As reported by Hyperallergic, art schools across the United States are incorporating artificial intelligence into their curricula, with institutions like Ringling College of Art and Design offering new AI-focused programs and certificates to prepare students for the evolving landscape of creative industries.
Several universities are now offering dedicated programs and certificates specifically focused on AI in art and design. Ringling College of Art and Design has introduced an Artificial Intelligence Undergraduate Certificate, which they claim is the first of its kind at an undergraduate arts institution1. This program requires students to complete three AI-focused classes, including a Fundamentals course and others that apply AI across artistic disciplines1.
The Academy of Art University has also developed a comprehensive AI-centric curriculum, offering 14 unique discipline-specific art and design courses that incorporate AI2. Their offerings include introductory courses like "AI for Everyone" and "AI-Empowered Creativity," which have no prerequisites, making AI education accessible to students from various backgrounds2.
York College of Pennsylvania has launched a bachelor's degree program in Digital Art and Artificial Intelligence (DAAI)3. This program is designed to equip students with skills needed for careers in gaming, animation, and visual storytelling, utilizing generative AI and other digital tools. The curriculum covers a range of subjects including drawing, animation, creative writing, and the practical and ethical use of AI3.
At the graduate level, Pace University is planning to launch two new artificial intelligence master's programs: an MS in AI and an MS in Applied AI, focusing on both the development and application of AI technologies in creative fields4.
These dedicated programs aim to prepare students for the evolving job market in creative industries, where AI skills are becoming increasingly valuable. Graduates are expected to be equipped for roles such as AI-assisted art creators, game designers, visual effects artists, and creative directors in digital media3. By offering specialized AI art education, these institutions are positioning themselves at the forefront of the intersection between technology and creativity, addressing the growing demand for professionals who can navigate both domains effectively.
Many art schools and universities are integrating AI tools and concepts into their existing art courses, rather than creating entirely new AI-focused programs. At Indiana University's Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture and Design, professors Caleb Weintraub and David Ondrik introduced "AI in the Studio" in spring 2023, focusing on hands-on experimentation with AI tools in artistic practice1. The course challenged students to explore AI's limitations and their own strengths as artists, often leveraging glitches and unexpected outputs in their work. Similarly, the University of South Carolina is revising existing courses like "Process and Systems" in the School of Visual Art and Design to incorporate AI and machine learning into the curriculum2. These integrations aim to familiarize students with AI as a creative tool while maintaining a focus on traditional artistic skills and critical thinking. By blending AI into existing art education, institutions are preparing students to navigate the evolving landscape of digital art creation and to use AI as a complement to their human creativity rather than a replacement for it.
Combining art with computer science and other fields, some universities are adopting interdisciplinary approaches to AI education. Florida Atlantic University offers minors and certificates in Interdisciplinary Applications of Artificial Intelligence across multiple colleges, including Arts and Letters, exploring AI's impact on various societal domains1. The University of South Carolina is launching new projects that bridge AI, art, and science, including courses on AI ethics in design and using AI as a co-creator for design solutions2. These programs aim to provide students with a holistic understanding of AI's applications and implications across different disciplines, preparing them for the multifaceted challenges of an AI-driven future.
Ethical considerations are at the forefront of AI art education, with many programs emphasizing copyright issues, data usage, and the societal impact of AI-generated art. York College specifically focuses on teaching the "practical and ethical use of AI" in their curriculum1. As the technology evolves, universities are adapting their offerings to prepare students for an AI-driven future in the arts. There's a growing emphasis on teaching students to leverage AI tools to enhance their creative processes rather than replace human creativity2. Some institutions are developing new master's programs specifically in AI and Applied AI for creative fields, reflecting the increasing demand for specialized knowledge in this area3.