Explore what you can study in the Arts at the University of Washington.
Through critical inquiry, technical training, and interdisciplinary and collaborative processes, you will develop as imaginative and enterprising artists, designers, scholars, cultural leaders, and arts advocates.
Academic Units
School of Art + Art History + Design
The School of Art + Art History + Design is the center for creative innovation and study at one of the world’s leading public research institutions. Using an interdisciplinary collaborative approach, our faculty engages and educates students in the diverse and important issues of visual literacy, the creative process, and visual communication. Our students are inspired to learn through a rigorous classroom experience, competitive internships, and international opportunities. Learning from influential faculty, alumni, and a network of visiting artists, designers, and scholars, students investigate and create in an environment of possibility. A+AH+D Website | Undergraduate Degrees | Graduate Degrees Attend an Information Session | Contact an Advisor
Department of Dance
At the Department of Dance we develop innovative arts advocates, performers, educators, and cultural leaders. With a rigorous curriculum that balances creative work and academic study, students investigate dance not only as an art form but as a cultural practice. The essential skills students gain in our classes -- creativity, communication, collaboration, and commitment -- catalyzed their careers, leading many to garnered prestigious awards as choreographers, performers, company directors, and filmmakers. Department of Dance Website | Undergraduate Degrees | Graduate Degrees Contact an Advisor
School of Drama
The School of Drama develops innovative and courageous artists and scholars poised to be the creative leaders of tomorrow. Students have the opportunity to learn, work, and perform in one of the greatest theatre cities in the world and our dynamic, award-winning faculty enable each artist and scholar to reach their full potential. With decades of professional expertise, our collaborative team of faculty and guest artists provide our students with a mastery of the fundamentals, passion for innovation, and preparation for successful and diverse careers. School of Drama Website | Undergraduate Degrees | Graduate Degrees Contact an Advisor
Center for Digital Arts and Experimental Media (DXARTS)
DXARTS is a pioneering institution creating new forms of digital and experimental arts. Our students and faculty synthesize expanded studio research with pioneering advances in digital computing, information technologies, science, and engineering. Embracing an expansive range of arts practice, theory, and research across multiple disciplines, DXARTS creates opportunities for artists to discover and document new knowledge and expertise in an evolving field of media arts. DXARTS Website | Undergraduate Degrees | Graduate Degrees Attend an Information Session | Contact an Advisor
School of Music
The School of Music cultivates the next generation of musicians and scholars within an inspiring and well-connected artistic community. Our award-winning faculty nurture the creative and career potential of our students, offering over 200 majors and a diverse anthology of musical opportunities within and beyond the classroom. School of Music Website | Undergraduate Degrees | Graduate Degrees Attend an Information Session | Contact an Advisor
Experience the Arts at the University of Washington
The Arts are the front porch of the University of Washington, the place on campus where the public is invited and welcomed. Our museums and centers bridge the outside world to the University, offering our community first-hand experiences with art and artists through performances, exhibitions, and public programs.
Museums and Centers
Burke Museum
The Burke is a research-and collections-based museum with over 16 million objects. Opening in fall 2019, the New Burke will be a flagship facility for the Washington State Museum of Natural History and Culture. With 12 visible labs and an artists’ workshop, the New Burke will turn the museum “inside-out,” breaking down traditional museum barriers and inviting visitors to be part of a working research facility. Visit the Burke Website
Henry Art Gallery
The Henry is internationally-recognized for bold and challenging exhibitions, for pushing the boundaries of contemporary art and culture, and for being the first to premiere new works by established and emerging artists. Visit the Henry Website
Meany Center
The Hall includes the 1,206 seat Katharyn Alvord Gerlich Theater, the 238 seat Meany Studio Theatre, where most Meany Center performances take place, as well as performances from the Department of Dance, School of Drama, School of Music, and the Center for Digital Arts & Experimental Media. Visit Meany Center's Website