Exploring Programs and Courses at Kendall College of Art and Design

Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD), located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, offers a diverse range of programs and courses designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the competitive fields of art and design. KCAD provides an unequaled atmosphere for studying the future of architecture. This article delves into the various academic offerings, student life, and unique aspects of KCAD that make it a distinguished institution for aspiring artists and designers.

A Brief Overview of Kendall College

Originally founded in 1934 in Evanston, Illinois, Kendall College later moved to a larger Riverworks campus on Goose Island in the Chicago area. Laureate Education acquired the school, and today, Kendall College focuses on specialized fields in hospitality, culinary arts, and education. While the information provided mentions Kendall College in Chicago, it is important to note that Kendall College of Art and Design is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Campus Life and Student Experience

KCAD fosters a vibrant campus life where students can immerse themselves in their subjects of study. Grand Rapids is attracting a growing generation of artists and creatives. The college provides opportunities for students to participate in on-campus clubs and organizations.

Master of Architecture Program

KCAD offers a professional Master of Architecture (MArch) degree. KCAD is looking for applicants who come to architecture from any undergraduate degree and life experience, regardless of whether they have prior learning in architecture. The program is designed to reflect the best practices of teaching and learning, as well as the future of architecture, it is built on a structure of immersive seminars and studios. A new program, designed to reflect the best practices of teaching and learning, as well as the future of architecture, it is built on a structure of immersive seminars and studios. It holds high expectations of commitment and engagement of faculty and students and rewards those expectations with a deep and rich understanding of architecture.

Gone are the silos that divide knowledge into disparate subject matter. The pedagogy of the KCAD MArch imparts a robust, broadly based, consistent approach to design in all its aspects to our students. The immersive sequence of intensives and studios develops the habit and expectation of rigor. In the original curriculum design, each semester begins with a 6-week in-depth exploration of a topic, followed by a 9-week studio wherein the topic is reinforced, expanded and explored through design. The complexity and focus of the design problems progress through the studio years. In each studio the students are developing tools and understanding that will serve them well in subsequent design: How do form and space communicate? How do I present a spatial program? How do I understand site? How does this project relate to the broader community? How do I learn to judge which solutions to pursue and which to discard? How do I create impactful place?

All of the faculty are experienced practicing designers in their fields, as are our guest critics. They bring a diversity of perspective, with a common thread of passion for outstanding design.

For all students, the KCAD MArch culminates in our final year experience. The year begins with six weeks' study away, a course called Critical Travel. Students study the relationship of architecture and culture in a place far removed from their everyday locale. That course is followed by the Urban Collaborative Studio, in which students engage community members in solving a "real world" architecture and urban design problem. A professional internship (paid, non-credit) is a graduation requirement of the KCAD MArch.

Curriculum Structure

There is a single three-year curriculum map for the degree, with multiple entry points, dependent on the student's prior education.

The "Three Year KCAD MArch": For students with a baccalaureate degree that is other than a pre-professional degree in architecture. Our goal is to meet each student where they are.

Core Principles

Design - design thinking, design process, design leadership - is at the heart of what we do as architects.

Learning Outcomes

KCAD MArch graduates enact positive change in the world by designing its future. They are skilled, empathetic listeners and creative problem-identifiers and solvers. They are leaders.

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Facilities and Resources

KCAD boasts outstanding physical facilities, including well-equipped studios with 24/7 dedicated work spaces for each student. Our gallery spaces, with their curated exhibitions, are places of inspiration and occasional respite. KCAD possesses wood, metal, and ceramics shops as well as digital fabrication and production facilities in new and emerging media.

Pathways General Education Model

Pathways is the name of KCAD's model for general education courses.

Key Themes Explored in Pathways Courses:

Art & Design
Community Design
Cross-Cultural Contexts > Human Experiences
History | Theory | Criticism
Industry Collaborations
Interior Design

Pathways courses encourage students to explore topics that spark your curiosity and stimulates your creativity.

Course Focus Examples:

Is about stories and films.
Examine what drives them as they fight to overcome obstacles.
Form critical insights into your own world.
Is about identity.
Who want to see change in the world around them.
Sexuality, ability, and citizenship.
Practices and institutional structures.
Is about big questions: What is real? What is good? What is beautiful?
Consistent, and rational ways.
We are and why we're here.
Education (i.e., the humanities, social sciences, math, and/or sciences).

Medical Illustration Program

Medical Illustration students will take classes from KCAD, Ferris State University, Grand Rapids Community College, and Michigan State University. Classes are scheduled year-round in order to take advantage of open schedules and facilities at MSU, and you can earn the degree in just three years.

Admission Requirements and Financial Aid

In order to apply to Kendall College, prospective students must submit an admissions application, a nonrefundable application fee, a personal statement, official standardized test transcripts from the SAT or ACT and official high school transcripts or equivalency degree, such as a GED. Students should fill out and submit a FAFSA form for government loans, grants and work study, as well as a Kendall College financial aid application. Students may be eligible but must take appropriate steps to qualify. The school awards the Kendall Endowed Scholarship, as well as merit scholarships and grants.

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Accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Kendall College.

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