Marketing, Communication & Design Degrees

AI-Driven Creative Practice (MFA)

Display of fashion items, including clothing, accessories, and mannequins in a retail setting.

The MFA in AI-Driven Creative Practice is an advanced interdisciplinary graduate program designed for artists, designers, technologists, and creative leaders who seek to explore and apply AI within contemporary creative work. Blending studio practice, applied research, critical theory, and venture development, the program prepares graduates to create meaningful AI-driven works, design emerging AI-enabled experiences, and contribute to innovation in the rapidly evolving creative AI landscape. Rooted in research-through-practice, the curriculum develops students’ creative and technical fluency while emphasizing ethical responsibility, cultural awareness, and real-world application. Through intensive studio coursework, collaborative experimentation, field engagement, and mentorship with industry partners, students develop a final thesis project that is refined, articulated, and pitch-ready, expressing a coherent AI-driven concept with the potential to evolve into a product, service, or creative venture.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA-AI) Degree
Major Classes

This program is available online and on campus

School of Marketing, Communication & Design

ADV 602

Art Direction Major/3

Take your visual concepts to another level. Learn layout and typographic techniques the pros use to communicate clearly, powerfully, and with real sophistication. (This course is cross-listed with ADV 302.)

ADV 623

Humans, Not Consumers: How Human Insights Drive Brand Strategy Major/3

We're taught that we're thinking creatures that feel. The truth is we're feeling creatures that think. Emotions don't hinder decisions. They're the foundation on which they're made! You will learn how to demystify emotions and empower art and brands through the power of human insight.

ADV 634

AI for Advertising Major/3

AI is changing the advertising landscape! This exploration into the creative development process includes an overview of AI and how it can be used to develop and optimize your creative work. You will develop your creativity, learn how to collaborate effectively, and understand the importance of research in the advertising industry. (This course is cross-listed with ADV 434.)

COM 602

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

Gain skills in audio and video production and editing to create compelling content and build essential techniques to engage diverse audiences and drive impactful narratives in today’s media landscape. Learn Adobe Premiere, using its integrated AI tools, to craft powerful stories across digital, brand, and news platforms.

COM 605

AI Empowered Creativity Major/3

Learn the essentials of AI-driven strategy, research, and design to excel in brand communications. Be empowered to innovate in a tech-focused industry by leveraging the latest AI tools. Create a brand and launch it through an AI-integrated campaign, showcasing your ability to synthesize and apply essential skills.

COM 633

AI-Powered Brand Communication Major/3

Unlock the power of AI for brand communication! Develop skills in AI-driven strategy, branding, writing, and content creation to craft compelling stories and connect with your target audience. Using AI tools, you’ll optimize content across digital platforms, showcasing your ability to drive brand success through creativity and strategic insight.

GR 616

Design Thinking & Visual Communication Major/3

Explore the principles of design that define design as a discipline. By examining historical, social, and cultural influences, you'll develop essential skills in design thinking and visual creation. Refine your skills by creating thoughtful, purpose-driven design solutions that effectively meet project goals. Assignments will include traditional design methods and AI explorations, providing a comprehensive foundation for modern design challenges.

GR 636

AI for Designers Major/3

You will embark on an immersive journey, blending traditional principles with multiple AI applications to develop portfolio quality design work. Beginning with an exploration of AI's impact on graphic design and ethical considerations, the course progresses through fundamental design principles, generative AI applications, seamless workflow integration, and collaborative concept generation. (This course is cross-listed with GR 436.)

GR 750

Thesis Proposal and Mid-Point Review Major/3

This is the first class on your journey to developing your thesis. You’ll propose an MFA thesis topic that reflects your creative focus while presenting your midpoint portfolio for review. Through exploration and reflection, you’ll connect your ideas, process, and purpose, laying the groundwork for a thesis that represents your unique voice.

IXD 600

Digital Graphics Major/3

Develop proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign by engaging in comprehensive design projects. You will delve into Adobe's design suite and AI-enhanced design tools.

Degree Requirements

Unit Requirements	Units
Major Coursework	36
Directed Studies	18
Graduate Liberal Arts	6
Total	60

MFA AI-DRIVEN CREATIVE PROCESS DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Successful completion of Final Thesis Project
Minimum grade of C in all required 60 units
Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and the following Academic Study requirements:
1 Art Historical Awareness & Aesthetic Sensitivity course
1 Cross Cultural Understanding course

Additional Information

Graduate Liberal Arts

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

MFA Thesis Project

Present a clearly defined design project worthy of the MFA degree (midpoint)
Produce a final thesis project demonstrating design thinking, visual communication and technical skills (final review)

Critical and Creative Thinking

Apply entrepreneurial methods to develop and advance a creative venture
Demonstrate ethical literacy and leadership in responsible AI use.
Communicate research-through-practice findings effectively to diverse audiences.

Design Process

Integrate appropriate AI tools or models into the creative workflow to generate or refine visual concepts.
Develop conceptual or experience prototypes that effectively communicate the intended functionality and user experience of an AI-driven design solution.
Generate novel AI-driven artifacts.

Visual Communication

Apply design principles—grid, hierarchy, typography, color, and composition—to AI-generated and human-designed elements.
Communicate relevant objectives through aesthetic choices that effectively convey the project’s intended message or purpose.

Professional Readiness

Demonstrate sound organization and design project management skills
Effectively present and communicate ideas
Demonstrate the skills necessary for chosen career path through the presentation of a competent body of work

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