How important is the NASAD Accreditation when selecting a college design program

JBStillFlying
Thu, 27 Jul 2017 00:49:00 +0000

Check the curriculum of both schools. Typically, an NASAD-accredited program will have a 2:1 studio:classroom focus with a first year foundation program consisting of drawing, design, 3D/4D, art history and so forth, but there are plenty of great programs out there offering the same intense studio experience w/o being NASAD-accredited. NASAD-accredited programs also tend to require a portfolio for freshman admission, rather than part-way through the progam.

Regardless of whether the program has NASAD-accreditation, it’s best to attend a nationally or internationally recognized school or college of art/design (either stand-alone or within a university). The portfolio is going to be the most critical component of any job interview, but the well-recognized programs tend to have better opportunities for professional development and are better connected to potential employers.

Chapman should be able to tell you how their graphic design majors procure internships and jobs. Does the art department run its own job fair or do they all use the general career placement office? What types of internships do they get and when? What is the placement rate of the kids graduating with degrees in art/design? (usually a percentage within a certain number of months of graduation). It’s important that resources be available to support the BFA as a professional degree, not just another major in the liberal arts college.