Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)

Welcome to SCAD

Offering more degree programs and specializations than any other art and design university, SCAD is uniquely qualified to prepare talented students for professional, creative careers.

SCAD history

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 prepares talented students for creative professions through engaged teaching and learning in a positively oriented university environment.

SCAD is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; telephone number 404-679-4500) to award baccalaureate and masters degrees. The university confers Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Architecture, Master of Arts, Master of Fine Arts, as well as undergraduate certificates. 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 mission

SCAD prepares talented students for creative professions through engaged teaching and learning in a positively oriented university environment.

SCAD vision

SCAD will be globally recognized as the preeminent source of knowledge in the disciplines we teach.

SCAD values

Be Strategic. Research and measure to guide work and document results.

Be Innovative. Generate new ideas and relevant solutions.

Be Positive. Approach all endeavors with enthusiasm.

Be Collaborative. Embrace and act upon our collective genius.

Be Transformative. Create life-changing experiences.

Be Compassionate. Treat everyone with kindness and care.