
| Introduction to Painting | ||
| Introduction to Photography | ||
| Introduction to Sculpture | ||
| Introduction to Jewelry and Metalsmithing | ||
| Introduction to Digital Fabrication | ||
| Introduction to Making for Digital Fabrication | ||
| Introduction to Printmaking & Book Arts | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Sequence | ||
| ART 321 | Design and Visual Communication I | 3 |
| ART 323 | Typography II | 3 |
| ART 421 | Design and Visual Communication II | 3 |
| ART 422 | Design Methodologies: Process, Communication & Theory | 3 |
| Required Interaction Design Course | ||
| ART 324 | Web Design | 3 |
| Interaction Design Electives | ||
| Chose 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Web Design II | ||
| Topics in Web, Interaction and Screen Design: | ||
| Required Professional Practice | ||
| Choose 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Nonprofit Information Technology | ||
| Making and Marketing | ||
| Professional Practice in Design: | ||
| Art and Design Internship | ||
| Design and Visual Communication Electives | ||
| Choose 12 credits not already taken: | 12 | |
| Web Design II | ||
| Design Production and Processes | ||
| Package Design | ||
| Intermediate Digital Fabrication | ||
| Industrial Processes and Fabrication | ||
| Product Realization | ||
| Nonprofit Information Technology | ||
| Experimental Typography | ||
| Topics in Web, Interaction and Screen Design: | ||
| Motion Graphics | ||
| Advanced Design Workshop: | ||
| Advanced Digital Fabrication and Craft: | ||
| Professional Practice in Design: | ||
| Research in Universal Design and Digital Fabrication | ||
| Research in Digital Fabrication and Craft: | ||
| Art and Design Internship | ||
| Students may choose up to 6 credits from the following courses: | ||
| Creative Coding: | ||
| Creative Interfaces: | ||
| 3D Environments and XR | ||
| Creative Electronics | ||
| Intermediate Color Photography and Digital Imaging | ||
| Intermediate Studio Lighting | ||
| Intermediate Printmaking & Book Arts: (Book Arts & Letterpress or Screenprinting) | ||
| Photographic Materials and Processes | ||
| Making and Marketing | ||
| Capstone Course | ||
| ART 529 | Design & Visual Communication III: Capstone & Exhibition | 3 |
| Art and Design Electives | ||
| Choose 12 credits. DVC students should consider taking any courses listed above not already taken, or courses in other studio media that augment their research interests, as part of the Art & Design Elective credits. | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 48 | |
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.
Sample Plan of Study
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| (Includes one Communication & Literacy and the Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning GER courses.) 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 1 | 3 |
| ART 108 | 2D Studio: Concept, Color and Composition | 3 |
| Communication and Literacy GER | 3 | |
| GER 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| ART 109 | 3D Studio: Form, Idea and Technique | 3 |
| ART 118 | Digital Arts: Culture, Theory, Practice 1 | 3 |
| 200-level studio in Art | 3 | |
| ARTHIST 101 | Ancient and Medieval Art and Architecture 1 | 3 |
| Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning GER | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| ART 221 | Introduction to Design | 3 |
| 200-level studio in Art | 3 | |
| Art & Design Elective 4 | 3 | |
| ART 124 | Design Survey 1 | 3 |
| ART 209 | Issues in Contemporary Art: (Art & Design Lecture Series) 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| DVC Portfolio Review is held at the conclusion of Spring semester. | ||
| ART 223 | Introduction to Typography | 3 |
| ARTHIST 102 | Renaissance to Modern Art and Architecture 1 | 3 |
| Art & Design Elective 4 | 3 | |
| Communication and Literacy GER | 3 | |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Web Design | ||
DVC Elective 5 | ||
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| ART 321 | Design and Visual Communication I | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
DVC Elective 5 | ||
| Web Design | ||
| Art & Design Elective 4 | 3 | |
| ART 509 | Art & Design Seminar: | 3 |
| Arts Requirements Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| ART 323 | Typography II | 3 |
| DVC Elective 5 | 3 | |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
DVC Elective 5 | ||
Professional Practice course 6 | ||
| Topics in Web, Interaction and Screen Design: | ||
| GER 2 | 3 | |
| GER 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| ART 421 | Design and Visual Communication II | 3 |
| ART 422 | Design Methodologies: Process, Communication & Theory | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
DVC Elective 4 | ||
Professional Practice course 5 | ||
| Topics in Web, Interaction and Screen Design: | ||
| GER 2 | 3 | |
| Any course needed to fulfill program requirements for GER or 120 credit BFA minimum 3 | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| ART 529 | Design & Visual Communication III: Capstone & Exhibition | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
DVC Elective 5 | ||
Professional Practice course 6 | ||
| Topics in Web, Interaction and Screen Design: | ||
| DVC Elective 5 | 3 | |
| Art & Design Elective 4 | 3 | |
| GER 2 | 3 | |
| Any course needed to fulfill requirements for GER or 120 credit BFA minimum 3 | 3 | |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Total Credits | 123 | |
- 1
Any of these courses are eligible to count for the two courses in the Humanities and Arts category if those GERs are not already satisfied.
- 2
Social and Behavioral Science, Natural Science and Wellness, or Civics and Perspectives.
- 3
Students who use program requirements for their GER courses may take electives to fulfill the 120 credit minimum for a BFA degree, as long as all program requirements are satisfied.
- 4
Any Art & Design course not already taken except ART 100 and ART 107.
- 5
DVC Electives (choose 12 credits not already taken): ART 325, ART 328, ART 329, ART 378, ART 405 ART 408, ART 423, ART 424, ART 426, ART 427, ART 478, ART 524, ART 526, ART 608 (option to choose one course maximum - ART 391: Book Arts & Letterpress or ART 391: Screenprinting), (option to choose one course maximum - ART 313, ART 327, ART 350, ART 357, ART 458).
- 6
Professional Practice course selections include ART 408, ART 524, or ART 608.
Design and Visual Communication, BFA Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with the BFA in Design & Visual Communication from the Art & Design Department will be able to:
- Apply expertise in a range of design-focused software applications.
- Plan and carry out primary and secondary source research and apply research to design problems.
- Collaborate and co-create within a framework of design and related disciplinary activities.
- Engage local and regional communities and organizations in project development.
- Apply story-telling expertise.
- Apply public speaking and presentation skills.
- Create a high-quality professional portfolio.
Policies and Regulations
Academic Regulations
For information on University-wide Academic Action Policy and honors for scholarship, see Academic Policies.
Auditing Courses
No studio or performance courses may be audited.
Grievance and Appeal Procedures
If you have concerns about a class or a grade, or if you’ve been dropped from a program and would like to appeal, follow the grievance procedures found under the resources section on the Peck School of the Arts Advising & Student Services page.
Independent Study
Under special conditions, juniors and seniors are permitted to take courses in independent study. For regulations on independent study, see the departmental advisor.
Program Changes
All program changes must be signed by the instructor and the Peck School of the Arts Office of Student Services. Certain other courses may also require this approval indicated in the semester's Schedule of Classes.
Second Bachelor's Degree Candidates
Students with good scholastic records who wish to earn a second bachelor's degree in the Peck School of the Arts must obtain the recommendation of the Peck School of the Arts department in which they wish to major before they can be accepted. Upon acceptance, students must earn in residence a minimum of 30 credits beyond the studies for the first degree and must satisfy all curriculum requirements.
Semester Credit Load
A full-time Peck School of the Arts student is one who takes a minimum of 12 credits per semester. Typically, Peck School of the Arts students are not permitted to carry more than 18 credits per semester. Students who have a 3.0+ cumulative GPA may, with the permission of the Peck School of the Arts Office of Student Services, carry up to 21 credits per semester.
Transfer Students
Transfer students from other universities and colleges or UWM units are accepted by the Peck School of the Arts provided they meet the UWM admissions criteria and have a 2.0+ cumulative GPA.
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.