School of Foundation Studies
Set the base for success at SCAD
Through the SCAD School of Foundation Studies, each SCAD undergraduate student develops a comprehensive visual, conceptual, and creative language essential for success via a rigorous studio experience. Students advance to professionally tailored courses that move in the direction of their professional aspirations and teach the connection between research, drawing, design process, and environmental and cultural influences.
Every SCAD undergraduate student's educational experience is anchored by SCAD Core, which includes rigorous courses in drawing and design that provide students with a studio experience that builds visual, conceptual, and creative abilities. Students choose general education courses that match their academic studies and professional aspirations. Courses are designed to develop six core competencies.
Utilizing visual language
Students effectively communicate ideas using visual language.
- Students effectively employ the elements and principles of design in the creation of objects, images, or spaces.
- Students effectively use media and techniques to articulate form and communicate both content and concept.
Developing creative solutions
Students utilize creative processes to develop design solutions.
- Students conduct compositional and source research to develop concepts.
- Students synthesize research and feedback to determine design solutions.
Responding to art and design
Students respond critically to their work and the work of others.
- Students articulate concept development and explain design decisions.
- Students analyze, interpret, critique, and evaluate works of art and design.
In addition to the expansive foundation studies curriculum, SCAD offers a remarkable array of support and learning services to guide new students as they find their creative voice. The SCAD Drawing and Design Center conducts peer tutoring and workshops to develop drawing techniques and design processes. First-year students may attend lectures featuring upper-level SCAD students and alumni who discuss how their current work is rooted in their foundation studies experience. Students are guided throughout their experience by foundation studies faculty that hold terminal degrees and high acclaim.