Stritch established its first graduate program in 1956, offering majors in special education and reading.

The university's first doctoral program (devoted to Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service) opened for enrollment the following year.

[5] Cardinal Stritch University offered more than 60 fields of study throughout four colleges, with bachelor, master, and doctorate degrees.

[6] The Wolves previously competed in the defunct Lake Michigan Conference of the NCAA Division III ranks from 1974–75 to 1996–97.

The Cardinal Stritch men's basketball team won the NAIA Division II National Championship in 2013.