Artificial Intelligence is not merely a technological specialization anymore; it has become a management requirement. Strategic decision-making for organizational change, executives who know how to use AI are building the future innovation in the business.
The next programs are tailored to business professionals, high-level managers, and C-suite leaders who would like to learn how to master AI strategy, governance, and application without having to learn the ins and outs of coding.
These programs combine conceptual and practical understanding and leadership skills to enable professionals to become confident in leading change that is AI-powered in their respective organizations.
How We Selected These Programs
In order to select the best offerings to professionals in need of academic competence and strategic value, we have analyzed dozens of AI and business leadership programs around the world with the purpose to select the best ones.
The selection was based on:
- Institutional Reputation: Offered by top-ranked universities and globally recognized business schools.
- Curriculum Depth: Covering essential AI concepts, business applications, and ethical leadership.
- Flexibility: Online or hybrid formats suitable for working professionals.
- Practical Exposure: Real-world case studies, capstone projects, and mentorship opportunities.
- Career Outcomes: Proven alumni success and leadership advancement in AI-driven roles.
These programs were chosen for their unique ability to bridge business strategy with AI innovation, helping leaders transform insights into impact.
5 Executive-Level AI and ML Programs That Deliver Practical Business Solutions
1. Post Graduate Program in Artificial Intelligence for Leaders – McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin
Delivery: Fully online (self-paced + live sessions) | Duration: 4 months
This program in ai for business leaders is designed for busy executives and business leaders to leverage AI and Generative AI in strategic decision-making without coding.
Through a blend of video lectures, real-world case studies, hands-on projects, and live expert mentorship, participants learn to manage AI projects, lead AI teams, and drive innovation across various business scenarios.
Key Outcomes:
- Gain strategic frameworks for managing AI initiatives and guiding organizational AI strategy
- Explore transformative AI use cases to foster innovation and growth
- Develop leadership skills to build AI-powered products and lead cross-functional teams
- Understand ethical AI adoption and business impact through live sessions with industry experts
Additional Features:
- 6 hands-on projects and 1 capstone project to apply concepts practically
- Flexible learning suited for non-technical professionals such as CXOs, product managers, and senior leaders
- Earn a globally recognized certificate from UT Austin and Continuing Education Units (CEUs), with an option for immersive 3-day on-campus learning to network with AI professionals
This program empowers leaders to integrate AI into business strategy efficiently, enabling competitive advantage and innovation in a rapidly evolving AI landscape
2. MIT Sloan School of Management: Artificial Intelligence – Implications for Business Strategy
Delivery: Self-paced online | Duration: 6 weeks (6–8 hr/week)
This MIT Sloan program (offered via Emeritus/GetSmarter) is aimed at managers and executives. It “challenges misconceptions” about AI and focuses on its organizational and managerial implications rather than on technical details.
Over six weeks of modules (machine learning, NLP, generative AI, robotics, etc.), learners build a practical AI strategy. The course concludes with an individual business project.
Upon completion, participants can “effectively analyze, articulate, and apply key AI management and leadership insights” in their organizations.
Key takeaways include:
- Foundational AI concepts: Understand leading AI technologies and how they can support business goals.
- Strategic application: Learn to design an AI plan for your own business context.
- No technical prerequisite: Focus on strategy and leadership – the program “does not assume any particular technological background”..
3. Online DBA in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning – Walsh College (with Great Learning)
Delivery: 100% online (live seminars + asynchronous) | Duration: ~3 years (part-time)
The doctorate in artificial intelligence program, offered by Walsh College in collaboration with Great Learning, is a globally recognized online doctorate tailored for senior professionals and business leaders.
The program integrates strategic business management with advanced AI and ML applications, covering Python, Data Science, Generative AI, Deep Learning, and NLP.
With two capstone projects and a doctoral dissertation, it empowers learners to drive innovation and conduct impactful AI research in real-world business environments.
Key Highlights:
- Globally ranked online DBA program jointly offered by Walsh College and Great Lakes Executive Learning.
- Three-year applied research journey featuring two hands-on capstone projects and a doctoral dissertation focused on real-world AI innovation.
- Comprehensive curriculum spanning Python, Machine Learning, Generative AI, Deep Learning, NLP, and AI strategy for business transformation.
- Flexible 100% online format designed for executives to balance professional and academic goals.
- Recognized by WES and ranked among the Top 10 Best Online DBA Degrees of 2024 by CEO Magazine.
- No GRE, GMAT, or Master’s degree required, with fast-track admissions for experienced professionals.
4. University of Chicago Booth: AI for Leaders Certificate Program
Delivery: Fully online (self-paced modules + live sessions) | Duration: 4 months
This Program is designed to fit C-level and top executives. It is a combination of online studies and live seminars that enable leaders to have the necessary knowledge, strategic awareness, and ethical principles to spearhead AI activities.
Upon completion, participants can align AI with business strategy, implement practical AI projects, and address ethical considerations.
Learning objectives include:
- Business alignment: “Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of how AI aligns with business strategy,” enabling informed decision-making.
- Implementation: Acquire skills to “implement AI strategies practically” and drive tangible impact in the organization.
- Responsible leadership: Learn to identify and mitigate AI biases and governance issues for ethical AI adoption.
5. Indian School of Business (ISB) – Leadership with AI
Delivery: Online (pre-recorded + live masterclasses) | Duration: 5 months
ISB’s “Leadership with AI” is a modular executive certificate built for non-technical leaders. It blends self-paced lectures with 18 live sessions and case studies.
According to ISB, the program “equips executives and professionals with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to navigate the intersection of leadership and AI,” so they can “lead with foresight and agility in an AI-augmented world”.
The curriculum covers AI fundamentals, generative AI applications, and business strategy.
Outcomes include:
- Innovation mindset: Learn to use AI and ML to drive innovation and informed decision-making across functions.
- Strategic vision: Understand how to build an AI-led strategy and scale AI initiatives organization-wide.
- Practical approach: The course requires no coding skills, focusing instead on high-level frameworks for mid- to senior-level leaders.
Conclusion
These are the most appropriate AI programs for business leaders and professionals willing to incorporate AI in strategic decision-making and responsible innovation leadership.
All programs offer a unique experience, be it executive education, postgraduate learning, or a doctoral emphasis on the AI revolution.
These business-focused AI programs can give you the appropriate mix of leadership, technology, and vision to transform the business side of the AI-powered future, regardless of whether you are a senior manager seeking an AI strategy or an executive seeking innovation based on research.