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Gain the strategic, technological and leadership skills to guide AI-enabled initiatives in complex business environments.
The Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Leadership specialization in University Canada West’s Master of Business Administration program explores how organizations can apply artificial intelligence and machine learning to support innovation, decision-making and organizational transformation. Students also develop the leadership skills needed to manage technology-enabled projects and interdisciplinary teams.
What You Will Learn
Synthesize AI principles and tools to address complex business challenges with strategic and ethical judgment
Evaluate complex business, technological and AI-enabled environments to lead strategic initiatives that create sustainable organizational value and transformation
Who should pursue this specialization?
The specialization is suited to students who want to build or advance careers at the intersection of business, technology and artificial intelligence.
It may be particularly relevant to aspiring managers, project leaders, consultants, entrepreneurs and business professionals who want to lead AI-enabled initiatives, manage interdisciplinary teams or support digital and organizational transformation.
The specialization builds on foundational business and leadership coursework completed earlier in the MBA. Previous exposure to business, technology or quantitative analysis may be helpful, but the AI, machine learning and leadership concepts required for the specialization are taught within the program.
Career pathways
Graduates may be prepared for roles and functions such as
AI Project Manager
Advanced Projects Leader
Technical Team Leader
STEM Manager
AI Strategy Consultant
Innovation Manager
Technology Consultant
Change Management
AI Ethics Leadership Roles
These roles may involve evaluating AI opportunities, leading technology-enabled projects, managing interdisciplinary teams and helping organizations adopt AI responsibly.
Accreditation
University Canada West has earned ACBSP Global Business Accreditation for its MBA program. The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs accredits business, accounting and business-related programs at the associate, baccalaureate, masters and doctoral degree levels worldwide.
Specialization Courses
The specialization consists of three courses completed within the standard two-year MBA timeline.
Practical Learning
The specialization emphasizes applied learning through real-world case studies, Riipen industry projects, consulting simulations, hands-on AI activities and professional scenarios.
Students explore applications of artificial intelligence and generative AI across areas such as marketing, finance, human resources, operations and entrepreneurship. They also consider the strategic, ethical and organizational implications of adopting AI in different business environments.
Tools and professional development
Students gain practical experience with generative AI platforms and other emerging technologies used in contemporary organizations, including:
- ChatGPT
- Google Gemini
- Microsoft Copilot
- AI assistants and AI-enabled workflows
- intelligent automation tools
Students also develop prompt-engineering techniques and learn to evaluate the capabilities, limitations and ethical implications of generative AI systems.
The specialization can also provide a foundation for students who later choose to pursue external certifications in areas such as AI, cloud technologies, project management and business analysis. These certifications are optional and are not embedded within the UCW curriculum.
“AI-related projects have unique characteristics that make specialized leadership skills increasingly important for future business leaders. They evolve rapidly and involve uncertainty, requiring leaders to continuously adapt to changing technologies and opportunities. They are also inherently interdisciplinary, bringing together business, technology, data, and human expertise, so effective AI leadership requires not only knowing how to apply AI, but also guiding teams, managing risks, and ensuring its use is responsible, human-centered, and aligned with organizational goals while addressing issues such as bias, privacy, transparency, and accountability.”
Dr. Mohsen Ghodrat, UCW Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning professor
Admission requirements
There are no additional admission requirements beyond the standard MBA entry requirements.
Students typically progress into the specialization after completing foundational MBA coursework earlier in the program. The specialization is designed for students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
