MADISON — The Wisconsin School of Business (WSB) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison announced a new artificial intelligence badge for professionals seeking to expand their expertise in this transformative space. The 12-week, fully online, three-course series addresses a growing demand from business leaders for credible, evidence-based guidance in a rapidly shifting technological landscape.
Recent insights underscore this urgent need. While 87% of WSB alumni report using AI for work, only half say their company has a formal AI strategy, leaving many professionals to navigate this shift with minimal support.
“We’re in an era when rapid change is the only constant,” says Daniel Bauer, senior associate dean for programs. “As the marketplace clamors for any kind of roadmap, professionals can count on WSB to provide actionable, research-backed guidance.”
Rooted in the university’s enduring Wisconsin Idea—the guiding belief that education should influence people’s lives beyond the classroom—WSB is making this curriculum broadly accessible through a fully online format that allows professionals to participate from anywhere.
“With AI impacting every industry and rapidly remaking the business landscape, this is not a moment to gatekeep timely, actionable insights behind an in-person, lengthy degree program.”
—Daniel Bauer, senior associate dean, programs
A proven curriculum, no application required
The badge consists of three live, online courses completed over 12 weeks: Foundations of AI in Business, Artificial Intelligence and the Enterprise, and Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Management. Each course runs for four weeks, allowing learners to build their knowledge while balancing personal or professional commitments. Taught by leading AI practitioners, faculty, and instructors from the MBA program, the courses occur weekly. Each course includes one virtual weekend intensive for hands-on projects and applied learning. Since the offering is fully online, learners can complete the entire program from anywhere in the world.
“My goal is that students leave with a fundamental reimagination of how their business works,” says Min-Seok Pang, Karen A. and William S. Monfre Professor in Business, and the instructor of Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Management. “AI is revolutionizing the way organizations operate, and leaders need to rethink processes, teams, and strategy from the ground up.”
While the courses prioritize the role of AI in the business landscape, they’re open to learners from any professional background who are eager to apply these insights to their own role, organization, or venture.
“There is not an industry out there that will not be disrupted by AI in the next three to five years—if it hasn’t already been disrupted,” says Katie Gaertner, business analytics lecturer and the instructor of Foundations of AI in Business.
“When we’re looking at future-proofing our careers, if you have a strong understanding of how AI works and how to leverage it responsibly to generate business value,ou’re going to have a competitive edge.”
—Katie Gaertner, business analytics lecturer, risk and insurance
Getting started
Learners who complete all three courses and apply and are admitted to the Wisconsin PMBA program can receive 6 credits toward their graduate degree, providing a flexible head start.
Whether they choose to continue their education or immediately apply what they’ve learned in the workplace, badge earners will be prepared to make informed decisions about AI and its role in their organizations.
“There’s a ton of hype around AI right now,” says Matt Seitz, director of the AI Hub for Business and instructor of Artificial Intelligence and the Enterprise. “Coming out of this badge, students will be able to distinguish what’s real and worth paying attention to from what they can safely ignore.”
The first cohort begins Jan. 6. Learn more and enroll.