The Interdisciplinary Visual Arts program at the University of Washington offers students a comprehensive and dynamic educational experience that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and technical skill development across a broad spectrum of artistic disciplines. Designed for aspiring artists, designers, and creators, this program provides a flexible curriculum that encourages experimental approaches and innovative practices in visual arts. Students have the opportunity to explore various media including painting, sculpture, digital art, installation, performance, and new media, allowing for a personalized and evolving artistic journey. The program emphasizes the integration of traditional techniques with contemporary digital technologies, preparing graduates to engage with diverse art forms and contemporary cultural dialogues. Throughout their studies, students benefit from the mentorship of experienced faculty who are active practitioners and scholars in their fields, as well as access to state-of-the-art facilities such as studio spaces, digital labs, and exhibition venues. The curriculum promotes critical analysis and contextual understanding of art within historical, social, and cultural frameworks, promoting a holistic approach to visual arts education. Interdisciplinary collaboration is central to the program, encouraging students to work across disciplines, engage in community projects, and participate in exhibitions and art events both on campus and in the wider art community. Graduates of the program are well-equipped for careers as professional artists, curators, educators, art administrators, and entrepreneurs, contributing to the cultural and artistic landscape locally, nationally, and internationally. The program also offers opportunities for research, advanced study, and engagement with global art trends, fostering a vibrant community of innovative thinkers and makers dedicated to pushing the boundaries of visual art.

Interdisciplinary Visual Art majors may plan to take studio classes in fibers, printmaking, painting and drawing, sculpture, ceramics, and glass. A detailed list of courses offered by the school, from which IVA majors may choose, is available in the Online Course Catalog: ART, ART HISTORY

The Interdisciplinary Visual Arts program has developed and teaches a number of innovative courses with a mixed media, cross-disciplinary approach, combining both traditional and digital new technologies specifically designed for their majors. These classes are listed below.

Please note:  Due to space and resource limitations during the regular school year, we are unable to offer studio courses to non-matriculated students.  Non-matriculated students are welcome during summer quarter. Auditors are not allowed in studio courses.

Interdisciplinary Visual Arts Major Requirements

Introductory Courses (20 Credits)

ART 260 (required)
15 additional credits in lower division (100/200) ART
*A maximum of 10 cr of 100/200-level transfer ART classes may be applied towards the IVA studio art requirements

Intermediate & Advanced Courses (25 Credits)

300 or 400 level ART courses
Recommended classes: ART 360, ART 400, ART Internships

Art History Courses (15 Credits)

General Education Requirements

English Composition (5 Credits)
Additional Writing (‘w’ courses) (10 Credits)
Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning (5 Credits)
Foreign Language (0–15 Credits)
Areas of Knowledge (75 Credits)
Visual, Literary, and Performing Arts; Individuals and Societies; Natural World

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ENTERING FRESHMEN + TRANSFER STUDENTS

The Crabby Beach Foundation Scholarship in Art and the Kathryn Hinckley-Martin Endowed Scholarship are awarded each autumn quarter to entering freshmen or transfer students interested in majoring in art, art history or design. Application opens in July.

OTHER UW FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

The UW Office of Merit Scholarship, Fellowships and Awards lists scholarships for current and prospective students. Their database (accessible to current UW students only) includes several hundred merit-based scholarship opportunities. Be sure to check back periodically; they are continually adding more scholarships.

The Interdisciplinary Visual Arts program at the University of Washington offers students a unique opportunity to explore the creative junction of multiple artistic disciplines, fostering innovation and experimental approaches. This program is designed for students who are interested in developing a comprehensive art practice that integrates various media, techniques, and conceptual frameworks. Students in this program benefit from a curriculum that encourages critical thinking, technical skill development, and theoretical inquiry, often involving collaborations across departments such as art, design, technology, and media studies. The program emphasizes hands-on studio work complemented by courses that address contemporary art practices, history, and criticism, ensuring a well-rounded education in visual arts.

At the University of Washington, students can access state-of-the-art facilities, including specialized studios, digital labs, and fabrication workshops, to support their artistic exploration. The program often incorporates both traditional art forms and emerging digital and interdisciplinary media, reflecting current trends and innovations within the art world. Faculty members are accomplished artists and scholars who guide students through projects that challenge conventional boundaries and foster innovative problem-solving skills. The curriculum typically includes opportunities for exhibition, public art projects, and collaborative works, providing students with practical experience and exposure to professional art environments.

Graduates of the Interdisciplinary Visual Arts program are equipped to pursue careers in various fields including fine arts, design, digital media, installation, curatorial practice, and arts education. They are prepared to contribute meaningfully to contemporary artistic dialogues and often engage in community-based projects, emphasizing the social impact of art. The program encourages participation in local and national art festivals, exhibitions, and residencies, further supporting the career development of its students. Overall, the Interdisciplinary Visual Arts program at the University of Washington cultivates innovative, versatile, and engaged artists ready to make significant contributions to the arts and culture sector.