Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Arts

Learn to design and create visually sophisticated content with a graphic arts degree

The Marian University Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Arts program prepares students to compete for quality jobs in a fast-growing market and industry. To help graduates take on a fast-paced career, we teach individuals to create unique and original content using industry-standard digital skills and traditional studio art techniques.

The BA in Graphic Arts program actively integrates knowledge from the graphic design profession and guides students toward developing a vision similar to that of a traditional studio artist. You will gain hands-on experience with animation, desktop publishing, digital imaging, illustration, interactive interface design, motion graphics, printing methods, typography, and web design, and to be prepared for a variety of jobs and business sectors.

Progression through the BA in Graphic Arts program allows for exposure to the latest trends in graphic design technology and society’s most popular emerging media forms. This gradual increase in knowledge culminates in a student internship experience, with previous internships taking place at 4Imprint, Agnesian HealthCare, BCI Burke Company, Boys and Girls Club of FDL, Duluth Trading Company, EAA, Gueller’s Photography, JJ Keller & Assoc. Inc., Klapperich Real Estate, the Museum of Wisconsin Art, Thelma Center for the Arts, and Willems Marketing.

Learn to master society’s most popular emerging media forms

As Good As It Gets

100% of students are employed within six months of graduation from the Marian University BA in Graphic Arts program.

Making the Rounds

Each semester graphic arts students venture to regional art destinations, with previous excursions including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Milwaukee Art Museum.

Tools of the Trade

The Marian University BA in Graphic Arts program is ranked fourth on the list of Best Wisconsin Graphic Design Colleges, according to Game Designing.

Real-World Experience

Each year Marian University’s Muriel Press calls for Midwestern authors to submit a manuscript, with one selected to have students in the BA in Graphic Arts program layout and design the published book.

Financial Flexibility

Unlike most art programs, lab fees in the graphic arts program cover all art supplies used in an art class. This allows students to experiment with different tools and explore other art media before investing in and committing to a particular technique. It also enables every student to use the same quality materials as their classmates.

Join the Club

Art Club is a student organization that provides art opportunities for all Marian University students, as well as events to build an arts community and supply an outlet for stress relieving creativity. Those in the BA in Graphic Arts program have previously held leadership positions and leveraged it to stand out in the job search.

Learn About the Graphic Design Program

Professor Tom Wallestad walks through the various skills that students will obtain through this program. These include digital imaging, logo design, package design, web design, video, and animation. Students use and become proficient in the industry standard program including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Animate, and InDesign. Hands-on opportunity to be involved in Marian’s book in print – the Muriel Press.

Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Arts Curriculum

The BA in Graphic Arts program helps students develop their technical design skills through a broad-based liberal arts curriculum that promotes creativity in a collaborative environment. Graduates are equipped to adapt to emerging technologies and the ever-changing atmosphere of the design world, as the career-oriented program investigates current print and electronic design principles and their technical application.

Students leave with an understanding of effective communication tactics in design, and throughout their coursework develop a personal artistic style while creating a consistent body of work and professional portfolio. In part, that development is elicited by frequent group discussions of a design work’s aesthetic merits, with class projects advancing their presentation skills.

Academic Catalog
FACULTY DIRECTORY

As a bachelor’s level student, you are required to take about 30 credits of general education courses as part of the 120 credits required for a bachelor’s degree.  General education courses are required regardless of your major.

General Education Courses

All students take 10.5 to 17 credits in these areas:

  • Mathematical Reasoning
  • Argumentative and Research Writing
  • Introduction to Christian Theology
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Introduction to Ethical Reasoning
  • First Year Studies

Core Courses

Graphic Arts majors will take courses covering topics such as:

  • Computer Animation
  • Art Exhibition Attendance
  • Digital Imaging
  • Principles of Advertising
  • Art History

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will gain proficiency on industry standard design software.
  • Students will be able to learn to adapt to the changing landscape of available design software.
  • Students will acquire knowledge of the elements and principles of design.
  • Students will be able to apply the elements and principles of design.
  • Students will be able to critically think about and create solutions for the design projects they encounter.
  • Students will gain analogue design skills and integrate them with their digital skills.
  • Students will understand the requirements of publication in print and digital formats.
  • Students will be able to communicate their ideas to a client or coworker.
  • Students will apply their skills to real world applications.

The BA of Science in Graphic Arts program is designed to offer you the best possible preparation for careers in fitness, sport and wellness. As a graduate of the program, you’ll be prepared for a fulfilling career in a wide range of settings in both the private and public sectors, in a field that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects will grow by 19 percent through the year 2022.

At Marian University, you’ll be inspired by our focus on personalized support and quality hands-on experiences. You’ll find faculty who are experts in art and design, bringing with them decades of experience and a passion to share the graphic arts.

Minimum GPA of 3.25 in major courses required