The campus culture that UWM fosters leaves a lasting impression on students, so much so that many graduates may not want to leave. For alum Elora Hennessey (BFA 2017, Art), she didn’t need to. Hennessey has been a Staff Photographer for UWM’s Division of Marketing, Communications, and University Relations (MarComm) …
Arts Integration & Learning Undergraduate Certificate
Gain a competitive edge in education by teaching through the arts. The arts integration and learning undergraduate certificate, offered jointly by UWM’s School of Education and Peck School of the Arts, deepens your understanding of best practices in arts integration.
Designed to complement, not substitute for, teacher certification, this undergraduate certificate supports students pursuing licensure in early childhood, middle childhood/early adolescence, or art, music, dance, or theatre education. It’s also open to post-baccalaureate students who already hold teacher certification. While this program does not lead to Art (K–12) certification on its own, it strengthens your preparation to integrate the arts meaningfully across disciplines and inspire young people in all types of classrooms.
Program Type
Undergraduate Certificate
Program Format
On Campus
The arts are for everyone
A minor or certificate in the arts provides a well-rounded education. That’s because the arts foster creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They enhance communication and presentation skills, which are valuable in any professional setting. Engaging in the arts also increases empathy and understanding of diverse people and perspectives. Plus, they bring a unique selling point to your resume by demonstrating a versatile skill set.
And let’s be honest: The arts are also a lot of fun, adding stress relief and variety to your college experience.
89%Executives agree that creativity is a top skill
91%Americans agree the arts are vital to education
73%Americans say the arts help them understand others
45Minutes of art making can reduce stress levels
Arts Integration Specialist Certificate Details
The Arts Integration & Learning undergraduate certificate builds on the strengths of our Art Education program while inviting you to engage coursework across dance, film, music, and theatre. Designed as an addition to an education degree, your certificate culminates in a capstone course, which takes the form of a workshop in art education or curriculum and instruction.
Guided by experienced educators, you’ll develop the skills to design and teach curriculum that connects socially engaged contemporary art and visual culture to students’ lives, identities, and communities in a diverse range of school settings.
Explore the Arts Integration & Learning, Undergraduate Certificate requirements in the Academic Catalog.
Please note: This certificate does not lead to Art (K–12) teacher certification. Students seeking teacher licensure in Art must complete the Art Education program requirements.
Art & Design Studio Disciplines
Led by expert artist faculty, our art and design studio disciplines are content areas that provide focus to your creative research, practice and degree. We offer the following studio disciplines: Ceramics, Creative Technologies, Design, Digital Fabrication, Fibers, Jewelry & Metalsmithing, Painting & Drawing, Photography & Imaging, Printmaking & Book Arts and Sculpture.
First Year Program in Art & Design
We don’t expect our new students to figure out college life on their own. Our First Year Program is designed to help new art and design students. In addition to specific coursework carefully chosen to foster success, we connect students to the many resources and opportunities found within a research university. Plus, we surround students with individualized support as they dive deeper into their program and find their way.
Artists Now! Guest Lecture Series
Throughout the fall and spring semesters, the Artists Now! Guest Lecture Series welcomes a diverse group of nationally and internationally recognized artists working across traditional, hybrid and emergent disciplines. Join us to explore and expand boundaries of creative visual practices alongside others with an interest in contemporary visual art.
Galleries & Exhibitions
Our art and design programs host many galleries and exhibitions both on campus and throughout the community. Our campus is home to four permanent art galleries, each with its own unique mission. All of them are free, open to the public and accessible for everyone to enjoy.
Milwaukee is also home to dozens of galleries and museums. All students in an art and design degree program receive a free annual membership to the Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM). That means you can visit MAM and its events, including the popular MAM After Dark series, free of charge while you are a student.
Internships & Opportunities
Students work and intern professionally with Milwaukee’s leading art museums and galleries, creative agencies, corporations and nonprofits. They also find internships across the country and beyond. Discover where your education can take you. Learn more about internships and opportunities.
Student Organizations & Clubs
Meet like-minded people in a wide variety of student organizations and clubs who inspire creativity and will support your aspirations. Collaborate and create, network with professional artists, and deepen your connection with faculty, mentors and fellow students outside of the classroom.
Study Abroad
We believe that a complete education in the arts should take you beyond the classroom and the local community. By studying abroad, you’ll gain more than a change of scenery. You’ll embark on a transformative educational experience and bring a global perspective to your field of study. Explore upcoming trips offered in partnership with the Center for International Education.
Art & Design Alumni Stories
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PSOA alum details what it is like to be a campus photographer
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Two PSOA alums receive 2026 Nohl FellowshipsPSOA alum Evelyn Patricia Terry and lecturer and alum Yinan Wang were named among five recipients of the 2026 Mary L. Nohl Fellowship for Individual Artists. Terry was selected in the Established Artist category, and Wang was selected in the Emerging Artist category. FVANG Associate Professor Mike Gibisser was also …
Art & Design Careers
- 3D Animator / Modeler
- Advertising Director
- Animator
- App Developer
- Art Critic / Writer
- Art Dealer
- Art Director
- Art Gallery Owner
- Art Historian
- Art Therapist
- Artisan Solutionist
- Artist in Residence
- Artists’ Agent
- Arts Administrator
- Augmented Reality Designer
- Blacksmith
- Ceramicist
- Commercial Artist
- Community Artist
- Community Organizer
- Consultant
- Costume Designer
- Creative Services Manager
- Curator
- Design Manager
- Designer
- Director of Community Engagement
- Educator
- Entrepreneur
- Exhibit Designer
- Fabricator
- Fashion Designer
- Fine Artist
- Floral Designer
- Font Designer
- Freelance Artist
- Furniture Designer / Restorer
- Game Designer
- Graphic Designer
- Graphic Artist
- Illustrator
- Industrial Designer
- Interactive Designer
- Interior Designer
- Jewelry Designer / Maker
- Lighting Designer
- Makeup Artist
- Marketing & Sales Director
- Metalsmith
- Mixed Media Artist
- Muralist
- Museum Director
- Packaging Designer
- Painter
- Photographer
- Photographic Stylist
- Photographic Technician
- Printmaker
- Product Designer
- Production Artist
- Program Director / Coordinator
- Prop Maker
- Public Artist
- Public Relations Director
- Sculptor
- Set Designer
- Sketch Artist
- Stylist
- Technical Designer, Apparel
- Textile Designer
- Toy Maker
- User Experience / User Interface Designer
- Visual Merchandiser
- Visual / Special Effects Artist
- Web Designer / Developer
Arts Integration Specialist Certificate Faculty
Which faculty you have within this program is dependent upon your chosen courses or interests. For a list of all Art & Design faculty and staff please click the button below.
