Artificial Intelligence Major
Create the future of business automation and analytics
Artificial intelligence isn’t just changing the world, it’s reshaping how every business operates, competes and grows. As organizations race to integrate AI into their strategy, operations and decision-making, they need professionals with the right AI education — people who can bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and real business value. At the David W. Wilson College of Business, you'll study artificial intelligence through a hands-on, business-focused approach that prepares you to lead, innovate and drive meaningful transformation.
The artificial intelligence emphasis within the business analytics major combines programming, data governance and ethical decision-making to prepare you for today’s data-driven workplace. Through this applied artificial intelligence program, you’ll build predictive analytics, leverage large language models and design responsible AI solutions that inform smarter decisions. This AI degree equips graduates with the practical skills and strategic mindset employers seek, positioning you for high-demand careers at the intersection of analytics, technology and business leadership.
Mid-Career
Salary
According to PayScale (2026), the median annual pay for an AI product manager is very competitive, and the average starting salary for entry level business analysts is $71,000.
Year-Over-Year Increase
Demand is growing rapidly in the United States for roles requiring AI literacy, according to the World Economic Forum (2026).
Salary Uplift
AI-fluent professionals in non-technical fields earn significantly more, with average salary increases of 35–43%, according to Forbes (2026).
Find out More About Artificial Intelligence
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Artificial Intelligence Careers
An artificial intelligence degree prepares you to design, deploy and responsibly govern AI solutions, building technical, strategic and ethical problem-solving skills for organizations. Potential career opportunities include:
- Data Scientist
- Machine Learning/AI Engineer
- AI Business Analyst
- AI Strategist
- AI Product Manager
- AI Consultant
- AI Architect
- Research Analyst
Artificial Intelligence Courses
The following courses will teach you how to analyze organizational needs and solve problems by implementing AI technological solutions:
- AI Foundations for Business
- Applied Programming for AI in Business
- Introduction to Programming for Business
- Applied AI Projects for Business
- Ethics, Governance & Responsible AI
- Applied Generative AI and Natural Language Processing
Top Employers
Our graduates are in demand. Whether you want to build intelligent systems for a major corporation or lead AI strategy as an analytics professional, you’ll gain the technical expertise, business insight and ethical foundation to succeed with an artificial intelligence degree.
Here are a few of the companies where our business alumni work:
- John Deere
- Principal Financial Group
- Wells Fargo
- Collins Aerospace
- UnityPoint Health
- Hy‑Vee
- Transamerica
- Target Corporation
- Amazon
- Deloitte
Inside Our Artificial Intelligence Program
What can you do with an AI degree?
Earning a degree in AI prepares you for a wide range of business careers. Organizations increasingly seek professionals who can design, deploy and ethically govern AI solutions. This hands-on artificial intelligence program blends programming, predictive analytics and responsible decision-making.
Through this practical AI education, you’ll build technical skills, strategic thinking and ethical judgment that employers value. Graduates can pursue roles such as data scientist, AI business analyst, product manager, consultant and machine learning engineer across industries.
Are AI degrees in demand?
Yes, demand for AI skills continues to accelerate, with employer demand doubling from 2024 to 2025. At the same time, 78% of organizations worldwide are racing to integrate AI into their strategy, operations and decision-making, according to McKinsey.
As companies embed AI across functions — from marketing and finance to supply chain and operations — they need professionals who can translate technology into results. Pursuing an AI degree gives students the practical skills to meet that need and lead data-driven decisions using cutting-edge technology.
What does an AI education in business include?
Our AI degree prepares you to bridge the gap between emerging technology and real business value. In this hands-on artificial intelligence program, you’ll study artificial intelligence through programming, pattern recognition and ethical decision-making to solve practical business challenges.
Coursework includes building business applications through code, preparing and structuring data for analysis, working with generative AI and large language models and evaluating the responsible use of AI in organizations. You’ll apply these skills in client-based projects, helping partners automate processes, analyze trends and uncover actionable insights.
What industries hire graduates who study artificial intelligence?
Graduates with who study artificial intelligence are in demand across nearly every industry as organizations integrate technology and automation into daily operations. Companies in finance, marketing, health care, supply chain, manufacturing, technology and consulting hire professionals who can turn data into smarter decisions and measurable results.
Seventy-seven percent of employers plan to upskill workers in AI by 2026. In today’s job market, AI fluency is expected, giving you an immediate competitive edge even before graduation. Our program allows students study artificial intelligence and build practical skills that translate directly to a variety of industries.
Beyond the Classroom
Rise to the top of the applicant list by joining a student organization.
The University of Northern Iowa Information Systems and Business Analytics Club (ISBA) is the premier student organization for information systems students and is well-respected by business professionals across the Midwest. As a UNI ISBA member, you’ll have access to the latest career information, attend networking events with potential employers or recruiters and increase your social interaction with other students working towards careers in information systems and information technology.
Women in Business strives to support women in business and develop students with an interest in the professional world. Our members participate in organizing fundraisers and events as well as attend conferences throughout the year that allow them to expand their professional horizons and work towards a promising future.