At WPI, The Future Of AI In Business Is Happening Now

Artificial intelligence is part of the fabric of Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and has been for decades, from the launch of its master’s in computer science in 1969, to human-computer interaction (HCI) initiatives in the 1980s, to robotics engineering programs in the 2000s.

The WPI Business School, a destination for engineers, scientists, and changemakers preparing to be business leaders in technology-focused fields, has been offering AI courses—including Business Applications in Machine Learning (ML) and Advanced Prescriptive Analysis: From Data to Impact—for years, long before ChatGPT entered the zeitgeist.

As more companies shift their strategies to focus on AI, there is a growing demand for professionals who can harness the benefits of AI-driven solutions. Jobs requiring AI skills have grown 3.5 times faster than all jobs combined since at least 2016, according to PwC’s 2024 AI Jobs Barometer. Additionally, these roles, including financial analysts, sales and marketing managers, and database administrators, have a 25% wage premium in the U.S.

AI In Business Programs And A FinTech First

Over the last year, WPI launched a comprehensive Financial Technology (FinTech) program. Comprised of a bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, and graduate certificate, WPI became the first university in the U.S. to offer FinTech degrees at every level of study. As part of the FinTech program, a new course, Artificial Intelligence and its Ethical Applications in Business, was introduced. Additionally, The WPI Business School offers AI concentrations in its MBA in Analytics, MS in Business Analytics, and MS in Information Technology graduate programs. A new graduate certificate, AI in Business, was also introduced for the 2024-2025 academic year.

“Today, employers are looking for talented professionals who can both innovate with technologies like AI and FinTech—and drive business value from them. As a STEM-focused university, WPI equips students with the skills and real-world experiences to succeed in doing just that,” said Debora Jackson, Harry G. Stoddard Professor of Management and Dean of The WPI Business School.

How Is AI Being Taught And Applied In WPI’s Business Programs?

MBA in Analytics

• This STEM-designated MBA prepares students to be data-driven business leaders. In the program’s new AI concentration, students gain the necessary technological and business foundations to formulate AI strategy and policy, design and implement AI-based business solutions and applications, and use AI ethically and responsibly.

MS in Business Analytics

• Students learn to make data-driven business decisions that solve real-world challenges and create meaningful impact. As part of the program’s AI concentration, students learn how to use data ethically while avoiding bias in AI-based solutions.

MS in FinTech

• FinTech is a broad and growing field that’s shaping the future of business—often through AI. Even if it’s not readily apparent, people interact with products in this category every day, from modern banking apps to services like Uber. 
• Students prepare to build the future of financial technology, in part by mastering AI concepts including search methods, logic, knowledge representation, and natural language processing (NLP).

MS in Information Technology

• Students prepare to be IT leaders who can manage teams and leverage existing and emerging technology tools for a variety of business applications. As part of the program’s AI concentration, students learn to develop and successfully deploy AI- and analytics-based IT solutions, strategies and policies.

MS in Supply Chain Operations and Analytics

• Students learn to manage the demands, distribution, and fulfillment of goods and services. They also gain hands-on experience with developing effective supply chains while leveraging data, analytics, and new technologies, including AI.

Graduate Certificate in AI in Business

• This new certificate enables students to interpret analytic results, draw insights to make strategic business decisions, and recommend additional analysis that could aid data-driven strategy formulation.

Importantly, WPI’s MBA in Analytics and MS programs above are STEM-designated, providing international students looking to study in the U.S. a range of educational and career advancement opportunities.

AI At WPI: A New Program For A New Era

WPI recently launched a new degree program in AI, offering students the opportunity to earn a master’s degree, a combined bachelor’s/master’s degree, or a graduate certificate through courses, projects, and thesis work on subjects ranging from deep learning to generative AI. The program leverages the university’s extensive experience in research and project-based education in AI to provide students with the technical skills and ethical understanding needed for careers in industry, government, and academia.

Upcoming Event: WPI Business Week 2024

Featuring events, guest speakers, and conversations on AI, FinTech, and the future of STEM in business, The WPI Business School’s annual Business Week will be held November 11 – 15, 2024. Learn more and mark your calendars.

To learn more about The WPI Business School’s range of STEM-focused graduate business programs and how to apply, visit WPI’s website.