What you'll learn studying art at UW-Platteville
Develop a broad knowledge of studio art, graphic design, and art education through the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Department of Performing and Visual Arts. Explore your interests by choosing an emphasis area in art, art education, studio art, or become a graphic design major.
We are committed to providing high-quality instruction with a broad-based curriculum emphasizing various aspects of the fine arts, including art education, history, theory, creation, and criticism, as well as studio art, graphic design, and more.
To earn a bachelor of fine arts degree, you will complete a total of 125 credit hours (120 credits for a bachelor of science or bachelor of arts degree), including both general education requirements and courses for your chosen major and area of emphasis, if applicable.
Whether you choose a graphic design degree emphasis, art education emphasis, sculpture, ceramics, or other focus area, you will graduate with a proficiency in your chosen medium. You will also leave college with a better conceptual understanding of art creation, as well as its theory and history. You will be prepared to effectively assess and critique both your own work, as well as the work of your peers.
Personalized Instruction
The Visual Arts program maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio, fostering an environment where professors get to know their students well and give individualized instruction. Art university coursework requirements include two- and three-dimensional art and design, sculpture, ceramics, art history, graphic design, education, theory, art criticism, and more.
Emphasis areas
Art
With a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts with an Art emphasis you’ll enhance and develop creative problem-solving skills while growing your artistic skills through studio practice. The high-quality instruction for each art course in our diverse curriculum provides students with a well-rounded education with a unique creative vision to solve visual communication challenges. The arts program is dedicated to developing creative and critical thinking skills to prepare students for careers in art in a fast-paced, global culture.
Art Education
The Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fine Arts with an Art Education emphasis at UW-Platteville is constructed to provide you with the fundamental background and specialized knowledge needed to analyze, understand, create, and teach visual arts. The faculty of the Art program seek to prepare you with the knowledge and skills to be a successful art educator.
Regional Art Teaching Internships
- Shake Rag Alley, Mineral Point, Wisconsin
- Lillstreet Art Center, Chicago, Illinois
- Grandview Sculpture Garden, Hollandale, Wisconsin
- Rountree Gallery, Platteville, Wisconsin
Graphic Design
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fine Arts with an Graphic Design emphasis focuses on the art of imaginative problem solving and how it relates to visual communication. Graphic design is a dynamic field that demands people who are able to meet creative challenges and push beyond what is expected. You’ll explore courses focusing on typography, print and multimedia design, packaging design, and graphic design history, as well as traditional and new technologies. Learn to conceptualize solutions to design situations that encourage critical and creative thinking, promote social awareness, and encourage individual artistic growth and development. You’ll be well suited for a career as a creative designer, multimedia designer, illustrator, web designer, and art director.
Studio Art
There are several studio art emphases that you can choose from: Studio Art-Ceramics, Studio Art-Cross-Disciplinary, Studio Art-Illustration, Studio Art-Painting and Drawing, Studio Art-Printmaking. Explore the areas of visual art creation, art theory, art criticism, and art history through coursework. You’ll build a well-defined professional portfolio and be prepared for careers in art, design, or graduate school.
Art minor
This minor is a great addition to many majors on campus. The Art minor includes typical art class requirements such as drawing and painting, as well as fine art course elective options such as sculpture, ceramics, graphic design, and more. Review the full degree requirements in the catalog.
Art History minor
The Art History minor connects the practice of making art with its historical context. You'll develop a strong understanding of the historical, social, and political dimensions of art and architecture. This minor provides an art historical education that is balanced and diverse culturally, temporally, and geographically. The addition of this minor is designed for students who seek to study art history in depth as a complement to their major area of study.
Careers in Art
If you are considering an art degree, you are likely creative by nature. There is a misperception that pursuing a degree in the arts can make it difficult to secure employment after graduation from college. The truth is that studying art in college prepares students for an immediate career or future graduate study. In fact, our student success rate in finding employment after graduation is strong. Most find placement within one year of graduating.
Pursuing a major or minor in art from UW-Platteville will prepare you for a range of exciting and rewarding careers. Artists can be found in several different industries, including business and education settings, most people who choose to pursue degrees in art work as independent creators or in the design industry. Your work environment will depend largely on the path you choose, but many art professionals work in art studios (commercial or private).
Discover by doing
At UW-Platteville, studying art involves learning both inside and outside the classroom. Whether you choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in art or minor in art or art history, you will have access to research projects, internships, university events, and other experiential learning opportunities designed to help prepare you for a long and successful career after college.
