Artificial Intelligence Marketing & Design (BA)

A modern building with The North Face logo on a rocky, snowy mountain slope.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Artificial Intelligence Marketing & Design is a four-year program designed to equip students with industry-leading skills in integrating artificial intelligence into marketing, branding, user experience (UX), and digital media. This degree provides hands-on training with AI-powered tools and platforms that enhance creative strategy, data-driven decision-making, and brand storytelling. 

Bachelor of Arts (BA-AI) Degree
Core Classes

This program is available online and on campus

ADV 207

Creative Strategy Core/3

Great things happen when a strategic framework is applied to creativity. Based on current cultural and market observations, you'll develop and present strategic maps and data visualizations to connect businesses and people.

COM 102

Visual Storytelling: Editing Fundamentals for Short-Form Video Content Core/3

Editing can be a persuasive storytelling tool. Using your own original footage, you'll gain basic editing skills—including importing, exporting, audio mixing, and color correction-to increase the emotional impact and user engagement of your videos.

COM 295

Media Entrepreneurship: Brand You Core/3

Establish your personal brand and entrepreneurial identity in communications, media, and design. Through building a compelling portfolio, refining your digital presence, and mastering the art of pitching, you'll gain essential skills to stand out in competitive markets, culminating in a professional portfolio and business pitch.

COM 495

Creative Futures: Portfolio and Professional Identity Core/3

Artist-entrepreneurs wanted. To increase your hire-ability, you'll develop a personal brand strategy that includes a resume, demo reel, website, social media plan, a unique logo, and a professional business name. You will also be interviewed by professional hiring managers.

FND 149

Introduction to Design Thinking Core/3

Unlock your creative potential by harnessing the power of the creative process. You will generate ideas to solve physical and conceptual design problems. Learn from faculty across different disciplines and engage with your peers to create innovative solutions through collaborations.

GR 102

Design Technologies Core/3

Gain familiarity with the technical tools of the trade. You'll study the theory and function of industry-standard computer hardware and software and learn the digital design principles professionals use to produce visual communications and digital products.

GR 122

Typography 1: Hierarchy and Form Core/3

Typography gives language a physical form. Part science and part art - good typography is a skill unique to graphic design and makes your ideas come to life. You'll learn to solve typographic design problems by focusing on letterforms, proportion, hierarchy, legibility, structure, aesthetics, and more.

GR 150

Introduction to Visual Communication Core/3

Successful visual communication unites many diverse creative professions. You'll gain hands-on interdisciplinary ideation and creative problem-solving experience by working on projects that emphasize collaboration and audience engagement.

IXD 105

Design Technology: Visual Design Tools Core/3

Take a deep dive into the skills and tools behind industry-standard design and production: vector graphics and typography, color manipulation, workflow techniques, presentation and output methods, and more.

PH 103

Photography for Artists Core/3

Designed for all majors interested in photography, students will be presented an inspired approach to using photography across mediums. Topics include proper exposure, lighting, composition, and optimizing photos for a digital workflow. A smartphone or digital camera is required for this course.

Degree Requirements

Unit RequirementsUnits
Core24
Sophomore Portfolio3
Senior Portfolio3
Major39
Electives9
Liberal Arts42
Total120

BA ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE MARKETING & DESIGN DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

  • Minimum grade of C- in all major coursework
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA and the following general education requirements:
    4 Art Historical Awareness courses
    1 Written Communication: Critical Thinking course
    1 Creative Ideation course
    1 Historical Awareness course
    1 Quantitative Literacy course
    1 Cultural Ideas & Influences course
    1 Employment Communications and Practices course

After above general education requirements are met, take Liberal Arts electives as needed to fulfill the Liberal Arts unit requirement.

Additional Information

Program Learning Outcomes

Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:  

Research & Strategy

  • Conduct audience and market research and synthesize findings to develop and justify creative strategy

AI & Design Practice

  • Evaluate and critically apply AI tools, including prompt engineering, generative media, and AI-assisted design, to develop creative work that meets defined brand objectives
  • Apply design principles to AI-generated and human-authored visual content

Media Production & Communication

  • Develop and produce short-form video, social media, and digital content that demonstrates command of platform-appropriate formats and storytelling conventions
  • Communicate creative concepts and strategic rationale effectively in professional presentations, written briefs, and critiques

Professional Readiness

  • Demonstrate ethical use of AI in brand communications
  • Develop a portfolio and professional identity that reflects a coherent creative point of view and readiness for entry-level professional practice

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

    1. Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
    2. Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
    3. Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
    4. Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
    5. Use professional terminology to evaluate their work and work in the field.
    6. Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
    7. Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.
    8. Engage with a variety of communities beyond the classroom through internship opportunities, study abroad programs, student interest clubs, and participation in collaborative, civic, and pro bono projects.

*Semester plans are subject to change at any time. Semester breakdowns displayed are suggested and additional options are available to help customize your educational experience. Speak to an admissions or student services representative for more information. Please see our catalog for more details at: https://catalog.academyart.edu