Art and Design
Visual communication is the most fundamental of human languages. Through the study of art, one acquires a rich understanding of human nature, values, psychology, aesthetics and history. Creative individuals who are visually articulate play profound roles in our increasingly complex visual world, and career opportunities are numerous. Graduates of our program now work as art teachers in high school and universities, as art directors, illustrators and graphic designers in advertising agencies, as studio photographers and film makers, as museum and gallery curators, as certified art therapists and as independent studio artists with professional gallery representation.
The faculty of the Art and Design Department believe visual literacy should be an essential accomplishment for every well-educated and productive citizen. Since the invention of photography, and increasingly in the multimedia environment fostered today by computers, everyone is inescapably subject to both the riches and hazards of visual culture. Our students understand the power of images and are aware of the many roles for visual communicators in today's world.
Programs of Study
For all the reasons mentioned above, Art and Design students are offered a range of majors to help them achieve their personal creative goals or career aspirations. These programs share many similar introductory courses making it very common and easy for students to move from one to another regardless of which program is eventually selected, students will gain a broad understanding of both the current state and the history of their field. They will acquire the vocabulary and facility for visual communication and the capacity to translate that into written and verbal presentations.
BFA in Art and Design
Coming fall 2026, our professional degree combines the B.A. in Art with the B.A. in
Graphic Design. We believe that the best designers are good artists and the best artists
are good designers. This program allows students the most flexibility to choose their
own creative adventure through our program.
B.A. in Art
This program combines traditional and contemporary craft tools and composition techniques
for creative self-expression.
B.A. in Graphic Design
This program combines traditional and contemporary craft tools and composition techniques
for creative problem solving.
B.A. in Game Design and Motion Graphics
This is an interdisciplinary major with courses in Art and Design, Communication,
and Computer Science. This program combines contemporary tools and techniques for
time based art including animation, game design and video production.
B.A. in New Media Production
Coming fall 2026, this is an interdisciplinary major with courses in Art and Design,
Communication, and Music. This program focuses on the newest tools for merging motion
graphics, audio, video and music production.
B.A. in Applied Graphic Design
This is an adult degree completion program that introduces concepts of Graphic Design
while helping you finish your degree in just a few semesters.
Apply Now!
Please visit Admission's Apply Now page to find the appropriate application or request more information.
Meet the Faculty
Jennifer Fuller
Lecturer
Phone: 773-298-3088
Email: jfuller@sxu.edu
Sandra Mendez
Lecturer
Phone: 773-298-3088
Email: mendez@sxu.edu
Nathan Peck
Professor / Chair
Phone: 773-298-3876
Email: peck@sxu.edu
Catherine Ruggie Saunders
Professor/Art Gallery Dir
Phone: 773-298-3087
Email: saunders@sxu.edu
Nat Soti
Lecturer
Phone: 773-298-3094
Email: soti@sxu.edu