BOONE, N.C. — This fall, graduate business students at Appalachian State University will have the opportunity to pursue new artificial intelligence (AI) concentrations as part of the university’s master’s programs in business administration and applied data analytics — both offered through the nationally recognized Walker College of Business. The concentrations are designed to prepare graduates for career success in an increasingly AI-driven business world.

“As one of the first institutions in the Carolinas to offer AI-focused graduate business concentrations, the Walker College of Business is committed to providing transformational educational experiences to students,” said Walker College Dean Sandra Vannoy. “We always strive to align opportunities with industry demand and keep our curriculum on pace with technological advancements.”

The introduction of AI concentrations is a collaborative effort across multiple departments within the Walker College of Business, providing an interdisciplinary approach to AI education. Through the new concentrations, students will explore AI-driven decision-making, strategy and governance, gaining the knowledge and skills needed to drive positive community and economic impact through AI-driven innovation.

“AI is reshaping industries, and business leaders with AI expertise are increasingly in demand,” said Dr. Jason Xiong, associate dean of advanced studies in business in the Walker College of Business and associate professor in the college’s Department of Computer Information Systems. “App State’s AI concentrations will prepare students to harness AI’s potential to drive business success while maintaining a strong ethical foundation and a global perspective.”

A recent study from the McKinsey Global Institute estimates that AI could help create between 20 to 50 million new jobs worldwide by 2030, underscoring the importance of equipping students with the ability to work alongside intelligent systems.

And according to an April 2024 report from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), business schools that integrate AI into their curriculum will play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of business leaders. App State’s business programs are AACSB-accredited, an achievement held by the top 6% of business schools worldwide.

App State has already incorporated AI courses — such as AI, Business Systems and Cybersecurity — into the curriculum for its Bachelor of Science cybersecurity program, and AI was a key focus area at the university’s Cyber Summit in February.

Courses exploring AI’s role in business

Beginning this fall, all students in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in applied data analytics (MSADA) programs, regardless of their chosen concentration, will take Applied AI and Quantitative Methods in Business — a core course equipping students with foundational AI knowledge and skills.

“By integrating AI into both core and elective graduate business courses, the MBA and MSADA programs now provide students with unparalleled opportunities to explore AI’s impact across various business domains,” Xiong said.

Graduate students pursuing the AI concentration in the MBA or MSADA program can take a wide range of elective courses to gain a comprehensive understanding of AI’s role in business, including:

• AI Applications in Business, which focuses on AI as a transformative tool, exploring practical applications, strategic integration and ethical considerations through case studies and simulations.
• Ethics, Policy and Governance in AI, which examines ethical and regulatory challenges associated with AI, including data privacy, algorithmic bias and compliance, preparing students to navigate AI governance issues.
• Strategic Branding in the Realm of AI, which explores how AI influences consumer behavior, marketing strategies and brand positioning, offering students hands-on experience with AI-driven branding techniques.
• Current Issues in Technology and AIS: Innovative AI Solutions for Business and Accounting Professionals, which analyzes emerging AI solutions tailored for business operations, accounting and finance, with a focus on automation and AI-driven decision-making.
• Global Blockchain and AI Applications for Business, which provides insights into the convergence of AI and blockchain technologies across global markets, highlighting applications in supply chain transparency, financial inclusion and predictive analytics.

For more information about the new AI concentrations, visit https://business.appstate.edu/programs/graduate-programs or contact Walker College’s Office of Advanced Studes in Business at 828-262-2922.

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About the Walker College of Business

The Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University delivers transformational educational experiences that prepare and inspire students to be ethical, innovative and engaged business leaders who positively impact their communities, both locally and globally. The college places emphasis on international experiences, sustainable business practices, entrepreneurial programs and real-world applications with industry. Enrolling more than 4,000 undergraduates in 11 majors, Walker College has the highest enrollment of full-time undergraduate students in the University of North Carolina System, and more than 250 graduate students are enrolled in the college’s three master’s programs. App State’s Walker College is accredited by AACSB International — the premier global accrediting body for business schools. Learn more at https://business.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.