Art, Liberal Arts, Graphic Communications Emphasis, Comprehensive Major

Liberal Arts (Code 020-007)

University Requirements

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR BACCALAUREATE DEGREE
Credit Requirements
Minimum total for graduation 1120
Upper division credits (courses numbered 300 and higher)39
Liberal Education Core36
Academic Concentrations
Grade Point Requirements 2
Total2.00 average
Resident2.00 average
Major2.00 average
Minor2.00 average
Certificate2.00 average
University Residency Requirements
Minimum total30
Senior year23
Major, Standard, upper division in residence12
Major, Comprehensive, upper division in residence21
Certificate25 percent of credits
Procedures Required for Graduation
Obtain admission to the degree program and/or the College offering it.
Apply for graduation on CampS.
1

Certain programs exceed this minimum.

2

See special requirements in each College.

Applicability of Credits Toward Graduation

Junior College or Two-Year College Credits. A maximum of 72 semester credits earned in a junior college or two-year college will be accepted as degree credits at UW-Eau Claire.

Extension Credits. Credits earned in credit outreach courses offered by UW-Eau Claire are treated as resident credits. Credits earned in extension courses offered by other units of the University of Wisconsin System are treated as transfer credits. All other (non-UW) extension and correspondence credits are normally limited to one-fourth of the total required for graduation from any curriculum.

WTCS Credits. A maximum of 72 semester credits earned in college parallel programs at Madison Area Technical College, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Nicolet Area Technical College, or Chippewa Valley Technical College may be accepted as degree credits at UW-Eau Claire. A set number of general education courses will be accepted from other technical schools. Occupational and technical courses may also be considered for transfer if the quality and content of the course work from the technical college is judged to be comparable to course work at UW-Eau Claire. Refer to the Transfer Credit Wizard or contact the UW-Eau Claire Admissions Office for information about the current transfer policy.

USAFI Credit. UW-Eau Claire will accept up to 32 semester credits for work done through the United States Armed Forces Institute, under the provision for non-UW correspondence credit (see Extension Credits above).

Activity Credit (band, chorus, drama, KINS 100-184 courses) Students may count toward graduation no more than one credit of KINS 110-184 courses. Students may count toward graduation no more than four credits earned in any single activity course and no more than 12 credits resulting from any combination of activity courses (excluding KINS 110-184 courses). 

Other Restricted Credits. For other University restrictions, see the following: Cooperative Education; Credit by Examination; Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Registration; Transfer of Credits. College or departmental restrictions may also be placed on Independent Study (399-499 courses), Directed Study (395-495), and other types of credits.

APPLICABILITY OF CREDITS TOWARD GRADUATIONCredit Restrictions
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Total degree creditmaximum 12
Major, Standardmaximum 1 course
Major, Comprehensivemaximum 2 courses
Minormaximum 1 course
Credit by Examination
Total degree creditmaximum ¼ of total
Major or minormaximum ½ of total
Two-Year College Credits
Total degree creditmaximum 72 credits
Activity credit (band, chorus, drama, KINS 100-184)
Total KINS 100-184maximum 1 credit
Total Band, chorus, dramamaximum 12 credits
Single course band, chorus, dramamaximum 4 credits
Extension credits
UW-Systemno maximum
Other extension/correspondencemaximum ¼ of total
USAFI
USAFImaximum 32 credits

Liberal Education Core

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire measures learning outcomes to ensure that its graduates have achieved a liberal education and prepared themselves to contribute to a complex society. Upon graduation, each undergraduate will have met the five learning goals of our liberal education core and the 12 learning outcomes they comprise. 

LIBERAL EDUCATION CORE REQUIREMENTSa minimum of 36 credits
Knowledge Goal
Knowledge Outcome 1 (K1): Natural SciencesTwo (2) learning experiences
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2.
Knowledge Outcome 2 (K2): Social SciencesTwo (2) learning experiences
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2.
Knowledge Outcome 3 (K3): HumanitiesTwo (2) learning experiences
Knowledge Outcome 4 (K4): Fine ArtsOne (1) learning experience
Skills Goal
Skills Outcome 1 (S1): Written and Oral CommunicationTwo (2) learning experiences
Skills Outcome 2 (S2): MathematicsOne (1) learning experience
Skills Outcome 3 (S3): CreativityOne (1) learning experience
Responsibility Goal
Responsibility Outcome 1 (R1): Equity, Diversity, and InclusivityTwo (2) learning experiences
Responsibility Outcome 2 (R2): Global PerspectivesOne (1) learning experience
Responsibility Outcome 3 (R3): Civic and Environmental IssuesOne (1) learning experience
Integration Goal
Integration Outcome 1 (I1): IntegrationTwo (2) learning experiences
Service-Learning Goal
Service-Learning30 hours

College Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree (B.A./B.S.)

University Graduation Requirements. All candidates for degrees must fulfill the requirements for credits, curriculum, GPA, and University residency as specified in the section of this catalog titled University Graduation Requirements.

College Graduation Requirements: Grade Point Averages. All candidates for degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences must earn minimum resident and total GPAs of 2.00 in the major, the minor, and the certificate. The resident and total GPAs for the major are computed using all attempted credits applicable to the major including those offered by departments other than the major department. The resident and total GPAs for the minor and the certificate are computed similarly.

Major-Minor and Major-Certificate Requirements. A standard major (a minimum of 36 credits) must be supplemented by a minor (a minimum of 24 credits) or by a certificate (12 to 18 credits) to meet graduation requirements for completing a first and second degree program. No minor or certificate is required with a Comprehensive Major (60 or more credits) or with two majors of 36 or more credits each.

Certain degree programs, which include Comprehensive Majors, may require more than the minimum of 120 credits for graduation.

Acceptable academic program combinations are determined at the college level. A major and a minor or a major and certificate or two majors (if available) may not be elected in the same department or program, except in the approved combinations listed here.

College Credits. Earn at least 90 credits in courses offered by the College of Arts and Sciences.

Bachelor of Arts Degree in the College of Arts and Sciences (B.A.)

Fulfillment of all University Graduation Requirements (which includes the Liberal Education Core); all College-level degree requirements (major and minor/certificate emphases, GPAs, earning at least 90 credits in Arts and Sciences course work); foreign language competency at the 102 level.  Foreign language competency may be met in one of two ways:  (1) Achieve a score on the foreign language placement test that qualifies the student to enter the 201-level course in a foreign language.  (2) Earn a grade of at least C (not C-) or a mark of S in a 102-level foreign language course (or AIS 112 or AIS 122 / LANG 122 or CSD 103).

Bachelor of Science Degree in the College of Arts and Sciences (B.S.)

Fulfillment of all University Graduation Requirements (which includes the Liberal Education Core); all College-level degree requirements (major and minor/certificate emphases, GPAs, earning at least 90 credits in Arts and Sciences course work); mathematics competency at the MATH 111, MATH 112 or MATH 113 level.  Mathematics competency can be met in one of three ways:  (1) Achieve a score on the mathematics placement test that qualifies the student to enter MATH 114.  (2) Earn a grade of at least C (not C-) or a mark of S in MATH 111, MATH 112, or MATH 113.  (3) Achieve a satisfactory score on the MATH 112 competency test.  This test may be attempted no more than two times.

Major Requirements

Liberal Arts (Code 020-007)

This major is designed to provide students with a liberal arts experience in art or design, creating a well-rounded education that combines artistic interests with other academic disciplines. It provides an excellent technical, conceptual, creative, and aesthetic foundation for broader career options.

Sixty semester credits, including:
Department Requirements
Foundations Courses (should be completed in the first year of study):
ART 107Foundations: Drawing and Composition3
ART 108Foundations: Two-Dimensional Design3
or ART 110 Foundations: Three-Dimensional Art
ART 116Foundations: Digital Frameworks3
ARTH 109Art of the 20th Century3
Area Requirements
ART 275Typography3
ART 374Graphic Design: Concepts and Experimentation3
ART 375User Experience and Web Design3
ART 376Identity Development and Design3
Advanced Course Requirements
ART 477Portfolio and Professional Development3
ART 476Design for Community and People3
or ART 474 Digital Design: Expanded Media
or ART 373 Motion Graphics
Art History Requirement9
Global Art History Since 1400
History of Graphic Design
ARTH Elective (3 credits; ARTH 333 recommended)
Electives in Studio Art (ART) Courses (Six credits must be at 300- or 400-level)12
Interdisciplinary Electives9
Choose three courses from:
Multimedia Communication
Fundamentals of Speech
Introduction to Integrated Strategic Communication
Fundamentals of Web Page Design
Introduction to Web Programming
Web Database Design and Implementation
Animation Programming
Total Credits60

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be expected to meet the following learning outcomes:

  • Implement the Principles of Design.
  • Create design concepts that demonstrate critical and analytical thinking.
  • Develop creative solutions to artistic and intellectual problems.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of design history.
  • Conduct research about the contexts of design.
  • Demonstrate awareness of diverse audiences.

Sample Degree Plan

Art, Liberal Arts, Graphic Communications Emphasis, Comprehensive Major, B.A.

The following is a sample degree plan, based on the 2023-2024 catalog. It is based on the 120-credit graduation requirement and assumes no transferred credits, no requirements waived by placement tests, no courses taken in the summer or winter, no repeated courses, and no remedial courses that may be required. This sample degree plan is intended for first-year students entering UW-Eau Claire in the fall semester. Your own degree plan may differ depending on the course of study selected (second major, minor, etc.). UW-Eau Claire cannot guarantee all courses will be offered as shown, but will provide a range of courses that may enable prepared students to fulfill their requirements in a timely period. This sample degree plan is just a guide. Please consult your advisor, your degree audit, and the catalog to create your own degree plan. Note: In order to earn the required minimum of 120 credits for the degree in four years, you should plan to take 15 credits each semester or 30 credits each year.

To earn a degree, students must fulfill all University Graduation Requirements, including the Liberal Education (LE) Core.  LE Core course work in the following sample degree plan uses abbreviations such as LE-K1, LE-S2, LE-R3, and LE-I1 to represent the learning outcomes students will meet via completion of their liberal education course work.  Please click here for a description of the Liberal Education Core outcomes and requirements.  Note that the LE Core may be completed through both course and non-course experiences.

Students in this major have the option to pursue either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree.  The degrees are distinguished by foreign language competency for the B.A. and a higher level of mathematics competency for the B.S.

SOME TIME WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
ART 107Foundations: Drawing and Composition3
ART 108Foundations: Two-Dimensional Design (LE-S3)3
OR
Foundations: Three-Dimensional Art
LE Option: Knowledge 2 (LE-K2) Social Sciences3
WRIT 114Intensive Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1)5
OR
Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1)
SECOND SEMESTER
ART 116Foundations: Digital Frameworks3
ARTH 109Art of the 20th Century (LE-K4)3
LE Option: Knowledge 1 (LE-K1) Natural Sciences3
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (LE-K3) Humanities3
LE Option: Skills 2 (LE-S2) Mathematics - University Mathematics Requirement4
TOTAL CREDITS FIRST YEAR30
SOME TIME WITHIN THE SECOND YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
ART 275Typography3
ART Studio Art Elective3
ART Studio Art Elective3
LE Option: Knowledge 2 (LE-K2) Social Sciences3
LE Option: Skills 1 (LE-S1) Written and Oral Communication - 101-Level Language Elective4
SECOND SEMESTER
ARTH 225History of Graphic Design3
ART 374Graphic Design: Concepts and Experimentation3
ART Studio Art Elective3
ARTH 112Global Art History Since 1400 (LE-K4)3
LE Option: Skills 1 (LE-S1) Written and Oral Communication - 102-level Language Elective4
TOTAL CREDITS SECOND YEAR32
SOME TIME WITHIN THE THIRD YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
ART 375User Experience and Web Design3
ART Upper Level Studio Art Elective b3
CJ or CS Interdisciplinary Elective a3
LE Option: Knowledge 1 (LE-K1L) Natural Sciences with Lab4
LE Option: Integration (LE-I1)3
SECOND SEMESTER
ART 376Identity Development and Design3
ART Upper Level Studio Art Elective b3
ARTH (Art History) Elective c3
CJ or CS Interdisciplinary Elective a3
LE Option: Responsibility 1 (LE-R1, DDIV) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity with Design for Diversity3
TOTAL CREDITS THIRD YEAR31
SOME TIME WITHIN THE FOURTH YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
ART 474Digital Design: Expanded Media3
OR
Design for Community and People d
CJ or CS Interdisciplinary Elective a3
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (LE-K3) Humanities3
LE Option: Responsibility 1 (LE-R1) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity3
ELECTIVE3
SECOND SEMESTER
ART 477Portfolio and Professional Development d3
LE Option: Responsibility 2 (LE-R2) Global Perspectives3
LE Option: Responsibility 3 (LE-R3) Civic and Environmental Issues3
LE Option: Integration (LE-I1)3
TOTAL CREDITS FOURTH YEAR27

Minimum total for the baccalaureate degree = 120 credits 

a

Interdisciplinary Elective – The Graphic Communications area of study requires the integration of courses from the Communication and Journalism and/or the Computer Science departments. Choose three courses from the following list: 

  • CJ 184: Multimedia Communication 
  • CJ 202: Fundamentals of Speech 
  • CJ 260: Introduction to Integrated Strategic Communication 
  • CS 318: Fundamentals of Web Page Design 
  • CS 319: Introduction to Web Programming 
  • CS 320: Web Database Design and Implementation 
  • CS 322: Animation Programming 
b

Six credits of electives with the ART prefix must be upper level (courses numbered 300 and higher) to meet University requirements.

c

Recommended Art History elective – ARTH 333: Themes in Contemporary Art

d

ART 476 is only offered in the fall semesters, and ART 477 is only offered in the spring semesters.

Service-Learning 
All candidates for the baccalaureate degree at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire must satisfactorily complete 30 hours of approved service-learning activity. This requirement is intended to provide students with an opportunity to serve their community, apply knowledge gained in the classroom, enhance their critical thinking skills, and become informed, active, and responsible citizens. A Service-Learning Guidebook is available on the Service-Learning website.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HIGH IMPACT PRACTICES (HIPs) 
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire encourages all students to participate in High Impact Practices.  The following information identifies any specific recommendations that faculty in this major have concerning which HIPs might be most beneficial to students, and any recommendations about when those HIPs best fit into the degree plan. Students should also consult their faculty advisor for information on HIPs. There are many additional high impact opportunities available. Talk to your academic advisor for more information about incorporating HIPs like Study AbroadIntercultural ImmersionInternship, and/or  Student/Faculty Collaborative Research into your time at UW-Eau Claire. 

 

Liberal Education (LE) Core Guidance

Liberal Education Core (LE Core) 

The LE Core comprises 17 learning experiences across 11 learning outcomes. Students must complete a minimum of 36 credits in courses approved for the LE Core. 

  • K1 – Natural Sciences; two experiences (one lab science experience is required in K1 or K2). 

  • K2 – Social Sciences; two experiences (one lab science experience is required in K1 or K2). 

  • K3 – Humanities; two experiences. 

  • K4 – Fine Arts; one experience. 

  • S1 – Written and Oral Communication; two experiences (one experience must satisfy the University writing requirement). 

  • S2 – Mathematics; one experience (must satisfy the University math competency requirement). 

  • S3 – Creativity; one experience (can be fulfilled in a student’s major). 

  • R1 – Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity; two experiences (one experience must meet the UW System Design for Diversity (DD) requirement). 

  • R2 – Global Perspectives; one experience. 

  • R3 – Civic and Environmental Issues; one experience. 

  • I1 – Integration; two experiences (one experience can be fulfilled in a student’s major). 

  • SL—Service Learning; 30 hours 

Additional LE Core Information 

  • Most LE Core learning experiences are course based, and many courses meet more than one learning outcome (e.g., K3 and R2 or K1 and R3). 

  • Some learning experiences can also be met outside of a traditional course (e.g., undergraduate research (S3), study abroad (I1)). 

  • S1 – An English placement score that fulfills the University writing requirement fulfills one S1 experience. 

  • S1 – A foreign Language placement score that qualifies the student to enter the 102 level satisfies one S1 experience. 

  • S1, R2 – A foreign language placement score that qualifies the student to enter the 202 level satisfies one experience in S1 and the R2 experience. 

  • S2 – A math placement score that qualifies the student to enter Math 111, 112, 113 or 114 fulfills the S2 experience. 

  • S3 – Completion of two credits from any approved music ensemble fulfills the S3 experience. 

  • I1 – Any semester long study abroad program can fulfill one I1 experience.