Business schools have overwhelmingly embraced AI. In its 2024 Application Trends Survey, the Graduate Management Admission Council found that only 22% of programs surveyed haven’t integrated AI into student learning.
That number will only go down as B-schools respond to the growing demand for expertise in AI within the business sector.
“It is no longer a question of if, but how artificial intelligence will fundamentally alter every aspect of business and society, and business schools have a crucial role to play in ensuring that AI adoption leads to positive outcomes,” says Erika James, dean of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, which announced a new MBA major in AI and a new undergraduate concentration this month.
Wharton — which James adds is “simultaneously focused on harnessing AI’s transformative potential while also understanding and addressing its risks” — joins numerous schools that have introduced AI-focused concentrations in their MBA programs or launched specialized master’s degrees in AI. Below are lists of U.S. and European B-schools in the vanguard in teaching the new tech.
U.S. MBA PROGRAMS WITH AI CONCENTRATIONS
School | Program/Focus | Program Type | AI Major/Concentration |
Wharton (UPenn) | Artificial Intelligence for Business Major | MBA | Yes |
Kellogg (Northwestern) | MBAi Program | MBA | Yes |
Harvard Business School | AI Integration in Core Curriculum | MBA | Partial |
MIT (Sloan) | Artificial Intelligence and Analytics | MBA | Yes |
Stanford GSB | AI-focused electives | MBA | Yes |
UC Berkeley (Haas) | Artificial Intelligence for Business Certificate | MBA | Yes |
Carnegie Mellon (Tepper) | AI in Business Concentration | MBA | Yes |
Texas-Austin (McCombs) | AI for Leaders Course | MBA | Partial |
Northeastern (D’Amore-McKim) | Artificial Intelligence Concentration | MBA | Yes |
Arizona State (W.P. Carey) | AI Concentration | MBA | Yes |
Texas Tech (Rawls) | AI and Data Science in Business | MBA | Yes |
American (Kogod) | Integrated AI Curriculum | MBA | Yes |
Rutgers | AI Concentration | MBA | Yes |
Ball State | AI Focus Area | MBA | Yes |
Maryland (Smith) | Emphasis on AI | Online MBA | Yes |
Illinois (Gies) | AI and Data Analytics Courses | iMBA | Yes |
North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler) | AI and Data Analysis Courses | Online MBA | Yes |
George Washington | AI, Data Analytics Focus | Online MBA | Yes |
Jack Welch Management Institute | AI Leadership Concentration | Online MBA | Yes |
Villanova | Applied AI & ML Specialization | Professional MBA | Yes |
Southern Indiana (Romain) | AI Concentration | MBA | Yes |
California Miramar | AI and Business Analytics | MBA | Yes |
A GROWING ECOSYSTEM
In the United States, top-tier B-schools are racing to incorporate artificial intelligence into their MBA offerings — not just as a trendy elective, but as a central pillar of the degree. Wharton’s new MBA major in AI for Business, which combines coursework in applied machine learning, data science, and ethics, is a leading example — but far from the only one.
Northwestern Kellogg’s MBAi program, offered jointly with the McCormick School of Engineering, is another standout. It attracts students looking to fuse business acumen with technical expertise, preparing them for roles at the intersection of tech and strategy. Launched in fall 2021, the program is predicated on the idea that “if we want to train the leaders of the future, they need to be able to understand what the business challenges are that you will face as you start to implement these technologies at the same time,” Eric Anderson, Kellogg’s Hartmarx professor of marketing and director of the Center for Global Marketing Practice, told P&Q in 2020. “You can’t really do that unless you have a deep toe in the water when it comes to the technology.”
Other elite institutions have not been idle as the AI revolution gains steam. MIT Sloan School of Management now offers an MBA track in Artificial Intelligence and Analytics, and Stanford Graduate School of Business integrates AI content through its popular electives and partnerships with the university’s top-ranked computer science department.
Beyond the M7, several top B-schools across the U.S. have moved quickly to meet market demand: Carnegie Mellon’s Tepper School of Business introduced an AI in Business concentration that explores real-world applications of AI, including automation, predictive modeling, and AI-driven decision-making. Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management offers such AI courses as AI Strategy and Applications, AI for Business Applications, and Designing and Building AI Solutions, among others, in both its two-year program in Ithaca, New York and its one-year Tech MBA in New York City. It also has AI courses in its Master of Science in Business Analytics, and the university offers a suite of online AI certificate courses through eCornell, created by Professor Karan Girotra and Lutz Finger, the Silicon Valley technologist who has spent the past 20 years building AI products for Google, LinkedIn, and SNAP Inc. Cornell even has AI Curriculum Awards — five were given out in 2024 and four this year.
UC Berkeley Haas School of Business, Arizona State W.P. Carey Business School, and Villanova School of Business have rolled out specialized AI tracks in their MBA programs, as well; other B-schools, like Northeastern’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business, have built dual-degree programs blending computer science and business.
The result is a growing ecosystem of AI-savvy MBA programs — creating graduates who not only understand the tech, but also how to use it to drive business value.
U.S. B-SCHOOLS OFFERING SPECIALIZED MASTER’S IN AI
University | Program Name | Key Features |
Arizona State (Carey) | Online MS in Artificial Intelligence in Business | Online, balances technical and business applications of AI |
Stevens Institute of Technology | MS in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence | Advanced analytics and business strategy integration |
Fordham (Gabelli) | MS in Artificial Intelligence in Business | Application-driven AI with technical and managerial focus |
San Jose State University | MS in Artificial Intelligence | 33 units, AI fundamentals and applications |
New York (Stern) | MS in Business Analytics and AI | AI role in decision-making and strategic use |
University of South Florida | Degrees in AI and Business Education (Bellini College) | Comprehensive integration of AI into business education |
University of Charleston | MS in Business Analytics & Applied AI | Focus on AI in data analysis for business |
University of the Cumberlands | MS in Artificial Intelligence in Business | Emphasizes AI integration into business strategies |
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota | MS in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics (AI focus) | Combines data analytics with AI application in business |
OTHER AI-FOCUSED PROGRAMS IN THE U.S.
Some notable AI-focused EMBA and other programs at elite institutions in the United States:
- Harvard Business School – Competing in the Age of AI: This in-person course has virtual options. Its focus is understanding AI’s impact on business models, strategy, and operations. Participants explore ethical challenges, data analytics, and redesigning organizational systems for AI integration.
- Stanford Graduate School of Business – Advanced AI Leadership Program: This program is held in-person at Stanford Sierra Camp. Its focus is human-centered AI frameworks and leadership in AI adoption. It combines cutting-edge research with practical applications in a retreat setting.
- Kellogg School of Management – AI Strategies for Business Transformation: This online course focuses on leveraging AI and generative AI for strategic business impact. It addresses customer experience, talent productivity, and personalized marketing.
- Wharton School – Generative AI and Business Transformation: This in-person course is focused on implementing generative AI in business contexts. It covers competition, innovation, ethical considerations, and governance frameworks.
- MIT Sloan School of Management – Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy: This six-week online course focuses on strategic implementation of AI in business. It was developed with MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory.
- Columbia Business School – Business of AI Program: Columbia’s executive program empowers leaders with insights and tools to spearhead AI-driven innovation within their organizations, merging theory with actionable strategies.
- University of Chicago – Generative AI for Business: U of Chicago offers an online executive course covering the potential use cases for AI to automate content creation, optimize processes, and personalize experiences.
- UC Berkeley Executive Education – Artificial Intelligence: Business Strategies and Applications: This online course focuses on integrating AI into business strategies. It covers machine learning basics, neural networks, and AI team building.
- NYU Stern School of Business – Leading in the Age of AI: This two-day, in-person course is focused on understanding AI’s role in modern business leadership and addressing the need for AI literacy among executives.
- American Kogod – Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence: Kogod has established an institute to integrate AI across its curriculum, preparing students to utilize AI in various professional tasks such as consumer research, marketing, and financial analysis.
EUROPEAN MBA PROGRAMS WITH AI CONCENTRATIONS
Business School | Country | Program Name | AI Integration Focus |
INSEAD | France/Singapore | MBA (AI and Digital Innovation electives) | AI, big data, digital transformation |
London Business School | UK | MBA with focus on Digital and AI Leadership | Digital and AI Leadership electives |
Imperial College Business School | UK | Online MBA Modules in AI, ML, Digital Transformation | AI and machine learning modules |
EAE Business School Barcelona | Spain | MBA with AI Track | AI applications in business |
GBSB Global Business School | Spain | MBA with AI Track | Ethical AI, innovation, sustainable practices |
Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences | Netherlands | MBA in Applied Artificial Intelligence | AI strategy and business operations |
Steinbeis University – Schools of Next Practices | Germany | MBA specializing in Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence | Data analytics, AI integration |
Swiss School of Business and Management | Switzerland | Online MBA in Artificial Intelligence | AI, ML, science of AI for business |
Alfred Nobel Open Business School | Switzerland | MBA in Artificial Intelligence in the Business Area | AI across business functions |
‘UNDERSTANDING AI IS NO LONGER OPTIONAL’
In Europe, programs such as the X-HEC Master of Science in Data Science & AI for Business at HEC Paris and the Master in Artificial Intelligence for Business at EADA Business School are among a growing number of degrees that combine technical rigor with strategic business insight. These programs, often taught in partnership with computer science departments or external tech institutions, aim to produce graduates with a dual fluency in business strategy and AI technologies.
Their appeal is reflected in the applicant pool: They attract international students from widely diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
At the same time, traditional MBA programs are undergoing a transformation in Europe. Schools like London Business School and INSEAD have added AI electives or tracks that allow students to explore the implications of AI across finance, marketing, operations, and leadership.
“Understanding AI is no longer optional,” says Nan Guo, director of digital innovation and transformation at ESMT Berlin, which offers a Master in Analytics and AI. “Whether students go into consulting, entrepreneurship, or corporate leadership, they will be expected to speak the language of algorithms, automation, and data ethics.”
AI programming is prevalent at B-schools’ satellite campuses, too: On April 12 HEC Paris announced it has entered into a partnership with Mastercard, becoming the official academic collaborator for Mastercard’s executive education programs in Qatar. The first program to be delivered under this collaboration: the Mastercard Fellowship Program in Artificial Intelligence.
EUROPEAN B-SCHOOLS OFFERING SPECIALIZED MASTER’S IN AI
Business School | Country | Program Name | Key Focus |
ESMT Berlin | Germany | Master in Analytics and Artificial Intelligence | Data analysis and tech change |
TBS Education | France | MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics | Analytical theory, big data, programming |
HEC Paris | France | MSc in Data Science & AI for Business | AI applications in business |
Alliance Manchester Business School | UK | MSc in Digital Transformation | Modern tech implementation incl. AI |
Ulysseus European University | Multi-country | Joint Master’s Degree in AI for Business Transformation | AI in business innovation |
EU Business School | Spain | Master in Artificial Intelligence for Business | AI in various business contexts |
Steinbeis University – Schools of Next Practices | Germany | MBA specializing in Data Analytics & AI | Data analytics and AI |
Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences | Netherlands | MBA in Applied Artificial Intelligence | AI strategy in business ops |
EAE Business School Barcelona | Spain | MBA with an AI Track | AI application in business transformation |
GBSB Global Business School | Spain | MBA with an AI Track | Ethical AI integration in business |
EADA Business School | Spain | Master in Artificial Intelligence for Business | Strategic leadership with AI |
Alfred Nobel Open Business School | Switzerland | MBA in AI in the Business Area | AI integration in business |
Swiss School of Business and Management | Switzerland | MBA in Artificial Intelligence | AI, machine learning, and AI science |
Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences | Finland + EU partners | AI for Business Transformation joint degree | AI applications in business |
EUROPEAN SHORT PROGRAMS & EXEC COURSES IN AI
European B-schools also offer a diverse array of short AI-focused programs that cater to professionals seeking to integrate AI into business strategy and operations. Some notable programs:
- Oxford Saïd Business School – Executive Diploma in AI for Business: This accredited program is designed for experienced executives aiming to understand and leverage AI in business contexts. It combines academic rigor with practical applications, preparing leaders to implement AI-driven strategies effectively.
- HEC Paris – AI Ready for Business: Targeted at executives and managers with at least five years of professional experience, this program enhances participants’ understanding of AI and its business implications. It equips leaders to navigate AI transformations across various sectors.
- INSEAD – AI for Business: INSEAD’s program focuses on how companies can thrive in the digital era through strategic AI integration. Participants gain a non-technical understanding of AI applications across business functions, emphasizing strategy, leadership, and innovation.
- ESMT Berlin – AI for Managers: This course is designed for managers seeking to develop a strategic vision and practical roadmap for AI in their organizations. It includes interactions with AI startups, offering insights into the European AI ecosystem.
- Imperial College Business School – AI for Business Innovation: Ideal for leaders aiming to harness AI for strategic growth, this program covers AI integration into business processes, customer engagement, and talent management. It provides tools to develop AI strategies for digital transformation.
- ESSEC Business School – AI for Business: This intensive two-week program is designed for Bachelor and Master students to explore AI’s transformative potential in business. It combines foundational AI education with hands-on projects and industry engagement.
- GBSB Global Business School – MBA with AI Track: Offered both online and on-campus in Barcelona, this MBA program integrates advanced AI concepts with core business disciplines. It emphasizes sustainable practices, ethical business, and innovative problem-solving.
- Steinbeis University – MBA in Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence: Based in Berlin, this 18-month online MBA program specializes in data analytics and AI, preparing graduates to meet the growing demand for AI expertise in dynamic business environments.
- Tomorrow University of Applied Sciences – MBA Programs: Tomorrow University, based in Berlin, offers various MBA programs focusing on AI and sustainability, including tracks in Sustainable Technologies, Green Energy & AI, and AI & Data Leadership for Sustainability. These programs are designed to equip leaders with skills to implement AI-driven solutions for sustainable innovation.
- University of Hertfordshire – Global Executive MBA with Artificial Intelligence: This UK program blends core MBA principles with specialized AI modules, providing graduates with a competitive advantage in navigating the AI-powered business world.
- Warsaw University of Technology Business School – MBA in Artificial Intelligence, Finance and Technology: This one-year postgraduate program, conducted in English, is tailored for candidates in managerial positions within financial sectors, aiming to expand their leadership competencies and analytical skills in strategic financial management.
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