Savannah College of Art and Design
Address: Savannah College of Art and Design, 342 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA
Phone: +1 912-525-5100
Email: admission@scad.edu
Website: www.scad.edu
About Savannah College of Art and Design
Established in 1978, the Savannah College of Art and Design is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Savannah (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Georgia. This institution also has branch campuses in Atlanta, Hong Kong and Lacoste. Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is a large-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 15,000-19,999 students) coeducational US higher education institution. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study table below for further details. This 46-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. SCAD also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Why Savannah College of Art and Design
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is famous for its commitment to creative industries, high-ranking art and design programs, strong industry connections, and hands-on learning approach. Here are key reasons for its renown:
1. Specialization in Creative Disciplines
- SCAD is uniquely dedicated to arts and design, offering a broad range of specialized programs across animation, fashion, film, interior design, architecture, and more. This focus allows students to deeply explore their chosen fields with targeted resources and faculty expertise.
2. Industry-Standard Facilities and Technology
- SCAD provides state-of-the-art facilities, from green screen studios and animation labs to a motion capture lab and prototyping spaces. Students have access to the latest industry technology, preparing them for seamless transitions into professional environments.
3. Prominent Alumni and Industry Connections
- SCAD’s alumni network is impressive, with graduates working for major brands like Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Gucci. The college has established partnerships with top companies in creative sectors, which helps students secure internships, collaborations, and career opportunities.
4. International Presence
- SCAD has multiple campuses, including in Savannah and Atlanta (Georgia), Lacoste (France), and online (SCADnow). This global presence broadens students’ exposure to different cultures and industries, appealing to a diverse student body from around the world.
5. SCAD Savannah Film Festival and Other Major Events
- The SCAD Savannah Film Festival is the largest university-run film festival in the U.S., attracting prominent filmmakers, industry leaders, and celebrities. This and other events, like SCAD Fashion Shows and Design SCAD, showcase student work and foster networking opportunities with top industry professionals.
6. High Graduate Employment Rates
- SCAD boasts a high employment rate for its graduates, with over 99% of alumni reportedly employed, pursuing further education, or both within ten months of graduation. This success rate is attributed to SCAD’s career services, practical curriculum, and industry ties.
7. Innovative and Real-World Learning Opportunities
- SCAD emphasizes hands-on, real-world learning through project-based courses, internships, and collaborations with industry leaders. Programs encourage students to work on professional-level projects, which helps them build strong portfolios and practical experience.
8. Distinguished Faculty with Industry Backgrounds
- SCAD's faculty comprises professionals with extensive industry experience, from animators at major studios to fashion designers with international brands. They bring real-world knowledge into the classroom, giving students valuable industry insights and mentoring.
SCAD’s focused approach on practical, industry-ready skills, coupled with strong support for students’ creative ambitions, has helped it become a standout institution in art and design education.
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) requires international students to demonstrate proficiency in English, as all classes are conducted in English. Below are the language requirements and accepted tests for non-native English speakers:
1. English Proficiency Tests
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score of 85 on the Internet-based test (iBT).
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum overall score of 6.5.
- PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic): Minimum score of 58.
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 105.
- Cambridge English Assessment: Minimum score of 176.
- ACT English Subscore: Minimum of 20 (for ACT test takers).
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Subscore: Minimum of 530 (for SAT test takers).
2. Exemptions
- Students who have completed at least two years of full-time study in an institution where English is the primary language of instruction may be exempt from submitting test scores.
- Students from countries where English is the official language may also qualify for exemption, but it’s best to check SCAD’s policies or contact the admissions office for specific eligibility.
3. Conditional Admission
- SCAD offers English language support through its English as a Second Language (ESL) programs for students who may not meet the full language requirements. Conditional admission may be available for students who require further language proficiency development.
4. Additional Testing for Graduate Applicants
- Some graduate programs may require higher proficiency scores or additional portfolio evaluations, so graduate students should confirm specific requirements for their program.
Demonstrating proficiency in English ensures students can fully engage with SCAD's rigorous coursework, collaborative projects, and immersive learning environments.
The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is renowned for its specialized programs in the arts, design, and creative fields. Here are some of SCAD's standout specialties:
1. Animation and Visual Effects
- SCAD's animation and visual effects program is one of the best globally. Students gain hands-on experience in 3D animation, character animation, and VFX, preparing them for careers in film, gaming, and advertising.
2. Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing
- SCAD’s fashion programs are highly regarded, with focuses on both design and business aspects. The school’s partnerships with top fashion brands give students opportunities to showcase their work in major fashion events, including New York Fashion Week.
3. Graphic Design and Digital Media
- Graphic design at SCAD emphasizes a mix of traditional and digital skills. Students learn branding, UX/UI design, and digital media, preparing them for roles in branding, advertising, and digital marketing.
4. Film and Television Production
- The film and TV program at SCAD is known for its strong industry connections. Students have access to state-of-the-art production facilities and often participate in the SCAD Savannah Film Festival, providing networking opportunities with industry leaders.
5. Interior Design
- SCAD's interior design program is highly ranked, with an emphasis on sustainable and functional design. The curriculum covers residential, commercial, and institutional design, combining creative and technical skills.
6. Architecture
- SCAD offers a Master of Architecture program that focuses on sustainable practices and innovative design. The program incorporates digital modeling, environmental design, and interdisciplinary learning.
7. Illustration
- Known for a hands-on approach, SCAD’s illustration program emphasizes both traditional and digital techniques. Students build portfolios across styles, including editorial, sequential, and technical illustration.
8. Game Design
- SCAD’s game design program prepares students for the gaming industry by covering game art, interactive design, and storytelling. Students work in teams to create fully playable games and collaborate with other SCAD departments.
9. User Experience (UX) Design
- This program focuses on human-centered design, research, and usability. It prepares students for in-demand UX/UI design careers in tech, with projects that involve real-world applications and user testing.
10. Photography
- SCAD’s photography program emphasizes creative and commercial photography. Students learn studio, editorial, and fine art photography and can work with both traditional and digital techniques.
SCAD also offers programs in creative technology, advertising, industrial design, and sequential art (comic art), all tailored to meet industry needs, with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world experience.
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has a distinguished faculty, with professors who bring extensive industry experience and have received various recognitions in their fields. Here are a few of SCAD’s notable professors and areas where they excel:
1. Chris Gallagher – Animation
- Gallagher is an award-winning animator and filmmaker with a background at companies like DreamWorks Animation. He brings professional insights into animation, visual effects, and storytelling, making him a valuable mentor for students interested in film and animation careers.
2. Michael Chaney – Illustration
- An award-winning illustrator, Chaney has been recognized in Communication Arts, Print, American Illustration, and more. His expertise in both traditional and digital illustration has helped SCAD’s illustration department gain prominence.
3. Carlos Diaz – Film and Television
- Diaz, with a career spanning both film and TV, has worked on productions for major studios and networks. He shares practical knowledge on directing, screenwriting, and producing, essential for students aiming for careers in film production.
4. Hugh Graham – Industrial Design
- Graham has contributed to leading design firms and worked with major brands, offering students firsthand knowledge in product and industrial design. His professional background bridges the gap between design theory and real-world application.
5. Robert Melville – Interior Design
- Melville’s work emphasizes sustainable and functional design. He has been recognized in industry publications and awards, making him a strong influence on SCAD’s renowned interior design program.
6. Wendy White – Fashion Design
- White brings experience from top fashion houses and has led SCAD’s students in showcasing work at events like New York Fashion Week. Her insights help students understand the intricacies of fashion design and the business aspects of the industry.
7. David Spencer – Architecture
- Spencer has both professional architectural experience and an academic background in urban design and sustainable architecture. His teachings emphasize innovation in sustainable practices, preparing students for leadership in modern architectural fields.
8. Molly Schwartzburg – Sequential Art
- Schwartzburg is well-known in the comics and graphic novel world and has worked in various capacities across the comic art spectrum. Her expertise in sequential art gives students an edge in SCAD's unique comic arts program.
These professors, along with others at SCAD, contribute to the school’s reputation by combining practical industry knowledge with academic excellence, preparing students for successful careers in their chosen creative fields.
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) does not have a history of Nobel Prize recipients, as its focus is on the arts, design, and creative fields rather than traditional academic disciplines like science, literature, or economics where Nobel Prizes are typically awarded. SCAD’s impact and reputation, however, lie in producing top-tier talent for the creative industries, with alumni and faculty contributing to acclaimed projects in film, animation, design, and other creative sectors.
SCAD’s recognition comes in the form of other prestigious industry awards and accolades, such as Academy Awards (Oscars), Emmy Awards, and Golden Globes. Its alumni and faculty have contributed to major films, animation projects, and design innovations that have received significant honors, underscoring the college's impact on global creative fields.