Artificial intelligence is reshaping how businesses operate, make decisions and create value. At the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics, preparing students for this transformation is central to the college’s vision for a Distinctive Lerner Education.
Rather than treating AI as a specialized area of study, Lerner is working to make AI literacy a core competency across business disciplines, alongside leadership, ethics and strategic thinking.
“AI isn’t just a niche topic. It’s a core competency, like leadership and ethics, that every Lerner graduate must carry,” said Oliver Yao, dean of Lerner College.
Building on a Foundation in Graduate AI Education
Lerner has already established a foundation in AI-focused graduate education through three offerings: the M.S. in Applied AI for Business, an MBA concentration in AI and a Graduate Certificate in Generative AI for Business.
Offered for more than a year, these programs have received positive feedback from students and reflect growing interest in understanding how emerging technologies can solve business challenges and inform organizational strategy.
The M.S. in Applied AI for Business combines machine learning, generative AI, deep learning and AI strategy with practical business applications. The MBA concentration connects AI capabilities with management and leadership, while the graduate certificate provides working professionals with a flexible pathway to develop expertise in generative AI.
Together, these offerings help students develop the technical knowledge and business perspective needed to navigate AI-driven transformation.
Expanding AI Literacy Across Undergraduate Education
Building on its graduate offerings, Lerner is now focused on integrating AI literacy throughout its undergraduate curriculum.
The goal is to ensure that students across business majors, not only those specializing in technology or analytics, graduate with the ability to understand, evaluate and responsibly apply artificial intelligence in their professions.
Coursework such as Responsible AI and Simulation with AI for Business Applications reflects the college’s emphasis on combining technical fluency with experiential learning, ethical decision-making and real-world business applications.
This approach supports Lerner’s commitment to providing a rigorous, experiential, global, technology-driven and career-ready education.
Connecting Technology, Research and Business
Lerner’s AI strategy extends beyond the classroom through interdisciplinary collaboration, faculty research and global partnerships.
Collaboration with the UD’s College of Engineering and computer science experts connects emerging technologies with business strategy and applied learning.
Internationally, Lerner’s partnership with the University of Warwick’s Gillmore Centre for Financial Technology expands opportunities for collaborative research, faculty exchange and engagement in financial technology.
These relationships help bridge technical innovation and business practice while creating opportunities for research and education that address emerging industry challenges.
Preparing Leaders to Shape the Future
AI Transformation and Technology is one of the strategic frontiers identified in Lerner’s 2025–2030 strategic plan, Transformative Excellence.
As AI continues to transform industries, Lerner’s approach recognizes that technological expertise alone is not enough. Tomorrow’s business leaders must also demonstrate creativity, sound judgment, ethical responsibility and the ability to navigate complex organizational challenges.
By building on its established graduate offerings and expanding AI literacy across undergraduate education, Lerner is working to prepare graduates who can do more than adapt to technological change.
They will be equipped to help shape it.