In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern business, proficiency in artificial intelligence (AI) tools has become essential. The PwC 2025 Global AI Jobs Barometer report indicates that AI is being adopted across various sectors, including financial services and healthcare, and even in fields traditionally less associated with technology such as retail and agriculture.
This transition is dramatically transforming the workforce. Salaries in sectors most influenced by AI are seeing accelerated increases—growing twice as quickly as in areas that are slow to embrace this technology. This data corresponds with findings from PwC.
Currently, workers possessing AI skills earn 56% more than their peers in similar roles without these competencies, a noticeable rise from 25% just a year ago. The skill sets necessary for AI careers are evolving 66% more rapidly than in other fields, underscoring the importance of continuous learning in an increasingly AI-dependent world.
Today’s business leaders must not only be skilled in AI but also possess strong management and critical thinking abilities. Such skills enable them to leverage AI effectively while responsibly integrating technology into their organizations.
Pursuing an advanced education can facilitate entry and advancement in AI-driven professions. This educational foundation helps individuals distinguish themselves in a highly competitive job market while preparing them for the future landscape of AI employment opportunities.
What Can You Learn With an MBA in AI??
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) stands out as one of the most versatile degrees available in the business realm. Many organizations recognize that it equips professionals to lead across various industries. By focusing on AI, aspiring leaders can unlock a plethora of new, high-growth career opportunities.
An MBA concentrating on AI is structured to enhance students’ technical skills—such as introductory programming and prompt engineering—alongside strategic management capabilities. Beyond technical proficiency, the curriculum explores the practical applications of AI and generative AI (gen AI), guiding leaders on how to leverage these technologies for innovation and heightened productivity. This combination equips graduates to excel in a job market increasingly influenced by AI.
By comprehending both AI technologies and their business applications, graduates can effectively bridge the divide between technical teams and organizational leaders—a crucial capability for ensuring the successful and responsible implementation of AI tools throughout business functions.
Completing an MBA program with a focus on AI prepares graduates to:
- Drive innovation, efficiency, and ethical decision-making utilizing AI
- Oversee machine learning projects from inception to completion, ensuring they align with business objectives
- Assess the strengths and limitations of various AI systems
- Effectively communicate technical concepts to nontechnical stakeholders
AI Career Paths for MBA Graduates
Completing an MBA with a concentration in AI provides graduates with a distinctive advantage in the job market, facilitating access to various impactful, AI-centric positions. Below are examples of career paths that combine business expertise with technical proficiency, featuring salary and growth projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Data Scientists
Data scientists employ analytical methods and tools, including machine learning (ML) algorithms, to derive meaningful insights from large, complex datasets. They are responsible for developing and testing the algorithms and models that drive ML programs, as well as gathering, sanitizing, and organizing data from diverse sources.
Once the data is analyzed, they translate their findings into actionable business insights and present these to stakeholders. The analytical expertise of data scientists empowers organizations to make informed decisions, innovate new products, and optimize marketing and operational strategies.
- Median annual salary: $112,590 (2024)
- Employment outlook: 34% growth (82,500 net new jobs; 2024-2034)
Project Managers
Project managers facilitate budgets, timelines, and deliverables, often juggling multiple initiatives at once. They act as intermediaries between clients, customers, and vendors, ensuring that projects remain on track, adhere to scope, and accomplish client objectives. Project managers monitor progress, proactively addressing any challenges that arise, and collaborate with team members to identify solutions.
With AI becoming increasingly entwined in business processes, project managers leverage these tools to mitigate risks, automate repetitive tasks, and analyze project data to enhance decision-making.
- Median annual salary: $100,750 (2024)
- Employment outlook: 6% growth (58,700 net new jobs; 2024-2034)
Marketing Managers
Marketing managers formulate strategies and orchestrate campaigns to drive interest in products or services. They collaborate with teams across departments, including advertising and finance, to create budgets, contracts, and promotional materials. Additionally, they conduct market research to gather insights about their customers and competitors.
As marketing becomes increasingly data-driven, managers equipped with AI knowledge can utilize predictive modeling and automation to tailor outreach and enhance operational efficiency.
- Median annual salary: $161,030 (2024)
- Employment outlook: 7% growth (26,700 net new jobs; 2024-2034)
AI Strategists
AI strategists serve as the link between business leaders’ goals and the capabilities of technical teams. They assess potential opportunities for integrating AI, select the most fitting tools to align with organizational objectives, and supervise their implementation, while also incorporating ethical considerations into their decision-making processes.
Successful AI strategists possess an in-depth understanding of both technical aspects and business strategy, enabling them to assist organizations in maximizing the potential of AI technology.
- Median annual salary: $139,800 (Payscale, September 2025)
While the BLS does not track job data specifically for AI strategists, as companies increasingly adopt AI-focused strategies and look to implement these technologies in their operations, the demand for strategic AI leadership is expected to rise.
AI Skills for Business Professionals
As AI tools gain traction, expertise in this area has shifted from being a specialized skill to a fundamental requirement. According to data from Payscale in October 2025, job postings requesting AI competencies surged by 33% since May 2025, a clear indicator of how swiftly this technology is altering hiring landscapes.
For professionals aspiring to thrive in AI-centric roles, technical skills are only part of the equation; they must also bring together analytical insight, managerial acumen, and ethical consideration. The following core skills are essential for business professionals to cultivate to stay competitive:
- Data analysis: The cornerstone of any AI-driven initiative lies in gathering and interpreting meaningful data. Professionals adept at deriving insights from complex datasets and translating these findings into strategic recommendations can drive measurable business value from AI outputs.
- Prompt engineering: Crafting precise, effective prompts for generative AI tools is increasingly recognized as a vital skill. Competent prompt engineers can direct large language models (LLMs) to generate accurate, relevant, and innovative outputs that drive productivity and creativity.
- Project management: Managing AI projects, which includes implementation and ongoing optimization, demands coordination among teams, vendors, and schedules. Professionals who understand both business objectives and the practical aspects of AI deployment can ensure projects stay within timelines and budget constraints.
- Leadership and ethics: Business leaders play a pivotal role in guiding AI integration, addressing key concerns such as governance, bias, transparency, and data privacy—particularly in sectors like healthcare and finance, where trust and safety are paramount.
Leading the Future of Business With AI
As AI continues to transform business dynamics, professionals equipped with both technical expertise and strategic insight will be optimally positioned to lead. The online MBA program with a concentration in AI offered by Notre Dame de Namur University teaches students how to responsibly harness this technology to stimulate sustainable business growth.
Our fully online program is tailored to empower students with both technological competence and the leadership mindset necessary for ethical and effective AI applications across industries. Discover how NDNU can enable you to excel in the ever-evolving AI landscape.
Recommended Readings
Benefits of a Graduate Degree for Starting a Business
Sources:
G-P, Your Guide to the Top AI Skills and Where to Find Them
IBM, “A Guide to AI in Marketing”
Microsoft, How AI Project Management Tools Streamline Workflows
Payscale, “AI Skills Are in Demand, and Employers Are Paying Big Bucks for Them”
Payscale, Average Artificial Intelligence (AI) Specialist Salary
PwC, The Fearless Future: 2025 Global AI Jobs Barometer
Upwork, “What Is an AI Strategist? Requirements and Responsibilities”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Data Scientists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Project Management Specialists
