Accreditation

The institutional effectiveness department is charged with managing compliance and reaffirmation efforts related to institutional accreditation (SACSCOC) and specialized accreditation (i.e., NAAB, CIDA). The department also facilitates the review of faculty qualifications in collaboration with human resources, and conducts studies of policy interest to SCAD using best practice quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

The Savannah College of Art and Design is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate and masters degrees. The Savannah College of Art and Design also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the Savannah College of Art and Design may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).

The SCAD department of institutional effectiveness is responsible for reporting substantive changes to SACSCOC according to the Commission’s published policies. Faculty and staff can email accreditation@scad.edu to report or request information regarding substantive changes.

National Architectural Accrediting Board

In the United States, most registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is the sole agency authorized to accredit professional degree programs in architecture offered by institutions with U.S. regional accreditation, recognizes three types of degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture, the Master of Architecture, and the Doctor of Architecture. A program may be granted an eight-year term, an eight-year term with conditions, or a two-year term of continuing accreditation, or a three-year term of initial accreditation, depending on the extent of its conformance with established education standards.

Doctor of Architecture and Master of Architecture degree programs may require a non-accredited undergraduate degree in architecture for admission. However, the non-accredited degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.

The Savannah College of Art and Design School of Building Arts offers the following NAAB-accredited degree program(s): M.Arch. (180 undergraduate credits plus 90 graduate credits). Next accreditation visit: 2030.

Council for Interior Design Accreditation

The interior design program leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts in interior design at SCAD Atlanta and SCAD Savannah is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, www.accredit-id.org, 206 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503.

The CIDA-accredited program prepares students for entry-level interior design practice, for advanced study, and to apply for membership in professional interior design organizations. The Bachelor of Fine Arts in interior design granted by the Savannah College of Art and Design meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam). For more information about NCIDQ Exam eligibility visit: https://www.cidq.org/eligibility-requirements.

Contact

eoleary@scad.edu
912.525.5227