Wharton is set to offer a new Artificial Intelligence for Business concentration for MBA students.
Credit: Chenyao LiuThe Wharton School of Business's launch of a new MBA concentration and major in artificial intelligence this fall marks a major shift in how future business leaders are being prepared to navigate a rapidly evolving digital economy.
The “Artificial Intelligence for Business" concentration and major, announced on April 2, will be available to students starting in the upcoming academic year. Designed to address the growing demand for AI fluency in business leadership, the new track is expected to shape the way future executives, including chief financial officers, approach emerging technologies.
The new program aims to equip students with practical knowledge to both leverage AI tools and navigate the challenges they present.
“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," Wharton Dean Erika James said.
Wharton’s program is aimed to target the changing scene in business where AI is now an integral factor. For CFOs, 27% of current job listings mention “AI.” According to the World Economic Forum, AI is reshaping the role of CFOs by demanding proficiency in data management, risk analysis, and ethical implementation of AI systems.
“We are at a critical turning point where practical AI knowledge is urgently needed," Vice Dean of AI and Analytics at Wharton Eric Bradlow said. "Companies are struggling to recruit talent with the necessary AI skills, students are eager to deepen their understanding of the subject and gain hands-on experience and our faculty’s expertise on the adoption and human impact of AI is unmatched. Wharton is uniquely positioned to lead as we collectively confront the myriad of challenges and opportunities AI poses.”
The launch of this concentration also comes alongside Wharton's expressed commitment to staying ahead of technological trends and preparing its students for the realities of a digital-first economy. With AI expected to drive significant shifts in workforce dynamics and business models, programs like this one aim to ensure that graduates are not only prepared to adapt, but to lead through their AI Leadership Program.
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