three dancers wearing black dresses on a dark stage, reaching dramatically with their arms

Arts at UW

At UW–Madison, the arts are for everyone. No matter your major, you’re encouraged to make creative exploration part of your college experience.

Arts Classes for Any Major

At UW–Madison, academic flexibility makes exploration possible. Students of any major can take courses in the arts — many of which fulfill general education requirements — so you can explore creativity and stay on track to graduate.

Undergraduate ceramics student Juliana Crooks refines the lip of a wheel-thrown container in the ceramics workshop in the Art Lofts Building at the University of Wisconsin-Madison during an Open Studio Day. (Photo by Bryce Richter / UW–Madison)
A student assists in a glass blowing demonstration in the Art Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. (Photo by Bryce Richter / UW-Madison)

Areas of Study

Explore a wide range of arts-focused areas of study to pursue as a major, certificate, or alongside another field of study- allowing you to combine your artistic interests with your academic and career goals.

A Creative Arts Learning Community

The Studio is a community of first-year students united by a passion for creative expression. Embedded within Sellery Residence Hall, students can access onsite rehearsal, study, drafting, and performance spaces and a plethora of art-related events to attend throughout the year.

a photo of two students performing vocals on a stage with The Studio logo layered on top
Stage lights shine as people listen to a live music performance at the Memorial Union Terrace at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and dusk falls to nighttime during summer on Aug. 1, 2026. (Photo by Jeff Miller / UW–Madison)

Explore the arts beyond the classroom