the summer quarter following the ceremony. Students
of knowledge of historical methodology, logical thought
should note that course offerings may be limited in the
and original ideas, as well as aesthetic considerations.
summer. Students who would like to participate in the
Candidates should demonstrate strong fundamental
commencement ceremony must apply by the deadline
art and design skills, performance skills, technical profi-
posted in MySCAD (MySCAD > Resources > Department
ciency, and/or strong academic and research proficiency
Directory > Registrar > Graduation and Commencement).
required of the discipline and degree program. Academic
At graduation, bachelor’s degree students may be
performance, as demonstrated by individual course
awarded academic honors based on their cumulative
grades, also serves as an indication of a student’s readi-
grade-point average during their last quarter before
ness to proceed to candidacy. Students who experience
commencement. Since commencement is scheduled
academic difficulty should consult with their department
before final grades are submitted, the cumulative grade-
chair or graduate coordinator. Additional guidelines for
point averages of students who complete their gradu-
the candidacy review can be found on the graduate
ation requirements spring quarter are based on their
studies website in MySCAD.
averages the previous quarter. Students who have a
Students who do not pass the review for candidacy
cumulative grade-point average below a specific honor
during their initial attempt may have a second review.
level prior to commencement, but earn the required
Any student who does not pass the second review may
average after grades are calculated, have that honor
not be allowed to continue in the program.
indicated on their diploma. Honors Cum Laude
3.5 to 3.69 GPA
Magna Cum Laude 3.7 to 3.89 GPA Summa Cum Laude 3.9 to 4.0 GPA Students enrolled in B.F.A. programs in art history and architectural history are required to complete a thesis as part of their graduation requirements. Students register for the thesis course at the end of their program and are expected to complete the thesis by the end of the final enrollment term. Students who do not finish their theses by the end of the term may request a grade of incomplete subject to the temporary grade of incomplete policy.
Graduate candidacy At the approximate midpoint of each graduate student’s course of study, the student must pass a faculty review for candidacy. In order to be reviewed, the student must have met all requirements for the program up to that point with a grade-point average of at least 3.0 in the major. In the candidacy review, the faculty assesses the student’s complete body of work, as well as the student’s readiness to continue in the program and succeed in the field upon graduation. Reviews are structured according to the discipline and degree program, assessing evidence
Five-year completion limit for graduate degrees The completion limit for graduate degrees is five years from the first day at SCAD. If, for any reason, the student does not complete the program within the five-year period, the student must petition to the office of graduate studies for continuation under the current program of study.
Master’s degree graduation requirements In order to graduate, students seeking master’s degrees are required to be continuously enrolled (at least two quarters per academic year, including continuing thesis, up to the five-year limit), fulfill all requirements of the program of study, and maintain a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade-point average overall as well as a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade-point average in the major area of study. To graduate with a double major or dual degree, graduate students must fulfill all requirements of each major. Specific completion requirements may vary according to the degree program and may require a thesis, final project or portfolio appropriate to the course of study. The subject and nature of thesis projects vary among departments. Final projects and portfolio courses include a written component. See specific program requirements for each major posted in