News Summary
In response to the growing integration of generative AI in business, San Diego’s MBA programs are enhancing their curricula to prepare students for the evolving workforce. Institutions like SDSU and USD are embedding AI skills into their courses, focusing on practical applications and ethical considerations. The aim is to equip future leaders with the necessary tools to navigate challenges presented by AI and promote responsible usage in various business contexts.
San Diego MBA Programs Embrace AI Integration
As of March 2025, 71% of businesses report implementing generative AI within their operations, a significant rise from 53% in 2023, according to data from McKinsey & Company. In light of this rapid growth, MBA programs in San Diego are adapting their curricula to equip students with essential AI skills and tools needed for the evolving workforce.
Changing Landscape of Business Education
San Diego State University (SDSU) Fowler College of Business has noted an explosion in the usage of AI over the past two to three years. Dean Dan Moshavi has highlighted that AI has now become ubiquitous in both personal and professional settings, making its inclusion in business education vital. The integration of AI into these programs is intended to provide students with the foundational skills necessary across various industries.
The University of San Diego (USD) has also updated its MBA curriculum to align with the growing importance of AI, recognizing firsthand the evolution of its application in businesses. Educators like Adjunct Professor Pankaj Kedia emphasize the need for MBA students to adapt creatively to upcoming challenges presented by AI in the professional landscape.
Focus on Practical Skills and Ethical Considerations
In 2023, SDSU inaugurated the James Silberrad Brown Center for Artificial Intelligence, dedicated to advancing research in AI and educating students about generative AI tools. Moshavi anticipates that over the next five years, AI will significantly reshape business operations and leadership roles, necessitating leaders adept at combining human judgment with AI insights.
Courses are being designed to ensure that students acquire in-demand skills such as prompt engineering, data interpretation, and ethical risk management. Kedia stresses the importance of engaging students in hands-on learning experiences through the Torero Venture Labs program, where they apply AI to startup concepts. This program has seen tangible results, with several startup teams pursuing their business ideas full-time after course completion.
Emphasizing Responsible AI Usage
Both institutions advocate for the ethical application of generative AI, especially during capstone consulting projects. SDSU has developed guidelines to promote responsible AI use among students and faculty, ensuring that emerging business leaders are prepared to navigate the complexities of AI technology.
Meanwhile, Kedia and Moshavi acknowledge the potential risks of AI, including job displacement, but they remain optimistic about its long-term ability to create new jobs and opportunities. They believe that AI could significantly enhance sectors such as elder care by streamlining administrative tasks, thus allowing more time for direct human interaction and care.
Curriculum Structure and Adaptation
The MBA curriculum typically balances traditional business theory with practical applications, guest speakers, and case studies. This approach allows students to gain real-world perspectives and work on relevant projects. However, educators are also addressing the challenges posed by AI misuse among students by adapting assessments to prioritize experiential learning and practical applications.
USD’s MBA program includes a collaboration with academic resources to provide students with tools for ethical AI application, which includes introducing an Academic Applications of Artificial Intelligence micro-credential program. This initiative aims to enhance students’ competencies while ensuring they understand the responsibilities that come with using AI tools effectively.
Conclusion
As AI integration continues to rise across industries, MBA programs in San Diego are taking proactive steps to prepare students for the future job market. By embedding AI skills into the curriculum and emphasizing ethical practices, these programs are shaping the next generation of business leaders who will navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence.
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Additional Resources
- Poets & Quants: 2025 MBA To Watch – Lilian De Melo Barbosa
- San Diego Business Journal: Business Education in the Age of Technology
- Tech Informed: A Coffee with Dominique Meyer
- PR Newswire: InfoGov World Conference and AI World Conference Join Forces
- Deloitte: Internships
- Wikipedia: Artificial Intelligence
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SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
