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The Art: Design Bachelor of Science program at the University of Wisconsin provides students with a comprehensive education in visual communication, creative problem-solving, and design thinking. The program emphasizes the development of both technical skills and conceptual understanding, enabling students to create innovative designs across various media, including graphic design, digital media, product design, and interactive experiences. Students explore the principles of composition, color theory, typography, user experience, and visual storytelling, while also studying the historical, cultural, and social contexts of design. The curriculum fosters creativity, analytical thinking, and practical application, preparing graduates to respond to contemporary design challenges with originality and insight.
Throughout the program, students engage in studio-based projects, collaborative workshops, and professional internships that provide hands-on experience and exposure to real-world design processes. Interdisciplinary coursework connects design with technology, marketing, communication, and cultural studies, encouraging students to consider both functional and aesthetic aspects of design in professional and societal contexts. Graduates emerge with strong technical proficiency, conceptual understanding, and a professional portfolio that demonstrates their ability to develop innovative solutions and communicate effectively through design.
Year 1 – Foundations in Art and Design
• Introduction to Design Principles
• Drawing and Visual Communication
• College Writing and Communication
• History of Art and Design
Year 2 – Core Design Concepts
• Digital Design and Media
• Typography and Visual Storytelling
• Color Theory and Applied Composition
• Materials, Methods, and Production Techniques
Year 3 – Applied Design Practice
• User Experience and Interaction Design
• Branding and Graphic Design Projects
• Collaborative Design Studio
• Internship or Applied Design Project
Year 4 – Advanced Integration and Capstone
• Advanced Design Studio and Portfolio Development
• Design Research and Innovation
• Independent Project or Thesis
• Seminar in Contemporary Design Practices
Graduates of the Art: Design program are prepared for careers in graphic design, product design, digital media, user experience (UX) design, visual communication, branding, illustration, and design consultancy. They may work in creative agencies, technology companies, marketing and advertising firms, entertainment industries, nonprofit organizations, or start their own design ventures. Many graduates pursue advanced degrees in design, fine arts, digital media, or interactive technologies, enhancing opportunities for specialized practice and leadership roles. Employers value graduates for their creativity, technical proficiency, problem-solving abilities, conceptual thinking, and ability to deliver visually compelling and user-centered design solutions, making them highly competitive in the professional design industry.
This program offers a distinctive combination of creative development, technical training, and professional practice, preparing students to excel in the evolving field of design. Students benefit from mentorship by experienced faculty, access to state-of-the-art studios and digital labs, and opportunities for internships and collaborative projects that connect theory with real-world applications. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, innovation, and effective visual communication, equipping graduates to develop original solutions, address complex design challenges, and communicate ideas across diverse platforms. Whether pursuing careers in graphic design, UX, product innovation, or visual communication, students graduate with the expertise, practical skills, and professional confidence to thrive in competitive and dynamic creative industries.
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 608-262-2433
Email: admissions@grad.wisc.edu
Address: 217 Bascom Hall, 500 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA