College of Business launches Artificial Intelligence for Business program

Beginning in Fall 2026, the UTA College of Business will launch its Artificial Intelligence for Business bachelor's and master's degree programs, replacing Business Analytics and introducing a redesigned curriculum focused on using AI to drive business strategy, productivity and decision-making.

"The MSBA and BSBA programs were originally designed to equip students with data analytics skills that support data-driven decision-making in business organizations," said Dr. Radha Mahapatra, chair of the information systems and operations management department. “Over the years, we made incremental changes to the curriculum by incorporating machine learning technologies. With the recent advances in generative AI and agentic AI, the ISOM faculty felt the need to completely redesign the curricula.”

College of Business dean Dr. Brian Klaas said that as the business world is being transformed by artificial intelligence, it is critical that business schools prepare graduates who can make an impact in their organizations by leveraging AI effectively and responsibly.

“As AI continues to reshape industries and redefine the nature of work, business schools have a responsibility to ensure students understand both the opportunities and challenges associated with these technologies,” Klaas said. “This program positions our students to lead in a rapidly changing industry environment.”

Mahapatra explained that the goal of the degree change is to ensure that students and their families know they are being prepared for the realities of today’s workforce. The revised curriculum, he said, will help teach business students how to use state-of-the-art technology to streamline business operations, drive productivity gains and support business strategy and decision making. 

“I want our students to know that the ISOM department and the College of Business at UTA are committed to preparing them with the latest high-demand skills,” he said.

Mahapatra at the 2026 Business Analytics Symposium in March. Photo by Ellman Photography.

Associate dean Dr. Fernando Jaramillo said now was the right time to make these changes as artificial intelligence changes the business landscape.

“The time is right to offer AI-focused programs because AI is fundamentally changing how organizations operate, the skills employers demand, and the competencies required for future leadership,” Jaramillo said. “The College of Business is uniquely positioned to respond to this opportunity, drawing on faculty who are recognized leaders in AI research and at the forefront of AI innovation.”

The curriculum updates include renaming and restructuring several courses to better reflect the program's expanded focus on artificial intelligence and its business applications. For example, Introduction to Business Analytics has been renamed Introduction to AI for Business Applications, while Ethical and Social Issues in Data Science is now Ethics of Artificial Intelligence Applications.

“This program focuses on the application of AI across all areas of business. Because of that emphasis, it is about far more than mastering a particular AI tool or learning how to build an agent,” Klaas said.

Ethical AI use is a critical part of the redesigned program. Students will learn how to apply AI tools effectively to improve productivity, support decision making and solve business problems while also considering issues such as bias, transparency, privacy and responsible use.

“Our goal is to prepare graduates who can use AI thoughtfully, effectively and ethically in a rapidly changing workplace,” Mahapatra said. 

Changes also include the addition of an advanced cloud computing elective, and both a seminar and capstone in AI for Business. Beyond the degree programs, the college is also expanding opportunities for students and professionals to build AI skills through new certificate offerings.

These expanded offerings give students and working professionals multiple ways to develop AI expertise based on their academic and career goals. Students can add an AI for Business certificate to another business discipline or pursue the major for a more in-depth focus, while working professionals can earn a graduate certificate to build their knowledge of AI and its business applications without committing to a full master’s degree.

“Offering AI education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels is essential because these programs serve distinct student populations with different learning needs and career objectives,” Jaramillo said. “Together, these programs create a comprehensive educational pathway that prepares both emerging talent and current professionals to succeed and lead in an AI-driven economy.”

By preparing both students and faculty to thoughtfully engage with AI, the College of Business aims to strengthen the connection between classroom learning and the needs of today’s workforce.

“The goal is to prepare graduates who can identify opportunities, lead change and create value in a business world increasingly shaped by AI,” Klaas said.

For more information about our new AI for Business programs, head to the information systems department page: https://www.uta.edu/academics/schools-colleges/business/departments/information-systems-and-operations-management