The school is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design that establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees. It presents myriad choices for undergraduate art degrees B.A. or B.F.A. with concentrations in 11 disciplines. Students may also seek advanced graduate degrees such as an M.A., M.F.A., M.A., Ed., and M.A.T. in the same disciplines of Art History, Art Education, Ceramics, Photography, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Textiles, Sculpture, Drawing & Painting and Printmaking.

The university is one of the most diverse in the country and has a focus on supporting the students who need it most. This informs and reflects our school, which offers stipends, scholarships, unique professional opportunities and mentorship. Our program doesn't just hone artistic and research skills, but prepares students for  competitive jobs within the creative field.

Our school is deeply embedded in the regional arts scene and the urban environment of Atlanta. Our programming and events, from artist talks and curator panels to exhibitions and open studio parties are free and open to the public, which offers a great platform for students participating in these events to share their work. The student body also benefits from community and professional connections the school has built over decades of alumni and faculty relationships.

The Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design has a reputation for its active faculty and alumni, with major museums shows, curatorial placement, community involvement and national awards, proving you can thrive in a career in the arts.

Graduate students apply with and enter under a discipline and undergraduate students select one at the culmination of their sophomore year with a portfolio application. Though students graduate with a concentration specialization, our school encourages interdisciplinary work and cross-pollination among the areas. Students have access to all classes and all studio equipment to see their projects and ideas through to the end, whatever form it may take. Many of our faculty also work interdisciplinary and can offer feedback in areas covered in classes, but not offered as programs, including video work, animation, performance, sound and wearable art.

The school is a unit of the College of the Arts, along with the schools of Music and Film and Theater. The College of the Arts is a community of professional visual and performing artists, designers, scholars, educators and professionals who believe the arts provide a distinctive way of participating in society. Within the college there are opportunities to collaborate on projects and cross-pollinate disciplines across the schools.

The Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design faculty is composed of internationally active designers, art historians, art educators and artists who prepare students for professional careers in art and design. Alumni, faculty and students are very involved in the expanding and ever-evolving scene of the international hub, having founded a number of artist-run organizations, nonprofits and creative publications, providing a network for students. Welch faculty maintain a close relationship with their students and become mentors for them after graduation.