Savannah College of Art and Design

The Savannah College of Art and Design was founded in 1978 by Richard G. Rowan, Paula Wallace, May L. Poetter and Paul E. Poetter to provide college degree programs not previously available in southeast Georgia and to create a specialized professional art college to attract students from throughout the United States and abroad. 

The Savannah College of Art and Design was founded in 1978 by Richard G. Rowan, Paula Wallace, May L. Poetter and Paul E. Poetter to provide college degree programs not previously available in southeast Georgia and to create a specialized professional art college to attract students from throughout the United States and abroad. The curriculum was established with dual goals of excellent arts education and effective career preparation for students. Today, with multiple locations and online distance education offerings, SCAD continues to assiduously adhere to these goals.

SCAD was legally incorporated in the state of Georgia Sept. 29, 1978. A board of trustees was established, and the search was begun for a competent faculty and an appropriate facility. In the spring of 1979, SCAD purchased and renovated the Savannah Volunteer Guard Armory to serve as the first classroom and administration building. The historic significance of the 1892 structure was recognized by its nomination for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Named Poetter Hall in honor of two of the founders, the building remains in active use by SCAD today.

SCAD is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate and masters degrees. The university confers Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Architecture, Master of Arts, and Master of Fine Arts. The professional M.Arch. degree is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. SCAD is licensed by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education. The SCAD interior design Bachelor of Fine Arts degree offered at SCAD Atlanta and SCAD Savannah is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, 206 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Class sizes at SCAD are small, allowing each student the opportunity to receive individual attention. Faculty members have distinguished backgrounds in their fields. The international faculty and student body come from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. An English as a Second Language program and dedicated international student services staff are available to assist international students with the adjustment to university life in the United States.

SCAD is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelor's and master's degrees. The university confers Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Architecture, Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Fine Arts and Master of Urban Design degrees, as well as undergraduate and graduate certificates. The professional M.Arch. degree is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. The Master of Arts in Teaching degrees offered by SCAD are approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. SCAD is licensed by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education. The SCAD interior design Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.

SCAD operates museums, galleries, and exhibition spaces across its campuses, including the SCAD Museum of Art, located on the site of the former Central of Georgia Railway headquarters in Savannah, Georgia, and SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film in Atlanta, Georgia. Rafael Gomes is the director of fashion exhibitions and has curated several shows including ‘Robert Fairer Backstage Pass: Dior, Galliano, Jacobs, and McQueen.' 

ATHLETICS

Initially a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics from 1987 to 1992, SCAD then transitioned to Division III of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The SCAD Bees sent 20 teams to NCAA postseason competition between 1996 and 2003, and every SCAD athletics team logged a winning record during the 2001-02 season.

Before the start of the 2003-04 season, SCAD renewed its membership with the NAIA and now competes in the Sun Conference (formerly the Florida Sun Conference). In Fall 2010, SCAD Atlanta began competing at the intercollegiate level in NAIA men's and women's cross country, golf and tennis.

In recent years, SCAD athletic teams have been ranked among the nation's top 25 teams. SCAD athletics has established an outstanding legacy by recruiting talented student-athletes and fielding teams in the tradition of excellence for which SCAD is best known.

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) offers undergraduate and graduate programs designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in art, design, and creative business. With over 100 degree programs across more than 40 majors, SCAD provides educational opportunities at its campuses in Savannah and Atlanta, Georgia; Lacoste, France; and through its online platform, SCADnow.
 

Undergraduate students can pursue Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees in disciplines such as animation, fashion, graphic design, interior design, and photography. The curriculum begins with the SCAD Core, encompassing foundation studies and general education courses that develop essential skills in critical thinking, communication, and visual literacy . Students then engage in specialized coursework tailored to their chosen majors, fostering both creative and technical proficiency.
 

Graduate programs at SCAD include Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.), and Master of Business Innovation (M.B.I.) degrees across various fields. Notably, the M.B.I. programs in creative business leadership and design management are designed to integrate business acumen with creative expertise . Graduate students benefit from advanced study, professional-level technology, and opportunities for industry collaboration through initiatives like SCADpro, the university’s research lab and prototype generator.
 

SCAD continually updates its academic offerings to align with industry trends. For the 2024–25 academic year, the university introduced new programs including B.A. and B.F.A. degrees in game development, and M.A. degrees in cinematography and editing . These additions reflect SCAD’s commitment to providing relevant and forward-thinking education in emerging fields.
 

Through its comprehensive programs and emphasis on real-world experience, SCAD equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their creative careers. The university’s integration of traditional instruction with innovative practices ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the evolving global marketplace.

The Savannah College of Art and Design does not offer a MBA program and, therefore, is not featured in global MBA rankings such as the QS Global MBA Rankings 2025. Instead, it focuses on integrating business principles within creative disciplines through specialized graduate programs.

One notable offering is the Master of Business Innovation in Design Management, introduced in the 2023–2024 academic year. This program, unique in the United States, is designed to equip creative professionals with strategic business skills, emphasizing areas like business plan development, technology transfer, and human-centered strategies. Students also have opportunities to collaborate with leading companies through SCADpro, the university's innovation and design studio .
 

While SCAD's programs are not ranked in traditional MBA listings, the institution has received recognition in other areas. For instance, SCAD is ranked #13 globally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject for Art & Design in 2025 . This highlights SCAD's commitment to blending creative education with business acumen, offering an alternative path for those interested in leadership roles within the creative industries.

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) continues to demonstrate exceptional job integration rates for its graduates. A 2024 study revealed that 99% of recent SCAD alumni were either employed, pursuing further education, or both within 12 months of graduation. Notably, 90% of these graduates secured positions directly related to their field of study, underscoring the effectiveness of SCAD's career-focused curriculum. 
 

SCAD's commitment to career readiness is evident through its comprehensive support services. The university offers personalized career advising, portfolio development workshops, and networking opportunities with industry leaders. Events like the annual SCAD Career Fair attract top employers from various sectors, providing students with direct access to potential job opportunities. 
 

The success of SCAD graduates is further reflected in long-term employment statistics. According to data from Niche, 91% of SCAD alumni were employed two years after graduation, and 88% remained employed six years post-graduation. These figures highlight the lasting impact of a SCAD education in preparing students for sustained careers in the creative industries.

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