Let's Create!

The Art Department has three undergraduate degree programs - a Bachelor of Science in art, a dual major in graphic design and marketing communications and the Bachelor of Fine Arts. Major options include art education, art history, graphic design and studio arts. All students will take classes in drawing and the fundamentals of two-dimensional and three-dimensional principles of art, while also pursuing their desired specialization. Explore below to learn more about our degree plans. 

Art Lecturer Ann Lawton teaches an Art Therapy class

Need to Know Info

GPA requirement for all art degree seeking students:

  • 3.0 GPA in art courses 
     

Graphic Design and Photography:

Bachelor of Fine Arts degree requirements:

  • Students must choose a major: art history, ceramics, glass, graphic design, painting, photography or printmaking
  • Mid-program review
  • Final review
  • Senior thesis 

Bachelor of Science in Art

54 credits

1) Required support course (credits count toward General Education)

2) Foundation and core requirements (24 credits) 
Select the following courses:

  • ART 121 Design Foundation I
  • ART 122 Design Foundation II 
  • ART 131 Drawing I
  • ART 132 Drawing II
  • ART 211 World Art History Survey I: Prehistory to the Nineteenth Century
  • ART 212 World Art History Survey II: Modern to Contemporary Art and Architecture
  • ART 224 Digital Graphics
  • ART 249 Professional Practice Seminar I 
     

3) Introductory Course Electives (15 credits) 
Select 15 credits from the following:

4) Upper Level Electives (15 credits) 
Select 15 credits from the following:

Bachelor of Science
Art - Graphic Design
* Indicates a double count course		Bachelor of Science
Marketing Communication
* Indicates a double count course

1) Required Support Course (3 cr.)

1) Required Support Courses (9 cr.)

  • JOUR 101 Introduction to Mass Communications


Select one course:

2) Foundation and Core Requirements (21 cr.)
Select the following required courses:


Select two courses:

  • ART 132 Drawing II
  • ART 211 World Art History Survey I: Prehistory to the
    Nineteenth Century
  • ART 212 World Art History Survey II: Modern to
    Contemporary Art and Architecture

2) Core Requirements (21 cr.)
Select the following required courses:

3) Introductory Courses (15 cr.)
Select the following required courses:

Select one course:

 

3) Internship Requirement (3 cr.)
Select the following required course:

4) Upper Level Electives (12 cr.)
Select the following required courses:

  • ART 346 Branding and Package Design *
  • ART 379 Internship in Art/Design (3 cr.) *
     

Select two courses:

4) Directed Electives (18 cr.)

Writing Electives (3 cr.)
Select one course:

Visual Electives (3 cr.)
Select the following required course:

  • ART 241 Introduction to Graphic Design *
     

Oral Communication Elective (3 cr.)
Any COMS course counts in this section. Suggestions include:

  • COMS 211 Professional Communication and
    Presentations.
  • COMS 216 Communication in the Interview
  • COMS 312 Argumentation and Decision Making
  • COMS 416 Training and Development in Organizations
     

Marketing/Promotion Electives (3 cr.)
Select the following required course:

  • ART 346 Branding and Package Design *
     

Advanced Digital Communications Elective (3 cr.)
Select one course:

  • MARC 380 Content Marketing Communications *
  • MARC 385 Influencer Marketing Communications *
  • MARC 390 Advanced Social Media Marketing *
     

Other Elective (3 cr.)
Select one course:

5) MARC Directed Electives (6 cr.)
Advanced Digital Communications Elective (3 cr.)
Select one course:

  • MARC 380 Content Marketing Communications *
  • MARC 385 Influencer Marketing Communications *
  • MARC 390 Advanced Social Media Marketing *
     

Other Elective (3 cr.)
Select One Course:

49 credits (Art portion of degree)
Teacher License: Art Education, Grades K-12, DPI Code: #1550

1) Required support course(credits may count toward General Education)

2) Foundation and core requirements (24 credits)
Select the following courses:

  • ART 121 Design Foundation I
  • ART 122 Design Foundation II 
  • ART 131 Drawing I 
  • ART 132 Drawing II
  • ART 211 World Art History Survey I: Prehistory to the Nineteenth Century
  • ART 212 World Art History Survey II: Modern to Contemporary Art and Architecture
  • ART 224 Digital Graphics
  • ART 249 Professional Practice Seminar I
     

3) Art Education Required Courses (4 credits)

  • ART 250 Child Art (2 cr)
  • ART 251 Middle School and Secondary Art (2 cr)
     

4) Introductory course electives (15 credits)
Select five 200 level Art courses from the following:

5) Upper level electives (6 credits)
Choose two 300 level Art courses from the following:

Professional Education: 30 credits
Education Foundations (12 credits)

  • TED 100 Introduction to Teaching 3 cr,
  • TED 250 Educational Psychology 3 cr.
  • TED 252 Foundations of Diversity and Equity in Education (d) 3 cr.
  • SPED 330 Introduction to Special Education 3 cr.
     

Professional education - art education, grades k-12 (6 credits)

Professional education - student teaching/internship (12 credits)

  • TED 421 Student Teaching Seminar 2 cr.
  • TED 472 OR 473 OR 474 OR 479 Student Teaching 10 cr.


Bachelor of Fine Arts - Art Majors

Art History

  • Our art history emphasis will provide you with critical introductions to the artistic traditions of both Western and non-Western regions, along with opportunities to pursue advanced studies in specific areas of art. 
  • Upper-division courses in Asian, pre-Columbian and contemporary art history provide opportunities to learn about artists, subjects, styles and aesthetic philosophies within their relevant cultural contexts. 
  • The nearby Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area provides close proximity to rich art collections, meaning you'll have the opportunity to explore and undertake original research of world-renowned artworks!

Courses

64 credits 
1) Required support course (credits count toward General Education)

2) Foundation and core requirements (28 credits) 
Select the following courses:

  • ART 121 Design Foundation I
  • ART 122 Design Foundation II 
  • ART 131 Drawing I 
  • ART 132 Drawing II
  • ART 211 World Art History Survey I: Prehistory to the Nineteenth Century
  • ART 212 World Art History Survey II: Modern to Contemporary Art and Architecture
  • ART 224 Digital Graphics
  • ART 249 Professional Practice Seminar I
  • ART 349 Professional Practice Seminar II
  • ART 486 Senior Thesis (1 cr) 
     

3) Introductory courses (15 credits) 
Select 15 credits from the following (one course must be in 3D media: ART 227, ART 229, or ART 230): 
* Indicates a repeatable course

4) Emphasis requirements (15 credits) 
Select 15 credits from the following: 
* Indicates a repeatable course

  • ART 213 Art Since 1945: Modern and Contemporary Art History
  • ART 291 The Arts of Asia
  • ART 308 History of Design 
  • ART 392 Pre-Columbian Art of Mesoamerica  
     

5) Upper level electives (6 credits) 
Select six credits from 300/400 level ART courses not required for chosen BFA degree emphasis.

Ceramics

  • Our ceramics studio area provides you will opportunities to become part of one of the best undergraduate programs in the United States! 
  • Our well-equipped studio has space to study high fire gas reduction, soda, wood firing, low fire electric and primitive processes. 
  • Vessels and sculptural concepts are options you'll be exposed to in both intro and studio classes.
  • We strive to integrate process, materials and meaning in the studio experience and have several levels of study in the ceramic arts. 
  • Our approach to making pottery includes traditional techniques and concepts covering the use of the wheel and constructing forms by altering thrown pieces and by using slabs, pinching, extrusion, and patterns.
  • Conceptual perspectives associated with ceramics as well as idea, symbol, metaphor and meaning of process are introduced in your first classes and carried through to more advanced studies.
  • Advanced students are encouraged to explore their own directions and to experiment with the possibilities of clay, glazes and various techniques and ideas that are presented in the classroom.
  • We promote the development of an active dialogue between students and faculty and work to both build a foundation and expand on your working knowledge of contemporary and historical ceramics relative to the context of our modern lives. 
  • You'll engage in professional artist practices and develop a positive appreciation of the visual arts. 

Courses

  • Introduction to Clay (Art 227): Deals with the processes, techniques and concerns of ceramics as a studio art medium. Hand building methods such as slab, pinch, coil and carving, as well as wheel forming techniques will be used to explore the elements of three dimensional design and aesthetic criteria that is relevant to ceramic art. Students will be introduced to mixing clay and loading and firing kilns. The use of low and high temperature clays and firing techniques will include slips and glazes and the process of reduction and oxidation firing.
  • Studio Clay (Art 327): Studio Clay will continue skill development and the experimental uses of ceramics and clay processes concerned with function and non-function. Students will utilize multiple firing methods, earthenware and stoneware clays and glazes and un-fired practices. There directed projects each semester with an emphasis on idea (conceptual development) building. Students will be encouraged to explore and experiment with their own ideas under the guidance of the faculty instructor.

 

64 credits 
1) Required support course (credits count toward General Education)

2) Foundation and core requirements (28 credits) 
Select the following courses:

  • ART 121 Design Foundation I
  • ART 122 Design Foundation II 
  • ART 131 Drawing I 
  • ART 132 Drawing II
  • ART 211 World Art History Survey I: Prehistory to the Nineteenth Century
  • ART 212 World Art History Survey II: Modern to Contemporary Art and Architecture
  • ART 224 Digital Graphics
  • ART 249 Professional Practice Seminar I
  • ART 349 Professional Practice Seminar II
  • ART 486 Senior Thesis (1 cr) 
     

3) Introductory courses (15 credits) 
Select 15 credits from the following (one course must be in 3D media: ART 227, ART 229, or ART 230): 
* Indicates a repeatable course

4) Emphasis requirements (15 credits) 
Select 15 credits from the following: 
* Indicates a repeatable course

5) Upper level electives (6 credits) 
Select six credits from 300/400 level ART courses not required for chosen BFA degree emphasis.

Glass

  • Our glass area offers you a comprehensive experience in the medium, combined with creative development.
  • You'll be able to work with glass in a 2D manner by learning stained glass and sandblasting techniques and with 3D approaches such as glass blowing, casting or slumping. You'll also be encouraged to combine these methods with other media to enhance your artistic perspective. 
  • Appropriate techniques are fused with aesthetic and conceptual concerns so you'll be able to develop your creative voice.

Courses

64 credits  
1) Required support course (credits count toward General Education)

  • ART 100 Intro to Visual Art   
     

2) Foundation and core requirements (28 credits)  
Select the following courses:

  • ART 122 Design Foundation II 
  • ART 131 Drawing I 
  • ART 132 Drawing II
  • ART 211 World Art History Survey I: Prehistory to the Nineteenth Century
  • ART 212 World Art History Survey II: Modern to Contemporary Art and Architecture
  • ART 224 Digital Graphics
  • ART 249 Professional Practice Seminar I
  • ART 349 Professional Practice Seminar II
  • ART 486 Senior Thesis (1 cr)  
     

3) Introductory courses (15 credits)  
Select 15 credits from the following (one course must be in 3D media: ART 227, ART 229, or ART 230):  
* Indicates a repeatable course

4) Emphasis requirements (15 credits)  
Select 15 credits from the following:  
* Indicates a repeatable course

5) Upper level electives (6 credits)  
Select six credits from 300/400 level ART courses not required for chosen BFA degree emphasis.

Graphic Design

  • Graphic design is a type of visual communication used to impart information and messages to an audience. 
  • Graphic design presents opportunities for ethical thought processes, cultural investigation and visual expression and the profession permits designers to investigate and solve a variety of communication problems for a diverse clientele and audiences. 
  • As a student, you'll investigate these methods of communication, working toward an understanding of the strength well-utilized imagery possesses.

Courses

64 credits 
1) Required support course (credits count toward General Education)

2) Foundation and core requirements (28 credits) 
Select the following courses:

  • ART 121 Design Foundation I
  • ART 122 Design Foundation II 
  • ART 131 Drawing I 
  • ART 132 Drawing II
  • ART 211 World Art History Survey I: Prehistory to the Nineteenth Century
  • ART 212 World Art History Survey II: Modern to Contemporary Art and Architecture
  • ART 224 Digital Graphics
  • ART 249 Professional Practice Seminar I
  • ART 349 Professional Practice Seminar II
  • ART 486 Senior Thesis (1 cr) 
     

3) Introductory courses (15 credits) 
Select 15 credits from the following (one course must be in 3D media: ART 227, ART 229, or ART 230): 
* Indicates a repeatable course

4) Emphasis requirements (15 credits) 
Select 15 credits from the following: 
* Indicates a repeatable course

5) Upper level electives (6 credits) 
Select six credits from 300/400 level ART courses not required for chosen BFA degree emphasis.

Painting

  • Our painting studio is a community space for students working with paint-related media. The studio offers both natural and artificial lighting and provides ample work space for students at all levels and is outfitted with teaching technology needed to facilitate presentations and discussions. 
  • As a student, you'll be guided through a targeted and structured program of study and may work solo or in groups, participating in presentations and critiques. 
  • Advanced exploration of your own chosen themes and painting approaches is encouraged in advanced studio courses. Painting courses cover an array of painting media and approaches, stress the importance of a solid foundation and encourage individual expression and creative pursuits. 

Courses

64 credits 
1) Required support course (credits count toward General Education)

2) Foundation and core requirements (28 credits) 
Select the following courses:

  • ART 121 Design Foundation I
  • ART 122 Design Foundation II 
  • ART 131 Drawing I 
  • ART 132 Drawing II
  • ART 211 World Art History Survey I: Prehistory to the Nineteenth Century
  • ART 212 World Art History Survey II: Modern to Contemporary Art and Architecture
  • ART 224 Digital Graphics
  • ART 249 Professional Practice Seminar I
  • ART 349 Professional Practice Seminar II
  • ART 486 Senior Thesis (1 cr) 
     

3) Introductory courses (15 credits) 
Select 15 credits from the following (one course must be in 3D media: ART 227, ART 229, or ART 230): 
* Indicates a repeatable course

4) Emphasis requirements (15 credits) 
Select 15 credits from the following: 
* Indicates a repeatable course

5) Upper level electives (6 credits) 
Select six credits from 300/400 level ART courses not required for chosen BFA degree emphasis.

Photography

  • Our photography area provides opportunities to work with analog (conventional and alternative processes) and digital materials. 
  • Traditional black and white film and wet lab processes in a darkroom setting provide a core foundation for all photography students. 
  • You'll also have access to a Macintosh lab, scanning and printing facilities for digital work. Craftsmanship and creativity are fostered!

Courses

64 credits 
1) Required support course (credits count toward General Education)

2) Foundation and core requirements (28 credits) 
Select the following courses:

  • ART 121 Design Foundation I
  • ART 122 Design Foundation II 
  • ART 131 Drawing I 
  • ART 132 Drawing II
  • ART 211 World Art History Survey I: Prehistory to the Nineteenth Century
  • ART 212 World Art History Survey II: Modern to Contemporary Art and Architecture
  • ART 224 Digital Graphics
  • ART 249 Professional Practice Seminar I
  • ART 349 Professional Practice Seminar II
  • ART 486 Senior Thesis (1 cr) 
     

3) Introductory courses (15 credits) 
Select 15 credits from the following (one course must be in 3D media: ART 227, ART 229, or ART 230): 
* Indicates a repeatable course

4) Emphasis requirements (15 credits) 
Select 15 credits from the following: 
* Indicates a repeatable course

5) Upper level electives (6 credits) 
Select six credits from 300/400 level ART courses not required for chosen BFA degree emphasis.

Printmaking

  • Printmaking emphasizes traditional processes, as well as techniques that are non-toxic when possible. 
  • As a student, you'll be encouraged to develop individual directions while learning technical skills in the mediums of intaglio, relief, lithography, monotype and alternative methods. Computer imaging related to personal ideas and medium development is also used in printmaking. 
  • Our three studios are equipped with three presses: American French Tool Etching Press, Conrad Combination Press, Takach Lithography Press and a Nuarc Vacuum Exposure Unit, as well as professional hand rollers and plate support.

Courses

64 credits 
1) Required support course (credits count toward General Education)

2) Foundation and core requirements (28 credits) 
Select the following courses:

  • ART 121 Design Foundation I
  • ART 122 Design Foundation II 
  • ART 131 Drawing I 
  • ART 132 Drawing II
  • ART 211 World Art History Survey I: Prehistory to the Nineteenth Century
  • ART 212 World Art History Survey II: Modern to Contemporary Art and Architecture
  • ART 224 Digital Graphics
  • ART 249 Professional Practice Seminar I
  • ART 349 Professional Practice Seminar II
  • ART 486 Senior Thesis (1 cr) 
     

3) Introductory courses (15 credits) 
Select 15 credits from the following (one course must be in 3D media: ART 227, ART 229, or ART 230): 
* Indicates a repeatable course

4) Emphasis requirements (15 credits) 
Select 15 credits from the following: 
* Indicates a repeatable course

5) Upper level electives (6 credits) 
Select six credits from 300/400 level ART courses not required for chosen BFA degree emphasis.


Art Minors

24 Credits

1) Foundation requirements (12 cr.)

and

  • ART 211 World Art History Survey I: Prehistory to the Nineteenth Century

or

  • ART 212 World Art History Survey II: Modern to Contemporary Art and Architecture
     

2) 200 LEVEL ART COURSES (9 cr.)
Select three 200 level art courses.

3) 300 LEVEL ART COURSE (3 cr.)
Select one 300 level art course.

24 Credits
1) Foundation requirements (9 cr.)

  • ART 100 Introduction to Art (double counts in General Education)
  • ART 211 World Art History Survey I: Prehistory to the Nineteenth Century
  • ART 212 World Art History Survey II: Modern to Contemporary Art and Architecture
     

2) Art history electives (9 cr.)
Select three courses:

3) Art electives (6 cr.)
Select two courses:

24 Credits
1) Foundation requirements (12 cr.)

2) 200-level graphic design courses (9 cr.)

3) 300-level graphic design courses (3 cr.)
Select one course from the following:

Related Links: 

Art

172 Kleinpell Fine Arts
River Falls, WI 54022

CAS@uwrf.edu

715-425-3777