Major in Art at UMW
The interdisciplinary major which leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree, provides students with the means to approach art through creative inquiry and critical exploration. Students work in our 8 studios, engaging in digital media, ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture, developing strong technical foundations while cultivating interdisciplinary ways of thinking and making.
Our flexible curriculum reflects UMW’s liberal arts mission, preparing students for a wide range of paths in the arts, education, and creative industries. Small class sizes and close faculty mentorship define the program, supporting each student’s artistic growth from introductory courses through the senior exhibition and prepare them well for Life after Mary Washington.
Core Foundations
Students majoring in Art will be required to take three foundation courses that will set you up to explore the rest of the major.
Design Principles
Basic study of design elements; and their functions within the organization and construction of visual communication in both two and three dimensions.
Drawing I
Introduction to the basic principles of traditional and experimental drawing practices in diverse media.
Digital Art Foundations
This course introduces basic tools and techniques of computer-generated art in the context of art theory and practice.
What other courses will I take?
After taking the foundation courses, those give you the key to explore the higher level classes. From painting like the old masters to experimenting with film, you can do it all. Try out printmaking, light your way through the darkroom, spin clay on the wheel, create animations, and build sculptures. Your creativity is always in motion with the classes we offer.

Opportunities
Visiting Artists and Speakers Program
Every semester, we welcome professional artists, curators, and scholars to campus for lectures, demonstrations, critiques, and workshops. These visits give students the unique opportunity to engage directly with leaders in the field, gaining insight into contemporary practices and professional pathways. The artist talks are free and open to the public. You can check our schedule on our Department calendar, or stay tuned on our socials for upcoming events.
Instagram: @umwstudioart
Facebook: UMW Studio Art
Student Art Association
The UMW Student Art Association (SAA) welcomes all students, majors and non-majors alike, who share a passion for creativity. Working alongside faculty, members organize art-filled meetings, local collaborations, and community events throughout the year. From participating in VIA Colori Stafford to hosting student art sales and taking field trips, SAA fosters a vibrant space for anyone interested in exploring and celebrating the arts.
Study Abroad/Scholarships
We offer competitive scholarships, Undergraduate Research Grants, and departmental awards that support independent work, study abroad, and summer opportunities.
Galleries
Students exhibit work regularly in our campus galleries, gaining experience in professional presentation and curatorial practices. Galleries offers internships each semester, as well as paid positions.
Where will you go next?
An Art degree from the University of Mary Washington prepares students to think creatively, work collaboratively, and adapt to an ever-changing world. Our graduates pursue diverse paths: some continue their education in competitive MFA and graduate programs, while others become art educators, digital designers, art therapists, illustrators, conservation specialists, community arts leaders, and creative entrepreneurs.
Through hands-on, interdisciplinary learning, the program fosters critical thinking, communication, and problem solving—core skills that prepare students for Life After Mary Washington. Graduates leave with the confidence, perspective, and adaptability to make an impact in the studio, the classroom, and the broader creative community.
The university also offers assistance with our Center for Career and Professional Development.
*Artist
*Web designer
*Gallery employee/owner
*Teacher
*Filmmaker
*Cartoonist
*Decorator
*Museum/Film Prop maker
*Muralist
*Picture framer
*Arts administrator
*Set designer
*Layout artist
*Museum educator
*Illustrator
*Art Therapist
*Art consultant
*Photographer
*A/V specialist
*Exhibit designer
*Graphic designer
*Conservator/restorer
Studio Art graduates have entered graduate programs at:
San Francisco Art Institute (San Francisco, CA)
Academy of Art University (San Francisco, CA)
Carnegie Mello University (Pittsburg, PA)
The College of the Redwoods (Eureka, CA)
Florida State University (Tallahassee, Florida)
George Mason University (Fairfax, VA)
George Washington University (Washington, DC)
James Madison University (Harrisonburg, VA)
Mills College (Oakland, CA)
Northwestern University (Evanston, IL)
Ohio State University (Columbus, OH)
Penn State University (University Park, PA)
Rhode Island School of Design (Providence, RI)
Rutgers (New Brunswick, NJ)
Savannah College of Art and Design (Savannah, GA)
SUNY (Albany, NY)
University of the Arts (Philadelphia, PA)
University of Arkansas-Fayetteville (Fayetteville, AR)
University of Dundee (Dundee, Scotland)
University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA)
Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, VA)
Recent graduates have received internships or employment at/as:
American Art Clay (Indianapolis, IN)
Arrowmont School of Art and Crafts (Gatlinburg, TN)
Forage (Fredericksburg, VA)
George Washington University, Theater Department (Washington, DC)
Hachette Fillpacchi Magazine (New York, NY)
Interior Designer
Anesthesia Technician
Associate Attorney at Lowenstein Sandler LLP (Washington, DC)
Libertytown Arts Workshop (Fredericksburg, VA)
The Museum of Modern Art (New York, NY)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, NY)
Portland School of Arts and Crafts (Portland, OR)
Sophia Street Studios (Fredericksburg, VA)
Studio Two Three (Richmond, VA)
The Visual Arts Center (Richmond, VA)
Penn State University Visiting Artist Coordinator (University Park, PA)
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (Richmond, VA)
Careers and graduate programs are covered in ARTS 474: Professional Practices in Studio Art
Ready to take the next step?
Contact
For all general department business, please contact:
Jason Robinson
Department Chair of Studio Art
Associate Professor of Digital Art
jrobins8@umw.edu