Savannah College of Art and Design Reviews

"Graphic design masters program is one of the worst program in this university, the instructors are living in outdated era. All they provide is destructive criticism for students work. I had one of the worst university experience at SCAD. Not even a single professor is good in Graphic design department Master’s program. I would not recommend anyone to join this university, it’s a waste of time, money and energy."

"Overall, my experience at SCAD was a good one. The teachers were experienced and knowledgable in their fields. SCAD wants their students to do well as a reflection on the school. However, industrial design is a larger program. There are many resources and opportunities offered to students who stand out (roughly the top 10% of the class), but since many of those resources (such as submitting applications for awards) are at the discretion of the professors, some students fall through the cracks. SCAD is a great school for self motivated students, but anyone looking for more structure/direction may struggle. Also the career services at SCAD are pretty blah. It's there, but honestly, not great.Read Less"

"This school really pushes you to create pieces of work that you can be proud of. The professors are amazing and really help you become the best artist you can be. In SCAD, you have to work hard in order to get where you want to be. It is really up to the students to take the professors critiques and to become a better artist. SCAD is a great school because they give you the tools you need in order to make your work better."

"Unfortunately, the online program is incredibly disappointing. I came into SCAD feeling as though I was entering an IVY of design. Halfway through, I had started to look at other graduate programs that would accept my credits. To begin, the program is self-guided with little-to-no faculty interaction. I've taken a full class, DMGT 732, and the professor said a total of three words to me the entire semester. Those three words were "Group Selection Approved." If you're like me, you're not happy spending thousands of dollars to have a professor grade all your assignments without a single piece of feedback. In DMGT 720, you'll be graded based on feedback you get on previous units. For example, your grade on Unit 05 is based on your improvements on Unit 04, and so on. However, professors again were absent, and we never received feedback so we were unable to follow the material. The professor would email us routinely asking us to do alternate assignments that were not listed on Blackboard. It seemed as though the professor did not approve of the content. I think the biggest factor in my decision to advise against the program is the professionalism of the faculty. Nothing in this program is done on time. The faculty is rude and constantly turning over, all seemingly tenured and comfortable showing up late and getting back to you whenever is easiest for them. Don't get me wrong, I've heard fantastic things about the on ground program at SCAD. The online program to me, shouldn't be accredited. MICA, Full Sail, etc. all seem to have programs that our stronger at this point. I tried to keep this review full of material I can prove. If any of this seems opinionated, please reach out so I can share screenshots.Read Less"

"This is a rigorous, worthwhile program.The photography professors were excellent, particularly Stevens and Turczan, who moved on to the Minneapolis School of Art. Fischer went beyond what was necessary as my thesis advisor and is one of the great photo teachers. At the time, there was Little inclination to mix the media in the actual program instruction and several of us graduates continued post graduate work in photo sculpture, mixed media, collage, etc. which could have been addressed in the graduate school program. Christman at one point had the school purchase an AB Dick printing press to expand the photo options, but unformately the school did not back his efforts with personnel with expertise at that machine.There is no discouraging of expanded photo work, but neither is there encouragement by way of how the program is set up. There needs to be accomodation in the program for expansin into other art media and I did not see that when I was a student there from 1990-1992. The other problem is that the school is located in one of the hottest spots of the country. Any full time student should seriously think of not staying in Savannah for the summer months.Read Less"

"I completed my Master's degrees online through SCAD. I probably would not have completed this degree if it was not online, so I thought the program was great and accessible for everyone."

"Its one the best students focussed design schools with excellent resources to support you in all way possible. They have designed the whole experience in a way which would make you pursue what you want to with the flexibility of picking the right course for you!"

"As a positive and enthusiastic individual, my journey to face the unknown and overcome the fear of starting my life anew began in the fall of 2010. It was then that I left all that I had known in Minneapolis, Minnesota to explore the possibilities that Savannah, GA and the Savannah College of Art & Design had to offer upon my acceptance. My personal experience as a student of advertising allowed for the completion of my bachelors degree with honors as I continued my studies to achieve an additional masters degree in not only advertsing but a second in motion media as well. My status as a student amounted into that of a positive and motivating leadership role as I stressed the importance of setting an example to elevate the basic standard of expectations and excellence for both my peers and professors. My efforts encompassed a rigourous schedule of academic mentoring, peer tutoring, physical fitness assistant training and community volunteering. SCAD has developed and fostered my skill and life experiences to maintain the outgoing and self-driven motivation to pursue my passion and further advance my skill in my professional career. I will pursue that passion with the hopes of continued success in gaining the knowledge, experience and recognition of peers, mentors and industry professionals. Where some may consider me to be a bit of an overachiever in doing so, I see myself as a dynamic personality with a sense and appreciation for visual appeal and creative expression.Read Less"

"The Savannah College of Art and Design is a wonderful place to complete one's Master's Degree. The students work incredibly hard, the professors have decades of industry experience, and the facilities are inspiring. There is some flexibility with the course sequencing and electives, so you can specialize in a specific track even within your major if you'd like. Another great thing about the school is that there are constantly events and workshops happening, so you can fill all your time with art if you want to. SCAD also has lots of jobs available for students, and you can even study abroad as a grad student if you want to! They have locations in Atlanta, Savannah, Hong Kong and Lacoste, so there are lots of options for where to study. I expect many people reading this are also looking at schools in LA and New York. The obvious pros of living in those cities are that you get to network with professionals, attend incredible exhibits at world-class museums, start to build a client base, and have generally more access to professionally relevant experiences. However, I have to say I still think SCAD Savannah can be a better choice depending on your personality and circumstances. SCAD does an awesome job of bringing in top art directors and artists to lecture, give workshops and do portfolio reviews throughout the year. We have a surprising number of art museums that bring in artists from around the world, and there are plenty of networking opportunities at career fairs and with visiting lecturers/art directors/etc. Plus, since school is so expensive, it's a major bonus that Savannah has a low cost of living especially compared to New York, San Francisco or LA. The campus is beautiful, it's easy to get around, and we spend so much time working on our projects that there isn't much time to be out and about anyway. Since most freelance work is done over the internet anyway, SCAD illustration students can continue doing freelance work from Savannah while saving some money on rent. SCAD's graduate programs are also extremely diverse; it's usually about one third American students and two thirds international in my classes, so it's great to get lots of different perspectives and aesthetics. In class we are given a really nice balance of direction and freedom. We are assigned somewhat specific projects, but you are encouraged to tailor your work to fit into the needs of your portfolio. This is something we all appreciate a lot. The professors give helpful feedback both in regards to your specific work and the industry in general. Currently (summer 2017) the department is hiring, so there may be a couple new professors by the time you arrive. The online classes are pretty well made, and you'll still learn a lot, but they could use some revisions and I know they are tough for non-native English speakers because they involve a huge amount of reading and writing. Overall I really enjoy SCAD and the Savannah campus. You will be surrounded by extremely talented and hardworking individuals who motivate you to do better. There are plenty of SCAD Facebook groups, so if you have any questions feel free to hop on there and ask!Read Less"

"SCAD is a great school, I think you really get a quality education and resources even though it's so expensive. Like any other school it's not perfect, there is quite a bit of faculty turnover, but they always make sure to hire amazing professionals. Sometimes I wish they would focus less on decorating their halls and more on making things functional. In terms of the administration I haven't had a problem, they are always quick and helpful. The counselors are amazing. The library is awesome. The networking opportunities are available but you really have to work to get them, very few students have the luck of just having things happen to them, you have to work hard and SCAD makes sure to remind you.Read Less"

"It was a great experience and I learned a lot."

"SCAD is a great institution to build up on your networking and artistic skills. They have excellent resources; instructors, career fairs and activities that help their students achieve great success. However, it all comes out on the effort that you put in your studies. SCAD is a great college for the people that are ready to achieve their goals in their chosen profession."

"I have just finished my first quarter at SCAD. I just joined in the Winter 2017 quarter. So far my journey has been really nice and exciting. There is a good mix of people from various parts of the world and it wonderful to learn their culture and hear about their experiences too. This is a wonderful college to join and you have to make the most of it."

"The school takes careful consideration into who they have as professors; majority of the instructors are veterans in their specific industries and have so much to offer to the students. The school also provides many career opportunities that can start and or boost the career of its students. In addition, the school has a very professional feel; molding its students for the world of art and business."

"The teachers are some of the best out there in regards to the writing industry! You will automatically be entered into the Association of Writers and Writing Programs, which will provide great networking opportunities. The school seems well respected too among writers."

"I am glad I decided to enroll in the MFA Film and Television program at Savannah College of Art and Design. After two-quarters, I have learned the necessary skills to progress in my career and have been exposed to a multitude of opportunities. The faculty still actively work within the field and the entrepreneurial spirit of the founders are inspirational. I would recommend this program to anyone wishing to receive a hands-on experience beyond theory."

"Very expensive, but overall I learned a lot. I do not currently work in my field of study, however."

"Its a great place. You'll love it there"

"I finished a BA in Film and SCAD was one of the few schools that offered a Masters degree in Cinema Studies without production. My classes were exactly the same as my undergrad work. Some of my professors didn't even teach, they had the students--most of which had not formally studied film--give lectures instead. My degree program was lengthened due to a lack of faculty, so while my classes were done, I had to wait a year to deal with the administration. My comp exam scores were lost. My information was often sent to the wrong person. As far as finding a job, I've asked the career advisor for help and she suggested a LinkedIn page. If you want to be treated like a number, this is the school for you.Read Less"

"The pros and the cons are in the online courses. Because it is online I am able to fit this into my busy schedule and be a part of an excellent school that I would not otherwise be able to be in due to location. The cons would be the fact that online you are not able to associate with other students and have one on one personal communication with your professors."