The Division of Art undergraduate and graduate degree programs offer students practical, conceptual, and critical training in the visual arts in the context of a world-renowned public research 1 university. Our faculty are nationally and internationally recognized artists and educators who guide students to develop their intellectual and creative strengths while planning for careers in the visual arts and related fields.
Undergraduate Programs
The Division of Art offers three areas of study: 3D4M: Ceramics, Glass, Sculpture; Painting and Printmaking; and Photo, Media, New Genres. After completing introductory courses, students choose an area of study and complete program-specific requirements. In tandem with required studio art classes, students advance their writing skills by completing coursework in art history. Art majors at UW learn visual literacy and technical and critical thinking skills through active learning and hands-on experiences.
The Division of Art advances artistic research through studio-based inquiry, experimentation, and critical dialogue. As part of a leading public research university, the division encourages interdisciplinary exchange and positions art as a form of investigation that engages materials, ideas, histories, and communities. Through studio and art history coursework, students develop technical fluency, visual literacy, and critical approaches to interpretation and communication while cultivating the curiosity to observe, question, and engage the world through an artist’s perspective.
BA, Art: 3D4M: Ceramics + Glass + Sculpture
Explore interdisciplinary exchanges that involve material study, concepts, and critical dialogue in a studio-based environment.
BA, Art: Interdisciplinary Visual Art
Discover innovative connections between disciplines through research-based art production that engages broader cultural conversations.
BA, Art: Painting + Printmaking
Learn the basics, breadth, and depth of painting, drawing and printmaking in an intellectual, creative, and physical environment that fosters excellence.
BA, Art: Photo/Media
Explore a wide range of conceptual and technical practices in contemporary art with an emphasis on photography, video, mixed media, installation, and related media.
Honors in Art
Complete an advanced degree with a set of experiences that encourage diverse collaboration, innovation, and work across programmatic boundaries.
Graduate Programs
The 2-year studio-based Master of Fine Arts (MFA) prepares candidates for a myriad of careers in art. The curriculum prioritizes a rigorous studio practice, engages students in art historical dialogue and contemporary discourse, and provides them with opportunities to teach art courses to undergraduates. While prospective candidates apply to one of three separate fields of study, MFA students engage across disciplines in combined seminar courses. The admissions process is the same for the three fields of study.
MFA, 3D4M: ceramics + glass + sculpture
Explore materials and ideas while advancing individual practice across a broad spectrum of contemporary art making.
MFA, New Genres
Use interdisciplinary and conceptual media to create meaningful and engaged artworks that critically respond to culture.
MFA, Painting + Printmaking
Advance individual practice, research, and artistic vision through self-motivated and intensive studio work.
Why study the arts at UW?
Art plays a crucial role in shaping the environment. As a discipline, art can enrich personal development, encourage creative thinking, foster emotional intelligence, and promote greater cultural understanding and empathy. At UW, Art students work closely with renowned faculty to gain the experiences necessary to be innovative, critical, and compassionate contributors to society. From the formation of ideas to exhibiting works in public, art nurtures the quality of courage necessary for thinkers and makers to keep all facets of society accountable to our collective histories, contemporary issues, and future concerns.
Explore the Division of Art
In the Division of Art, we believe that creativity, innovation, and imagination are essential to society. Explore courses, spaces, and student work that unite theory with practice.
