Individuals interested in expanding their expertise in the visual arts and have earned an undergraduate university degree, have a unique opportunity to earn a graduate certificate from NSCAD University. Approved through the NSCAD Academic Council, NSCAD Board of Governors and Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission (MPHEC), the 30-credit Visual Arts Certificate in Studio is designed for both art specialists and non-art specialists.
Visual Arts Certificate in Studio: General Practice
The Visual Arts Certificate in Studio: General Practice provides individuals with a degree other than in the visual arts the opportunity to develop observational and other critical visual arts skills. They will also gain a better understanding of visual arts theory and practice.
Visual Arts Certificate in Studio: (Discipline)
Anyone who has earned a visual arts degree (BFA, MFA or equivalent) in fine arts, media arts, craft or design has the opportunity to earn the Visual Arts Certificate in Studio: [Discipline]. These individuals will further their exploration of visual art processes through concentrated study in one studio discipline in which no more than twelve (12) credits were earned during their degree work.
Certificate participants tailor their study to meet their individual interests through a wide selection of studio and theoretical credit courses designed for NSCAD degree programs. Certificate students participate in the same credit courses with the same faculty as degree students.
For the purposes of the certificate program, courses and requirements have been grouped into three sections of study:
1) Studio (S);
2) Liberal Arts (LAS); and,
3) Electives (Studio or LAS)
Students are expected to meet course pre-requisites and maintain a grade average of B or better. They may take up to five years from the initial date of enrollment to complete the certificate. Independent study courses, internships and World Travel courses are not eligible for this program. FNDN 1800 Writing for the Arts is also not eligible as participants are expected to have completed the course or an equivalent course during undergraduate study.
Course requirements differ for individuals with a visual arts degree and individuals with a degree other than in the visual arts as follows:
Visual Arts Certificate in Studio: (Discipline)
Individuals with a visual arts degree (BFA or equivalent) are required to complete 30-credits as follows:
- Studio (S): Twenty-four (24) studio credits must be selected from one discipline in which no more than twelve (12) credits were earned during degree work. At least nine (9) studio credits must be at the 3000 level or above.
- Electives: Six (6) elective credits must be selected. These courses may be studio (S) or liberal arts (LAS) from any discipline and have no level restrictions, provided pre-requisites have been met.
Visual Arts Certificate in Studio: General Practice
Individuals with an undergraduate degree other than in the visual arts are required to complete 30-credits as follows:
- Studio (S): Fifteen (15) studio credits at the Foundation level (FNDN) must be selected. FNDN 1010 Introduction to Studio Practice and FNDN 1100 Foundation Drawing 1 are required courses, unless their equivalents were completed under a previous program. For individuals admitted to the program and who have no formal art training, a noncredit introductory drawing course or equivalent is required prior to enrolling in FNDN 1100 Foundation Drawing 1.
- Liberal Arts (LAS): Six (6) liberal arts (LAS) credits must be selected. Students must select these credits (two courses) from a choice of three courses: AHIS 2010 Survey of Nineteenth Century Art, AHIS 2020 Survey of Twentieth Century Art or AHIS 2120 Craft and Design History 1750-1950, unless an equivalent course was completed under a previous program. If one of the required courses was completed under a different program, then students may select a LAS course of choice, provided the pre-requisite requirements are met.
- Open Electives: Nine (9) elective credits must be selected. These courses may be any studio (S) or liberal arts (LAS) course, provided pre-requisites have been met. In some cases, instructor written permission will be required.
Credits earned at other institutions are not transferable to the certificate program but may be considered to meet pre-requisite requirements. Up to twelve (12) credits earned at NSCAD University may be considered for transfer to the certificate program, provided the credit was not applied to an earned degree at NSCAD or any other institution. Transfer credits must meet certificate program requirements and must be at a grade of B or better.
If a certificate candidate applies and is accepted to a NSCAD University degree program prior to completion of the certificate program, s/he must formally withdraw from the certificate program. Credits earned in the certificate program may be considered for transfer to NSCAD’s degree program, provided the transfer conforms to the established transfer credit policies and program requirements.
Program admission is based on completion and review of the following application materials:
1) A completed and signed application form.
2) A nonrefundable application fee of $60 in the form of a cheque or money order payable to NSCAD University.
3) all official university transcripts received directly from issuing institutions. At least one of these transcripts must show that the applicant completed an undergraduate degree.
4) a one-page personal statement that articulates program focus and how the program will benefit your individual artistic practice and/or professional development.
Application materials and a nonrefundable application fee of $60 must be received before an admission decision will be made. Do not submit samples of work. A portfolio or examples of work may be requested after admission to the program when it is necessary to demonstrate that course pre-requisites have been met.
Application deadlines are March 15 and October 15. When received and completed, applications are dated and are forwarded in chronological order to the Certificate Admissions Committee. Incomplete applications are held for completion. The Certificate Admissions Committee is the sole judge of decisions regarding admission to the certificate program.
Mail the application submission to:
NSCAD University
Certificate Admissions
5163 Duke Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3J6
Registration for credit courses follows the procedures established by the NSCAD Registrar’s Office. Course registration is conditional upon meeting course pre-requisites and dependent upon course availability. Course fees and payment schedule are published each semester on NSCAD’s website. To register for a credit course, complete the course selection form.
General inquiries regarding the Visual Arts Certificate in Studio should be directed to the Office of Student and Academic Services.
Email:
nscad.ca