The Peck School of the Arts is once again well represented among this year’s Mary L. Nohl Fund Fellowships, with alum Michelle Grabner (BFA 1984; MA 1987) and alum/lecturer Sarah Ballard (MFA 2024, Cinematic Arts) receiving fellowships. The Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s Mary L. Nohl Fund Fellowships for Individual Artists program awards funds …
Community Arts Undergraduate Certificate
Learn how to use art as a tool to bring people together and make a positive impact on the community. Our certificate is designed to give cause-driven people like you hands-on opportunities to explore art in community settings.
This certificate program is ideal for undergraduate or post-baccalaureate students interested in social justice, environmental issues, community building, public art and placemaking. It is also open to non-degree students who have a strong interest in using art as a form of activism. Whichever one describes you, we’ll empower you with hands-on learning, expert guidance and a network of community organizations to become a changemaker through the arts.
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
Program Details
Community Arts curriculum is focused on art and community engagement, community cultural development, and the pursuit of social and environmental justice by highlighting art practices that integrate collaborative processes, social cooperation and service-learning experiences. You’ll accomplish this through arts activity partnerships with community organizations and connecting coursework offered by UWM’s Cultures and Communities program.
You’ll work closely with the community arts coordinator to design a program of study that inspires you and supports your work through a variety of designated courses.
View the Community Arts, Undergraduate Certificate requirements.
You may also be interested in our Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art, which has an option to specialize in community arts to take your passion to the next level.
Art & Design Studio Disciplines
Led by expert artist faculty, our Art & 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
We don’t expect our new students to figure out college life on their own. Our First Year Program is designed to help new 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 & 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.
Alumni Stories in Art & Design
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Three PSOA alums receive 2025 Nohl Fellowships
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Art MFA alum explores resiliency during Villa Terrace residencyA solo exhibition by J. Celeste Contreras Skierski (MFA 2022, Art: Print & Book Arts; Lecturer, Art & Design) is currently on view at Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum in Milwaukee, a culmination of her six-month residency at the cultural landmark in Milwaukee. During her residency, Skierski carved and stamped …
Careers in Art & Design
- 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
Program 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 follow the link below.
- Teaching Faculty II, Printmaking & Book Arts
- Teaching Faculty II, Community Arts
- Teaching Faculty II, Writing & Critical Thinking
