The school seemed great. They seem to have a good reputation. But some of the on-line comments are a little worrisome. They do not require a portfolio review as part of the application process. They have a huge class. They are not accredited by NASAD. Is this a legitimate school?
bump same question. why is it not so accredited?
The reason is “political” and not based on anything meaningful that affects students. SCAD is accredited by SACS and all accreditation agencies pretty much look at the same things to be certain students are getting a good education. I have been at SCAD and at other schools whose art departments have NASAD accreditation and as far as the student experience is concerned, I’ve seen no differences. None.
@Rockm0m what’s interesting to me is that whether or not SCAD is accredited by NASAD/AICAD, it’s considered a “peer school” by many of the larger NASAD programs, including RISD and Pratt. At least for admissions purposes.
The vast majority of students and parents do not even understand what accreditation actually means. Here is a link to NASAD’s accreditation standards:
http://nasad.arts-accredit.org/site/docs/Handbook/NASAD_HANDBOOK_2014-15.pdf
Having worked at two schools with NASAD programs – including a for-profit institution that is routinely investigated by the Feds – plus SCAD, I’ve seen no meaningful differences. SCAD is accredited by SACS which is by no means a flunky organization. SACS-COC standards are as tight as anyones’.
SACS is the same accreditation as duke so i’d say it’s pretty solid.