Artificial Intelligence for Business

The future of business depends on professionals who can connect data, technology, and organizational goals. At Saint Joseph’s University, students who study Artificial Intelligence for Business (AI for Business) gain the skills to become that vital connection — applying AI and machine learning (ML) not just in theory, but in ways that solve real business challenges.

As an AI for Business major or minor, you will learn how to combine data analytics, business strategy, and AI tools to make smarter decisions. Courses cover applied machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data mining, along with tactical skills such as Python programming. But our program goes beyond coding: students start by reading existing code, work with AI tools like ChatGPT to draft solutions, and focus on adjusting and applying them to real-world problems.

AI for Business graduates play a unique and highly valued role in organizations — acting as the bridge between business users and computer science teams, ensuring that technical solutions truly align with business needs. This ability to connect people, processes, and technology is in high demand in the Philadelphia region and across industries worldwide.

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Program Snapshot

Department:

Decision and System Sciences

School/College:

Haub School of Business

Modality:

On-Campus

What Can I Do With an Artificial Intelligence Degree?

Students who get a degree or a minor in artificial intelligence are interested in being on the frontier of the future of data, technology and business. They position themselves for a career in artificial intelligence, business, analytics and more. Graduates often go on to pursue careers as:

AI engineers
Business analysts
Machine learning specialists
Business intelligence developers
Data scientists
Data analysts
Marketing analysts
Financial or accounting analytics specialists
Risk & compliance analysts

What Sets Our Program Apart

Your talent and skills should not exist in silos and neither should your education or career. With a foundation in artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced analytics, students with an artificial intelligence major or minor will develop the knowledge to meet the current demand due to growing amounts of data and computing power. Students experienced in these techniques will better serve the needs of businesses and generate meaningful insights from data.
You will have access to internships with AI, machine learning and data-focused companies.
Saint Joseph’s University faculty in the artificial intelligence for business program are engaged in active consulting and have former industry experience as analysts, scientists, developers and programmers. Faculty will provide you with the resources necessary to understand the scientific and technological changes affecting data, marketing and business in the evolving machine learning and artificial intelligence industry today.
You’ll have the opportunity to connect with our strong network of alumni who are well-respected leaders in the machine learning and artificial intelligence industry.

Why Study Artificial Intelligence in Philadelphia?

Saint Joseph’s University’s connection to Philadelphia’s innovative companies presents numerous opportunities to help you gain the experience to prepare for a competitive job market. You will have access to internships and job opportunities where you will work alongside scientists, engineers, developers, programmers and analysts.

Program Details

Affordable tuition rates can be found on our tuition and fees website.*
*Pricing does not include room and board, health insurance or any professional, clinical or transportation fees. Visit our tuition & fees page for a detailed breakdown.
Click here to access the Academic Catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.
4+1 B.S./M.S. Program Options
Saint Joseph’s University offers an accelerated bachelor’s/master’s program that allows current undergraduate machine artificial intelligence students to start earning their MBA or Organization Development and Leadership M.S. during their senior year. This model enables you to complete your undergraduate and graduate work in just five years, instead of the traditional six or seven. Combining your bachelor’s with a master’s degree can help you save time and money.
Artificial intelligence majors interested in this unique option must apply to the graduate program in their junior year and be provisionally accepted before they complete their bachelor’s degree.
Double Majors and Minors
Many students choose to double major or add a minor to customize their education. Students with an interest in business intelligence, machine learning and data science who study artificial intelligence often major in the following programs:

4. AI for Business vs. Computer Science

When choosing a major, many students and families wonder about the difference between Artificial Intelligence for Business (AI for Business) and Computer Science (CS). Both involve AI and data, but they play different roles in today’s organizations.

AI for Business students are like designers — they understand business processes, data collection, and organizational goals, while also knowing how AI and analytics can be applied. They focus on optimizing and implementing solutions that meet user needs
Computer Science students are like architects — they specialize in building the technical systems and tools that bring these ideas to life.

In practice, AI for Business graduates fill a role that companies urgently need but often struggle to find — serving as the bridge between business users and CS teams, ensuring that technical solutions align with real business challenges.

Area	AI for Business	Computer Science
Core Focus	Applying AI and machine learning to business decision-making, data-driven management, marketing, and supply chain analysis	Building and advancing computer systems and software, focusing on algorithms, programming, and technical foundations
Course Emphasis	Python programming, data mining, machine learning, and real-world business applications of AI (finance, marketing, operations)	Algorithms, system architecture, operating systems, graphics, software engineering, and advanced technical AI
Learning Approach	Blends business and technology with projects and internships that emphasize practical applications	Emphasizes computational thinking, software design, and technical depth
Career Pathways	Careers in data science, business intelligence, market forecasting, consulting, and management	Careers in software engineering, system development, IT, and AI/tech research
Program Options	Can be combined with majors/minors in Marketing, Supply Chain, or Data Science to strengthen cross-disciplinary skills	Offers a 5-year B.S./M.S. program for deeper technical or research-oriented careers
Graduate Outcomes	Prepares students as AI application experts — using AI to solve real business problems	Prepares students as technical innovators — creating and advancing the technology behind AI

We know that some students may feel uncertain about coding when they first think about studying AI. At Saint Joseph’s University, our approach makes coding accessible, collaborative, and practical:
- Start by Reading, Not Writing
  Instead of jumping straight into complex programming, students begin by reading and understanding sample code. This helps build confidence and shows how coding is applied in real-world business examples.
- AI + Human Collaboration
  We encourage students to use AI tools like ChatGPT as coding partners. Students can ask AI to generate a first draft of code, and then focus on reviewing, adjusting, and applying the code to business problems.
- Coding as a Skill, Not a Barrier
  Our goal is not to turn every student into a software engineer, but to help them become AI-powered problem solvers. With step-by-step guidance and hands-on projects, students quickly learn how to make coding a powerful tool — not something to fear.