The D'Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University is launching a new AI MBA, a STEM-designated, accelerated, full-time program designed in response to a clear shift in what employers expect from today's business leaders. As advanced technologies and data-driven systems reshape industries, the AI MBA prepares graduates to lead with both technical fluency and human insight. In a little more than a year, students will earn an MBA with a major in Business Analytics, with AI integrated intentionally and consistently throughout the curriculum, empowering them to solve complex problems, lead digital transformation, and make data-driven decisions with confidence.
Business today no longer separates strategy from technology. Leaders are expected to understand data, work alongside intelligent systems, and guide organizations through constant change. D'Amore-McKim designed the AI MBA to meet that reality head-on, combining rigorous quantitative study with leadership development grounded in Northeastern University's long-standing commitment to experiential learning. In the classroom, students will tackle real business challenges that build the practical, in‑demand skills employers seek. Additionally, experiential elective options include using cutting‑edge technologies to solve complex problems through the D'Amore-McKim AI Strategic Hub, managing the school's student-led mutual fund, and working directly with corporate partners on a Global Consulting Project, among others.
“Employers are looking for leaders who can connect data and technology to real business decisions,” says Kate Klepper, Associate Dean of Graduate Programs. “They want people who can analyze complex problems, lead diverse teams, and act with judgment in fast-moving environments. The AI MBA is structured to develop exactly those capabilities.”
Located in Boston—one of the world's most dynamic hubs for technology, healthcare, finance, and innovation—the AI MBA draws on Northeastern's “Humanics” framework, which integrates data literacy, technological understanding, and human-centered leadership. Rather than focusing narrowly on analytics, the AI MBA emphasizes how leaders use technology responsibly, strategically, and empathetically.
The AI MBA follows an intensive full-time format, allowing students to return to the workforce quickly with in-demand skills. Its STEM designation provides a significant advantage for international students, who may qualify for up to 36 months of U.S. work authorization through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) STEM extension. Students in the AI MBA gain full access to career coaching, professional development workshops, and recruiting support through D'Amore-McKim's Graduate Career Center, with real-world business insight embedded throughout the curriculum.
The 50-semester-hour AI MBA curriculum balances technical rigor with leadership capability. Core courses span accounting analytics, quantitative finance, data analysis for business, data-driven marketing, innovation-driven strategy, and strategic planning. Of the 20 required core credits, 14 are quantitative, underscoring the program's academic rigor and strong foundation in data‑driven decision‑making. Students then personalize their path through a wide array of electives that deepen expertise in machine learning, business modeling, and analytics across marketing and supply chains, as well as courses that explore the strategic applications of emerging technologies. This technical depth is balanced by electives that strengthen human‑centered leadership skills, including change leadership and innovation management.
The AI MBA is built for professionals from a wide range of backgrounds—including healthcare, finance, nonprofit, and technology—who are ready to accelerate their careers. It's an ideal fit for both domestic and international students seeking a full-time, fast-paced program aligned with a data-driven economy. Launching in September 2026, the AI MBA reflects D'Amore-McKim's continued commitment to preparing graduates not only to understand technology and data but also to lead organizations thoughtfully and effectively in a rapidly evolving business environment. For more information, visit http://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/programs/mba-ai/.