Overview
Our Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art program is a pre-professional degree focusing on studio practice and research, preparing you to become successful studio practitioners and professionals in the arts. From the First Year Program coursework through the senior capstone project, you are encouraged to explore a wide variety of studio practice.
During your sophomore year, you’ll 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.
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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
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate applicants must meet general University admission requirements in addition to specific program requirements found on the Peck School of the Arts apply page.
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.
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 students. However, it’s required for most majors. For more information, please visit the Peck School of the Arts admission page.
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.
- Students pursuing a BFA in Design & Visual Communication (DVC) have additional requirements: 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.
Enrollment Management
To maintain the highest quality of service to students, Art & Design programs or studios may select their own enrollment management mechanisms. These may include portfolio review, gateway courses, registration prioritizing (ex: majors only), higher GPA for the area of concentration, or others as appropriate. Students who successfully matriculate as BFA degree candidates should familiarize themselves with area requirements and discuss them with area faculty to ensure comprehension.
Credits and Courses
| 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 | ||
| Introduction to Creative Technologies: Computer Games and Interactive Art 3 | ||
| Moving Images and Sound in Art & Design 3 | ||
| Introduction to Design 2, 3 | ||
| Introduction to Typography 2, 3 | ||
| Introduction to Fibers 4 | ||
| Introduction to Painting 2 | ||
| Introduction to Photography 2, 3 | ||
| Introduction to Sculpture 4 | ||
| Introduction to Jewelry and Metalsmithing 4 | ||
| Introduction to Digital Fabrication 2, 3, 4 | ||
| Introduction to Making for Digital Fabrication 2, 3, 4 | ||
| Introduction to Ceramics 4 | ||
| Introduction to Printmaking & Book Arts 2, 3 | ||
| 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 Digital-focused class.
- 4
Counts as 3D-focused course.
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
All sophomores are required to participate in the sophomore proficiency review after accumulating 30-60 credits. 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 chosen studio pathway.
Sample Plan of Study
| 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.
Studio Art, BFA Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with the BFA in Studio Art from the Art & Design Department 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.
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.
Declaration of Submajor
In most instances, after two years of basic preparatory courses in the major, students choose an area of specialization within their respective departments, known as a submajor. Students must declare a submajor after they have accumulated 45 to 75 credits to assure completion of the appropriate curriculum requirements for graduation.
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.