UAlbany Launches Master’s Program in AI for Business
ALBANY, N.Y. (Dec. 2, 2025) — The University at Albany’s Massry School of Business has launched a new Master of Science (M.S.) in Artificial Intelligence for Business, an innovative program designed to equip the next generation of corporate, technology and government leaders with the tools to harness AI for innovation and organizational growth.
The 30-credit program combines technical proficiency with business acumen, preparing graduates to implement artificial intelligence solutions that deliver real-world value across industries. The degree is part of UAlbany's AI Plus initiative, a holistic approach to integrating teaching and learning about artificial intelligence throughout academics and research.
Artificial intelligence is not only redefining industries — it’s reshaping the way we live and work,” said Paquita Davis-Friday, dean of the Massry School of Business. “This program blends deep technical knowledge with practical business applications, preparing graduates for high-impact roles across sectors.”
“AI is transforming every industry and job, requiring businesses to adapt and embrace new ways of working,” said Sanjay Goel, architect of the program and chair of UAlbany’s Department of Information Security and Digital Forensics. “Its ability to uncover patterns and insights in data can be applied to challenges in health care, cybersecurity, finance and beyond. The M.S. in AI for Business provides the core knowledge and applied training needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy.”
A Program for the Future of Work
The new M.S in AI for Business is designed to be completed in one academic year of full-time study or part-time over two years, making it accessible to both full-time students and working professionals.
Students will receive hands-on experience in:
- Developing AI systems and models for business applications
- Mastering tools like Python and R for AI development
- Auditing and securing AI systems to meet privacy and compliance standards
- Understanding ethical and societal implications of AI
- Reengineering business processes using AI
- Leveraging AI across business domains such as finance, accounting and management
Graduates will be equipped for roles in consulting firms, corporations and government agencies, or for positions within the fast-growing field of data and AI-driven decision-making.
The curriculum includes core technical courses, business domain classes, AI ethics and a capstone project designed to apply AI solutions to business challenges.
Capstone experiences may take the form of internships, lab-based research, or consulting-style projects, depending on the student's track. Students can choose from six concentration areas, which bridge AI competencies with specialized business fields.
Both in-person and fully online tracks are available for students.
The program also supports the State University of New York’s system-wide priority on artificial intelligence, offering a distinct focus on business applications not widely available in existing academic programs.
The program’s structure was shaped through extensive faculty collaboration and consultation with School of Business’s Cybersecurity Advisory Board and state and federal agencies.
Filling a Critical Workforce Need
Demand for professionals with AI expertise is surging. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that job openings for data scientists will grow 34 percent from 2024 to 2034, well above the average for all occupations.
Business-focused AI skills are especially sought after in roles such as business intelligence analysts, management analysts, forensic accountants and market researchers.
“This is more than a degree—it’s a career accelerator,” said Goel. “Students will graduate not only with the ability to build AI systems, but also with the strategic insight to deploy them ethically and effectively in real business environments.”
Strategic Investment in New York’s AI Ecosystem
The launch of this program comes as New York State makes historic investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure. In partnership with IBM, UAlbany recently announced a $20 million investment in a new Center for Emerging Artificial Intelligence Systems, part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s larger $400 million public-private strategy to position upstate New York as a hub for AI research, education and workforce development.
Applications for the M.S. in Artificial Intelligence for Business are now open. Interested candidates can learn more about admission requirements and curriculum at https://www.albany.edu/business/programs/ms-ai-for-business.