The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting + Drawing at the University of Washington offers students a comprehensive and immersive education in the visual arts, emphasizing the development of technical skill, conceptual understanding, and individual artistic voice. This program is designed for aspiring artists who wish to deepen their mastery of painting and drawing while engaging with contemporary art practices and critical discourse. Students have access to state-of-the-art studio facilities and are encouraged to experiment across diverse media, styles, and techniques. The curriculum balances foundational courses in drawing, color theory, and materials with advanced studios that focus on personal projects, interdisciplinary approaches, and innovative methodologies. Students are mentored by experienced faculty who are active artists and scholars, providing personalized feedback and professional guidance throughout their artistic journey. The program also includes opportunities for exhibitions, internships, and collaborative projects that prepare graduates for diverse careers in the arts. Emphasizing both individual artistic development and community engagement, the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting + Drawing fosters a vibrant creative environment that prepares students for graduate studies, professional art practices, or related fields. Graduates of this program are equipped with a robust portfolio, critical thinking skills, and a visionary approach to art-making, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to cultural conversations and artistic innovation. The University of Washington’s rich artistic community and resources provide an inspiring backdrop for students to explore, create, and push the boundaries of painting and drawing in contemporary contexts.

BFA / Bachelor of Fine Arts (90 Credits)

Students must have a 3.0 GPA to declare the major and maintain a 3.0 in all classes to remain in the major.

Introductory Courses (5 Credits)

ART 190 Beginning Drawing (5 Credits)

Drawing Courses (15 Credits)

ART 290 Beginning Drawing: The Figure (5 Credits)
ART 390 Intermediate Drawing (5 Credits)
ART 490 Advanced Drawing (5 Credits)

Painting Courses (40 Credits)

ART 292 Beginning Painting (5 Credits)
ART 392 Intermediate Painting (5 Credits)
ART 393 Intermediate Painting (5 Credits)
ART 492 Advanced Painting: The Figure (10 Credits) -or- ART 492 The Figure (5 Credits) AND ART 490 Advanced Drawing (5 Credits)
ART 494 Senior Seminar in Painting + Drawing (15 Credits)

Studio Art or Related Electives (15 Credits)

Art History Courses (15 Credits)

BA / Bachelor of Arts (55 Credits)

Students must have a 2.5 minimum GPA to declare the major.

Introductory Courses (5 Credits)

ART 190 Beginning Drawing  (5 Credits)

Drawing Classes (15 Credits)

ART 290 Beginning Drawing: The Figure (5 Credits)
ART 390 Intermediate Drawing (5 Credits)
ART 490 Advanced Drawing (5 Credits)

Painting Classes (45 Credits)

ART 292 Beginning Painting (5 Credits)
ART 392 Intermediate Painting (5 Credits)
ART 393 Intermediate Painting (5 Credits)
ART 492 Advanced Painting: The Figure (5 Credits)

General Education Requirements—Apply to both BFA and BA

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.

UW tuition information: rates, due dates and more.

BFA / Bachelor of Fine Arts (90 Credits)

BA / Bachelor of Arts (55 Credits)

Electives—Apply to both BFA and BA

In addition to the above listed general education requirements and major coursework, students take elective courses across the curriculum to supplement their education. The number of elective credits vary from student to student depending on variations in course of study. Students must take at least as many electives as complete the difference between general education requirements, major requirements, and the 180 credit minimum to graduate from the UW.