Programs of Study
Undergraduate Programs
The nexus of the SCAD undergraduate experience is the SCAD Core, a series of courses in foundation studies, art history and liberal arts that propels students through SCAD's demanding programs of study and serves as a lifelong centerpiece for personal and professional success.
Foundation studies courses provide students with a classical education in drawing, color theory and design across all dimensions, while art history courses explore the deeper intellectual roots of visual expression, helping SCAD students understand the legacy of influential artists, designers, thinkers and movements across history. In addition, SCAD's liberal arts offerings-in literature, psychology, philosophy and more-help students learn to write, speak and think about the great ideas that challenge and inspire artists and designers.
The SCAD Core provides students the flexibility to pursue their interests while learning a shared intellectual and artistic vocabulary that allows students to collaborate and communicate their ideas with the world. Beyond the SCAD Core, students can broaden their education and career preparation by taking electives, completing a minor or double major, and transitioning seamlessly among SCAD locations for a quarter or more.
Foundation studies courses provide students with a classical education in drawing, color theory and design across all dimensions, while art history courses explore the deeper intellectual roots of visual expression, helping SCAD students understand the legacy of influential artists, designers, thinkers and movements across history. In addition, SCAD's liberal arts offerings-in literature, psychology, philosophy and more-help students learn to write, speak and think about the great ideas that challenge and inspire artists and designers.
The SCAD Core provides students the flexibility to pursue their interests while learning a shared intellectual and artistic vocabulary that allows students to collaborate and communicate their ideas with the world. Beyond the SCAD Core, students can broaden their education and career preparation by taking electives, completing a minor or double major, and transitioning seamlessly among SCAD locations for a quarter or more.
Bachelor of Arts Degree
The Bachelor of Arts degree program is a four-year course of study requiring 180 quarter credit hours (equivalent to 120 semester credit hours) and incorporating a foundation studies curriculum, comprehensive general education curriculum, area of concentration curriculum and electives. The majority of the Bachelor of Arts curriculum consists of fine arts, humanities, general education and liberal arts courses. An area of concentration complements the coursework. In the foundation studies curriculum, students receive instruction in basic principles, elements and techniques of art and design. In the general education curriculum, students are exposed to a broad base of knowledge through courses in humanities/fine arts, natural sciences/mathematics, social/behavioral sciences, written and oral communication and computer literacy. The area of concentration allows students to develop knowledge and skill in a particular discipline. Students are required to take electives throughout the curriculum to broaden their experience and interests.
Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree
The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program is a four-year course of study requiring 180 quarter credit hours (equivalent to 120 semester credit hours) and incorporating a foundation studies curriculum, general education curriculum, major program curriculum and electives. The Bachelor of Fine Arts curriculum is designed to focus intently on acquiring knowledge and skill in the arts and design. In the foundation studies curriculum, students receive instruction in basic principles, elements and techniques of art and design. In the general education curriculum, students are exposed to a broad base of knowledge through courses in humanities/fine arts, natural sciences/mathematics, social/behavioral sciences, written and oral communication and computer literacy. In the major program curriculum, students work toward developing knowledge, skills and a level of mastery in a specific discipline. Students are required to take electives throughout the curriculum to broaden their experience and interests.
Undergraduate certificate
SCAD offers certificate programs to provide special preparation in an area complementary to the student's major or intended profession. Current students may pursue a certificate by contacting their staff adviser. Additional coursework may be required to earn a certificate concurrent with an undergraduate 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 undergraduate admission requirements.
Undergraduate double majors
Many of the undergraduate majors offered at SCAD complement each other, and students may choose to earn a double major. With careful course selection and financial planning, students can double major without prolonging their programs of study substantially. Students who put forth that extra effort gain credentials and expertise that may be invaluable to their careers. In order to double major, undergraduate students must complete all courses unique to each major. Students are not required to duplicate core curriculum courses, nor must they always take two sets of electives; however, a student may not use major coursework for one major to serve as major coursework in the second major. Major coursework for one major may count as free elective or studio credit in the second major program. Students who wish to double major must follow course requirements as listed in the catalog they are following for their primary major.
For information about completing a double major, undergraduate students should consult with a staff adviser. Students also should check to be sure adequate financial aid is available, if needed, to cover the additional time and costs associated with completing coursework above the minimum credit hours required for a bachelor's degree.
For information about completing a double major, undergraduate students should consult with a staff adviser. Students also should check to be sure adequate financial aid is available, if needed, to cover the additional time and costs associated with completing coursework above the minimum credit hours required for a bachelor's degree.
SCAD Core
The SCAD Core of foundation studies and general education courses is designed to provide undergraduate students with the essential skills necessary for success at SCAD. Foundation studies provide students with a studio foundation that builds visual, conceptual and creative abilities essential to their development as professionals. General education courses in liberal arts are designed to develop students as critical thinkers by providing an intellectual foundation and breadth of knowledge for life-long learning.
Students are required to complete SCAD Core coursework within their first 90 hours of study. The organization of these courses into a two-year sequence allows students to complete necessary prerequisites for future study and also prepares them for the work of the major. The SCAD Core may consist of a combination of the following courses. Students should consult their programs of study for specific course requirements.
Foundation Studies Courses
General Education Courses
Natural Sciences/Mathematics (choose one of the following):
*see Undergraduate Mathematics Competency Requirement
Social/Behavioral Science (choose one of the following):
Students should consult with their faculty adviser or staff adviser when selecting or registering for any general education or elective course to ensure that the course meets the requirements of the program. Students must meet prerequisites in order to register in any course.
Students are required to complete SCAD Core coursework within their first 90 hours of study. The organization of these courses into a two-year sequence allows students to complete necessary prerequisites for future study and also prepares them for the work of the major. The SCAD Core may consist of a combination of the following courses. Students should consult their programs of study for specific course requirements.
Foundation Studies Courses
| DRAW | 100 | Drawing I: Form and Space | ||
| DRAW | 101 | Drawing II: Composition and Media | ||
| DSGN | 100 | Design I: Elements and Organization | ||
| DSGN | 101 | Color: Theory and Application | ||
| DSGN | 102 | Design II: 3-D Form in Space | ||
| DSGN | 204 | Design III: Time |
General Education Courses
| ARTH | 100 | Survey of Western Art I | ||
| ARTH | 110 | Survey of Western Art II | ||
| CMPA | 100 | Survey of Computer Art Applications
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| -OR- | ||||
| CMPA | 110 | Advanced Survey of Computer Art Applications | ||
| COMM | 105 | Speech and Public Speaking | ||
| ENGL | 123 | Composition |
Natural Sciences/Mathematics (choose one of the following):
| ANAT | 100 | General Anatomy | ||
| ASTR | 101 | Introduction to Astronomy | ||
| BIOL | 100 | Environmental Science | ||
| MATH | 100 | College Mathematics* | ||
| MATH | 101 | Intermediate Mathematics* | ||
| MATH | 140 | The Geometry of Physical Space* | ||
| MATH | 150 | Elementary Statistics* | ||
| MATH | 160 | Contemporary Mathematics in Real-world Phenomena* | ||
| MATH | 201 | Applied Mathematics* | ||
| PHSC | 101 | Introduction to Physical Science | ||
| PHYS | 201 | Applied Physics |
*see Undergraduate Mathematics Competency Requirement
Social/Behavioral Science (choose one of the following):
| ANTH | 101 | Introduction to Anthropology | ||
| BUSI | 180 | Introduction to Economics | ||
| BUSI | 250 | Macroeconomics | ||
| COMM | 205 | Intercultural Communication
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||
| POLS | 100 | Politics in America | ||
| POLS | 110 | Contemporary Issues in American Politics | ||
| PSYC | 101 | Introduction to Psychology | ||
| PSYC | 126 | A Psychology of Self | ||
| PSYC | 260 | Creative Thinking Theories and Processes | ||
| PSYC | 280 | Psychology of Group Processes |
| FSYR | 101 | First Year Experience (if applicable) |
Students should consult with their faculty adviser or staff adviser when selecting or registering for any general education or elective course to ensure that the course meets the requirements of the program. Students must meet prerequisites in order to register in any course.
Undergraduate minors
Minors are designed to broaden students' education and enhance their employment opportunities. Students enrolled in any bachelor's degree program may elect to declare a minor outside the major field of study. In each minor program, students must complete required introductory level courses followed by a sequence of advanced courses and/or carefully selected electives.
Required courses in the foundation studies curriculum or in the general education curriculum may count toward a minor. The minor may require the student to complete more than the minimum number of quarter hours required for graduation. Thus, students should check to be sure adequate financial aid is available, if needed, to cover the additional time and cost. Students may choose to complete more than one minor or apply the hours earned for a minor toward the completion of a double major. For information about completing a minor,
In order to receive designation of a minor on his or her transcript, a student must satisfy the following requirements: declare the minor in writing with a staff adviser, successfully complete a minimum of 40 quarter credit hours (eight courses) as specified in the minor program of study, and maintain an overall 2.0 grade point average in the minor. Some courses have prerequisites that may require additional credits to complete the minor. Consult course descriptions to ascertain prerequisites.
Required courses in the foundation studies curriculum or in the general education curriculum may count toward a minor. The minor may require the student to complete more than the minimum number of quarter hours required for graduation. Thus, students should check to be sure adequate financial aid is available, if needed, to cover the additional time and cost. Students may choose to complete more than one minor or apply the hours earned for a minor toward the completion of a double major. For information about completing a minor,
In order to receive designation of a minor on his or her transcript, a student must satisfy the following requirements: declare the minor in writing with a staff adviser, successfully complete a minimum of 40 quarter credit hours (eight courses) as specified in the minor program of study, and maintain an overall 2.0 grade point average in the minor. Some courses have prerequisites that may require additional credits to complete the minor. Consult course descriptions to ascertain prerequisites.
Undergraduate mathematics competency requirement
SCAD ensures that all undergraduate students are able to demonstrate fundamental mathematics competency in one of the following ways: by successfully completing one MATH course at SCAD; by presenting proof of a qualifying math score on the SAT (560 or above) or the ACT (24 or above); or by presenting proof of qualifying math scores on Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, College-level Examination Program, or other equivalent international examinations as published on the SCAD admission website. These scores may qualify for transfer credit in addition to satisfying the mathematics requirement.
Students who have successfully completed a course at another college or university similar in content and level of instruction to a mathematics course at SCAD may be permitted to transfer that course in satisfaction of the mathematics requirement.
Undergraduate architecture applicants who present SAT math scores lower than 560, ACT math scores lower than 24, or are unable to demonstrate a competency for the study of mathematics and science may be admitted to the architecture program on a provisional basis and must take MATH 101. The credit hours earned in MATH 101 may be applied as an undergraduate general education elective. All undergraduate architecture students are required to take MATH 201 Applied Mathematics.
Students who demonstrate math competency with exam scores may take any math or natural science class to satisfy the natural sciences/mathematics general education requirement. Students should consult with their staff adviser before registering for any math or science courses to be sure they meet the requirements for their specific program of study.
Students who have successfully completed a course at another college or university similar in content and level of instruction to a mathematics course at SCAD may be permitted to transfer that course in satisfaction of the mathematics requirement.
Undergraduate architecture applicants who present SAT math scores lower than 560, ACT math scores lower than 24, or are unable to demonstrate a competency for the study of mathematics and science may be admitted to the architecture program on a provisional basis and must take MATH 101. The credit hours earned in MATH 101 may be applied as an undergraduate general education elective. All undergraduate architecture students are required to take MATH 201 Applied Mathematics.
Students who demonstrate math competency with exam scores may take any math or natural science class to satisfy the natural sciences/mathematics general education requirement. Students should consult with their staff adviser before registering for any math or science courses to be sure they meet the requirements for their specific program of study.
First-year Experience
First Year Experience is a required, non-credit, extended orientation course for first-year incoming undergraduate students designed to help prepare them for academic success and professional careers. The course provides a discussion-based environment in which students are introduced to university requirements, their responsibility in the learning process, and skills that enable them to identify and efficiently use university resources. In addition, the course addresses topics such as major exploration, academic advisement and registration, career planning, campus technology and student involvement opportunities.
All incoming first-year students are registered for First Year Experience during their first term of enrollment. Successful completion of First Year Experience is a graduation requirement for first-year students. Students who have transferred to SCAD after attending another institution are not required to complete the course but may opt to participate in the course to take advantage of the learning opportunities presented.
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Events
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- May 17, 2013
SCAD performing arts ends season May 23-26 - May 06, 2013
SCAD Museum of Art honored - May 06, 2013
SCAD team named finalist - May 03, 2013
SCAD presents annual Sand Arts Festival
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- Craig Stevens receives educator prize
- C&R Press publishes Chris Bundy book
- Absher was named Liz Claiborne Design Scholar
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