Academic Experience

At SCAD, innovation extends to all 100-plus degree programs the university offers. SCAD constantly researches and reimagines its programs—top-ranked by The Hollywood Reporter, The Business of Fashion, Red Dot Design, The Rookies, DesignIntelligence, and Variety, among others—to instill the critical skills and knowledge students need to succeed in their chosen careers, an approach that garnered recognition from CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell in 2022 as a singular example of innovation in higher education. SCAD consults industry leaders, gathers data on business and design needs through SCADpro, and collects student feedback to inform the genesis and evolution of every degree taught at the university.

SCAD undergraduate and graduate courses are taught on the 10-week quarter system, which mirrors the fast-paced deadlines and frequent feedback of the business world. The First Year Experience course introduces every new undergraduate student to life at SCAD, from choosing classes and majors to mastering resources and joining clubs.

For all students, faculty, alumni, and staff, the SCAD Office of Inclusion works to ensure every member of the university community feels welcomed, valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. Year-round, the office hosts a series of conversations with top professionals about diversity in major creative industries, offers virtual diversity and inclusion courses, and promotes participation in community initiatives with organizations around Atlanta and Savannah.

SCAD offers a comprehensive array of software packages across its disciplines, including Bluebeam Revu and Enscape for architecture and Katana for motion media design. The full Adobe Creative Cloud Complete is available for download to students' personal computers. In global SCAD libraries, students have access to more than 1 million print and electronic resources—the largest collection at any specialized art and design university.

Exceptional students from select SCAD programs can maximize their education and enhance their career preparation through GRADpath@SCAD, an accelerated track that propels students to earn both a B.F.A. and M.A. in four years, or a B.F.A. and M.F.A. in five years.

In graduate disciplines like design for sustainability, creative business leadership, luxury and brand management, and themed entertainment design—available only at SCAD—students become thought leaders in the creative economy and entrepreneurs stewarding successful personal brands and businesses.

By launching groundbreaking new degree paths and revamping its existing programs, SCAD ensures students like 2022 SCAD Savannah salutatorian and Google interaction designer Andrew Goodridge (West Chester, Pennsylvania) are prepared for rewarding careers.