General Education

SCAD students complete SCAD Core to gain the strong intellectual foundation and vast knowledge essential to thriving careers. In this academically rigorous program, students learn to investigate, interpret, and defend new ideas, and are empowered to view the world critically and inquisitively.

In general education courses that explore the art, literature, and culture of the Harlem Renaissance or contemporary Latin America, students engage mindfully and professionally within diverse and inclusive communities. Courses that explore business fundamentals, economic principles, and strategic decision making instill key management and analysis skills necessary to launch successful businesses.

All undergraduate students complete a minimum of 55 quarter hours (or at least 11 classes) of general education coursework. In this sequence, students complete at least one course in three categories—humanities/fine arts, social/behavioral sciences, and mathematics/natural sciences. General education courses range from the investigation of visual expression from the Paleolithic era to the Medieval period in CTXT 121 Visual Culture in Context: Pre-Modern Global Perspectives, exploration of the structure of 2D and 3D space and spatial relationships in MATH 140 The Geometry of Physical Space, and an examination of human behavior and psychological processes in PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychology. Students should consult their programs of study for specific general education requirements.

Students in general education courses complement their studies with a suite of learning resources and events available to the entire university community. Students receive learning assistance via the SCAD academic resource center, and SCADamp coaches prepare students for job interviews, thesis presentations, SCADpro pitches, and more in classroom sessions as part of the SCAD Core course DIGI 130 Digital Communication.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Research, Analysis, and Synthesis

Students will utilize a range of qualitative and/or quantitative methods to develop foundations of inquiry, conduct effective research, analyze information, and justify proposed solutions.

Historical Investigation and Contextualization

Students will investigate and interpret the historical, social, political, and economic contexts surrounding visual and cultural productions to determine meaning and significance.

Cross-cultural Knowledge and Engagement

Students will actively engage with cultural theories, perspectives, and ideas to enrich understanding of their roles within diverse and inclusive communities.

Strategic Communication

Students will employ specialized terminology and persuasive communication practices to convey ideas professionally based on an evaluation of diverse audiences and circumstances.

Digital Fluency

Students will effectively and ethically communicate ideas and identity, interpret information, construct knowledge, and design content in a digitally connected world.

Leadership and Professionalism

As future leaders of creative professions, students will demonstrate work and behavior that reflect ethical and professional standards within a range of contexts.