Foundation studies

SCAD foundation studies serve as the bridge from academic to professional achievement.

Through a rigorous studio experience, each SCAD undergraduate student builds confidence and develops a comprehensive visual, conceptual, and creative language essential for success, first in their degree programs, then in their future careers. Professionally tailored foundation studies classes offer ample opportunities to explore potential degree options and the career paths that follow.

With the help of advisers, students choose elective courses based on specific foundation studies requirements for each discipline. Students pursuing degrees in visual effects or interactive design and game development learn crucial skills like three-point perspective and color theory. SCAD students with career interests in animation or writing complete courses in storyboarding and environment design. In SCAD foundation studies competitions, students apply their knowledge to real-world design scenarios. Future graphic designers, illustrators, and industrial designers add their styles to surfboard vinyls in Surf’s Up, while next-generation fashion, jewelry, and sculpture students create 3D installations and wearable works in Off the Wall.

In addition to this expansive curriculum, SCAD offers a suite of services to guide new students as they find their creative voice. Virtual talks like Major Connections and Professional Tool Kit feature upper-level SCAD students and alumni who discuss how their current work is rooted in their foundation studies experience. Weekly online seminars cover professional and personal development topics like cultural influenced ideation and yogainfused figure drawing. Throughout the year, the SCAD Drawing and Design Center conducts peer tutoring and workshops in-person and online where students discover art concepts, ideation techniques, and in-depth design processes.

The Reason for Lost Things Sarah Gerrets Madison, Mississippi