Study Abroad

Major Advising Page – Art

The Art Department encourages art students to explore study abroad programs that are engaged with contemporary issues and studio practices while allowing access to world-class museums and galleries.

Prospective Art Students

Art majors must complete their advanced-level studio courses on the UW-Madison campus, thus are encouraged to study abroad in the summer, during the sophomore year, or fall of junior year. To avoid falling behind in studio development, art majors should plan to study abroad for no more than one semester.

If you think you want to study abroad in an art program but have not declared your Art major or Art Certificate, talk with the Art Department Academic Advisors sooner rather than later and review the undergraduate degree requirements. There are three options in the Art major and one certificate, and depending on which program you are in, you may have different considerations for the type of academics found in a study abroad program.

Undergraduate Degrees

The Department of Art conducts an exemplary experimental undergraduate program emphasizing the importance of a broad background in the study and practice of visual art and design, liberal arts, and knowledge of art and design movements throughout history. The nationally and internationally recognized faculty of visual artists and designers provides a stimulating educational environment to prepare students for careers in a broad array of creative fields and/or graduate study. 

The Department of Art conducts an exemplary experimental undergraduate program emphasizing the importance of a broad background in the study and practice of visual art and design, liberal arts, and knowledge of art and design movements throughout history. The nationally and internationally recognized faculty of visual artists and designers provides a stimulating educational environment to prepare students for careers in a broad array of creative fields and/or graduate study.

Certificates

The Art Department offers two certificates in either Art Studio or Graphic Design. Each requires you to complete a minimum of 17-18 credits. A minimum of 12 credits must be completed in UW-Madison’s Art Department. A maximum of 6 credits from abroad (or outside the UW Art Department) can count toward the certificate. See an Art academic advisor for more information in planning.

Certificate in Art Studio

The program provides a course of study in four focus areas: 2D, 3D, 4D, or photography. Students select one of these options and complete the courses required of this area of study.This 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; previous coursework in art is not required.

Certificate in Graphic Design

The Graphic Design Certificate allows students from across campus, regardless of their major or degree program, to engage in a meaningful, rigorous sequence of coursework introducing them to the field of graphic design. Previous college coursework or job experience in art and design is very beneficial, but not required.An inherently interdisciplinary practice, graphic design plays an important role at every level of contemporary culture. Graphic designers function as the “fusion” between art, business, engineering, research, and science fields. Due to the required sequencing of courses, a minimum of four regular semesters are usually necessary to complete the certificate; please plan accordingly.

To learn more about study abroad, attend the Study Abroad Fair or visit the Program Search on the International Academic Programs (IAP) website to get an idea of what programs are available. Schedule a meeting with advisors at IAP to learn more about your program options.

Art Course Considerations Abroad

As an art major, you will need to plan in advance what kind of courses you wish to take abroad. In order to stay on track with a four-year academic plan, you will likely need to incorporate at least one or two studio art courses into your time abroad. This will lead you to consider either a program that is an art school abroad, or a program that offers art as a subject of study among other course offerings. It is the expectation of the UW Art Department that for any art class you take abroad, you will engage with contemporary, rigorous studio practices.

Art majors are encouraged to take required art history courses abroad in regions with important art museums and galleries.
Most art studio courses taken through a university abroad, rather than through an art school abroad, will transfer as Art 448 Special Topics in Art. This class counts toward an art major’s studio electives requirement. For specific equivalencies, please talk with an Art Advisor prior to enrollment of your study abroad classes.

Art studio credits may count toward the L&S degree’s open electives, and some classes will satisfy requirements for students in Textile Design, Interior Architecture and Landscape Architecture programs. It’s always important to check with your Academic Advisor regarding your study abroad courses and how they may fit into your academic plan.

Established IAP study abroad programs typically have a list of courses that are equated as specific Art major courses. Knowing which program to which you are applying will help your Academic Advisor navigate those course lists to help in your academic planning.

Mapping Your Study Abroad Experience as an Art Major

Freshman Year

Students who plan to declare the art major typically spend their first year completing required foundations courses.

Sophomore or Junior Year

Art majors are strongly encouraged to study abroad during their sophomore or junior year as your advanced level studio courses must be completed on campus.

Senior Year

Studying abroad your senior year as an art major is still possible if you have already completed your Art major requirements and still need to satisfy general education and liberal studies electives. Students in a BFA degree must complete the BFA capstone course and exhibition in the spring of your graduating term.

Questions to Ask

Your Academic Advisor

  • What classes must I complete for my degree (breadth/depth, major requirements, etc.)?
  • Do I need to be on UW-Madison’s campus for any courses in my major?
  • How many electives do I have outside of my major?

Your Study Abroad Advisor

  • What classes can I take abroad?
  • How and when do I select courses for my program?
  • When will I know course equivalents for my program?
  • What is the class structure like abroad?

Identifying Programs That Are Right for You

All study abroad programs will offer a different experience in terms of the courses offered, academic style, duration of study (academic year, semester, or summer), type of housing, student body population, and location. Each program listed offers studio art courses, with varying degrees of studio course options. However, courses offered as part of these programs may not be guaranteed to be the best fit for you depending on where you are in the major, so be sure to check with your Academic Advisor in your study abroad planning.

Studio Art Programs

Italy, Florence:  Santa Reparata Institute for Studio Art (SRISA)
The UW Art Department designates the SRISA program as one that meets the department’s philosophy of teaching and learning for Art majors. Located in the heart of Florence, Italy, this English-speaking program allows you to explore the rich tradition of Italian Art and offers the most access to courses that can satisfy UW art program requirements.

Cuba, Havana: UW Exploring Cuba Through Art
This signature 2-week summer program is led by UW-Madison Professor Faisal Abdu’Allah. You will earn 3 credits of Art 448.

Programs that offer Studio Art Courses

Search all IAP programs
Research all programs using the IAP Program Search page.   The above is not an exhaustive list of all programs that offer Art courses.  There may be other programs that are a better fit for your individual needs or interests.