(Code 020-012) 

University Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR BACCALAUREATE DEGREE
Credit Requirements
Minimum total for graduation 1		120
Upper division credits (courses numbered 300 and higher)		39
Liberal Education Core		36
Academic Concentrations
Grade Point Requirements 2
Total		2.00 average
Resident		2.00 average
Major		2.00 average
Minor		2.00 average
Certificate		2.00 average
University Residency Requirements
Minimum total		30
Senior year		23
Major, Standard, upper division in residence		12
Major, Comprehensive, upper division in residence		21
Certificate		25 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.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
APPLICABILITY OF CREDITS TOWARD GRADUATION		Credit Restrictions
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Total degree credit		maximum 12
Major, Standard		maximum 1 course
Major, Comprehensive		maximum 2 courses
Minor		maximum 1 course
Credit by Examination
Total degree credit		maximum ¼ of total
Major or minor		maximum ½ of total
Two-Year College Credits
Total degree credit		maximum 72 credits
Activity credit (band, chorus, drama, KINS 100-184)
Total KINS 100-184		maximum 1 credit
Total Band, chorus, drama		maximum 12 credits
Single course band, chorus, drama		maximum 4 credits
Extension credits
UW-System		no maximum
Other extension/correspondence		maximum ¼ of total
USAFI
USAFI		maximum 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. 

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
LIBERAL EDUCATION CORE REQUIREMENTS		a minimum of 36 credits
Knowledge Goal
Knowledge Outcome 1 (K1): Natural Sciences		Two (2) learning experiences
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2.
Knowledge Outcome 2 (K2): Social Sciences		Two (2) learning experiences
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2.
Knowledge Outcome 3 (K3): Humanities		Two (2) learning experiences
Knowledge Outcome 4 (K4): Fine Arts		One (1) learning experience
Skills Goal
Skills Outcome 1 (S1): Written and Oral Communication		Two (2) learning experiences
One S1 must meet the University Writing Requirement
Skills Outcome 2 (S2): Mathematics		One (1) learning experience
One S2 to meet the University Mathematics Requirement
Skills Outcome 3 (S3): Creativity		One (1) learning experience
Responsibility Goal
Responsibility Outcome 1 (R1): Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity		Two (2) learning experiences
One R1 must satisfy Design for Diversity
Responsibility Outcome 2 (R2): Global Perspectives		One (1) learning experience
Responsibility Outcome 3 (R3): Civic and Environmental Issues		One (1) learning experience
Integration Goal
Integration Outcome 1 (I1): Integration		Two (2) learning experiences
Service-Learning Goal
Service-Learning		30 hours

College Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Fine Arts

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 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 Fine Arts Degree in the College of Arts and Sciences (B.F.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 can 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).

Major Requirements

(Code 020-012) 

This degree is designed as a specialty for students pursuing graduate studies or planning careers in Graphic Design. It provides the most immersive studio experience for graduating with a greater level of artistic development and focus. Students enrolling in the Comprehensive Major: Art, Graphic Design Emphasis will need to apply for a B.F.A. Review to remain in this major. The suggested time for this review is in the second year of study.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Seventy-five semester credits, including:
Department Requirements
Foundations Courses (should be completed in the first year of study):		12
ART 107	Foundations: Drawing and Composition
ART 108	Foundations: Two-Dimensional Design
ART 110	Foundations: Three-Dimensional Art
ARTH 109	Art of the 20th Century
Art History Requirement:		6
ARTH 111	Survey: Ancient to Medieval Art
ARTH 112	Survey: Renaissance to 20th Century Art
Area Requirements		21
ART 274	Compositional Principles of Graphic Design
ART 275	Principles of Typography
ART 276	Introduction to Visual Identity Design
ART 374	Visual Communication Design
ART 375	Digital Design I: Website Development
ART 476	Advanced Graphic Communications
ART 477	Professional Practices: Graphic Communication
Area Support Options, Choose Four:		12
ART 244	Introduction to Painting
ART 249	Introduction to Printmaking
ART 264	Beginning Sculpture
ART 278	3-D Computer Modeling
ART 281	Introduction to Photography as an Art Form
ART 332	Illustration Narratives
ART 342	Illustration Editorials
ART 376	Advanced Visual Identity Design
ART 383	Video for Art and Design
ART 384	Artist Books: Image & Text
ART 474	Digital Design II: Multimedia Development
Art History Requirement
ARTH 225	History of Graphic Design	3
Electives in Art (ART) or Art History (ARTH)		18
Electives in Art History (ARTH)		3
Total Credits		75

Additional B.F.A. Requirements

Further details regarding each of the following requirements are provided by the Art & Design Department each semester.

1. To be accepted to continue in the B.F.A. program, students must pass the B.F.A. Entrance Review. To complete the Review, students must apply with a minimum of 18 Art & Design credits including ART 107, ART 108, ART 110, ARTH 109 plus two courses in studio art. The maximum number of Art credits taken (including current enrollment) prior to the B.F.A. Entrance Review is 30.

2. B.F.A. Comprehensive Art majors must complete at least one of the following travel experiences:

   A) UWEC-approved International Study program;

   B) at least one of the department’s national field trips;

   C) at least two of the department’s regional field trips.

3. To complete the B.F.A. program, students must participate in a Senior Exhibition hosted in the University's Foster Gallery.

NOTE: Transfers, Changes of Major, and other exceptions must check with the Department and their faculty advisor to determine their position within the program and what requirements they will need to meet.

Program Learning Outcomes

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

• Apply the Elements and Principles of Design to visually communicate through Graphic Design.
• Show practical and technical command of materials, tools, processes and technologies to produce images, objects and/or experiences while demonstrating safe practices.
• Develop perceptual skills to recognize, analyze, and critically evaluate form and content of art.
• Apply and utilize oral and written communication (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) to clearly establish personal and professional voice.
• Develop and apply knowledge and understanding of the major art periods (styles, iconography, terminology, essential questions, issues and contexts) globally across history and cultures.
• Recognize diversity of peer and professional work and engage in critical discussion and critique through analysis and with respect for aesthetic and conceptual diversity.
• Engage in self-directed and collaborative problem analysis, problem solving, and critical/creative thinking.
• Engage in research and ideation that transmits specific intent, personal insight, attitude or expression.
• Recognize and embrace risk taking and openness to process as it transcends intent.
• Reflect on professional commitment and integrity.
• Research diverse social and cultural contexts in depth and breadth to create unique solutions that effectively and aesthetically solve a public communication problem.

Sample Degree Plan

Art, Graphic Design, Comprehensive Major, B.F.A.

The following is a sample degree plan, based on the 2022-2023 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.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
SOME TIME IN THE FIRST YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
ART 107	Foundations: Drawing and Composition	3
ART 108	Foundations: Two-Dimensional Design (LE-S3)	3
LE Option: Knowledge 2 (K2) Social Sciences		3
WRIT 114	Intensive Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1)	5
OR
WRIT 116	Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1)
SECOND SEMESTER
ART 110	Foundations: Three-Dimensional Art	3
ARTH 109	Art of the 20th Century (LE-K4)	3
Dual-Outcome Elective (LE-K3, LE-R3) a		3
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (K3) Humanities		3
LE Option: Skills 2 (S2) Mathematics		4
TOTAL CREDITS FIRST YEAR		30
SOME TIME IN THE SECOND YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
ART 274	Compositional Principles of Graphic Design	3
ARTH 111	Survey: Ancient to Medieval Art (LE-K4)	3
ARTH 225	History of Graphic Design	3
LE Option: Responsibility 1 (R1, DDIV) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity with Design for Diversity		3
101-level Language Elective (LE-S1)		4
SECOND SEMESTER
Participate in B.F.A. Review d
ART 275	Principles of Typography	3
ART 276	Introduction to Visual Identity Design	3
ARTH 112	Survey: Renaissance to 20th Century Art	3
ART/ARTH Elective		3
102-level Language Elective (LE-S1)		4
TOTAL CREDITS SECOND YEAR		32
SOME TIME IN THE THIRD YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
ART 374	Visual Communication Design	3
ART 375	Digital Design I: Website Development	3
ART Area Support b		3
ART/ARTH Elective		3
LE Option: Knowledge 1 (K1L) Natural Sciences with Lab		4
SECOND SEMESTER
ART Area Support b		3
ART Area Support b		3
ART Area Support b		3
ARTH Elective		3
LE Option: Responsibility 1 (R1) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity		3
TOTAL CREDITS THIRD YEAR		31
SOME TIME IN THE FOURTH YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
ART 476	Advanced Graphic Communications c	3
ART/ARTH Elective		3
ART/ARTH Elective		3
Dual-Outcome Elective (LE-K3, LE-R2) a		3
LE Option: Integration (I1)		3
SECOND SEMESTER
ART 477	Professional Practices: Graphic Communication c	3
ART/ARTH Elective		3
ART/ARTH Elective		3
LE Option: Knowledge 2 (K2) Social Sciences		3
LE Option: Integration (I1)		3
TOTAL CREDITS FOURTH YEAR		30

Minimum total for the baccalaureate degree = 120 credits