News and Media

Published: Sep 1, 2009

SAVANNAH, Ga. - The Savannah College of Art and Design announces that its equestrian studies program leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree has been approved by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; telephone number 404.679.4500). Approval of the program by SACS acknowledges that the SCAD equestrian studies program, faculty and curriculum meet the standards of SACS, which currently accredits SCAD.

SACS is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states that award associate, baccalaureate, master's or doctoral degrees. The Commission strives to improve the effectiveness of institutions by ensuring that they meet standards established by the higher education community that address the needs of society and students.

SCAD plans to begin offering the Bachelor of Arts degree program in equestrian studies in Fall 2009 at its Savannah location, building on a decade-long tradition of nationally recognized equestrian team accomplishments.

"The SCAD equestrian studies program offers students the chance to be fully prepared for a career in the equestrian field," said Andrea Wells, equestrian studies program chair. "At SCAD, we provide students with a comprehensive knowledge of equine care, riding, training, business management and much more. Based on this exceptional preparation, we know that our graduates will be ready to contribute to the equine community immediately after graduation."

SCAD's equestrian offerings are well known throughout the United States already. Over the past seven years, SCAD's equestrian team has won more than 30 national titles, including the 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009 American National Riding Commission Team Champion titles. The team also has won five individual champion titles from the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association since 2002. Because of rising student interest, and funding partially provided by a major bequest that enabled the university to construct a premier equestrian center, SCAD chose to offer a minor in equestrian studies in 2008, and to expand the program to offer an undergraduate degree beginning this year.

SCAD students enrolled in the program or fielding the equestrian team have the opportunity to study, train and ride at the state-of-the-art Ronald C. Waranch Equestrian Center, a 100-acre facility with paddocks, fields, competition arenas and a barn for the university's and student riders' own horses.

In addition to SACS approval, SCAD's equestrian studies program leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree has received approval from the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education. SCAD's five-year, professional Master of Architecture degree is also accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. The university's Bachelor of Fine Arts in interior design degree is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. The Master of Arts in Teaching degrees offered by SCAD are approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.