UTA College of Business Launches AI for Business Program with Redesigned Curriculum
The University of Texas at Arlington’s (UTA) College of Business is set to launch its Artificial Intelligence for Business program in Fall 2026, replacing the existing Business Analytics programs. This move marks a significant shift towards preparing students for an industry increasingly driven by AI technology.
The new program will offer both bachelor’s and master’s degree options, with a redesigned curriculum that focuses on using AI to drive business strategy, productivity, and decision-making. According to Dr. Radha Mahapatra, chair of the information systems and operations management department, the MSBA and BSBA programs were originally designed to equip students with data analytics skills.
However, as machine learning technologies became more prevalent, the ISOM faculty felt the need to completely redesign the curricula in response to recent advances in generative AI and agentic AI. This change is crucial for business schools like UTA’s College of Business, which must prepare graduates who can effectively leverage AI tools for business.
Dr. Brian Klaas, dean of the College of Business, emphasized that as the business world continues to be transformed by artificial intelligence, it is critical that business schools adapt their curricula accordingly. ‘As AI reshapes industries and redefines work,’ he said, ‘business schools have a responsibility to ensure students understand both the opportunities and challenges associated with these technologies.’
The revised curriculum 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. According to Mahapatra, this is essential for preparing students and their families for the realities of today’s workforce.
Associate dean Fernando Jaramillo noted that now was the right time to make these changes as artificial intelligence fundamentally alters how organizations operate, the skills employers demand, and the competencies required for future leadership. ‘The College of Business is uniquely positioned to respond to this opportunity,’ he said, drawing on faculty who are recognized leaders in AI research.
The curriculum updates include renaming 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.
Ethical AI use is a critical part of the redesigned program, with students learning how to apply AI tools effectively to improve productivity, support decision-making, and solve business problems. This includes considering issues such as bias, transparency, privacy, and responsible use. ‘Our goal,’ Mahapatra said, ‘is to prepare graduates who can use AI thoughtfully, effectively, and ethically in a rapidly changing workplace.’
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 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 without committing to a full master’s degree.
According to Jaramillo, offering AI education at both undergraduate and graduate levels is essential because these programs serve distinct student populations with different learning needs and career objectives. ‘Together,’ he said, ‘these programs create a comprehensive educational pathway that prepares emerging talent and current professionals to succeed in an AI-driven economy.’
The College of Business aims to strengthen the connection between classroom learning and today’s workforce by preparing both students and faculty to thoughtfully engage with AI. The goal is to prepare graduates who can identify opportunities, lead change, and create value in a business world increasingly shaped by AI.