Learn About Savannah College of Art and Design

Overview of Savannah College of Art and Design

Savannah College of Art and Design, commonly known as SCAD, is a private art and design college located in Savannah, Georgia. The college was founded in 1978 by Paul and Molly Effinger, starting with just 54 students in a rented Victorian mansion. Today, SCAD has grown into one of the largest accredited colleges of art and design in the United States, with an enrollment of approximately 7,500 students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. The college's expansion has been significant, with multiple campuses now operating in different locations, including a satellite campus in Lacoste, France, and other international study centers.

The college operates on a quarter system rather than a traditional semester schedule, meaning students complete four academic terms per year instead of two. This structure allows students to progress through their degree programs more quickly and offers flexibility in when students can begin their studies. SCAD is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which ensures that the institution meets established standards for educational quality and institutional effectiveness.

SCAD's main campus in Savannah covers multiple blocks of the historic downtown area. The college has renovated and preserved numerous historic buildings throughout the city, integrating them into its campus infrastructure. This unique approach means that SCAD students study within a living, working city rather than on a traditional enclosed campus. The college's presence has contributed to the revitalization of Savannah's historic district, with over 70 historic buildings now serving as classrooms, studios, residence halls, and support facilities.

The college's mission centers on educating students in art, design, and related fields to prepare them for professional careers and lives of personal fulfillment. SCAD emphasizes hands-on learning, creative problem-solving, and industry-relevant experience. The college maintains strong connections with professional industries, allowing students to work on real-world projects and build networks within their chosen fields.

Practical Takeaway: Understanding SCAD's basic structure helps you grasp how the college operates differently from traditional universities. The quarter system, historic campus setting, and focus on applied learning are defining characteristics that affect how students progress through their education and engage with both the college and the city of Savannah.

Academic Programs and Degrees Offered

SCAD offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across multiple disciplines within art and design. The college structures its offerings into several academic units, each focusing on different creative fields. These include the School of Building Arts, School of Design, School of Fine Arts, School of Foundation Studies, School of Liberal Arts, and the School of Digital Media, among others. This organizational structure allows students to specialize in their chosen field while still completing core coursework that provides a well-rounded education.

Undergraduate programs at SCAD lead to a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, depending on the program. The BFA is the more specialized option, requiring students to focus intensively on their major with electives and general education courses comprising a smaller portion of their studies. The BA option provides more flexibility, allowing students to explore a broader range of subjects alongside their major. Undergraduate students typically complete 180 quarter hours to graduate, which translates to approximately 120 semester hours at schools using the traditional semester system.

Popular undergraduate programs include Graphic Design, Illustration, Animation, Interior Design, Photography, Fashion, Architecture, Film, Game Development, and Fine Art. Each program combines studio-based learning with theory and history courses. For example, a student pursuing a degree in Graphic Design takes courses in design principles, typography, web design, and professional practice, alongside courses in art history and liberal arts. The college requires all students to complete foundation courses during their first year, which provide instruction in fundamental art and design concepts like drawing, color theory, and two-dimensional and three-dimensional design.

Graduate programs at SCAD include Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Master of Architecture (M.Arch), Master of Fine Arts in Art History (MFA), and various Master of Arts degrees in specialized fields. Graduate programs are designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree and wish to pursue advanced study and specialization. These programs typically require two to three years of full-time study and emphasize thesis projects or comprehensive final projects that demonstrate mastery of the field.

The college also offers certificate programs and non-degree courses for students who may not wish to pursue a full degree. These shorter programs allow individuals to develop specific skills in areas like web design, illustration, or photography. Additionally, SCAD offers online courses and degree programs for distance learners, expanding access to education for students who cannot attend in-person classes.

Practical Takeaway: When exploring SCAD programs, consider whether a BFA or BA degree aligns with your goals, and research how specific programs structure their coursework. Understanding the difference between foundation courses, major courses, and electives will help you see how much specialization versus broad learning you'll experience during your studies.

Admissions Process and Requirements

SCAD's admissions process involves several components that the college considers together to evaluate each prospective student. The college uses a holistic review approach, meaning that admissions officers look at the complete picture of each applicant rather than relying solely on test scores or GPA. However, certain materials are fundamental to the process and are expected from all applicants.

Prospective students must submit official high school transcripts or college transcripts if transferring from another institution. SCAD requires that applicants have completed or be completing a high school diploma or equivalent credential like the GED. There is no minimum GPA requirement stated by SCAD, though admitted students typically have varying academic records. The college considers your transcript as one indicator of your ability to succeed in college-level work.

A portfolio is a critical component of SCAD's admissions process. For many programs, particularly those in fine arts and design, applicants must submit a portfolio of creative work demonstrating their artistic ability and interest in their chosen field. The portfolio typically includes 10 to 20 examples of artwork or design work, which can be drawings, paintings, photography, digital work, or other relevant pieces. SCAD provides specific guidelines for portfolio submissions, and prospective students can review these on the college's website. The portfolio shows admissions officers what you can create and your potential for growth through education at SCAD.

Standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT are not required by SCAD for admission, which sets the college apart from many traditional universities. This policy reflects SCAD's belief that creativity and artistic potential are not fully captured by standardized testing. However, some graduate programs may have different requirements, so prospective graduate students should verify what their specific program requires.

All applicants must submit an artist or personal statement, a brief written response explaining their interest in SCAD and their chosen program. This statement gives admissions officers insight into your motivations, artistic philosophy, or reasons for pursuing art and design education. Letters of recommendation are requested but not always required, though they can strengthen an application by providing perspective from teachers or mentors who know your work and character.

International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through tests like the TOEFL or IELTS if English is not their primary language, as instruction at SCAD is conducted in English. International applicants also need to provide proof of financial resources to cover tuition and living expenses, as well as complete visa documentation.

Practical Takeaway: Developing a strong portfolio is often the most important part of your SCAD application. If you're considering applying, spend time creating your best work and thoughtfully selecting pieces that represent your skills and creative interests. Your portfolio should demonstrate both technical ability and your unique artistic voice or perspective.

Campus Life and Student Experience

Life at SCAD extends far beyond classroom learning. The college fosters a vibrant creative community where students engage with their peers, participate in exhibitions and performances, and interact with the surrounding city of Savannah. The student body is diverse, representing various backgrounds, geographic origins, and artistic interests. This diversity contributes to a rich learning environment where students encounter different perspectives and approaches to creative work.

SCAD provides residence halls for students, though not all students live on campus. The college offers various housing options, from traditional dormitories to renovated historic buildings that serve as residence halls. On-campus housing puts students in close proximity to their studios, classes, and each other, fostering community and collaboration. Many first-year students live on campus, and the college encourages this experience as part of