AI and Business Analytics MBA Concentration at Berkeley College

The concept of "emerging technology" has changed drastically since the founding of Berkeley College in 1931. As the College celebrates its 95th anniversary, its commitment to updating programs and offerings to reflect current market demands is more evident than ever. The Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Management program, which is available online and at the New York City campus, has offered concentrations in high-demand areas of specialization that allow students to take a series of focused elective courses that can help enhance their marketability in the professional world.

The Growing Demand for AI and Business Analytics

The newest concentration, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Business Analytics, addresses an increasing demand for high-level skills in the professional world. More than ever, organizations across industries increasingly rely on artificial intelligence and advanced analytics to inform strategic decisions, improve operational efficiency, and maintain competitive advantage. As a result, employers seek managers who can interpret analytic insights, oversee AI initiatives, and ensure responsible implementation, even when they are not technical specialists.

Fast Growth Projected for Analytics Careers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of operations research analysts is projected to grow 21% between now and 2034, which is much faster than average. Similarly, management analysts are projected to grow about 9% over the same period, also faster than average, underscoring the importance of analytical competencies.

About the AI and Business Analytics MBA Concentration

How does the new concentration in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Business Analytics reflect the Berkeley College mission and vision?

Glazer: The addition of a concentration in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Business Analytics enhances Berkeley College's commitment to providing lifelong career paths for students, especially those who will be managing AI ventures and operations in the future.

Why is the concentration in AI and Business Analytics important?

Glazer: The new concentration responds to what may be the greatest disruptive change in the business world and society at large so far in this century, as AI has become required knowledge and usage in the workplace and eventually in general usage; much the same as the personal computer in the 1980's, the internet in the 1990's, and social media in the 2000's. However, as an MBA concentration, as opposed to vocational training in artificial intelligence, the focus will be on the management of AI and analytics in business strategy, planning, and execution, more than the usage of any AI applications.

How will MBA students benefit from the concentration in AI and Business Analytics?

Glazer: Students benefit from making this concentration part of their MBA degree by earning expertise in AI and business analytics management, evidenced by a notation in their graduate transcript that discloses completion of an MBA degree in Management, with a concentration in AI and Business Analytics. It is not just expertise in artificial intelligence, but in the management of its usage and application to business operations, to supply chains, to the marketing of goods and services, to financing business expansion projects, to the whole universe of business decision making.

How does the AI and Business Analytics concentration in the Berkeley College MBA program stand out from other programs?

Glazer: In the same way that our MBA program is different from a conventional MBA program, everything from our faculty to our curriculum stresses the application and experiential learning opportunities in the program rather than confining study to the theoretical. Our faculty comes from the business world with actual experience in the curriculum they are asked to teach.

What will your involvement in the development and rollout of the concentration in AI and Business Analytics be?

Glazer: As Director of the MBA program in the Larry L. Luing School of Business® at Berkeley College, it will be my privilege, as well as my duty, to recruit faculty with the academic and professional qualifications to teach the curriculum in this new concentration. Faculty will need to excel in communication skills as well as be subject matter experts in the four courses that comprise the new concentration. As the face of the MBA program to students as well as faculty, I will play a role in explaining and assist in promoting the new concentration to prospective and continuing students. Since this concentration will also be offered as a Continuing Education certificate program, to non-MBA candidates, the role includes being a spokesperson for the addition to our program for CE candidates as well.

Adapting to meet changing needs

The views and/or opinions in this article are those of the individuals interviewed. The academic achievements and/or employment outcomes described in this article are specific to each individual and are not a guarantee of similar results for past or current students. For up-to-date and detailed information, please visit BerkeleyCollege.edu and view our catalogs at BerkeleyCollege.edu/publications.