SCAD’s New AI Program
Written by Mimi Gatto. Graphic by Micaela Alomia.
Whether you are against AI or not, you know it can be quite a controversial topic. Yes, it can be helpful in certain scenarios, but in some cases, it may be inexcusable when it comes to art. Art should be something man-made. Created by a human who has had human experiences. So, as an art student at an art school, I was a little thrown off to learn that SCAD currently offers a Bachelor of Design degree in applied AI. As for what I have heard from other students, their reception has been mostly negative. And it is understandable why. The work we give our professors and the work we like to create for ourselves and show off is supposed to be ours only. We are more than discouraged to create art with a ‘helping hand’, in this case, AI. However, even professors and teachers are using AI programs to help cut down on time spent on grading and detecting plagiarism in students’ work. I have to admit, it is a great time-saver, and could be useful for technical problems that humans don’t have the energy or time to do.
I’m just going to come right out and say it: I dread what the future has to hold for AI and art. It’s like oil and water; it doesn’t mix. So, why do we have a new minor at SCAD for it? What does it entail? According to the website Cognizant, it explains, Applied AI is the branch of artificial intelligence that brings it out of the lab and into the real world, enabling computers and computer-controlled robots to execute real tasks. In other words, with Applied AI, it balances the technical side with the human side (creativity, empathy, and responsibility). SCAD states the careers this degree can be applied to, including: XR design, UX design, Game design, AI experience design and more. The companies that are looking for people with this degree are listed below: Adobe, Google, Epic Games, Microsoft and more. Speaking of Microsoft, in a CNBC article titled, Bill Gates on AI: Humans won’t be needed for ‘most things’ (kind of terrifying, right?), it mostly talks about Gates’ opinion on how AI is both concerning and a fantastic opportunity, relating to breakthroughs in medicine and solutions to climate change. Even when asked what industry he could choose to focus on, he chose AI. Something tells me I should trust this guy on career advice. I feel like he knows what he’s talking about.
This degree could be very handy in the future, and learning the ins and outs of AI could further your career. Times are changing, and we must change with them. In today’s world, you need to be adaptable and resilient. This degree could open many doors for you in the future, and upon further research on Applied AI, I have to say my view has changed on the subject. Who knows, I might entertain the idea of taking a few classes on it. Instead of using AI, we need to learn how to work with it.
Works Cited:
“Applied Artificial Intelligence.” Www.Cognizant.Com, www.cognizant.com/us/en/glossary/applied-ai#:~:text=Applied%20AI%20is%20the%20branch,robots%20to%20execute%20real%20tasks. Accessed 24 Sept. 2025.
Immersive Reality Careers: Learn How to Become a Mixed Reality Designer, a Virtual Reality Engineer and More at SCAD! | Scad.Edu, www.scad.edu/academics/programs/immersive-reality/careers. Accessed 24 Sept. 2025.
Jr., Tom Huddleston. “Bill Gates: Within 10 Years, AI Will Replace Many Doctors and Teachers-Humans Won’t Be Needed ‘for Most Things.’” CNBC, 26 Mar. 2025, www.cnbc.com/2025/03/26/bill-gates-on-ai-humans-wont-be-needed-for-most-things.html. Accessed 24 Sept. 2025.
