Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business recently introduced a free online learning module, “Leveraging AI for Business,” designed to equip learners with essential artificial intelligence (AI) skills. The initiative, available to all current undergraduate students studying business, including those pursuing combined majors and minors, positions participants to better understand and navigate the evolving landscape of AI in the business world.
Launched during the fall 2024 semester, the module has been successfully completed by nearly 375 learners, providing them with foundational knowledge in AI and its applications in business for academic, cooperative education, and professional success.
I designed the course to give students a lens to look at how businesses can respond to AI-enabled abilities. The tools provided equip our students to become leaders who formulate their own solutions for the future.
Kwong Chan, Executive Director of the DMSB AI Strategic Hub
A badge that distinguishes AI readiness
Those who successfully complete the module earn a digital badge that symbolizes their preparedness to tackle the challenges of integrating AI into business strategies. The badge is more than just a credential; it's a valuable addition to resumés and LinkedIn profiles, making students more attractive to future employers who greatly value hiring applicants with these skills.
The program gives students a competitive edge in co-ops, coursework, and future employment opportunities.
“Our faculty are already ahead of the curve in introducing AI into their classrooms,” says Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs Daniele Mathras. “This badge is another bold step we're taking to more purposefully and systematically upskill our students, faculty, and staff so they're ready to strategically maximize the impact of AI for better business.”
Flexible and comprehensive learning
Students can access the ‘Leveraging AI for Business' module on Canvas and complete it at their own pace. It includes an introduction and four sections: Value chain and competitive strategy, External environment, Internal environment, and Strategy Formulation. To earn the badge, individuals must score at least 80% on the quizzes that follow each section and complete a learner survey.
In the survey, 97 percent of respondents reported that the module design positively impacted their learning experience, and 77 percent of badge earners said they're interested in taking an advanced AI learning module for a Level 2 badge.
A strategic priority
The introduction of this undergraduate module is part of a broader initiative at the school to prioritize AI as a key area of focus. It complements other AI-centric offerings, such as the Graduate Certificate in AI Applications for Business, which helps professionals across industries leverage AI's potential, even without prior programming experience. It offers an introduction to AI tools, guidance on using AI responsibly, and an exploration of human-centered AI principles. Participants learn how AI can drive business competitiveness, align with strategic goals, and create meaningful impact in their fields.
The wider Northeastern community can take advantage of AI in Action, which converts live boot camp content into a self-paced course, allowing learners the flexibility to build a strong foundation in AI principles and techniques at their own pace.
The DMSB AI Strategic Hub (DASH) bolsters this focus through its ‘AI for Teaching' initiative, which advances the school's scholarship and experiential learning in intelligent technologies.
The module also has practical benefits because it helps future business leaders learn to enhance their uniquely human skills to immediately leverage AI more effectively. “Students will be better prepared for their co-ops, courses, and future employment because they'll be able to apply these skills immediately,” says Mathras.
Preparing learners for a business world increasingly shaped by AI ensures they know how to lead with impact by intentionally driving change, inspiring others, and creating lasting value–a core part of D'Amore-McKim's mission.