Digital Art and Artificial Intelligence
Prepare for high-demand careers that blend art and storytelling with AI technology.
York College of Pennsylvania’s Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Digital Arts and Artificial Intelligence (DAAI) degree program empowers students to creatively use Artificial Intelligence in visual art, preparing them for careers that integrate innovative and knowledgeable use of AI in art and design.
Those who love consuming and creating digital art know that the emergence of powerful generative AI has completely shifted the trajectory of the field. Our tailored bachelor’s degree program in digital art and creative use of AI imparts customized learning and strong industry ties to link coursework with real-world artmaking and networking.
As a Digital Arts and Artificial Intelligence major at York College, you can immerse yourself in studies that merge traditional art methods, modern AI tools, and a nuanced emphasis on narrative, catering to the evolving landscape of digital art and AI.
About the Bachelor of Science in Digital Arts and Artificial Intelligence
Digital Arts and Artificial Intelligence Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts and Artificial Intelligence program provides a broad curriculum that includes basic art principles and modern AI technologies. It offers advanced courses and chances for students to focus on specific areas through independent studies or internships, helping them sharpen their skills in innovative fields.
Digital Arts and Artificial Intelligence majors gain a solid foundation in drawing, animation, creative writing, and the practical and ethical use of artificial intelligence. Students apply these skills in projects such as game design, animation, and creating manga, graphic novels, or comics, following methods used in the industry. The culmination of the program is a final portfolio project showcasing students’ abilities and real-world applications of AI in art to future employers.
Key Courses
Follow an innovative interdisciplinary course sequence preparing you to use generative AI in creative projects and hone your skills in animation, character design, storyboarding, worldbuilding, and more. You may take courses such as:
- ART 204: Survey of World Art I
- ART 210: Design Fundamentals
- GRD 235: Concepts of Computer Graphics
- LIT 373: Comic Books and Graphic Novels
Admissions and Aid
Review complete undergraduate admissions information.
Many of our bachelor’s degree students are eligible for financial aid. Aspiring art students may be eligible for specialized scholarships through dedicated programs such as the York Community Art Scholars Exhibition.
Review undergraduate tuition and aid at York College.
Earn a B.A. in Digital Arts and Artificial Intelligence at York College of Pennsylvania
With cutting-edge facilities and a progressive curriculum designed to keep pace with the growth of AI in creative fields, the Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts and Artificial Intelligence degree program at York College sets itself apart by equipping students with future-proof skills for a career in the arts.
Are you ready to lead in this exciting emerging industry? Request more information to get started. Or, take the leap and begin your application today.
Prepare for Careers in Digital Arts, AI, VR, Game Design, and Beyond
Our faculty, leading digital art and AI experts, promote graduates’ success in cutting-edge careers that blend technology and creativity. Students in the Digital Arts program master AI tools and the newest API technologies to tell compelling stories, and they gain sought-after skills applicable to careers focused on game development, web design, and producing influential art that captures global attention.
Potential career paths include:
- AI Application Developer
- Animator
- Art Director
- Creative Director
- Digital Artist
- Game Designer
- Multimedia Artist
- User Experience (X) Designer
- Virtual Reality (VR) Designer
Whether fulfilling their individual artistic visions or creating compelling animations, VR worlds, or digital artworks for entertainment, advertising, or educational purposes, our students find opportunities in industries ranging from entertainment and gaming to software development and interactive media.
Salary and Career Outlook in Virtual Art and Animation
This innovative program equips students for diverse creative careers, with salaries influenced by factors such as experience and geographic location. A repertoire of skills enhanced by specialized AI experience appeals to employers in artistic fields, potentially leading to higher salaries and greater responsibilities.
Digital Arts majors can pursue roles with the following average annual salaries, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Fine artists, including illustrators—$57,560/year
- Graphic designers—$57,990/year
- Special effects artists and animators—$98,950/year
- Art directors—$105,180/year
By developing creative problem-solving and leadership abilities through practical experiences in the major, students are positioned to ascend to leadership roles. These roles may include directing creative teams in crafting visual strategies for marketing campaigns or overseeing the creative aspects of video game development.
Digital Arts and Artificial Intelligence Internship or Independent Study
York College emphasizes real-world experience through a required internship or independent study as part of the Digital Arts major curriculum. Whether you opt for an internship in a design studio or game company setting or delve into a specific area of digital art or AI animation alongside a faculty advisor, this experiential component connects your classroom learning to career applications.
Learn about internships at York College.
Portfolio and Professional Development
The Digital Arts and Artificial Intelligence major meticulously guides students through a four-year journey to craft a compelling portfolio showcasing their finest digital art skills, primed for industry eyes. Curriculum topics like publishing and licensing for creatives equip students with essential knowledge on legally safeguarding and disseminating their art.
The program ends with a big project in the senior exhibition class, where students put together their final portfolios. Whether it’s manga or anime samples or VR environments and graphic design, this last step combines their creative skills with practical knowledge, preparing them to enter digital art, animation, and artificial intelligence careers.
Community Art Exhibitions
From on-campus art galleries to Marketview Arts, a community space in the heart of York’s art district, students in the B.A. in Digital Arts and Artificial Intelligence degree program are surrounded by a vibrant artistic community. Many local professional fine artists and graphic designers in the region are graduates of York College, reflecting our decades-long history of fine arts training and engagement.
Explore art events and community engagement at York College.
Esports Club
York College’s over 100+ clubs and organizations include the Anime Club, the Film and Media Club, and, notably, a robust Esports program. The facilities of our Esports club offer students exploring streaming careers the latest technology to game and build their brand. Studying how art and animation leverage AI while connecting with others who are passionate about video games and visual storytelling places students at the forefront of digital art and video game design careers.
Gain Future-Proof Skills for Art and Technology Careers
Whether you’re seeking careers in animation, game design, graphic design, or fine art, the B.A. in Digital Arts and Artificial Intelligence imparts real-world professional development and mastery of historical and contemporary art and design concepts. Graduates of this program demonstrate highly marketable skills, including:
- Proficiency in digital art software and tools, including Adobe Creative Suite, 3D modeling, and animation software
- Emerging critical skills in the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) and diffusion-type AI for creative projects such as logic, writing, professional writing, and visual graphics and animation
- Foundational knowledge in art and design principles, such as color theory, composition, and visual storytelling using narrative techniques
- Ability to conceptualize and create digital artworks, animations, and designs for various applications, from web design to interactive media
- Knowledge of key trending areas in the digital media industry, such as digital art, gaming, and virtual reality
- Communication and problem-solving skills, enabling the application of knowledge in professional settings to face design challenges
Related Majors and Minors
York College’s fine arts and graphic design degree programs have been pillars of our academic identity for more than 30 years. Explore our other bachelor’s degree programs in fields that propel careers in communication, publishing, entertainment, and more. Or, choose a minor that complements your career aspirations.
Digital Art and Artificial Intelligence Courses
Your class schedule will include core courses for your major, Gen Next general education classes, and electives.
| Course Name | Course Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 2D Animation I: Fundamentals | ART 213 | 3 Credits |
| Animation II: 3D Basics | ART 264 | 3 Credits |
| Animation III: 3D Advanced | ART 313 | 3 Credits |
| Animation IV: Production | ART 364 | 3 Credits |
| Storyboarding | ART 310 | 3 Credits |
| Intro to Generative AI for Creatives | HUM 215 | 3 Credits |
Careers in Digital Art and Artificial Intelligence
A bachelor's degree in Digital Art and Artificial Intelligence opens up a variety of career opportunities. Some of your options may include:
Animator
Game Designer
Visual Effects Artist
AI-Assisted Art Creator
Digital Illustrator
3D Modeler
Build your dream career, one day at a time.
This is day one. From your first semester on campus through graduation day, York College offers expert advice, professional development opportunities, and personalized support to help you navigate the choices that influence your future.
Explore resources for a successful college experience:
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, digital art is a recognized major at many educational institutions, including ours. The Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts and Artificial Intelligence (DAAI) is unique in that it offers a comprehensive curriculum that merges creativity with technology. This program helps students harness the power of digital tools to create art and explore the innovative applications of artificial intelligence in the art world. Our program equips students with the skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital art landscape, preparing them for a range of careers where art and technology intersect.
A degree in digital art unlocks a multitude of creative and forward-thinking career paths. Graduates find opportunities as digital artists, animators, game designers, multimedia artists, UI/UX designers, creative directors, art directors, and virtual reality designers, among others. These roles span diverse industries such as entertainment, marketing, technology, and education, where the fusion of artistic talent and technical skill is highly valued. The evolving digital landscape continually offers new avenues for digital art professionals to innovate, making it a vibrant and rewarding career choice.
Digital art is an excellent career choice for those passionate about combining their artistic skills with the latest digital technologies. The field of digital art is dynamic and offers diverse opportunities for creative expression and innovation. With the growing demand for digital content across various sectors—including entertainment, advertising, education, and beyond—skilled digital artists are in high demand. Moreover, new technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence continue to open new avenues for professional growth and exploration in the field. Pursuing a career in digital art not only allows for creative fulfillment but also offers the potential for a rewarding professional path in a variety of industries.
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Related Programs
Fine Art
Explore mediums from photography and painting to drawing and sculpture. Immerse yourself in the history of art so that you can understand where you want to take it next. Lose yourself in creating your own professional body of work that you’ll give a lecture on as part of our senior fine art exhibition hosted in a professional, public gallery.
Graphic Design
The work of graphic designers surrounds us every day. You can see it in the websites and apps you visit, packaging for the products you use, as well as publications like magazines, book covers, and brochures.
Mass Communication
Imagine if you could apply for a job after graduation and be able to tell a radio or television station, “Yes, I’ve used that before.” That’s the York College approach — we give you exposure to audio, radio, and digital video production, news gathering and reporting, copywriting, announcing, and field and control room equipment.