Summary
An article from ILoveQatar shares how several universities in Qatar Foundation have introduced new degree programs focusing on artificial intelligence, digitalization, and sustainability. These programs, such as CMU-Q's Bachelor of Science in AI and VCUarts Qatar's BFA in Kinetic Imaging, aim to prepare students for the jobs of the future and support Qatar's long-term goals.
Originally published September 30, 2025 in ILoveQatar
By Cassandra Pallagud
New academic programs in Artificial Intelligence, Digitalization, and Sustainability, launched by universities at Qatar Foundation, are set to equip students with future-ready skills and real-world impact – nurturing an innovative generation that can play its part in shaping Qatar’s future.
Among these programs is the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Kinetic Imaging at Qatar Foundation (QF) partner university Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar).
Levi Hammett, Associate Professor and Director of the program, says:
“In addition to skills in media production, Artificial Intelligence, and creative coding, students develop creative problem solving, strategic thinking, and cultural production. Research shows that these creative skills will drive the economies of the future.”
Hammett said that students and faculty members are collaborating to explore a wide range of creative domains, including “experimental video, animation, 3D modeling, creative robotics, sound design, interaction design, and game design.”
Speaking about the intended national impact of this program, Hammett said:
“The program supports Qatar National Vision 2030 by fostering culturally grounded, technologically fluent creatives. It cultivates critical and creative thinkers who contribute to human, social, economic, and environmental development.”
Fatima Al Muftah, one of Hammett’s students and part of the first graduating batch of the program, said:
“VCUarts Qatar is one of the few institutions in the region to offer such a unique program, and I was drawn to its integration of technology and creativity. I wanted to work in a field where I could experiment, invent, and create work that challenges traditional boundaries of art and design, contributing to the advancement of my country – Qatar.”
She explained that the program encourages students to think outside the box and take the lead through open-ended projects that give them the freedom to explore ideas and express their opinions through chosen concepts.
Students also have the chance to showcase their works before high-level figures in Qatar, and, as Al Muftah explained: “I was fortunate to have three of my works displayed at M7 from different Kinetic Imaging classes.”
While AI is transforming everything from vacation planning to personalized medicine, QF partner university Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar’s (CMU-Q) Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence prepares students to lead in developing these applications.
Dudley Reynolds, Senior Associate Dean of Education at CMU-Q, said:
“It is not enough anymore to know a particular algorithm or tool. Students must understand the behavior inside AI ‘black boxes’ to use them appropriately, interpret results correctly, and recognize their limitations.
“The Bachelor of Science in AI degree begins with a foundation in algorithmic problem solving, the core math concepts of modern AI, and the technical skills needed to build applications that analyze data and support decision-making. For the program, trends like digital transformation, sustainability, and globalization serve as application cases, sources for research questions, and domains for course projects.”
Meanwhile, the College of Science and Engineering (CSE) at QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University has announced three new programs in Chemical, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering.
