Do I learn about artificial intelligence (AI) in an MBA program?

Artificial intelligence is changing how businesses operate. As organizations look for ways to put AI to work, business leaders need more than a basic understanding of the technology. They need to know how to identify opportunities, evaluate its capabilities and limitations, and apply it to real-world business challenges.

At the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business, AI education is an integral part of the MBA experience.

How AI is integrated into the Warrington MBA curriculum

At Warrington, learning about artificial intelligence isn’t limited to a single course or elective. AI is integrated throughout the MBA curriculum, helping students understand how it applies to different business areas. The goal is to prepare MBA graduates to manage and lead AI initiatives within their organizations rather than only understanding the technology itself.

There are direct courses created to give deep dives into AI, like AI for Managers and Managing Business Under AI and Emerging Technologies. But when the course isn’t directly focused on AI, professors still ensure that AI is integrated throughout the course. Outside of the classroom, students have access to events like the UF AI Days Gator Tank competition where they can pitch their business idea and earn microgrants.

Warrington MBA students learn to evaluate emerging technologies, make strategic decisions about AI adoption and understand the considerations involved in implementing AI across an organization. As AI continues to evolve, these skills will help graduates make informed decisions about how their companies use the technology.

What is the Warrington MBA AI Launchpad?

Warrington gives MBA students an opportunity to explore AI applications through its AI Launchpad. Led by Clinical Professor Joel Davis, the half-day, on-campus workshop helps students move beyond simply experimenting with AI tools and think more strategically about how organizations can use the technology.

The AI Launchpad centers on three questions:

-Where can AI create value?

-How can businesses design workflows supported by AI?

-How can professionals evaluate whether AI-generated information is accurate and trustworthy?

Students work through these questions to identify potential business applications and develop a conceptual plan for an AI solution relevant to their company or industry.

Learning AI at the University of Florida

The University of Florida’s commitment to artificial intelligence extends beyond Warrington. UF began its effort to become an AI university in 2020, taking an early approach to making AI education part of the student experience across academic disciplines. Through its AI Across the Curriculum initiative, the university ensures students graduate with an understanding of artificial intelligence and how it can be applied in their jobs.

UF offers more than 200 AI-related courses across its colleges and has developed a university-wide AI Fundamentals Certificate, along with specialized certificates for different disciplines. The university also established the Artificial Intelligence Academic Initiative (AI²) Center to coordinate AI education, research and collaboration across campus.

UF’s investment in AI extends to the technology supporting its research and education, including HiPerGator, the university’s high-performance computing system with advanced AI capabilities. Developed through a partnership with NVIDIA, the supercomputer helped establish the foundation for UF’s broader AI ambitions.

For MBA students, this university-wide commitment provides an important context for their business education. They are learning at an institution that views AI as an essential part of preparing students for the future, with opportunities to explore the technology as a business tool shaping the industries and organizations they will lead.

Explore the Warrington MBA program

An MBA from Warrington offers more than an understanding of emerging technologies. With multiple program formats, students can choose an experience that aligns with their career goals and professional commitments. Whether you’re looking to accelerate your career through a Full-Time MBA, advance while continuing to work through an Online MBA or Weekend Part-Time MBA in Jacksonville or Miami, or strengthen your leadership experience through an Executive MBA, Warrington offers pathways for different stages of professional growth. Students also benefit from connections with experienced classmates, faculty expertise and career development opportunities.

The next step in your career starts with a decision to invest in yourself. Request information to connect with the Warrington admissions team, explore your program options and learn how an MBA can support your goals.