MBAi

NA On Campus Masters Program

Northwestern University

Program Overview

The MBAi program at Northwestern University is a specialized joint graduate degree offered by the Kellogg School of Management and the Robert R. McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science. It combines business management education with artificial intelligence, data science, software engineering, and technology-focused learning to prepare students for leadership roles in organizations developing and applying AI-driven products and services.

The program is designed for professionals who want to work at the intersection of business strategy and technology. It takes approximately 15 months (five quarters) to complete and includes a full-time summer internship and an industry-sponsored capstone project. Students earn an MBA with an Artificial Intelligence designation through the joint program.

Curriculum Structure

Quarter 1 — Business and Computational Thinking Foundations

Students begin with Computational Thinking for Business Leaders alongside foundational MBA coursework. The curriculum introduces business strategy, analytical thinking, and the technical concepts needed to understand AI-driven organizations. Students learn to evaluate technology decisions from a management perspective and communicate effectively with technical teams.

Quarters 2 and 3 — Business Management and Technical Core

Students continue the Kellogg MBA core curriculum while completing specialized technology courses. Business subjects include Business Strategy, Microeconomic Analysis, Leadership in Organizations, Finance, MBAi Business Analytics, MBAi Financial Accounting, MBAi Marketing Management, and MBAi Operations Management.

The technical curriculum includes Applied AI for Business, Data Intensive Systems, Tech Product Management, Modern Software Architectures, and Industry Applications of AI. These courses develop students' understanding of AI applications, data systems, software development, and technology product management.

Summer Quarter — Industry Internship

Students complete a required full-time summer internship lasting approximately 6–12 weeks. This provides an opportunity to apply business and technical knowledge in a professional setting and gain experience working with organizations involved in technology, analytics, consulting, or AI-driven business operations.

Quarter 4 — Industry Capstone and Applied Learning

Students complete an industry-focused capstone project in collaboration with students from Northwestern Engineering's MS in Artificial Intelligence program and an industry partner. They work together to develop a solution to a real business or technology challenge. Additional coursework includes data visualization, organizational design, and ethics.

Quarter 5 — Electives and Career Specialization

Students customize their final quarter through electives offered by Kellogg and McCormick. These courses allow them to deepen their knowledge in areas aligned with their career interests, including artificial intelligence, technology management, analytics, product development, and business strategy.

The program requires five quarters of full-time study and a minimum of 20.5 Kellogg credits, in addition to the applicable engineering and joint-degree requirements.

Focus Areas

Artificial intelligence, machine learning, computational thinking, business analytics, data science, data-intensive systems, software engineering, modern software architectures, technology product management, fintech, business strategy, financial management, marketing management, operations management, organizational leadership, data visualization, AI ethics, and technology innovation.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop the ability to connect business strategy with the technical foundations of artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies. They learn to evaluate AI applications, understand data-intensive systems, assess software architecture decisions, and collaborate effectively with engineers, data scientists, and technical specialists.

The program also strengthens their skills in strategic management, finance, marketing, operations, leadership, and product development. Through the summer internship and industry capstone, students gain practical experience applying AI and business concepts to real organizational challenges, developing solutions, and communicating recommendations to business and technical stakeholders.

Professional Alignment

The MBAi is a joint degree program combining the business curriculum of Kellogg with technical coursework from Northwestern's McCormick School of Engineering. Its curriculum integrates artificial intelligence, machine learning, computational thinking, software engineering foundations, and business management.

The program prepares students for leadership and management positions in technology-oriented organizations. Northwestern's academic policy identifies the qualification as a joint Master of Business Administration/Artificial Intelligence degree.

Reputation

The program is jointly delivered by two Northwestern University schools:

Kellogg School of Management: Provides business education in strategy, finance, marketing, operations, leadership, and management.
McCormick School of Engineering: Provides technical education in artificial intelligence, data systems, software architecture, and technology applications.

According to the MBAi Class of 2025 employment outcomes published by Kellogg:

Median total compensation, including base salary and signing bonus: $212,500
Median signing bonus: $35,000

Employers recruiting MBAi graduates include:

Amazon
NVIDIA
Microsoft
GitHub
Bain & Company
Boston Consulting Group
Capital One
Kearney
AlixPartners
ServiceNow
Walmart
McMaster-Carr

Potential career paths include AI product manager, senior product manager, technical product manager, technology strategy consultant, AI business consultant, director of technology, business analytics manager, AI operations manager, fintech strategy manager, and technology innovation leader.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Northwestern University's MBAi program, experiential learning is at the heart of the curriculum, ensuring that students not only gain theoretical knowledge but also develop practical skills that are essential in today’s dynamic business environment. The program emphasizes hands-on experiences through various projects, internships, and collaborations with industry leaders. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge tools that enhance their learning experience and prepare them for real-world challenges.

Here are some key components of the experiential learning opportunities available in the MBAi program:

- Capstone Projects: Engage in real-world consulting projects with companies, allowing you to apply your skills to solve actual business problems.
- Internships: Gain valuable work experience through internships with leading firms, providing a platform to network and apply classroom knowledge in a professional setting.
- Digital Tools: Utilize advanced software such as Tableau for data visualization, Python for data analysis, and various machine learning tools to enhance your analytical capabilities.
- Group Projects: Collaborate with peers on team-based projects that simulate real business scenarios, fostering teamwork and leadership skills.
- Field Trips: Participate in visits to innovative companies and startups, gaining insights into industry practices and trends.
- Research Labs: Access dedicated labs for data science and analytics, where you can conduct research and work on projects that push the boundaries of business intelligence.
- Libraries and Resources: Benefit from the extensive resources at Northwestern’s libraries, including access to databases, journals, and industry reports that support your research and learning.
- Institutes and Centers: Engage with specialized institutes such as the Kellogg Innovation and Entrepreneurship Initiative (KIEI), which provides resources and mentorship for aspiring entrepreneurs.

These experiential learning opportunities are designed to equip you with the skills and experiences necessary to thrive in the rapidly evolving business landscape.

Consider applying to the MBAi program at Northwestern University to take advantage of these incredible opportunities!

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MBAi program at Northwestern University is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the rapidly evolving landscape of business and technology. Graduates often find themselves in high-demand roles such as Data Analyst, Product Manager, and Business Development Manager. With a strong foundation in both business and technology, the opportunities for career advancement are vast and promising:

- University Services: Northwestern offers robust career services, including personalized career coaching, resume workshops, and networking events that connect students with industry leaders.
- Employment Stats and Salary Figures: The program boasts an impressive employment rate, with over 90% of graduates securing jobs within three months of graduation. The average starting salary for MBAi graduates is around $120,000, reflecting the high demand for their unique skill set.
- University–Industry Partnerships: Northwestern has established partnerships with leading companies such as Accenture, Deloitte, and Google, providing students with access to internships, real-world projects, and networking opportunities that enhance their learning experience.
- Long-term Accreditation Value: The MBAi program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), ensuring that the education you receive meets the highest standards of quality and relevance in the business field.
- Graduation Outcomes: Alumni of the MBAi program have gone on to hold influential positions in top-tier companies, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in preparing students for successful careers.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the MBAi program, students have the option to pursue further studies, such as a Ph.D. in Management or a specialized master's degree in areas like Data Science or Information Systems. This pathway allows graduates to deepen their expertise and engage in research, opening doors to academic careers or advanced roles in industry research and development.

By choosing the MBAi program at Northwestern, you're not just investing in a degree; you're setting the stage for a dynamic and fulfilling career in the intersection of business and technology.