Wharton School Unveils New AI Curriculum for Future Leaders

The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is stepping into the future with its new MBA major and undergraduate concentration in artificial intelligence, set to launch in the fall of 2025. This initiative is part of a larger effort to equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in an AI-driven world, making Wharton the first business school to offer such specialized programs.

The curriculum aims to blend technical know-how with an understanding of the economic, social, and ethical implications of AI technologies. Students will engage in courses such as machine learning and ethics, along with electives that range from data mining to neuroscience. One standout requirement is the course titled "Big Data, Big Responsibilities: Toward Accountable Artificial Intelligence," focusing on the ethical considerations surrounding AI.

In addition to new courses, existing classes like "Innovation, Change, and Entrepreneurship" and "Introduction to Brain Science for Business" have been updated to reflect the growing importance of AI in business. Professor Giles Hooker, an advisor for the new curriculum, emphasizes the need for students to gain a solid conceptual grasp of AI technologies. The course "Foundations of Deep Learning" will introduce students to the technical foundations of AI, covering neural networks, generative AI, and efficient deep learning methods.

Wharton’s commitment to AI education is further exemplified by its AI and Analytics Initiative, launched in May 2024. This initiative aims to enhance the curriculum, invest in research, and foster collaboration with industries. The AI Research Fund has been established to support faculty research at the intersection of AI and business, while the Education Innovation Fund assists in integrating AI into classroom settings.

Moreover, Wharton has taken a pioneering step by providing ChatGPT Enterprise licenses to all full-time and executive MBA students, marking a first-of-its-kind collaboration with OpenAI. This forward-thinking approach highlights Wharton’s recognition of the urgent need for practical AI knowledge in the business landscape.

The newly formed Accountable AI Lab will focus on producing research related to AI governance, regulation, and ethics, ensuring that students are well-versed in the implications of AI technologies. Graduates from this program will ideally be skilled in four key areas: technical knowledge of AI, an understanding of its business impact, ethical considerations, and the legal frameworks surrounding AI.

As companies increasingly seek candidates with specialized AI skills, Wharton’s graduates are set to become versatile professionals, equipped to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving business environment. With the expectation that AI will deeply influence business operations, the program prepares students for a future where adaptability may outweigh specialization.

Cited: https://www.businessinsider.com/wharton-business-school-upenn-ai-curriculum-2025-4