Programs of Study

The accredited, professional Master of Architecture degree program is a five-year course of study requiring 180 undergraduate hours and 45 graduate hours for a total of 225 quarter 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 classes that meet 10 hours each week in addition to the architecture student’s other courses. The program also contains a sequence of courses in structures, construction technology, environmental control, computer-aided design and professional practices.

For the initial 180 quarter credit hours of the program, students are classified as undergraduates. After successfully completing 150 undergraduate credit hours and a fourth-year portfolio review, students may apply to the architecture department faculty committee for entry into the graduate year of the program, which consists of 45 graduate quarter credit hours in residence. 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 year of the professional M.Arch. program. Students accepted into the graduate year of the professional M.Arch. program continue enrollment to take their final 45 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.

The postprofessional Master of Architecture program requires 45 graduate quarter credit hours. This degree is designed for students who have earned a NAAB-accredited professional architecture degree and who elect to pursue a graduate degree with emphasis on computer-aided design or urban design. Students applying to the postprofessional M.Arch. program may be required to take preliminary courses before being accepted into the graduate degree program. The postprofessional M.Arch. program is not a professional degree as defined by the National Architectural Accrediting Board and, therefore, is not accredited by the NAAB.

The Master of Arts degree is an initial graduate degree that requires at least 45 quarter 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.

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.

The Master of Arts in Teaching program requires 60 quarter credit hours to be completed in one full year (four quarters) of intensive study and field experience with all quarter hours in residency 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. In this way, candidates learn theories and methods, grounded in practical experience. Because the program begins in the summer, candidates have the opportunity to observe students as they learn in non-traditional environments such as specialized art programs, classes, and museum-based programs, as well as in traditional classroom settings.

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 90 quarter credit hours of graduate level courses in studio, art historical, theoretical and related areas. The program requires a minimum of two years for completion, with the final 45 quarter hours in residency 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 positions as studio, writing or performing arts professors in higher education; or for work in other related fields.

The Master of Urban Design program requires 90 quarter credit hours of graduate level and upper division 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 residency 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.

SCAD offers certificate programs at the graduate levels. 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. Additional coursework may be required to earn a certificate concurrent with a graduate degree. The majority of certificate coursework cannot be redundant with degree program requirements. 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.