Programs of Study

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 fine arts 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, oral communication and computer applications. 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.

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 fine arts 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, oral communication and computer applications. 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.

SCAD offers certificate programs to provide special preparation in an area complementary to the student’s major or profession. Current students may pursue a certificate by contacting their student success 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.

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.

For information about completing a double major, undergraduate students should consult a student success 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.

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, so 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 the minor toward the completion of a double major. For information about completing a minor, students should consult a student success adviser.

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 student success adviser, successfully complete a minimum of 40 quarter credit hours (eight courses) as specified in the minor course of study, and maintain an overall 2.0 grade point average in the minor.

The Army Department of Military Science is a Senior Division Reserve Officer Training Corps Instructor Group staffed by Army personnel. The department provides a curriculum available to SCAD students that qualifies graduates of SCAD for commission as an officer in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve or the U.S. National Guard. Qualifying for a commission adds an extra dimension to the student’s employment capability in that, upon graduation from SCAD, the student has either military or civilian employment options.

Military science classes are designed to prepare students for service as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, and also provide knowledge and practical experience in leadership and management that is useful to any facet of society. Students are provided a working knowledge of the organization and functioning of the Department of Defense and the role of the U.S. Army in national security and world affairs.

Typically, the first two years of the course of study include basic military science courses and/or related military skill activities. In the second half of the program, students participate in advanced military science coursework. To be qualified to participate and remain in the advanced course, students must be physically qualified, maintain good standing in academic and military coursework, and demonstrate potential for future leadership success. Courses in military science do not apply toward any degree requirements at SCAD. ROTC scholarships also are available. Entering students should contact the office of admission for more information.

In each undergraduate degree program, students are required to successfully complete a substantial general education component of at least 55 quarter hours, which is the equivalent of 36 semester hours. The general education component is based on coherent rationale, ensures breadth of knowledge, and encompasses the areas of humanities/fine arts, social/behavioral sciences, and natural sciences/mathematics. These courses do not narrowly focus on those skills, techniques and procedures specific to a particular occupation or profession, but rather are intended to provide a broad base of education upon which students may build. General education courses contribute to the ability to think critically and communicate effectively. The courses are designed to teach reasoning, analysis, aesthetic and cultural interpretation, research methods and technological approaches. The curriculum also emphasizes clear communication and coherent presentation of thoughts and ideas through assignments involving writing, speaking, research, analysis, planning and teamwork.

Specific general education course requirements are listed in each undergraduate program course of study. In addition to required courses, students are encouraged to select from a wide range of general education electives offered by SCAD.

Students should refer to the appropriate course of study for their chosen program and should consult with their faculty adviser or student success 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 general education component

Humanities/fine arts required courses
 

ARTH		100		Survey of Western Arts I
ARTH		110		Aesthetics
ARTH		100		Survey of Western Arts II
		—		ARLH (Architectural History) or ARTH (Art History) elective(s)
COMM		105		Speech and Public Speaking
ENGL		123		Composition
ENGL		—		English elective (s) (ESL and WRIT courses do not qualify.)

Humanities/fine arts (At least one course is required.)

CINE		205		Reading Films
PHIL		101		Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL		142		Studies in Existential Philosophy
PHIL		202		World Religions

Natural sciences/mathematics (At least one course is required.)

ANAT		100		General Anatomy
ASTR		101		Introduction to Astronomy
BIOL		100		Environmental Science
PHYS		101		Introduction to Physical Science
PHYS		201		Applied Physics
MATH		100		Basic Mathematics
MATH		101		Intermediate Mathematics
MATH		230		Pre-calculus

Social/behavioral sciences (At least one course is required.)

ANTH		101		Introduction to Anthropology
ARCL		200		Principles of Archaeology
POLS		100		Introduction to American Government
POLS		110		Contemporary Issues in American Politics
PSYC		101		Introduction to Psychology
PSYC		126		Psychology of Self

Technology requirement

CMPA

100

Survey of Computer Art Applications (or equivalent)

General education electives
At least one course is required.

SCAD ensures that all undergraduate students are able to demonstrate fundamental mathematics competency in one of three ways: by successfully completing MATH 100 Basic Mathematics, MATH 101 Intermediate Mathematics or MATH 201 Applied Mathematics (required for architecture majors); by passing the college’s math competency exam during orientation; or by presenting proof of qualifying math scores on the Advanced Placement, College Level Examination Program or International Baccalaureate examinations. AP, CLEP and IB scores may qualify for transfer credit in addition to satisfying the mathematics requirement.

Students who have successfully completed a collegiate course similar in content and level of instruction to MATH 100 Basic Mathematics, MATH 101 Intermediate Mathematics or MATH 201 Applied Mathematics at another college or university may be allowed to transfer that course in satisfaction of the mathematics requirement.

Students who qualify to exempt or who score above the minimum on the math competency exam may take any math or natural science class to satisfy the natural sciences/mathematics general education requirement. Students should consult with a student success adviser before registering for any math or science courses to be sure they meet the requirements for their specific program of study. Transfer students should consult with their student success adviser during their first quarter at SCAD.

Questions about the mathematics requirement should be directed to the office of student success and advising.