AI Expansion, Employer Demand Are Driving LeBow’s New MBA Curriculum and Concentration
In boardrooms around the world, one topic keeps coming up: artificial intelligence (AI). As one of the most dynamic growth “arenas” — sectors marked by high growth and dynamism, as identified by McKinsey Global Institute — AI software and services are expected to contribute as much as $48 trillion to the global economy by 2040. To keep up, 92% of businesses are raising their AI investments, while 30% are expanding their teams with AI specialists.
And yet, Drexel LeBow’s 2025 Data Integrity Trends and Insights report, co-authored with data integrity firm Precisely, discovered some concerning numbers: 42% of companies report a shortage of skills and resources to run effective data programs, and 60% cite that their organization is unprepared for AI initiatives when it comes to employee skills and training.
In response, LeBow has strategically redesigned its MBA curriculum to address these gaps in the workplace. The revamped program emphasizes technology and innovation, data competency, and leadership and strategic thinking — all critical skills for navigating today’s dynamic, data-driven business environment and the workforce of the future.
This redesign, in content and in format, was guided by feedback from students, alumni and industry experts and reflects industry changes. Now a 48-credit program, LeBow’s MBA offers a faster path to completion while retaining the intellectual and experiential rigor expected of a top-tier business education.
Lead With AI
To be truly future-ready, Drexel LeBow’s MBA added a STEM-designated applied AI in business concentration, with courses in AI literacy and strategic framing of business problems, data analytics and model interpretation, human–AI collaboration and augmentation, and ethical AI and bias mitigation. Together, these courses empower students to work effectively with data scientists, converting AI capabilities into business value and leading AI-driven strategic initiatives.
By bridging the gap between business and technology, the MBA enhances employability across industries and instills a deep understanding of responsible AI use and adaptability. For graduates, this means a lasting competitive edge.
“As more organizations adopt AI, the real value won’t just come from the technology, but from how humans engage with it. Professionals who understand both the capabilities and limitations of AI will be able to design solutions that enhance, rather than replace, human judgment,” says Murugan Anandarajan, PhD, vice dean, professor of MIS and academic director of LeBow’s Dornsife Office for Experiential Learning.
Hands-On, Job-Ready
In today’s job market, AI mastery can matter more than years of experience. According to Microsoft’s 2024 Annual Work Trend Index, 66% of leaders would not hire someone without AI skills and 71% would rather hire a less experienced candidate with AI skills.
That’s why LeBow’s new MBA is hands-on: it’s the best way to ensure modules are effective and not lost in translation.
For example, in an AI-driven “Human Plus” course, MBA students learn decision intelligence — a blend of AI, data and human judgment to make smarter business decisions — from both faculty and industry experts. They then put that knowledge to work. In one hands-on project, students step into a simulated emergency room, using AI-powered text mining and predictive modeling to figure out the best way to allocate resources.
Internships are a big part of the program, too. Supported by market-driven insights and personalized career coaching, job search strategies and networking opportunities from LeBow’s Center for Career Readiness, MBA students enter the workplace prepared to lead across various areas, including business strategy, marketing, product management and innovation.
Additionally, the Center for Applied AI and Business Analytics provides students with opportunities to engage directly with industry professionals, academic mentors and alumni.
Through AI workshops, analytics competitions and business and technology events, students develop skills in data literacy, innovative thinking and professional communication. Past engagements include datathons with Bloomberg, Under Armour and Comcast; an AI and Data Summit with Precisely; and events with companies such as Mastercard, FMC, the Philadelphia Flyers and Amazon.
The future of business belongs to those who can keep pace with change. Graduates of Drexel LeBow’s reimagined MBA emerge as agile professionals ready to fill emerging roles in AI strategy, digital transformation and strategic innovation.
