Current majors in the BA in Art

Can I still graduate with my current degree pathway as is?

Yes. Students in the current major will be able to graduate with their required coursework as intended. 

With the closure of the Interdisciplinary Visual Arts, can I still graduate with IVA as my concentration in the current BA in Art? 

Yes. The Art curriculum will support all students remaining in the IVA concentration until graduation. 

Can I switch to one of the new degree pathways when they become available?

Yes. Once the proposals for the new degrees are finalized, current majors in the BA in Art will be given the option to switch into any of the new BA/BFA pathways. This is entirely optional!  If you choose, you can remain in your current curriculum/degree through graduation. 

Will I have to submit an application to stay in the Art major?
No. Students declared in the BA in Art prior to October 9, 2026, will not have to apply to the new BA/BFA pathways. 

Incoming first-year students

Will I have to apply to be an Art major?

Yes. Incoming students will need to apply in the Spring quarter of their first year. Incoming first-year students starting in Autumn 2026 will be eligible to apply to the BA and BFA pathways in Spring 2027. 

What should I take in my first year at UW?

You must have 15 credits of introductory Art completed or in progress by the Spring quarter when you apply to the major. We recommend taking one studio art class each quarter, exploring a different medium each time. However, it is ultimately up to each student to determine which courses will best prepare them to be competitive for their preferred major. 

• Painting + Printmaking must take ART 190 as one of their introductory studio classes
• 3D4M must take ART 233, ART 253, or ART 272 as one of their introductory studio classes
• Photo/Media + New Genres must take ART 140, ART 141, or ART 142 as one of their introductory studio classes

What should I take besides Art classes?

Working on your general education requirements is highly recommended. Many Art majors benefit from taking at least one Art History class their first year, as most courses meet UW General Requirements and art major requirements. 

What should I do if I can’t get into an introductory ART class my first year at UW to meet the 15 credit requirement?

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What if I miss the Spring application deadline? Can I still major in Art?

If you miss the Spring application deadline, you will need to wait to apply the next cycle the following year. For some students, this may mean adding a fifth year to complete their degree, finding a different major, or transferring to a different university. Consult with an Art Adviser to be sure.

Incoming transfer students to UW

I am an incoming transfer student for Autumn 2026. Do I need to submit an application to the Art major?

If you meet the eligibility for the BA in Art major and declare before October 9, 2026, you do not have to submit an application. After October 9, 2026, you will need to wait until Spring 2026 to apply for the newly proposed BA and BFA pathways. 

I am an incoming transfer student for Autumn 2027. Do I need to submit an application to the Art major? 

Yes. Students entering Autumn 2027 and beyond will need to apply to the newly proposed Art degrees via a separate departmental application. 

Can I enter the UW in Summer or Winter quarter and still major in Art?

Transfer students should apply for Autumn quarter entrance to ensure they can complete Art degree requirements within university satisfactory progress guidelines. Depending on the number of transfer credits you are bringing in, you may not be eligible to apply to the Art major if you are entering out of cycle. 

What prerequisite courses should I be taking at my current college to prepare for my application to Art at UW?

Transfer students should plan on taking 15 credits of introductory studio Art coursework. Art faculty understand that every school is different, so exact equivalencies are not required, but some general recommendations are:

• Students applying to Painting + Printmaking should try to take an introductory drawing, painting, or printmaking class.
• Students applying to 3D4M should try to take an introductory sculpture, ceramics, or any other 3-dimensional artmaking class.
• Students applying to 3D4M should try to take an introductory sculpture, ceramics, or any other 3-dimensional artmaking class.

Can I apply if I haven’t taken any Art classes? 

A minimum of one Art class is required for all applications.

General

What if I want to major in Art but I don’t know which pathway to choose?

Taking classes in each of the three programs is a good starting place if you aren’t sure which pathway to choose. Talking with peers and faculty in each program can also highlight what might be a great fit for you. 

What is the difference between the BA and the BFA?

The proposed BA degree combines focused study in studio art with the breadth of a liberal arts education. With fewer required art credits than the BFA, the BA provides additional flexibility for electives, double majors, minors, and interdisciplinary study across the university. It's a strong option for students who want to combine art with another area of interest, explore multiple fields, or pursue a broader undergraduate experience. 

The proposed BFA degree provides a more intensive studio experience with additional upper-division coursework in art. Designed for students seeking sustained engagement in their chosen area of study, the BFA emphasizes advanced studio work, professional development, and culminating experiences such as a senior exhibition and capstone project. The BFA is ideally suited for students who want to pursue advanced study in art or a career as a practicing artist. 

Can I complete multiple Art majors at the same time?

Due to scheduling conflicts, double majoring within Art majors is not possible. 

Can I double major outside of the School of Art + Art History + Design?

Yes! For students pursuing a BA, you have the option to pursue a double major. For students pursuing the BFA track in any of the programs, you have the option of pursuing a double degree. Note: double degrees can be difficult to work out course-scheduling-wise and may not be possible for many students. Consult with advisers in the department you are interested in to determine if a double degree is feasible.