UVA Darden Expands MBA Program Emphasis on AI, Data Analytics, Decision Sciences

The University of Virginia Darden School of Business announced the introduction of a new MBA program concentration that will arm graduates with an enhanced set of highly sought skills in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and decision sciences.

UVA Darden’s new concentration for its MBA program will provide practical skills and experience in areas that address surging demand by employers and respond to increasing interest among students.

“Darden’s offering will prepare students to contribute to and lead organizations that use data, data science, and artificial intelligence as part of their core business processes,” said UVA Darden Vice Dean and Senior Associate Dean for Professional Degree Programs Yael Grushka-Cockayne. “Students who complete the concentration will bring proven analytical and quantitative abilities to employers.”

The new AI, Data Analytics and Decision Sciences concentration is being implemented as UVA Darden continues to sharpen its focus on these key areas. The School has been an early adopter of coursework, case studies and practical research in the space. Darden offers analytics courses and joint degree programs in analytics with the UVA McIntire School of Commerce.

Building on its early involvement in AI research and instruction, UVA Darden in September launched the LaCross Institute for Ethical Artificial Intelligence in Business. The institute, serving and collaborating with schools and units across the University of Virginia, was made possible by the largest gift in Darden history from alumnus David LaCross (MBA ’78) and his wife, Kathy.

The new AI, Data Analytics and Decision Sciences concentration gives Darden students another potential track to gain specialized skills and experiences that position them to secure careers in the fields that interest them the most. Darden already has the No. 1 “employed at graduation” rate of any U.S. business school, according to rankings released by U.S. News & World Report this month. In those rankings, Darden ranked as the No. 1 public business school in the country.

Building on its core General Management MBA program, Darden offers a variety of specializations and concentrations to provide students focused options. The AI, Data Analytics and Decision Sciences concentration joins existing concentrations in Asset Management/Sales & Trading; Corporate Finance/Investment Banking; Entrepreneurship & Innovation; Marketing; Strategy Consulting; and Supply Chain Management.

The AI, Data Analytics and Data Sciences concentration currently will offer students 25 courses from which to choose, with the concentration requiring completion of at least six of the courses.