College of Arts and Communication
Art and design students look at small models during a class exercise on the University of Wisconsin Whitewater campus.
Art and design student works on a sculpture in the studio on the University of Wisconsin Whitewater campus

ART AND DESIGN

Bachelor's Degree Programs (BFA)

From canvas to the web, arts abound at UW-Whitewater.

Pursue your passion for the arts — and a creative, fulfilling career. We offer high-quality degree programs specializing in graphic design, multimedia arts, education, art history and, of course, the studio arts medium that interests you most.

Over the next decade, U.S. jobs in the arts and design field are expected to increase across the board, including an 11% increase for museum curators, 5% increase for art directors, 5% for set and exhibit designers, 3% for craft and fine artists, and 2% for graphic designers.

4-year plan

Meet the faculty


CAN WE BRAG A LITTLE?

Visiting Artists

The Annette and Dale Schuh Visiting Artist Endowment supports an annual visit of a visual artist of a significant stature to UW-Whitewater. It offers a transformative visual arts experience to Art and Design students.

Learn more about visiting artists

Della Wells.

Living their passion

10% of Art and Design students were employed in their field or in graduate school after graduation. (2022-2023)

Art and design students explain their artwork in the art gallery at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater.
Two people look at a clay figures on the wall of Crossman Gallery.

Crossman Gallery

UW-Whitewater Art and Design students have access to regional, national and international exhibits right on campus.

Upcoming events

Why study Art and Design at UW-Whitewater?

Here are a few highlights of our high-quality, engaging Art and Design program:

  • You will have many opportunities to interact with faculty and visiting artists as well as working professionals.
  • Enjoy three campus galleries and plenty of chances to see student work — and exhibit your own.
  • Our studio model means large blocks of time dedicated toward honing your art.
  • Our program is practical: You’ll learn not only technical aspects of producing art in a studio and across disciplines, but also about high-tech components of art production.
  • We are proud to be accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art & Design — a mark of exceptional quality and commitment to maintaining the highest standards in Art and Design collegiate education.

What our Art and Design students do

Graphic of a painting hanging on a blue background. Exhibit their creative work
A white paintbrush on a green background. Hone their artistic skills in on-campus studios
Graphic of a white plane on an orange background. Have the opportunity to work with nationally- and internationally-renowned artists
Hollyn Peterson hugs young students.

An art education degree brought healing, connection and joy

As a child, Hollyn battled cancer, missed a significant portion of school and wondered if she would be able to continue her education. As she settled into the Department of Art and Design within the College of Arts and Communication, she said the entire faculty were instrumental in helping her chart her future path in life.

Read more about Hollyn

Emma Siskoff sits next to a painting of a guitar.

Art of the pitch — and pitching art

Art major Emma Siskoff says creativity is her first passion. But so, too, is entrepreneurship.

Siskoff, who aspires to create custom works for customers, was one of a handful of artists who pitched at the Self-Employment in the Arts national conference in Chicago. She has established a business, Emma Siskoff Art, and recently launched a website.

Read more about Emma

Campus opportunities and hands-on experiences

Art and design student learns about sculpting with a professor at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater.


Shows and exhibits
Students participate in various shows and exhibits throughout their time at UW-Whitewater, including junior and senior reviews and the annual juried student show.

Schuh Visiting Artists Program
A highlight of our Art and Design offerings, this program brings a premier visual artist to campus. Students interact with this special guest through attending lectures and participating in workshops.
Learn more about visiting artists »

Internships
Many art students, especially those with a graphic design major emphasis, choose to participate in a field internship that can take them to galleries, centers, schools, advertising agencies and other related organizations.

Travel study and study abroad
Art and Design students, specifically art history majors, can benefit from an international experience. UW-Whitewater students have the option to take a short-term travel study or spend a semester abroad.

Student arts organizations
Join an art-related club (or start your own):

  • AIGA – Graphic Design
  • ALLOY – Metalsmithing
  • BFA Mentorship Organization
  • Ceramics Club
  • Print Farm – Printmaking
  • Sculpture Club
  • Student Art Educator's Organization

Our facilities

UW-Whitewater is home to some of the most impressive art facilities in the state, including a multi-million dollar print studio and one of only three sculpture foundries in Wisconsin universities.

We have fully equipped studios for:

  • Ceramics
  • Drawing
  • Metalsmithing
  • Painting
  • Printmaking
  • Photography
  • Sculpture

Crossman Gallery in Greenhill Center of the Arts

Crossman Gallery serves not just as a place for the public to view and enjoy regional, national and international exhibits of all kinds, but the venue also serves as a learning lab for students. For example, art history majors frequently visit to learn about curation of artwork.
Learn more about Crossman Gallery »

What our graduates do

White pillar pot on a pink background. Museum directors and curators
Graphic of a graduation cap with paintbrushes. Arts educators
Graphic of a white tablet on a green background. Illustrators and graphic artists

Art and Design: Career success

Here are just a few roles our Art and Design students have accepted since graduation:

  • Designer
  • Graphic artist
  • Illustrator
  • Curator
  • Director of arts organizations
  • Marketing professionals in arts organizations
  • Museum director
  • Art manager
  • Public art manager
  • Exhibition design and production
  • Studio artist
  • Arts administrator
  • Arts educator
  • Bench jeweler
  • Studio technician

Many art and design majors also pursue MFA (Master of Fine Arts) programs after graduation.

Kaelen Smith.

Hired Before Graduation

Kaelen Smith from Watertown, Wisconsin, earned a B.A. in art with an emphasis in graphic design and a minor in general communication and was hired as a creative services specialist (graphic designer) with Colony Brands in Monroe, Wisconsin.

Madi Miller.

Hired Before Graduation

Madi Miller from Lodi, Wisconsin, earned a B.A. in art with an emphasis in graphic design and a minor in marketing and was hired as a histology technician with Newcomer Supply in Waunakee, Wisconsin.

Our Art and Design faculty

UW-Whitewater’s Art and Design faculty includes nationally and internationally recognized artists from across the disciplines.

Meet our faculty

Want to learn more about earning an Art and Design degree?

262-472-1324 | artanddesign@uww.edu | instagram logo

UW-Whitewater offers the following Art and Design degree options below. Studio Art choices are Ceramics, Drawing, Metals and Jewelry, Painting, Printmaking and Sculpture.

Minors:

Licensure:

In addition to UW-Whitewater’s general education requirements, Art and Design students require a set of core courses that vary depending upon major or emphasis.

To apply, you’ll complete the UW-Whitewater application for admission and indicate your interest in Art and Design.

Apply Now

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