Graduate

If you prefer to submit your portfolio by mail, follow the format submission guidelines below and send the materials to the appropriate SCAD address:

Atlanta
Regular Mail:
SCAD Admission Department
P.O. Box 77300
Atlanta, Ga. 30357-1300 USA

Packages:
SCAD Admission Department
1600 Peach St. NE
Atlanta, Ga. 30309 USA

eLearning, Hong Kong, Savannah
Regular Mail:
SCAD Admission Department
P.O. Box 2072
Savannah, Ga. 31402-2072

Packages:
SCAD Admission Department
22 E. Lathrop Ave.
Savannah, Ga. 31415 USA

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Architecture

Professional and postprofessional

The portfolio should represent the applicant's best work examples and should be compiled of either original prints or documentation of drawings and models. Portfolios should demonstrate drawing ability and attention to detail through drawings from life, work that demonstrates the applicant's personal creativity, as well as drawings relevant to the building arts, e.g., drawings from observation, freehand sketches, renderings, CAD drawings and any other work that expresses the applicant's individual style. Additionally, applicants should include a résumé or curriculum vitae to describe professional and educational experience, a statement of purpose explaining their approach to past work, and a declaration of intent.

Historic preservation

Applicants should submit a substantial college-level research paper (20 pages) demonstrating critical and analytical thinking as well as advanced research and writing skills. In addition, if applicable, the portfolio may be augmented to include examples of work including photographs, sketches, renderings and CAD drawings that communicate the applicant's artistic and creative abilities.

International preservation

Applicants should submit a substantial college-level research paper (10-15 pages) demonstrating critical and analytical thinking as well as advanced research and writing skills. In addition, if applicable, the portfolio may be augmented to include examples of work including photographs, sketches, renderings and CAD drawings that communicate the applicant's artistic and creative abilities.

Interior design

The portfolio should include work from all phases of design: conceptual and process drawings, sketches, perspectives and technical drawings. Drawings from life and other creative works also are encouraged. Attention to detail and presentation format are important. Work from an undergraduate program should be accompanied by a program brief, outlining the project parameters. Applicants to the M.F.A. program should include floor plans, elevations, sections, lighting and power plans. Applicants to the M.A. program may present a substantial college-level research paper in lieu of a portfolio. Research topics should be contemporary, impacting the future of interior environments and demonstrating the applicant's critical thinking, analytical and writing skills.

Urban design

The portfolio should represent the applicant's best work examples and demonstrate personal creativity, as well as individual style. Additionally, applicants should include a résumé or curriculum vitae to describe professional and educational experience, a statement of purpose explaining their approach to past work, and a declaration of intent.

Advertising

The portfolio should emphasize the applicant's ability to develop original advertising ideas, demonstrate the ability to carry a design through multiple pieces (campaign) and represent the applicant's proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite software programs. Examples should be included that show sensible use of composition, typography and coordination of words and images. The advertising examples may be augmented by other relevant work that reflects the applicant's interests and abilities such as graphic design, photography and illustration.

Advertising copywriting

The portfolio should emphasize the applicant's ability to develop original ideas, communicate clearly and write with technical proficiency. Include examples that demonstrate persuasive writing, in a variety of styles and media, if available. Advertising layouts showing copywriting in context are welcome. Applicants with no advertising experience should create at least three hypothetical sample ads. Advertising copywriting examples can be augmented by other short-form writing samples (250 words or less) that emphasize the applicant's abilities.

Graphic design

The portfolio must concentrate on graphic design as a problem-solving methodology and demonstrate conceptual thinking skills through linear and nonlinear processes. Additionally, work must demonstrate typographic usage as an aesthetic and communicative tool with single and multi-page projects such as annual reports, magazine spreads and/ or catalogs. The portfolio should demonstrate the ability to convey complex compositional organization in single and multi-piece projects(campaign) and demonstrate the applicant's awareness of historical and contemporary image development techniques. Work samples should illustrate proficiency with the following software: Illustrator (vector imagery), Photoshop (raster imagery), Quark/InDesign (page layout) and Dreamweaver/Flash (Web authoring).

Illustration

The portfolio should demonstrate an interest in and a commitment to illustrative problem solving through finished illustrations responding to a range of illustrative assignments (full color and black and white); and illustration process samples (preliminary work, such as value studies, leading to the finish). In addition, in order to demonstrate good drawing skills, the portfolio must include finished drawings (dry media preferred) from life drawing classes and/or direct observation; and sketches (i.e., figures/objects noted in a personal sketchbook, journal or similar format).

Illustration design

The portfolio should demonstrate an interest in and a commitment to illustrative and design solutions for visual problems through finished illustrations responding to a range of illustrative assignments (full color and black-and-white); and finished graphic design solutions. In addition, in order to demonstrate good drawing and visualization skills, the portfolio must include graphic design process samples (i.e., storyboard and/or preliminary work for graphic design finishes); and finished drawings (dry media preferred) from life drawing classes and/or direct observation.

Sequential art

The portfolio should show a concentration in narrative, sequential art and should demonstrate exceptional skill in composition, placement of figures within environments, storytelling and figure drawing. While digital or traditional coloring is not essential in every piece, the applicant should submit at least three images that demonstrate an ability to work with color.

Design for sustainability

Portfolios should include academic and/or professional projects that clearly present purpose, scope of work, research methodology and accomplishments. Portfolios should demonstrate the ability to define and process problems demonstrating conceptual thinking skills, reveal interest or experience in sustainability, and demonstrate a high level of creativity and attention to detail. A strong portfolio demonstrates an advanced understanding of visual problem solving and process, including evidence such as typography used as an aesthetic and communicative tool; the ability to convey complex compositional organization in single and multi-piece projects, plans or diagrams; interior and exterior drawings of buildings, conceptual and process drawings, perspectives and technical drawings; contextual research; rapid design and quality sketching; CAD drawings; prototyping; and basic manufacturing or engineering principles. Portfolios may contain written material in addition to a strong visual or graphic element.

Design management

Applicants may submit a visual portfolio, business document, or academic research paper. Portfolios should include academic or professional projects that clearly present purpose, scope of work, research methodology and accomplishments. Portfolios should demonstrate ability to define and process problems using sketches, plans or diagrams in formal documents or informal journal notes; reveal confidence or experience in innovation, and demonstrate a high level of creativity. A strong portfolio may demonstrate an advanced understanding of visual problem solving and process, including evidence of contextual research, applied human factors, rapid design and presentation quality sketching, CAD renderings, prototyping, and basic manufacturing or engineering principles. Portfolios may contain written material in addition to a strong visual or graphic element. 

Non-visual project summaries such as business plans, proposals, project briefs or presentations are encouraged.

Fibers

The portfolio should demonstrate a well-developed personal and aesthetic/design direction and the ability to develop work around a theme or concept as evidenced by one or more series of related works accompanied by an artist/designer statement. Applicants also are encouraged to submit electronically a selection of sketchbook/process/ research work to demonstrate a high level of technical and conceptual ability, as well as creative research, investigation, problem solving and an awareness of material processes.

Furniture design

The portfolio should demonstrate experience or competency in the full breadth of the design process, including research, creative thinking and problem-solving skills, informative sketching and idea visualization, model and computer visualization, full-scale execution, design presentation and aesthetic awareness.

Industrial design

The portfolio should include examples of the applicant's best visual and written work. Visual work should include examples of design solutions and a process book that illustrates rapid ideation sketching and process work. Portfolios should exhibit an advanced understanding of visual problem solving and process, including evidence and understanding of contextual research, perspective and orthographic sketching, CAD renderings, model making and basic manufacturing or engineering principles; and may be augmented by additional work that represents interest and ability in some visual and creative profession, with an emphasis on visual problem solving. Written work should not exceed three samples; at least one sample should be scholarly writing, such as a substantial college-level research paper, to demonstrate written communication skills.

Metals and jewelry

Portfolio should show evidence of studio experience in metals and/or jewelry including drawing skills. Successful portfolios should demonstrate conceptual ability, strong design methodology and confident handling of diverse materials and processes. Portfolio should reflect emphasis on creative investigation, problem solving and appropriate and skillful use of technique. Applicants also should submit a writing sample that addresses a contemporary issue in the field.

Service design

A strong portfolio demonstrates research, conceptualization, ideation, organization, communication and creative problem-solving skills, as well as experience or interest in cross-disciplinary collaboration and awareness of technology. Skills in 2-D, 3-D, programming, video or photography and design discourse also are desirable.

Accessory design

Portfolios should demonstrate a thorough understanding of the design process through conceptual research, technical sketches, renderings and boards. Applicants should show competency in the ability to design for 3-D products with special attention given to both internal and external components creating innovative, whole products.

Fashion

Portfolios should demonstrate a thorough understanding of the design process through fashion illustration, sketches, flats and presentation boards.  Applicants should show competency in the use of various industrial machinery and sewing techniques, and should submit full-scale patterns, drapes and original sewn garments. The portfolio should demonstrate a high level of technical and conceptual ability, as well as creative research, investigation, problem solving and an awareness of material processes. Applicants also should demonstrate a well-developed personal and aesthetic/design direction in the ability to develop work around a theme or concept as evidenced by a series of related works.

Luxury and fashion management

The portfolio must include an academically-structured essay that addresses the question, "What is the future of fashion marketing, merchandising and management?" A professional personal development plan also should be included. The portfolio should demonstrate ability to define and process problems, plan or diagram strategies, reveal confidence in innovation, and demonstrate a high level of creative problem solving. Non-visual project summaries such as business plans, proposals, project briefs, or presentations may be included. A strong visual or graphic element is highly recommended.

Animation

A strong portfolio shows accomplished art and design skill, including life drawing and evidential understanding of composition. In addition, portfolios should show conceptual awareness and effective use of software and tools to support aesthetic choices. Mature artistic or commercial direction should be evident in work that corresponds to the applicant's academic goals. When submitting examples of collaborative work, applicants should indicate their specific responsibilities on the project. All software used must be identified.

Dramatic writing

Applicants should submit a substantial portfolio of their best writing, including at least six individual pieces. In addition, dramatic writing applicants should show academic preparation for graduate study with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the major area of undergraduate study. Any dramatic writing applicants whose undergraduate transcripts show grades of C or below in any writing courses may be required to repeat equivalent courses as preliminary coursework before progressing into the graduate level writing courses.

Film and television

The inventory sheet should include details of the applicant's responsibilities in the creation of the project, including names of those responsible for lighting, editing, camera work and directing. The inventory sheet also should include production details such as format, duration and editing platform. Portfolios should show knowledge of film and television media and exhibit advanced conceptual awareness and experimentation with the chosen medium.

Interactive design and game development

The portfolio should show traditional art and graphic design skills demonstrated through figure drawings, conceptual illustrations and page layout. A strong portfolio shows aesthetic awareness and includes effective use of 2-D form and composition, and an understanding of additive and subtractive color theory.

Applicants who intend to focus on interactive design should show interactive work, including interactive or physical computing installations, experience designs, Web sites, software and other user interface designs, and show proficiency with Flash, Photoshop (or other image manipulation software) and Dreamweaver (or other Web authoring software). The portfolio should include samples of design work that demonstrate ability to apply typographic rules, layout and composition to Web applications.

Applicants who intend to focus on level design should include 3-D work and process level designs. 3-D environments should be submitted as walk-throughs and captured in QuickTime format and rendered stills. 3- D characters and objects should be submitted in the form of turntables in QuickTime format, or in model sheets showing UV map layouts.  

Applicants must show proficiency with Maya or 3DS Max (3-D), Photoshop (image manipulation).

Applicants who intend to focus on game design should show three to five original designs in digital or non-digital format including rule sets (if applicable), samples of design documentation, and supporting critical analysis. The portfolio should include design work samples that demonstrate ability to communicate rules to players, provide appropriate feedback, set a theme, apply effective mechanics to carry out the theme and create the desired level of strategy and player immersion.

Motion media design

The portfolio should consist of work that shows strong evidence of design, typographic motion and animation skills. Portfolios should show aesthetic awareness and conceptual thinking. In addition, portfolios should show knowledge and effective use of industry software and tools to support the aesthetic. When submitting examples of collaborative work, applicants should indicate their specific responsibilities on the project.

Performing arts

Applicants should prepare a four-minute performance to present in an audition and interview at SCAD. Audition dates may be found on the Web site. All applicants should prepare two contrasting monologues or one monologue and a song or dance. If the applicant plans to sing or dance in the audition, he or she must supply the music for accompaniment in the rehearsed key. Live auditions may include a cold reading. A list of pieces that have been prepared, résumé and headshot must be submitted at the audition. Performance is reviewed on the following qualitative measures: voice production, movement, musicality, physical commitment, energy, relaxation, characterization, memorization and character portrayal.

Production design

Production design applicants should show experience in acting or other performance, directing, stage management, costume or set design, sound design or lighting design. The portfolio should exhibit an advanced understanding of visual problem solving and process, including evidence and understanding of contextual research, perspective and orthographic sketching, manual or CAD proficiency, rendering in different media and model-making principles; and may be augmented by additional work that represents interest and ability in some visual and creative profession, with an emphasis on visual problem solving.  

Written work should not exceed three samples; however, at least one sample should be scholarly writing, such as a substantial college- level research paper, to demonstrate written communication skills.

Sound design

The inventory should describe exactly the applicant's participation in each of the projects demonstrated, and should indicate other source material utilized. The portfolio should demonstrate ability in one or more of the following: sound design for visual media (film, video, computer animation or interactive programs), sound design for theater, original music production, recording and/or mastering, or sound art compositions.

Visual effects

A strong portfolio includes foundation and graphics skills, where applicable, effective use of 2-D form and composition, and an understanding of additive and subtractive color theory. In addition, portfolios should show aesthetic awareness, and effective use of software and tools to support the aesthetic. Mature artistic or commercial direction should be shown in work that corresponds to the applicant's academic goals. When submitting examples of collaborative work, applicants should indicate their specific responsibilities on the project.

Painting

Applicants should submit a portfolio that demonstrates intellectual and artistic maturity, as well as the capacity to develop an idea through a series of work. Applicants should include a related series of most recent work that indicates their current artistic direction and demonstrates a committed studio practice. A written statement should be submitted to summarize relevant issues in the current work to provide a sense of the direction the work might take during graduate study.

Photography

The inventory sheet should indicate which images, if any, have been digitally manipulated. The portfolio as a whole should exhibit a coherence of vision and excellence in craft. The images should demonstrate significant experience in making photographs, aesthetic awareness and strong technical skills. The portfolio should make evident the applicant's capacity to develop an in-depth and consistent investigation into a particular subject matter, aesthetic or genre with an outcome that demonstrates artistic maturity as well as visual continuity. Applicants are encouraged to submit at least one sample of scholarly writing to demonstrate written communication skills.

Commercial photography

The inventory sheet should indicate which images, if any, have been digitally manipulated. The portfolio as a whole should exhibit a coherence of vision and excellence in craft. The images should demonstrate significant experience in making photographs, aesthetic awareness and maturity, and strong technical skills. The portfolio should make evident the applicant's capacity to develop an in-depth and consistent investigation into a particular subject matter or design aesthetic applicable to commercial photography with an outcome that demonstrates an individual style as well as visual continuity. In addition, applicants are encouraged to submit at least one sample of scholarly writing to demonstrate written communication skills.

Digital photography

The inventory sheet should indicate the nature of digital manipulation to the images. The portfolio as a whole should exhibit a coherence of vision, excellence in craft, and a strong understanding of current software and hardware. The images should demonstrate significant experience in making photographs, aesthetic awareness and maturity, and strong technical skills. The portfolio should make evident the applicant's capacity to develop an in-depth and consistent investigation into a particular subject matter, aesthetic or genre with an outcome that demonstrates artistic maturity as well as visual continuity. In addition, applicants are encouraged to submit at least one sample of scholarly writing to demonstrate written communication skills.

Documentary photography

The inventory sheet should indicate which images, if any, have been digitally manipulated. The portfolio as a whole should exhibit a coherence of vision and excellence in craft. The images should demonstrate significant experience in making photographs, aesthetic awareness and maturity, and strong technical skills. The portfolio should make evident the applicant's capacity to develop an in-depth and consistent investigation into a particular subject matter or aesthetic applicable to documentary photography or photojournalism with an outcome that demonstrates artistic maturity as well as visual continuity. In addition, applicants are encouraged to submit at least one sample of scholarly writing to demonstrate written communication skills.

Printmaking

A strong portfolio demonstrates a mastery of basic printmaking techniques along with a developed body of work that is both conceptually and technically mature; the portfolio should exemplify thematic development. A written statement should be included to demonstrate level of ability to summarize the relevant issues in the work; describe intended research or future direction; and provide insights into the applicant's concepts, focus and self-awareness.

Sculpture

A strong portfolio demonstrates intellectual and artistic maturity, as well as the capacity to develop an idea through a series of work. Applicants are encouraged to include related work that indicates their current artistic direction. A written statement should be submitted to demonstrate level of ability to summarize relevant issues in the current work; describe intended research or future direction; and provide insights into the applicant's concepts, focus and self-awareness.

Architectural history
Architectural history applicants should show evidence of studio-based experience. Applicants should submit a substantial college-level research paper (10–15 pages) demonstrating critical and analytical thinking as well as advanced research and writing skills. The paper should employ appropriate documentation (preferably Chicago-Turabian format) and may include illustrations.

Art history
Art history applicants should show evidence of foreign language study at the undergraduate level. Applicants should submit a substantial college-level research paper (10-15 pages) or professional writing sample demonstrating critical and analytical thinking as well as advanced research and writing skills. A research paper should employ appropriate documentation (preferably Chicago-Turabian format) and may include illustrations.

Arts administration
Arts administration applicants should show completion of related coursework in an art field, media or entertainment, communications or business as well as computer literacy, strong communication skills and evidence of leadership in the arts through arts advocacy, grant writing, cultural events promotion or planning. Applicants should submit a substantial portfolio of writing samples (20 pages), which may include college-level research papers or professional writing demonstrating critical and analytical thinking as well as advanced research and writing skills. Other writing samples may include essays, grant proposals, press releases, planning documents and journalistic work. If applicable, students may submit samples of graphic design work.

Cinema studies
Cinema studies applicants should show completion of coursework in the humanities.Applicants should submit a substantial college-level research paper or professional writing samples demonstrating critical and analytical thinking as well as advanced research and writing skills. Additional writing samples related to cinema studies also may be submitted for consideration.

Teaching art or drama
M.A.T. applicants should show undergraduate transcripts with a GPA of at least 3.0 in the major and qualifying test scores of one of the following: passing on the Georgia Assessment for the Certification of Educators, a minimum combined critical reading and mathematics score of 1000 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test, a minimum combined English and mathematics score of 43 on the ACT, a minimum combined verbal and quantitative score of 1030 on the Graduate Record Examination.

M.A.T. art applicants should submit a portfolio that demonstrates an understanding of basic expressive, technical and conceptual insights developed through the study of studio art and design. The portfolio should demonstrate an understanding of traditional processes as well as newer technological developments. The portfolio also should include evidence of a functional knowledge in basic technologies such as printmaking, photography, filmmaking and video. M.A.T. art applicants should submit a substantial college-level research paper demonstrating critical and analytical thinking as well as advanced research and writing skills.

M.A.T. drama applicants should prepare a four-minute performance to present in an audition and interview at SCAD. Applicants should prepare two contrasting monologues or one monologue and a song or dance. If the applicant plans to sing or dance in the audition, he or she must supply the music for accompaniment in the rehearsed key. Live auditions may include a cold reading. A list of pieces that have been prepared, résumé and headshot must be submitted at the audition.  Performance is reviewed on the following qualitative measures: voice production, movement, musicality, physical commitment, energy, relaxation, characterization, memorization and character portrayal.  M.A.T. drama applicants should submit a substantial college-level research paper demonstrating critical and analytical thinking as well as advanced research and writing skills.

Writing
Applicants should submit a substantial portfolio of their best writing, including at least six individual pieces from a variety of nonfiction genres, such as personal essay, memoir, literary journalism, promotional writing, writing for the Web, business document, proposal or scholarly essay. Applicants should not submit more than two pieces from one genre. In addition, writing applicants should show academic preparation for graduate study, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the major area of undergraduate study. Any writing applicants whose undergraduate transcripts show grades of C or below in any writing courses may be required to repeat equivalent courses as preliminary coursework before progressing into the graduate level writing courses.