Home Articles Five Things to Know About the New Online Master of AI Strategy and Innovation Program

Five Things to Know About the New Online Master of AI Strategy and Innovation Program

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Learn about the new online Master of AI Strategy and Innovation program at Wake Forest School of Professional Studies.

aiArtificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace. This has created a strong demand for professionals who can strategically lead AI-driven initiatives. The Wake Forest University School of Professional Studies (SPS) is ready to prepare forward-thinking professionals to step into these roles. The new online Master of AI Strategy and Innovation (MASI) program will launch in the fall 2025 semester. If you’re considering advancing your career in AI leadership, here are five things to know about this online program.

1. Meet the High Demand for AI Skills

The global AI market is projected to expand from $142.3 billion in 2023 to over $1.8 trillion by 2030. Companies across all industries–from healthcare to finance–are looking for leaders who understand strategic implementation for AI. With Microsoft reporting that 66% of business leaders prefer to hire candidates with AI expertise, it’s become an essential asset in today’s job market. Graduates will be equipped to fill high-demand roles such as:

AI Strategist
Chief AI Officer
AI Innovation Consultant
Data Ethics Manager

The MASI program provides the leadership, strategic planning, and AI governance knowledge necessary to thrive in this evolving industry.

2. Leverage an Interdisciplinary Approach

With an impact that spans multiple disciplines, AI leadership requires the ability to integrate AI solutions into business, technology, healthcare, finance, and policy. The MASI prepares students for leadership through an interdisciplinary approach. Reflecting this approach, MASI curriculum blends insights from computer science, leadership, ethics, and risk management. For example, courses such as AI Implementation Across Industries and Strategic Leadership in AI ensure students understand how these tools can be leveraged across various sectors. By applying real-world case studies and cross-functional leadership strategies, graduates will be prepared to guide AI-driven innovation in any organizational context.

3. Increase Ethical AI Leadership Skills

As AI adoption accelerates, ethical concerns surrounding bias, transparency, and responsible AI development have come to the forefront. The goal of the online MASI program is to foster AI leaders who can navigate complex regulatory landscapes and uphold ethical standards in AI deployment. Through courses like Ethics and Responsible AI, students will examine the social, political, and economic effects of AI and learn how to address public concerns and mitigate bias in AI decision-making. Wake Forest’s Pro Humanitate (for humanity) mission is embedded throughout the curriculum to ensure students develop the expertise to implement AI responsibly, fairly, and in compliance with global regulations.

4. Benefit from Hands-On Learning Opportunities

Beyond theoretical knowledge, students engage in real-world AI applications through hands-on projects, simulations, and interactive case studies. The Emerging Tools and Technologies in AI course allows students to experiment with large language models (LLMs), deep learning networks, and AI-driven business solutions. This all culminates in the program’s final capstone course, where students apply their knowledge to solve real-world AI challenges in collaboration with industry partners. Whether designing AI governance policies, optimizing machine learning applications, or implementing AI strategies in business settings, students graduate with practical skills that directly translate to leadership roles.