About Us

Our programs are transformative

Students discover their strengths and develop their perceptions and talents through rigorous course work. UWSP offers two undergraduate degrees—a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA)—and an Art History Minor. Programs of study include general art and design (BA), and focused study in 2D, 3D, or graphic design (BFA). Students must pass the BFA Portfolio Review in their sophomore year to be admitted into the BFA program. More about our programs.

Our faculty is dedicated and engaging

We have 14 fulltime faculty members and outstanding academic staff and adjunct faculty in the department. All share a commitment to excellence in teaching. Our faculty members are practicing artists, designers or active historians and because they are personally driven to produce significant work many are nationally and internationally recognized. Students work directly with faculty, instead of teaching assistants, in studio and lecture classes. These factors create a vibrant environment for education and growth. Read more about our faculty and staff.

Our facilities are extraordinary

We boast 40,000 square feet of well-equipped, new studio space and have remodeled all of our studio and lecture classrooms. In addition to spacious drawing, graphic design, painting, photography, and printmaking studios we have amazing sculpture, ceramics and wood shop areas. This year we received funding to broaden our sculpture program with the addition of a hot shop for glass blowing. Our main art gallery, the Edna Carlsten Gallery is a remarkable space that offers diverse exhibitions year-round. These facilities provide students with exceptional work and learning spaces. View our facilities.

Our students are highly successful

While in school and after they graduate. In the department we cultivate a spirit of cooperation and competition, where students are encouraged to join one of our four Art & Design student groups and participate in cultural and community activities. Students also have opportunities to compete for scholarships, enter juried exhibitions, seek research grants, and develop individual initiatives.

Our alumni achieve their goals and thrive

We train our students to become self-sufficient visual arts professionals. After graduation, many set up their own art or design studios, enter the job market, or continue on to graduate schools around the country. A number of alumni remain engaged in the Central Wisconsin and UWSP communities, returning to mentor current students as visiting artists and designers. Visit our alumni profiles.

UWSP provides opportunities to travel

Regionally, nationally and globally. Art & Design student groups regularly plan trips to Minneapolis, Chicago and New York City. Students and faculty often take advantage of the nationally ranked Study Abroad program to travel, study and learn. In recent years, semester sessions and three-week study tours have traveled to England, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, and Thailand.

We are accredited

By the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). One of only 3 campuses in the University of Wisconsin system to be NASAD accredited, UWSP has held this distinction for nearly three decades.