Schools Offering AI Art and Design Degrees

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At MastersInAI.org, we’re always tracking the latest developments in artificial intelligence education. One niche that’s rapidly emerging is AI art and design, which helps artists, designers, and other creatives use artificial intelligence tools & techniques to take their ideas to new levels. Computational media programs are also evolving to focus heavily on AI coursework. Use our directory of AI art & design and creative computing degrees, minors, and certificate programs to select a qualification that best fits your goals!

Because artistic AI fields are still developing, only a handful of schools have launched formal AI art and AI design degree programs. This includes big names like Stanford and SCAD, along with regional institutions such as Boise State University. We recommend comparing these kinds of options with creative computation qualifications in our directory that fuse computer science coursework with artistic practice. Each program is unique, so you will need to inspect the curricula to make sure you know what you’re getting into. Our guide below has more info on how to make the right decision.

What is AI Art & AI Design?

Definition of AI Art

AI art is a form of creative expression that incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) into an artistic work. AI artists use LLMs, image generation, video generation, creative coding, and many other artificial intelligence skills, tools & techniques to generate, modify, and/or assist in the production of their pieces. Evangelists say that AI art has the power to open up new frontiers in experimentation, interactivity, and artistic practice. But critics note that AI art blurs the line between human imagination and machine outputs, raising questions about copyright, authorship, originality, and the nature of creativity itself.

Definition of AI Design

AI design is the practice of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the design process to create better products, systems, and experiences. AI design can refer to:

The use of AI as a tool in design (e.g. generating prototypes, optimizing layouts, brainstorming ideas, automating repetitive design tasks, etc.)
The design of AI itself (e.g. designing AI interfaces, AI interactions, ethical AI frameworks, etc.)

By combining human creativity & fundamental design precepts with computational tools, AI design aims to create more efficient, personalized, and innovative experiences for businesses, users, and customers.

What Is an AI Art or AI Design Degree?

AI Art Degree

AI art degrees are academic programs that infuse AI methods & tools into traditional art disciplines such as painting, animation, illustration, game design, filmmaking, music, theatre, and more. A classic example is York College of Pennsylvania’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Digital Art and Artificial Intelligence. The School of Visual Arts’s MFA in Computer Arts would also fall under this category.

If you’d like to explore expressive, speculative, and experimental approaches to artificial intelligence, you might look for an AI arts program offered by an Art School or a BFA in creative computing.
If you’re interested in applying AI to digital media forms such as games, animation, music, film, and interactive experiences, you could consider computational media programs.
If you prefer a traditional visual arts, dance, or music degree, you can always add a qualification such as Texas A&M University’s AI in the Arts Minor or an undergraduate certificate in AI to your studies.

AI Design Degree

AI design degrees are academic programs that teach students how to incorporate artificial intelligence into their design process. AI design degrees tend to be more business-oriented than AI art degrees, with a lot of emphasis on practical applications. For instance:

Academy of Art University’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Artificial Intelligence Marketing & Design and Master of Arts (MA) in Artificial Intelligence Design focus on AI applications in areas such as branding, digital media, advertising, marketing, and user experience (UX).
Stanford’s more technical Bachelor of Science (BS) in Design – Artificial Intelligence and Digital User Experience explores the intersection of AI with domains such as designing for the planet, designing for health, designing for social impact, and designing for biological futures.

Types of AI Art & Design Degrees

Degree Levels

AI art, AI design, and creative computing programs in our directory are available at the undergraduate and graduate level. The majority of these programs are delivered in an on-campus format. However, Boise State University and Lindenwood University now offer online degrees in AI design and Southern Methodist University has developed a unique Online Master of Arts (MA) in Creative Technology.

Bachelor’s Degree: Bachelor’s degrees in AI design, AI art, and computational media are relatively popular. You can choose from Bachelor of Design (BDes) programs, Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) programs, Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs, and Bachelor of Science (BS) programs. Use the coursework links in our directory to discover how the school is balancing training in technical skills with design fundamentals. For example, SCAD’s BDes in Applied AI covers everything from unleashing creativity and sketching & drawing to systems design and algorithm design & analysis.
Undergraduate Minor: An undergraduate minor in AI art or AI design is a simple way to add AI coursework to your existing bachelor’s program. Texas A&M University (TAMU) and SCAD have gone down this route. You’ll notice that TAMU’s minor revolves around AI applications in arts disciplines (e.g. visual arts, dance, music & interactive design). In contrast, SCAD’s minor is more concerned with design & engineering principles (e.g. creative computing with AI, survey of AI applications, agentic design). Both minors include a capstone or action lab.
Undergraduate Certificate: Undergraduate certificates in AI art or AI design give you the flexibility to learn new AI skills and apply them to your specific field of interest without changing your major (e.g. theatre & dance, music, art, design, gaming, etc.). For instance, an AI Undergraduate Certificate is available to all students within the Ringling College of Art + Design.
Graduate Certificate: It’s challenging to find graduate certificate options that focus specifically on AI art or AI design. If you are at this level, you may wish to opt for an AI graduate certificate with coursework that can be applied to a wide range of disciplines (e.g. Graduate Certificate in Applied Generative AI, Graduate Certificate in AI Applications, etc.).
Master’s Degree: Master’s degrees in AI art and AI design are rare, but they do exist. Two of the most notable examples include the Academy of Art University’s Master of Arts (MA) in Artificial Intelligence Design and Lindenwood’s Master of Arts (MA) in Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence. The Academy’s program is tailored to both artists and designers, with training in visual AI tools (e.g. Vizcom). Lindenwood’s program has more of an interdisciplinary feel, with a lot of work in generative AI. Master’s programs in related fields such as computational media and creative technology are also available.

Common AI Art & Design Majors

AI design & AI art are evolving fields, so it’s important to evaluate each program independently before making a decision. Some programs may emphasize story & narrative, visual thinking, and human computer interaction. Others may include training in programming, algorithms, and AI infrastructures. Here are some of the AI art and AI design majors that feature in our directory.

AI Art: An AI art degree or certificate teaches students how to combine creative forms of expression with artificial intelligence tools, enabling them to design and generate artworks, performances & interactive media that explore the intersection of new technologies and the human imagination.
AI Design: An AI design degree or certificate aims to create professionals who have a grounding in aesthetic & design sensibilities, hands-on design skills, AI tools & technologies, business knowledge, and human-centered thinking. The job of AI-trained designers is to design and build products, services & systems that address real human and societal needs.
Computational Media: Computational media brings together computer science, design, and the arts to create digital media such as games, interactive art, animation, and generative media. For instance, Georgia Tech’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computational Media focuses on the intersection of AI with digital media for entertainment, music, education, and business.
Creative Computing: Creative computing is the practice of using programming, algorithms, and digital technologies in the service of artistic expression, interactive design, and innovative problem-solving. For example, CalArts’s Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Creative Computing – Artificial lntelligence is an interdisciplinary program that fuses computational engineering & AI skills with artistic expression.
Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence: A degree in human-centered AI seeks to develop professionals who can thoughtfully design & deploy AI technologies in ways that center human values, ethics, and real-world applications. In the case of Lindenwood University’s Master of Arts (MA) in Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (AI), no prior coding or programming experience is required.
AI in the Arts Minor: A minor such as Texas A&M University’s AI in the Arts Minor from the College of Performance, Visualization, and Fine Arts trains students to incorporate AI tools into a range of artistic disciplines (e.g. visual arts, dance, theatre, interactive media and music).
Applied AI Minor: A minor such as SCAD’s Applied AI Minor—with its hands-on courses in areas like AI applications, creative computing with AI, ethics, and agentic design—focuses on helping students integrate AI technologies into almost any discipline.

Remember that you can also consider pursuing a traditional design major (e.g. graphic design, UX, web design, etc.) or an arts-focused major (e.g. game design, interactive design, new media arts, visual arts, etc.) that features AI courses or offers the option to earn an adjacent AI undergraduate certificate or AI minor. For instance:

North Carolina State University has created a Bachelor of Graphic & Experience Design (BGXD) with Advanced Graphic & Experience Design Studios that can incorporate the special topic of AI.
New York University’s Tisch School of Arts has developed a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Interactive Media Arts (IMA) with plenty of work in creative computing.

Sample Coursework

Undergraduate and graduate programs in AI art & AI design will have different coursework requirements. For instance, bachelor’s degrees will include General Education (GE) credits. Master’s programs may dive deep into corporate applications of AI design. But it’s worth looking for programs that feature the following course categories:

Theory-Based Art & Design Courses: Most AI art & AI design programs begin with credits in the foundations of art, visual design, and media theory. Think of course titles such as sketching & drawing, creative concepting, visual thinking, history of design, UX design theory, storyboarding, and narrative storytelling. Theoretical studies help art, design & media students understand why certain creative decisions work and other decisions fall flat.
Practice-Based Art & Design Courses: Practice-based courses can be defined as courses that allow students to apply their knowledge of art & design theory and AI technologies to real-world projects. For example, in the case of an AI design program, students may be exploring how to deploy their training in human-computer interaction, UX design, intuitive interfaces, human-in-the-loop (HITL) systems, and AI tools to design a product or service. In an AI art or computational media program, students may be creating AI-influenced artworks or digital media.
Technical & Computational Courses: Many AI design, AI art, and computational media programs will include standalone technical courses in AI skills such as programming (often Python), Machine Learning (ML), deep learning, computer vision & image processing, generative models, and the like. However, this kind of technical training will also be incorporated into practice-based courses.
Ethics Courses: Strong AI design & AI art programs will feature courses in AI ethics, responsible AI, bias, human behavior, cultural impact, and the like. The use of artificial intelligence in creative fields is a contentious topic of debate, and students must be aware of potential pitfalls and legal issues.
Studios & Labs: Almost every AI art or AI design program will feature studios and/or labs where students can design, experiment, iterate, and refine their ideas. For example, SCAD’s BDes in Applied AI features a second year Action Lab and three Applied AI Studios at the end of the program. Students in Stanford’s BS in Design can choose to work on a real-world project through the Impact Studio (e.g. designing for health).

Important AI Art & Design Skills and Tools

AI Art & Design Skills

Any education program in AI art, AI design, or computational media should include a core of courses in fundamental skill sets such as drawing, principles of visual design, UX design, etc. You can’t use AI to create great works of art, engaging media, or elegant design solutions if you don’t understand how things are constructed. As one graphic designer notes:

“Without a solid foundation in design skills and thinking, it can be easy for your career to collapse when tastes change, software changes, or new challenges enter the field. AI is a tool, but it’s not [a] replacement for learning how and why to use tools.”

Once you’ve grounded yourself in the core fundamentals of art, media, and design, you can start exploring artificial intelligence applications and building your skills in areas such as:

Creative & conceptual thinking
Computational literacy in AI & Machine Learning (ML)
Critical literacy in AI dangers & ethical issues
Iterative design & prompt engineering
Cross-disciplinary collaborations (tech + art)
Art- and design-related AI tools & technologies (see below)

The key is practical experience. VFX artists say that they have seen too many newbies using software tools such as Houdini without understanding how they work and where they are weak. Graphic designers say that they wish someone had taught them real-world applications, such as user input-based AI generation techniques, controlling & bending AI styles to match brand guidelines, and using AI to turn rough sketches into finished pieces. Look for AI art and AI design programs that emphasize practice-based learning.

AI Art & Design Tools and Technologies

AI tools and technologies for artists and designers can morph quickly, so it pays to look for academic programs that have built some flexibility into the curriculum. We’ve featured some of the most popular options at this moment in time, but we recommend you talk to professionals who are working in the field and ask them for a list of their favorite tools.

Large Language Models (LLMs): Open AI/ChatGPT, etc.
Creative Coding: Python, p5.js, TensorFlow, Anaconda, openFrameworks, Processing, etc.
Image Generation: Midjourney, Leonardo.ai, Stable Diffusion, DALL-E, Vizcom, Adobe Firefly, etc.
Video AI: Runway, Pika, etc.
Real-Time, Interactive & Audio-Visual: TouchDesigner, Arduino, Max/MSP/Jitter, etc.
3D, VFX & Motion: Maya, Houdini, ZBrush, Substance, etc.
Game Engines: Unreal Engine, Unity, etc.

You can also keep track of new developments & discoveries in AI tools through forums, Reddit threads, and AI communities (e.g. OpenAI Developer Forum, TensorFlow Community, Maya Forums, etc.).

Careers With AI Art & Design Degrees

There are a large number of art-based & design-based career paths that require AI literacy. We’ve highlighted some of the newer job titles below, but keep in mind that companies are adding AI to their list of required skills for almost any creative endeavor. For example, anyone seeking to work in gaming, film, advertising, product design, media, or fashion should be getting up to speed with relevant AI technologies.

AI Art Job Titles

Animator
Game Designer
Digital Artist
Digital Illustrator
VFX Artist
3D Modeler
AI-Assisted Art Creator
Virtual Reality Designer
Art Director
Creative Director

AI Design Job Titles

AI Designer
AI Design Strategist
AI Product Developer
AI Systems Designer
UI/UX Designer
Agentic AI Designer
Digital Interface Designer
Multimedia Designer
Ethical Design Strategist
Creative Technologist
Autonomous Agent Designer

FAQ

Should I Choose an AI-Focused Major or a Traditional Art or Design Major?

This will be a judgment call. AI-focused art and design majors are still relatively rare, so you’re not going to have a lot of choice when it comes to programs. Creative computing degrees are more common. If you can’t find anything in our directory that suits your needs, you can always consider earning a qualification in a traditional major (e.g. graphic design, UX, VFX, etc.) and making sure you incorporate AI studies into your plan of study through a certificate, minor, and/or independent courses.

Art, design & media can now be split into 3 categories:

Artisanal/Handcrafted: No AI is used in the making of the artwork, media piece, or design.
Hybrid AI: AI is used in a number of steps throughout the art or design process, but humans contribute their own skills & imaginative interventions. The final result is a fusion of technology and human artistic input.
Full AI: The entire artwork, design, or digital media product is created through AI tools & technologies. However, there is a high volume of these works now being produced (e.g. AI slop).

You will have to decide which categories you’d like to live in. Hybrid AI is going to be the way forward for many artists and designers.

Do I Need a Degree in AI Art, AI Design or Creative Computing?

If you are passionate about art & design, digital media, or the field of creative computing, then an undergraduate degree with an AI slant can be a valuable asset in your career. In the best programs, you will be schooled in both theory and practice. You will be exposed to a wide variety of AI tools & technologies. You will explore multiple disciplines and fields. And you will have the chance to work on real-world projects and build a portfolio to show to employers.

At the graduate level, real-world experience will usually trump a master’s degree, especially since AI technologies are moving so quickly. Unless you are determined to specialize in a unique field (e.g. Human-Centered Intelligence, AI Design, etc.) or push the boundaries of creative computing & computational media, it’s probably not worth the investment.

Should I Pursue a Technical Degree that Blends Design & Computing?

Possibly. Programs that fall under this category include creative computing degrees, computational media, and BS qualifications. For instance:

Stanford University’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Design – Artificial Intelligence and User Experience has been developed by a world-class technical university. It features a solid core of math, science & engineering courses, as well as training in design fundamentals, programming & AI-specific technologies. And it allows students to focus on a particular domain area (e.g. designing for the planet). This is the kind of qualification that could set you up for a fascinating number of high-level AI design roles.
If you have a passion for digital media and you’re comfortable with computer science, math & programming coursework, a degree like Georgia Tech’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computational Media can prepare you to use AI to design and create fascinating media & software projects for business, education, the public sector, and the field of entertainment (e.g VFX, game design, etc.).

How Much Coding & Math is Required for AI Art & Design Degrees?

It will depend on the program. BFA and BA degrees might include light to moderate courses in creative coding (e.g. p5.js, Python, TouchDesigner, Unity, Unreal, etc.), but calculus and linear algebra are typically not required. BS programs in majors like computational media, creative computing, or digital arts & computer science often contain substantial coursework in coding & programming, as well as credits in calculus, linear algebra, and discrete math.

At the graduate level, MFA and MA programs may have moderate coursework in coding (e.g. Max/MSP/Jitter, p5.js, TouchDesigner, Unity, etc.), but they rarely dig into formal math beyond what is needed for the task. In contrast, an MS or MPS in Human Computer Interaction (HCI), AI design, or creative computing will usually have substantial coding & programming coursework. Knowledge of statistics, linear algebra, and quantitative skills may also be expected.

Is AI Destroying Design, Illustration & Animation Jobs?

For a number of traditional roles, the answer is yes. Artificial intelligence & automation are hitting certain areas of art and design very hard indeed. Stock illustration, concept art, character/environment design, storyboarding, modeling, basic animation pipeline tasks, website design—these are all being taken over by computational forces. Entry-level and freelance roles are particularly at risk.

Clients and customers are still paying for unique & original ideas (e.g. brand voice) and the human element (e.g. problem-framing, domain expertise, in-depth industry research, art direction, narrative direction, client management, etc.). But these skills are usually to be found in mid-level and senior-level roles. If you’re entering the fields of art or design, you will need to think about how you can leverage your AI skills into new titles and responsibilities.

Where Can I Go for More Info on AI Art?

Where Can I Go for More Info on AI Design?