The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania is implementing a significant overhaul of its MBA curriculum to focus heavily on artificial intelligence, marking the most substantial change to its program in nearly 30 years. The new curriculum, set to launch in fall 2025, will require all MBA students to complete foundational courses in AI and data analytics. The transformation includes the introduction of ‘AI for Business’ as a core requirement and the integration of AI concepts across various business disciplines. The school plans to hire additional faculty members specializing in AI and will develop new courses that explore AI’s impact on different business functions. Wharton’s dean, Erika James, emphasizes that this change reflects the growing importance of AI in business leadership and decision-making. The curriculum will also feature experiential learning opportunities where students can work with AI tools and real-world applications. This move is partly in response to increasing demand from employers for business graduates with AI expertise and understanding. The school will maintain its traditional business fundamentals while ensuring students are prepared for an AI-driven business landscape. This curriculum change positions Wharton as one of the first major business schools to make AI education mandatory for all MBA students, potentially setting a trend for other business schools to follow.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/wharton-business-school-upenn-ai-curriculum-2025-4