The UW-Madison Academic Guide includes detailed information about the requirements for the Certificate in Art Studio and the Certificate in Graphic Design.
Set up an advising appointment to discuss the Certificate in Art Studio or Graphic Design by searching for Matthew Mauk at Starfish – UW-Madison’s advising scheduling application. Current students can find Starfish on their MyUW web portal.
The Certificate in Art Studio allows students from across campus, regardless of their major or degree program, to engage in a structured, meaningful art studio experience. The certificate was designed for students who may not have professional ambitions in the arts, but still have an interest in a special discipline and want to develop their talents. The certificate does not require previous coursework in art.
The program provides a course of study in five focus areas: 2D, 3D, 4D (time-based), Graphic Design, or Photography. Students select one of these options and complete the courses required of this area of study. For each option, certificate students complete one course focusing on the historical context of art, two courses that provide a foundation for their chosen area, and two related electives that allow for the exploration and development of their skills.
This certificate may also appeal to individuals who have already completed a bachelor’s degree in art, but now want to complete an emphasis in a different discipline, such as graphic design; see the Nondegree/Visiting Student Guide. In these instances, the student will work closely with an advisor in the Department of Art to substitute higher level courses for the foundational studio courses.
The Graphic Design Certificate allows students from across campus, regardless of their major or degree program, to engage in a meaningful sequence of coursework introducing them to the graphic design field. Students intending to pursue a career in graphic design should select the Graphic Design named option in either the BS-Art or Art BFA degree program.
An inherently interdisciplinary practice, graphic design plays an important role at every level of contemporary culture. Graphic design courses deliver skills and expertise that are in demand for all graphic design and related communications fields. Students develop abilities to think critically while working seamlessly across disciplines, and in current and future iterations of the field, graphic designers must function as the “fusion” between art, business, engineering, research, and science.
Students completing the Graphic Design certificate will experience a range of forms and media that provide awareness of the profession, and will develop a unique intellectual and visual voice. Graduating students will also possess the flexibility to adapt to a changing, unpredictable world where the methods of communication will continuously evolve and expand.
