Savannah College of Art and Design: Distance Learning Programs In-Depth

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SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN

SCAD E-Learning Program
Savannah, Georgia


Distance Learning Program

The College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; telephone: 404-679-4500) to award bachelor's and master's degrees. The Master of Architecture (M. Arch.) is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Among its many distinctions, the College has been cited by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the American Institute of Architects, and the International Downtown Association for its adaptive reuse of more than fifty historic buildings for creating a unique urban setting.

Delivery Media

Through SCAD e-Learning, the Savannah College of Art and Design uses the Internet and the World Wide Web to extend certificate and degree programs to students who are unable to attend regularly scheduled classes on campus. All courses are led by faculty members and are offered for academic credit.

Program formats are designed for students and working professionals who want to continue their education and advance their careers but who require an adaptive option. SCAD e-Learning allows off-campus learners to take part in the same courses as on-campus students while enjoying the flexibility of distance education. SCAD e-Learning programs follow the quarter system, with courses offered in the fall, winter, spring, and summer. Most courses run ten weeks and are partially asynchronous.

While courses have definite start and end dates, they are not tied to specific meeting times. Students are expected to move through course work according to a schedule; however, they are able to decide the times and days they devote to the course work. In several courses, students may work at an accelerated pace, completing the requirements ahead of schedule.

Programs of Study

Through SCAD e-Learning, the Savannah College of Art and Design offers a certificate in digital publishing; graduate certificates in digital publishing management, historic preservation, and interactive design and game development; and Master of Arts degrees in graphic design and historic preservation. Art history, film and television, foundation studies, graphic design, historic preservation, illustration, interactive design, liberal arts, and photography classes are among the courses that may be offered as well.

In the certificate in digital publishing program, students learn publishing and design fundamentals, including layout, graphic imaging, and typography. They are introduced to a variety of industry-standard computer applications that are used in the production and presentation of print and online media. The certificate in digital publishing is a 20-hour, four-course program that allows students to choose a focus on prepress and/or Web publishing. Students may complete both the production design and Web page design courses for further specialization.

The graduate certificate in digital publishing management features advanced topics in publishing and design, with an emphasis on content management, design and development processes, and creative teams. Students work with a variety of industry-standard computer applications used in the production and presentation of print and online media. The graduate certificate in digital publishing management is a 20-hour, four-course program.

In the graduate certificate in historic preservation program, students are provided with a fundamental understanding of the discipline's broad applications to art, planning, and modern living. Course work is intended to enhance the knowledge base of professionals working directly or tangentially in the field or may also serve to inspire a new career. The graduate certificate in historic preservation is a 20-hour, four-course program.

Students in the certificate in interactive design and game development program develop skills that allow them to create works of interactive art and design to meet a variety of vendor industry standards. These include content and design for open-source as well as for closed, proprietary systems. Students utilize various applications and programming techniques. The certificate in interactive design and game development is a 25-hour, five-course program.

The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is a private, coeducational college that prepares students for careers in the visual and performing arts, design, the building arts, and the history of art and architecture. The Savannah College of Art and Design was the only art college selected as one of the 100 hidden gems in higher education by Jay Mathews, author of Harvard Schmarvard: Getting Beyond the Ivy League to the College That Is Best for You. A balanced fine arts and liberal arts curriculum has attracted students from every state and from more than eighty countries, making SCAD one of the largest art and design colleges in the United States. Current enrollment is nearly 6,000 students.

The M.A. in graphic design features carefully sequenced courses that prepare students for professional careers in the industry and encourage the development of individualized design philosophies. Areas of design concentration include advertising promotions, corporate publications, multi-dimensional design, multimedia, print, social issues, and typography. The M.A. in graphic design is a 45-hour, nine-course program.

Students in the M.A. in historic preservation program learn the regulatory, technical, and philosophical issues involved in historic preservation. They also participate in hands-on projects such as building assessments, meetings of planning bodies, and investigations of the economic impact of historic preservation on communities. Students may elect to do field work in Savannah and, with required approvals, complete a two-week residency under the direction of on-campus faculty members. The M.A. in historic preservation is a 45-hour, nine-course program.

Upon successful application, courses in any of these programs may be credited toward other applicable degree programs.

Student Services

Student services staff and programs are provided to assist students in making a successful adjustment to classes. Staff members guide students in developing independence and self-direction for their professional and personal goals and are available to help students resolve personal and academic problems.

Credit Options

Through SCAD e-Learning, the Savannah College of Art and Design offers students the option of taking courses without enrolling in a degree or certificate program. Depending on their admission status, students may take courses for credit. Students enrolled in degree programs may complete other online courses for elective credit. Courses offered change quarterly; students should consult the SCAD e-Learning Web site for an updated course list.

Faculty

A large and distinguished international faculty consists of professors with diverse backgrounds, both professionally and educationally. Classes are taught by faculty members who hold terminal degrees or other outstanding credentials in their fields and individual attention is emphasized.

Admission

To apply to the undergraduate certificate program, prospective students must submit an application for admission, a nonrefundable $50 application fee, official transcripts from the highest level of school attended, recommendations, and a resume, if applicable. The certificate of digital publishing requires industry experience, and applicants to the graphic design program must submit a portfolio to be evaluated by selected faculty members and the admissions review committee. Interviews are encouraged but are not required.

To apply to the graduate certificate and degree programs, prospective students must submit an application for admission, a nonrefundable $50 application fee, official transcripts from each college attended, recommendations, a statement of purpose, and a resume, if applicable. The Master of Arts programs in graphic design and historic preservation as well as the graduate certificates in interactive design and historic preservation require a previous baccalaureate degree. Applicants in graphic design and interactive design programs must submit a portfolio, and the applicants in historic preservation must submit a portfolio or research paper. These materials are evaluated by selected faculty members and the admissions review committee. Interviews and GRE scores are encouraged but are not required. GRE scores are considered valuable in evaluating candidates, with preference given to students with GRE scores at or above the national average.

Students who enroll in e-Learning courses must possess basic computer skills and have regular access to appropriate computer hardware, software, and Internet connectivity in order to fully participate in the course work. Students should consult the SCAD e-Learning Web site for more information about technical requirements.

Tuition and Fees

Undergraduate tuition is $2250 per class, per quarter; graduate tuition is $2300. Degree-seeking students pay a one-time nonrefundable matriculation fee of $500. All SCAD e-Learning students pay a $100 technology fee for each course.

Financial Aid

Federal financial aid is available to degree-seeking students who are enrolled at least half-time (two classes). Aid programs offered by the state of Georgia are available to students who are enrolled full-time (three classes). Students are encouraged to check with their states for availability of state aid. Courses leading to a certificate or continuing education credits do not qualify for either federal or state financial aid.

CONTACT

SCAD E-Learning
Savannah College of Art and Design
P.O. Box 2072
Savannah, Georgia 31402-2072
Phone: 912-525-5100
800-869-7223 (toll-free)
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: http://www.scad.edu

Applying

To apply, explore one's e-Learning potential, learn more about e-Learning, or take the e-Learning self-assessment, students should visit http://www.scad.edu/elearning.

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