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The program is a collaboration across multiple GWSB departments and is designed to combine the technical foundations of AI with business strategy and responsible AI governance.
The George Washington University School of Business (GWSB) is set to launch a new 30-credit master's degree in artificial intelligence for business, with an anticipated start in the fall of 2026. This interdisciplinary program, developed in collaboration with multiple GWSB departments including information systems and technology management, decision science, and strategic management and public policy, aims to merge the technical principles of AI with crucial business strategy and ethical AI governance. University officials recognized the growing importance of AI in the business world and the increasing student interest in AI-focused courses, leading to the consolidation of these offerings into a comprehensive degree designed to prepare students for leadership roles in AI within the workplace. The program seeks to equip students with the necessary frameworks and strategic thinking to effectively evaluate, deploy, and lead AI initiatives in evolving business environments.
The master's program is structured around 30 credit hours, commencing with a 12-credit core curriculum. These core courses are foundational, covering essential AI concepts such as Programming and Coding Agents, Probabilistic and Statistical Foundations for AI, Generative AI with Business Applications, and the Ethics of AI in Business. The aim of these initial courses is to provide a robust understanding of both the technical and ethical dimensions inherent in AI. Following the core curriculum, students will choose one of three specialized tracks for their remaining 18 credits: AI Systems and Development, AI-Driven Analytics, or AI Across the Enterprise. This specialized approach ensures that the curriculum remains up-to-date with the rapidly evolving field of AI, providing students with state-of-the-art knowledge and skills in their chosen area.
This new GWSB program marks a significant expansion of AI-related education at the University, being the first such degree offered outside the School of Engineering and Applied Science. Its launch also follows the GWSB's appointment of its inaugural Chief AI Officer in November, underscoring the institution's commitment to AI. Sunghun Chung, an associate professor who played a key role in the program's development, highlighted that the initiative was spurred by the advent of the 'AI-era' post-ChatGPT in 2022. He emphasized the program's goal to train individuals who can not only build AI models but also design, deploy, and responsibly manage AI within organizations. Chung stressed the program's necessity for the University's 'survival' and competitiveness, especially in light of similar AI-focused master's programs offered by other D.C. universities like American and Georgetown. GWSB's program distinguishes itself through its 'business first training,' unique integration with the D.C. policy environment, and inherently cross-disciplinary approach.
The Master's in AI for Business offers students the flexibility to pursue a dual degree by combining it with GWSB’s Master of Business Administration. This option is designed to be efficient, allowing students to complete 18 fewer credit hours than if they pursued each degree independently, as select credits count towards both programs. A crucial element of the program is the practicum, which students undertake in their final semester. This hands-on experience involves partnering with corporate and government organizations, enabling students to address real-world AI business challenges. Through this practicum, students will develop a portfolio of work, including AI prototypes and reproducible workflows. While formal partnerships are still being established, potential organizations for such collaborations include the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Amazon, and Accenture, leveraging GW’s extensive network of corporate partners. This experiential learning component, structured similarly to the master's in business analytics capstone, aims to provide students with invaluable exposure to potential employers and practical industry experience.