How to Advance Your Business Skills With an AI Master’s Degree

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an influential factor in many facets of our world, and business is no exception. When the networking and technology giant Cisco commissioned a survey of more than 2,500 CEOs in 2024 and 2025, it found that 97% of those executives planned to integrate AI into their business operations. 

With AI’s role in business continuing to expand, business professionals must develop strong AI skills. Knowledge of AI can benefit anyone who wants to harness the power of technology to spur organizational success, and a great way to acquire that knowledge is to earn an AI master’s degree. 

It can be beneficial for anyone who may be considering enrolling in a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program with a concentration in AI to explore the importance of AI skills in the business world and examples of AI skills that can be particularly useful.

Why Are AI Skills Important in Business?

People who cultivate their AI skills can use their expertise to help businesses grow and compete. It’s important to note the following:

• Many businesses have already incorporated AI into their processes. Industries such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing have already put AI to use in processes such as quality control and customer service. To remain current on business trends and tools, professionals need to develop and maintain their AI skills.
• AI can strengthen productivity. Knowing how to use AI to improve productivity can be a key AI skill for anyone working in business. For example, people with strong AI skills can use AI to perfect the process of talent acquisition, streamline work processes, and improve how businesses respond to changing market demands.
• AI can reduce costs. Productivity gains from AI can help businesses do some cost cutting, which is especially important in today’s economic environment. Developing the ability to apply AI to decrease costs can help business professionals promote profitability.
• AI can improve decision-making. Through its ability to analyze vast amounts of data, AI has the potential to allow businesses to make better decisions about their operations. People who understand how AI can strengthen decision-making have the potential to be valued employees in many types of businesses.

5 AI Skills for Business Professionals

Learning about some of the AI skills that are valuable to business professionals can help individuals select the AI master degree programs they may want to pursue.

The AI skills discussed below are examples of skills that can help business professionals succeed in their careers.

1. Predictive Modeling and Analytics Skills

Having the skills to use AI for predictive modeling and analytics can be helpful to any business professional. When individuals put those skills to work, they can make valuable forecasts about key information, such as consumer behavior, demand for goods and services, market trends, and resource allocation. 

2. Generative AI Skills

Professionals who are skilled in generative AI have the expertise to use AI to generate a wide range of content. For example, they can use AI to write text, create audio and video content, or even develop computer code. Using generative AI, businesses can gain significant efficiencies in functions such as customer relations, marketing, and sales.

3. Natural Language Processing Skills

Cultivating their skills in natural language processing (NLP) can allow professionals to perform various important functions. For example, individuals who have these skills can analyze and extract meaning from large amounts of text or transcribe speech to text. They also have the ability to create chatbots to communicate with customers.

4. Skills in AI Governance and Regulatory Compliance

Businesses also need professionals who are skilled in AI governance and regulatory compliance. Employees who possess those skills can create AI governance frameworks that can help businesses promote accountability. They can help ensure that businesses comply with ethical standards, as well as AI-related laws and regulations.

5. Skills in Managing AI Projects

Because of the unique nature of AI projects, the professionals who manage those projects need to have certain project management skills. In addition to understanding the complexity and technical aspects of AI projects, the professionals who manage those projects need to be skilled in areas such as monitoring data quality and managing expectations. They also need to have the expertise to scale AI beyond prototypes.

Benefits of Earning an MBA With a Concentration in AI 

Individuals who may be considering earning an MBA or another master’s degree related to business can benefit from exploring the value of completing an AI MBA. In today’s business climate, investing the time it takes to earn an MBA, particularly an MBA with an AI specialization, can allow individuals to take advantage of a range of benefits.

Developing AI skills by completing an AI master’s degree can strengthen employment prospects. For example, an analysis by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta in 2024 noted the following:

• Since 2010, the demand for AI skills has been increasing — even accelerating between 2023 and 2024.
• Demand is expanding from a need for specific machine learning skills to a need for broader AI skills.
• Demand for AI skills is growing across labor markets, occupations, and industries.

Many other considerations demonstrate the value of an MBA program that offers an AI specialty. For example, these programs do the following:

• Focus on managerial and strategic factors that can prepare professionals to work well with both technical professionals and business stakeholders
• Prepare students for the continuing AI evolution 
• Provide students with critical skills in evaluating potential AI solutions and ensuring that those solutions help to achieve a business’s objectives
• Teach students how to identify opportunities to use AI to strengthen business functions

Completing an AI Master’s Degree Equips Students With Unique Expertise to Achieve Success in Business

Earning an AI master’s degree is a great way to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to apply AI to enhance a wide variety of business operations. Business professionals who earn an AI master’s degree possess a blend of business and AI expertise that can help organizations thrive.

Anyone with a desire to build both business and AI expertise can explore the Notre Dame de Namur University MBA program with a concentration in AI to learn how it can help them reach their career goals. The program is designed to drive innovation in business, instruct students on AI capabilities and limitations, and provide students with AI governance and ethical expertise. Students in the program also have the opportunity to gain expertise in communicating about AI to various stakeholders, assessing the careers and business sectors that are key to AI, and managing AI projects. 

Take the first step on the path to advanced business and AI expertise today.