Power to shape society, spark innovation and move culture
That’s what Peck School of the Arts offers every student artist. Attending an arts school embedded in a major research university means every student receives the support needed to positively affect and engage the wider community and the world. As entrepreneurs, students are challenged to explore sustainable solutions to current issues through innovation, artistry and community engagement.
If you’ve previously earned credit in the UW System or Wisconsin Technical College and would like to evaluate how your courses may transfer, or for more information, visit UWM’s transfer page.
Peck School of the Arts applications require a two-step process for dance, music and theatre including entrance auditions and/or interviews. New term applications will be available near the start of August.
Step 1: Apply to UW-Milwaukee
To receive communications through the Admissions process from Peck School of the Arts, make sure you select a program from the degree list when applying to the University.
University Application
We’re so excited you’re taking this first step toward earning your college degree! As a new freshman, you can apply using either the UW System application or the Common App. You can find those applications and all the information you need to complete your application at the link below.
Interested in declaring a minor or certificate? Contact us to get started.
Art & Design
After being admitted to UW-Milwaukee and indicating an Art program as your chosen major, no further steps are required to start taking foundation classes in the Department of Art & Design.
Those interested in applying for departmental scholarships should do soby December 15 for priority consideration.
Dance
To be accepted into the Dance BA or BFA program, applicants must also be accepted to UW-Milwaukee and complete a successful entrance audition within the Peck School of the Arts.
Those interested in departmental scholarships should complete requirements by March 1 for priority consideration.
Application
Statement of Intent Upload a one-page PDF (300 word minimum) that describes how your interests and experience relates to your intended college choice and career path.
Entrance Auditions for *Spring 2025 and ‡Fall 2025 consideration
Applicants may audition in-person or by submitting a video.
In-Person Audition Auditions will be held on the UW-Milwaukee campus. They include faculty introductions, facility tours, technique classes, performance of a one-minute solo, and a question and answer session with faculty. We will inform you of which technique classes will be included.
Friday, December 6, 2024 *‡
Friday, February 7, 2025 ‡
Saturday, March 8, 2025 ‡
Video Audition Students who are unable to audition in-person may submit a video audition. Applicants should record themselves in three videos.
Dancing in a technique class (variation one)
Dancing in a technique class (variation two)
One solo performance
Videos should be recorded in a studio or gym, not a residential space like a living room or bedroom (if possible). They can be uploaded to YouTube, Vimeo or a file sharing site like Google Drive or Dropbox. The links, plus related explanations and/or necessary passwords, should be included.
After being admitted to UW-Milwaukee and indicating a Film program as your chosen major, no further steps are required to start taking foundation classes in the Department of Film, Video, Animation & New Genres.
Those interested in applying for departmental scholarships should do so by January 31 for priority consideration.
Music
To be accepted into the Music BA or BFA program, applicants must also be accepted to UW-Milwaukee and complete a successful entrance audition and/or interview within the Peck School of the Arts.
Those interested in departmental scholarships should complete requirements by March 1 for priority consideration.
Statement of Intent Upload a one-page PDF (100 word minimum) that describes your desired musical career and how studying at UWM will help prepare you.
Piano Placement Video Those with prior piano experience may share a short video in order to place you in the appropriate course level. Videos should include the two segments below and be uploaded to YouTube. The frame should include your entire upper body and a view of both hands.
One piece hands together – no memory required, classical in style (i.e. no original compositions, jazz, pop music, etc.)
Two scales hands together – one major, one minor, two octaves, correct fingerings
Music Theory Placement Exam
All intended music majors are required to take a 30-60 minute online theory placement exam. You will receive an email with instructions and after your application has been reviewed. Please complete the exam soon after receiving it.
Entrance Audition or Interview for *Spring 2025 and ‡Fall 2025 consideration
All Music BA and BFA degree programs require an entrance audition or interview and have specific entrance audition requirements (PDF). Applicants will attend an orientation, a Department of Music student convocation, and meet with faculty. The typical day starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends around 2 p.m. Parents/guardians are encouraged to attend. Presentations from Financial Aid, the Student Health and Wellness Center, and University Housing will be offered.
While in-person is highly recommended, we understand some applicants may need to submit digitally and meet virtually.
To be accepted into the Theatre BA or BFA program, applicants must also be accepted to UW-Milwaukee and complete a successful entrance audition and/or interview within the Peck School of the Arts.
Those interested in department scholarships should complete requirements by March 1 for priority consideration.
Resume & Statement of Intent(All programs) A one-page resume detailing your performance/production or teaching experiences and extracurricular activities, and an additional one-page statement describing how your interests and past experiences relate to your intended college choice and career path.
Letter of Recommendation(Production, Acting, Musical Theatre) 1-2 letters from instructors or employers familiar with your theatre or teaching experience and/or academic ability.
Pre-screen Performance Recordings(Acting, Musical Theatre) A performance you will record and submit with your Theatre application. Requirements (PDF) vary by program.
Music Theory & Piano Placement Exams(Musical Theatre) Students with prior piano or music theory experience will have the option of taking a theory exam and/or sharing a piano composition video to help with course placement.
Entrance interview for *Spring 2025 and ‡Fall 2025 consideration
If you are applying for Production, we will reach out after submission to arrange a customized department tour, interview with faculty and discussion with current students.
If you are applying to our other BA or BFA programs, please see the schedule below and note any specific application requirements (PDF). During your interview you will be asked to share your motivation for pursuing this course of study and to present any questions you may have. If you are applying for Performance you may be asked to repeat your audition piece and take direction on it.
If you are not able to meet in person please contact theatre-admission@uwm.edu to request an alternative option prior to submitting your application.
A graduate education at UWM is more than just a degree. It’s an experience.
Whether you are interested in a professional master’s degree or advancing your career with a graduate certificate, you can be confident in knowing that we are just as committed to your education as you are.
Please review individual program requirements by selecting your desired degree within the UWM Catalog and navigating to the requirements tab. After review, complete and submit the Graduate School application.
Please review the Cinematic Arts, MFA requirements prior to completing and submitting the Graduate School application. The most substantive parts of the application include work samples, statement of intent and curriculum vitae.
Application Deadline
Fall: January 15 Application and financial support deadline.
Work Samples Instructions
Submit a PDF containing URLs and passwords (if applicable) for two moving image work samples. If a work is longer than 20 minutes, provide a link to a 5–10 minute excerpt along with a link to the full piece.
For each work sample please include the following within the PDF.
Title of work
Total run time
Year of production
Short synopsis (100-word limit)
A clear indication of your role in the work
Portfolios that consist of both film/video and other expanded multimedia forms may:
Submit a URL for ONE moving-image work sample
Submit links to documentation for TWO additional works (installation, sculpture, performance, etc.). Please provide links for up to 10 still images or moving image documentation as appropriate to the work. For each work sample, provide identifying information as instructed above (relevant to the work, “running time” can be replaced by “medium,” “duration” or other description.)
Please review individual program requirements by selecting your desired degree within the UWM Catalog and navigating to the requirements tab. After review, complete and submit the Graduate School application.
Application Deadline
Fall: March 1 | Spring: December 1 Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on a rolling basis and may not be processed in time for the intended semester.
For programs that require an audition/interview, we strongly recommend you submit the Music Audition Form and the Music Performance Audition Registration in your application one month prior to the deadline. Your audition/interview does not need to be completed prior to the application deadline.
Peck School of the Arts offers Post-Baccalaureate K-12 teacher certification in three areas: Art Education, Music Education and Theatre Education. The program is available for those who already hold an undergraduate degree in a related major (art, music, theatre) and have graduated with a 3.0+ cumulative GPA. If you do not meet these two requirements, you must instead apply to UWM as a second-degree undergraduate student.
For programs regulated by the Department of Public Instruction, a baccalaureate degree or approved equivalent from an accredited college or university is required.
Application Deadline
Admission Semester
December 15
Admission the following Spring or Summer
July 15
Admission the following Fall
Entrance Requirements
Step 1: Complete Peck School of the Arts Requirements
Interest Form
Resume Upload a resume (two page maximum) that includes educational background, work experience, special talents/skills and other relevant experience with children.
Transcripts Upload copies of transcripts from all institutions of higher education, including technical colleges. We’ll use these for your initial transfer credit review. If accepted into the Peck School program official transcripts will be requested during the UWM application process.
Education License – if applicable Upload copies of Wisconsin or Out-of-State Education Licenses.
Stipulations Letter – if applicable Upload documentation you may have received from DPI concerning stipulations or license renewals pertaining to your application or program requirements.
Portfolio – Art Education only Upload a single PDF including 10-15 examples of your artwork representative of the breadth and depth of prior undergraduate studies. Identify each image by media, size and year of completion.
Discussion with Area Head
After submitting your application the area head will reach out to schedule a time to meet. Discussion topics may include prior undergraduate studies, professional and educational experiences, review of transcripts, credit transfer and/or portfolios of work. We’ll also discuss your goals and determine how our program might fit best with your schedule.
Post-Discussion Audition – Music Education only Auditions will include a performance on your principal instrument/voice, sight singing and a piano selection using both hands. Details and dates will be discussed during your meeting.
Criminal Background Check
Our Advising & Student Services Office will connect with you shortly after your interview and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to submit your Criminal Background Check (CBC). The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) requires that all applicants to an educator preparation program submit a CBC prior to admission. CBCs previously completed for employment or other purposes cannot be used to satisfy this requirement, and must be completed via the approved process no more than six months before the admission decision.
Step 2: Apply to UW-Milwaukee as a Non-Degree Student
We’re so excited you’re taking this step to becoming an educator of the arts! As a non-degree seeking Post-Baccalaureate, you can apply using the UW System application.
For the required statement, please include language explicitly stating whether you’re applying to the Art Education, Music Education or Theatre Education Post-Baccalaureate program.
Preparing for a future defined by digital technology is an important step in developing artists. Our digitally integrated curriculum helps you achieve a professional level with leading art-related software and practices.
Laptop Requirements
Laptop ownership is strongly recommended for all undergraduates. However, it’s required for the programs below. Please contact the department chair or specific course instructors with any questions.
Department
Academic Programs
Art & Design
BA and BFA Programs
Dance
BA and BFA Programs
Film, Video, Animation & New Genres
BA and BFA Programs
Music
Composition & Technology Program
Theatre
BFA Production and BA Theatre Education Programs
Minimum Hardware & Software Requirements
The following programs require school-provided Adobe software that demand additional system resources. All other programs may use a laptop that suits their budget and preference.
NOTE: Web-centric or app-based laptops, such as ChromeBooks, that do not run Windows or Mac OS operating systems will not meet laptop requirements.
Students who already own a laptop or would like to purchase/borrow a used laptop may do so as long as the computer meets the requirements above. While Apple products are preferred, students may choose to use a PC. If you’re a financial aid recipient, you can ask for an “adjustment to the cost of attendance” to include this in your financial aid package.
