BFA in Graphic Design

The Graphic Design major at Cardinal Stritch University recognizes and embodies the importance of educating students for an increasingly complex world and across multiple platforms. In an ever increasingly globalized economy, a liberal arts education supports the expansion and deepening of the designers understanding of their work - and creative practice - within the broader context of a democratic society.

This bridge between multiple fields such as technology, business, education, and psychology creates a rich environment for designers to experience how their work shapes the local, regional, and global economy. Creating more perceptive, critical, and creative thinkers, it allows designers to transcend vocational utility to recognize and grapple with challenges that are presented to them in their lives, personally, and professionally.

The Graphic Design majors begin with a comprehensive education in design principles, applications, theories, history, and practice. The curriculum embraces emerging technologies and the convergence of graphic design, photography, studio arts, and digital and time-based media. Students work independently, in teams, and closely with faculty, and are introduced to increasingly complex graphics communication, design problems, and methodologies.

Degree Requirements

• Program Credits: 72
• Required Courses
  • Visual arts core: (18 cr) ART 101, 115, 123, 131, 147, 150
  • Graphic Design Core: (9 cr) ART 111, 202, 239
  • Graphic Design Major: (27 cr) ART 205, 211, 302, 305, 311, 402, 405, 406, 447.
  • Art History: (9 cr) Choose three courses from ART 141,142, 344 or 415
  • Electives: (9 cr) ART 210 or 301 and two courses outside of major. Suggested courses include BU 105, BU 228, CS 118, CS 230, EN 216, THR 220 or THR 225.
  • Exhibit: Required
• Required Auxiliary Courses: none

Cardinal Stritch University was founded by the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi in 1937 and was chartered by the State of Wisconsin as a fully-accredited, degree granting institution. Today, Stritch is one of the largest Franciscan institutions of higher education in North America. We offer more than 60 exceptional undergraduate and graduate degree programs that help students develop new skills, gain career-related experience and build professional networks. These academic programs prepare students of all ages, faiths, races and socio-economic backgrounds to succeed in the communities where they live, work, serve and lead.

Stritch is known as an excellent choice for studying business, education, liberal arts, leadership, nursing and the sciences. Students with diverse faith and cultural backgrounds embrace and live our core Franciscan values of creating a caring community, showing compassion, reverencing creation and making peace.