Artificial Intelligence and Analytics for Business Specialization

Gain the AI and Analytics Skills You Need for a Successful Career

Artificial Intelligence and Analytics is one of the most sought after skill sets in modern industry. The Artificial Intelligence and Analytics for Business specialization prepares MBA students to create business and social value by extracting insights from data, and providing data-driven solutions to business problems for a variety of career settings.

The specialization provides a strong foundation in Artificial Intelligence and Analytics by developing technical know-how in topics including machine learning, applied statistics, optimization, econometrics, experimentation, data visualization, data engineering, and big data. These skills are combined with an understanding of application in domains such as marketing, consumer behavior, operations, financial and risk management, information management, and strategic management in both public and provide sectors. The specialization emphasizes Managing AI responsibly and effectively, preparing students to oversee AI-driven initiatives and align them with organizational goals. In this specialization students gain insights into Digital Transformation, exploring how data and AI are reshaping industries, business models, and strategies for innovation and competitiveness.

format
Format

Full-Time: On-campus 
Part-Time: In-person, Online

duration
Duration

Full-Time: 2 years 
Part-Time: Average 3.5 years

work experience
Work experience

Full-Time: Average 5 years 
Part-Time: Average 6 years 

start date
Start date

Full-Time: Fall (September)
Part-Time: Fall (September); Spring (January); Summer (June)

Curriculum: AI for Business Analytics

Students complete 12 elective credits for the Artificial Intelligence and Analytics for Business specialization. Students are advised to complete the foundational analytics courses first, followed by advanced analytics electives based on their interests and career goals.

Students can use the MABA Curriculum Calendar to view when each course is offered in the academic year. Students must meet all listed prerequisites to take upper level courses. Please note, not all courses listed are offered every semester. Verify each semester’s course offerings in Schedule Builder or the MyU Class Search tool.

All specialization courses are offered fully online through Minnesota Carlson's Full-Time MBA or Part-Time MBA program. Specializations are not applied to your transcript or diploma and cannot be verified in a degree check. 

  • MABA 6121: Practical Statistics for Business Applications - 2 credits. Note that class has significant overlap 
    with MBA 6121 Data Analysis & Statistics for Managers
  • MABA 6311: Programming for Business Analytics - 2 credits
  • MABA 6341: Data Visualization - 2 credits
  • MABA 6251: AI for Competitive Advantage - 2 credits
  • IDSC 6590 Topics: Managing AI - 2 credits
  • MABA 6155: Generative AI - 2 credits
  • MABA 6321: Data Management and Big Data - 2 credits
  • MABA 6345: Responsible AI - 2 credits | Prereq: MABA 6251
  • MABA 6351: Recommender System Techniques and Applications - 2 credits
  • MABA 6421: Predictive Analytics - 2 credits | Prereqs: MABA 6311 and MABA 6121
  • MABA 6411: Exploratory Data Analytics - 2 credits | Prereqs: MABA 6311 and MABA 6121
  • MABA 6441: Causal Inference with Data - 2 credits | Prereq: MABA 6121
  • MABA 6451: Prescriptive Analytics - 2 credits

Students can consider the following courses that are complementary to an emphasis in applied business analytics to build a well-rounded business foundation.

  • ACCT 6606: Financial Data Analytics - 2 credits | Students must have significant previous accounting background and meet equivalent of prerequisites. Students can work with their academic advisor and respective program to enroll.
  • IDSC 6051: Info Tech and AI Solutions - 2 credits
  • FINA 6322: Financial Modeling - 2 credits
  • FINA 6323: Advanced Financial Modeling - 2 credits
  • HRIR 6112: People Analytics - 2 credits
  • HRIR 6502: Total Rewards: Data and Applications - 2 credits
  • MKTG 6052: Marketing Analytics: Managerial Decisions - 2 credits
  • MILI 6393: Healthcare Analytics - 2 credits
  • SCO 6085: Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning - 2 credits
  • SCO 6191: Big Data Analytics in Supply Chains - 2 credits