Sarasota's Ringling College of Art and Design launches first AI certificate program

Ringling College of Art and Design will launch a new artificial intelligence certificate program this fall, according to a news release from the school.

The college aims to "prioritize human creativity while proactively employing the rapidly evolving technology," the release stated. The certificate is available to all Ringling College students starting in the fall semester and is like a minor that appears on a student's transcript when they graduate, Ringling College Director of Marketing and Communications Chelsea Garner-Ferris said Tuesday.

“The possibilities of AI run the gamut," said Ringling College President Larry Thompson. "While some are threatened by its emergence, Ringling College strives to position its graduates to be forerunners in the creative industry, equipping them to thrive in their professions and to be proactive and responsible users of technological innovation.”

The certificate is composed of three courses: one required "Fundamentals of AI" course and the choice of two electives from a catalog of three AI courses. The required course was already at maximum capacity for the fall semester with 25 students, Garner-Ferris said.

Students from any major can take AI courses and interest in the program has been strong so far, she added.

Rick Dakan, Ringling College's AI coordinator, said the new technology has been disruptive to the industry, but emphasized that the college remains committed to helping students traverse the new landscape and protect their art.

“This program is not a replacement for studio art and design classes. Instead, it enhances what students are learning in their respective majors and offers the essential tools they need to explore how AI can both help and hinder the creative industry," he said.

The college plans to host an inaugural AI art symposium from Sept. 13 to Sept. 14 with presentations from various artists who have utilized AI in their work. The symposium also marks the opening of “Artificial Visions: Faculty Explorations in AI Artistry,” an exhibition on display from Sept. 19 to Oct. 11.

Follow Herald-Tribune Education Reporter Steven Walker on Twitter at @swalker_7. He can be reached at sbwalker@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota's Ringling College of Art and Design launches first AI certificate program