Programs of Study
Graduate Programs
SCAD offers graduate degrees in 39 areas of study. Students can work toward a variety of degrees at any of SCAD's four locations in Atlanta, Hong Kong, Savannah or online via eLearning, and have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture of Provence at SCAD's study-abroad location in Lacoste, France.
Graduate students can pursue a graduate degree in one of 13 fully online areas of study through SCAD eLearning. As students are accepted and enrolled each academic quarter (fall, winter, spring, summer), students have the flexibility and freedom to begin their graduate education whenever they want.
Graduate students can pursue a graduate degree in one of 13 fully online areas of study through SCAD eLearning. As students are accepted and enrolled each academic quarter (fall, winter, spring, summer), students have the flexibility and freedom to begin their graduate education whenever they want.
Master of Architecture Degree (professional)
The accredited, professional Master of Architecture degree program is a six-year course of study requiring 180 undergraduate hours and 90 graduate hours for a total of 270 quarter credit hours (equivalent to 180 semester credit hours) encompassing a foundation studies curriculum, general education curriculum, major program curriculum and electives. The emphasis of the program is on preparing students to become practicing architects. Architectural design is stressed in design studio courses that meet 10 hours each week in addition to the architecture student's other courses. The program also contains a sequence of courses in building construction systems, graphics and digital technology, sustainability, history and theory, and professional practices.
For the initial 180 quarter credit hours of the program, students are classified as undergraduates. After successfully completing 180 undergraduate credit hours and a fourth-year portfolio review, students may apply to the architecture department faculty committee for entry into the graduate years of the program, which consist of 90 graduate quarter credit hours. The application is made through the architecture department and does not require a fee. Acceptance to the graduate year is based on the student's current grade point average, studio portfolio and proposal for thesis. After successfully completing 180 undergraduate quarter credit hours and all academic requirements for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in architecture, students are granted the B.F.A. in architecture, whether or not they apply for or are accepted into the graduate professional M.Arch. program. Students accepted into the professional M.Arch. program continue enrollment to take their 90 graduate quarter credit hours. They receive the B.F.A. in architecture and then are considered graduate students, subject to all graduate academic and financial policies.
For the initial 180 quarter credit hours of the program, students are classified as undergraduates. After successfully completing 180 undergraduate credit hours and a fourth-year portfolio review, students may apply to the architecture department faculty committee for entry into the graduate years of the program, which consist of 90 graduate quarter credit hours. The application is made through the architecture department and does not require a fee. Acceptance to the graduate year is based on the student's current grade point average, studio portfolio and proposal for thesis. After successfully completing 180 undergraduate quarter credit hours and all academic requirements for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in architecture, students are granted the B.F.A. in architecture, whether or not they apply for or are accepted into the graduate professional M.Arch. program. Students accepted into the professional M.Arch. program continue enrollment to take their 90 graduate quarter credit hours. They receive the B.F.A. in architecture and then are considered graduate students, subject to all graduate academic and financial policies.
Master of Arts Degree
The Master of Arts degree is an initial graduate degree that requires at least 45 quarter credit hours and up to 60 quarter credit hours (equivalent to 30 and 40 semester credit hours) of graduate level courses in the selected area, complemented by historical, theoretical and related studies. The program requires a minimum of one year for completion with all 45 quarter hours in residency at SCAD (can include eLearning and off-campus study). The M.A. culminates with a written thesis or graduate project such as a portfolio or group exhibition, presentation or other creative work product demonstrating a high degree of intellectual or artistic proficiency accompanied by a written component. Formal faculty reviews of sample student work and progress are conducted. The M.A. degree program may be research and/or practice oriented to offer students a focused educational experience while engaging in dialogue on the history, theory and practice of the discipline. Students who wish to pursue the M.A. degree should possess a commitment to explore a field in depth as well as a desire to foster their individual vision and capabilities; to develop a high degree of proficiency in their technical, creative, expressive or analytical skills; and to participate in a vibrant university community. The M.A. degree prepares students for positions in related areas or serves as preparation for advanced graduate degrees such as the Master of Fine Arts or the Doctor of Philosophy in academic disciplines.
In some programs the M.A. degree may be followed by additional study at SCAD leading to an M.F.A. degree. Students planning to continue the next quarter (excluding summer) from the M.A. to the M.F.A. in the same major should contact the office of graduate studies prior to the conclusion of their M.A. studies. Approval must be given by the department chair of the area of study.
In some programs the M.A. degree may be followed by additional study at SCAD leading to an M.F.A. degree. Students planning to continue the next quarter (excluding summer) from the M.A. to the M.F.A. in the same major should contact the office of graduate studies prior to the conclusion of their M.A. studies. Approval must be given by the department chair of the area of study.
Master of Arts in Teaching Degree
The Master of Arts in Teaching program requires 60 quarter credit hours (equivalent to 40 semester credit hours) to be completed in one full year (four quarters) of intensive study and field experience with all quarter hours in residence at SCAD (can include eLearning). The M.A.T. is designed to meet the State of Georgia standards for initial certification to teach art or drama in PK through grade 12. Graduates may go on to teach elsewhere, however, as Georgia participates in an interstate agreement and shares certification reciprocity with 51 jurisdictions across the United States.
Teacher candidates in the M.A.T. program acquire the fundamental principles of teaching and learning, the discipline-specific principles of teaching art or drama, and the ability to adapt these principles to a variety of settings. To maintain an artistically stimulating environment, candidates also pursue graduate level courses in their arts disciplines.
M.A.T. candidates learn how to shape creating and performing experiences so that their projects and design challenges elicit high student engagement, consider cultural and historical contexts, and foster higher order thinking, collaboration and inquiry. In addition to project-based learning, candidates become familiar with general instructional strategies and teaching strategies associated with brain-based learning research and cognitive development. Candidates also learn how to employ arts-specific strategies that have evolved from experiential and aesthetic education, discipline-based art education, and visual thinking.
Coursework in the M.A.T. program includes a field component, with the exception of the studio electives. Thus, candidates learn theories and methods grounded in practical experience. The program begins in the summer, giving candidates the opportunity to observe students as they learn in nontraditional environments such as specialized art programs, classes, and museum-based programs, as well as in traditional classroom settings.
Teacher candidates in the M.A.T. program acquire the fundamental principles of teaching and learning, the discipline-specific principles of teaching art or drama, and the ability to adapt these principles to a variety of settings. To maintain an artistically stimulating environment, candidates also pursue graduate level courses in their arts disciplines.
M.A.T. candidates learn how to shape creating and performing experiences so that their projects and design challenges elicit high student engagement, consider cultural and historical contexts, and foster higher order thinking, collaboration and inquiry. In addition to project-based learning, candidates become familiar with general instructional strategies and teaching strategies associated with brain-based learning research and cognitive development. Candidates also learn how to employ arts-specific strategies that have evolved from experiential and aesthetic education, discipline-based art education, and visual thinking.
Coursework in the M.A.T. program includes a field component, with the exception of the studio electives. Thus, candidates learn theories and methods grounded in practical experience. The program begins in the summer, giving candidates the opportunity to observe students as they learn in nontraditional environments such as specialized art programs, classes, and museum-based programs, as well as in traditional classroom settings.
Master of Fine Arts Degree
The Master of Fine Arts degree is recognized as the terminal or highest degree for most art and design professions. The M.F.A. degree program requires at least 90 quarter credit hours (equivalent to 60 semester credit hours) of graduate level courses in studio, art history, theory and related areas. The program requires a minimum of two years for completion, with the final 45 quarter hours in residence at SCAD (can include eLearning and off-campus study). The program culminates with a thesis exhibition, project, presentation, or other publicly-presented creative work demonstrating professional-level competency, accompanied by a written component and reviewed by a graduate thesis committee. Formal faculty reviews of sample student work and progress are conducted. The M.F.A. requires at least one field or teaching internship to provide students with a mentored experience of professional practice.
Students who wish to pursue the M.F.A. degree should possess a high level of ability, commitment, and the desire to develop their personal vision; to evolve a mature understanding of their chosen field's background, principles and practices as well as its broader cultural context; to gain technical mastery in their chosen discipline; to inform advanced art and design creation with critical and conceptual studies; and to interact with fellow students and professors within a dynamic and challenging arts community. M.F.A. graduates may pursue professional careers as practicing artists, writers, performers and designers; or fill positions as studio, writing or performing arts professors in higher education; or work in other related fields.
Students who wish to pursue the M.F.A. degree should possess a high level of ability, commitment, and the desire to develop their personal vision; to evolve a mature understanding of their chosen field's background, principles and practices as well as its broader cultural context; to gain technical mastery in their chosen discipline; to inform advanced art and design creation with critical and conceptual studies; and to interact with fellow students and professors within a dynamic and challenging arts community. M.F.A. graduates may pursue professional careers as practicing artists, writers, performers and designers; or fill positions as studio, writing or performing arts professors in higher education; or work in other related fields.
Master of Urban Design Degree
The Master of Urban Design program requires 90 quarter credit hours (equivalent to 60 semester credit hours) of graduate level courses in studio, historical, theoretical and related areas. The program requires a minimum of two years for completion, with the final 45 quarter hours in residence at SCAD. The program culminates with a thesis exhibition, project, presentation or other publicly presented work demonstrating professional-level competency, accompanied by a written component and reviewed by a graduate thesis committee. Formal faculty reviews of sample student work and progress are conducted. The M.U.D. program requires at least one field or teaching internship.
Graduate Certificate
SCAD offers certificate programs at the graduate level. These programs are designed to provide special preparation in an area complementary to the student's major or profession. Current graduate students may pursue a graduate certificate by contacting their staff adviser. Graduate students may enroll in graduate certificate programs outside their primary department. Required certificate coursework may be used as electives in the primary program of study. Students must be accepted into the graduate certificate program before registering for their certificate coursework. Upon completion of degree requirements students receive both the graduate degree and the graduate certificate. Degree-seeking students must complete certificate coursework prior to or within the final quarter of registration in degree coursework. New students may apply for admission to a certificate program by following the graduate admission requirements.
Contact Admission
Events
SCAD Performing Arts Department Presents "The Dream" By Vincent Brosseau
Feb. 09, 2012 - Feb. 12, 2012
Fourth Biennial Art History Symposium: The Madness of Photography
Feb. 10, 2012 - Feb. 11, 2012
News
- Feb. 02, 2012
SCADDY Awards presented Jan. 27 - Jan. 31, 2012
Alumna unveils company on ABC's "Shark Tank" - Jan. 27, 2012
Exploring crowd-funded entrepreneurship - Jan. 25, 2012
SCAD nominees for Golden Reel Award
Recognition
- Rabb's novel re-released in a trilogy box set
- Cummins pitches soap line on "Shark Tank"
- Society of Illustrators competition winners
- Carson wins Best Technical Design award
Related Links
- Academic Policies
- Admission Contacts
- Apply Online
- Cost
- FAFSA (SCAD code 015022)
- Financial Aid
- SCAD In Your Area
- SCAD eLearning
- Scholarships for Entering Students
- Visit SCAD
