SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Bryant University announces the launch of its new Online Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence, which will welcome its inaugural class in Fall 2025.

Bryant’s Master’s in Applied AI draws upon the university's institutional tradition of education across subject areas. It will prepare students for high-demand roles at the intersection of artificial intelligence and industry strategy and equips graduates with both technical AI expertise and business acumen, enabling them to leverage AI tools for process improvements, decision-making, and innovation across industries.

“We are committed to preparing students for the future of work, and our new Master’s in Applied Artificial Intelligence is a direct response to the evolving needs of industry and society,” said Ross Gittell, Ph.D., president of Bryant University. “This innovative program brings together our strengths in business, applied analytics, and healthcare to provide a professional education that prepares leaders to responsibly apply AI to organizational practice to improve operational efficiencies and outcomes and address critical industry and societal challenges.”

The need for skilled AI professionals is rapidly accelerating. A recent Access Partnership and Amazon Web Services study found that 92 percent of employers plan to integrate AI into their operations by 2028, yet 75 percent face challenges hiring qualified talent. Microsoft’s Work Trend Index shows that 71 percent of business leaders would prefer to hire a less experienced candidate with AI skills over a more experienced one without them.

Developed through a collaboration between Bryant’s College of Business and School of Health and Behavioral Sciences, the Master’s in Applied AI program is designed to meet the growing workforce demand for AI expertise. With its flexible online format – presented asynchronously with regularly scheduled meetings with faculty — and industry-aligned curriculum, the program prepares students to apply real-world artificial intelligence solutions in both business and healthcare contexts.

“Bryant’s Master’s in Applied AI program bridges technical expertise with practical, real-world applications,” said Rupendra Paliwal, Ph.D., Bryant’s provost and chief academic officer. “We are proud to offer a program that is responsive to the needs of both today’s professionals and the workplace.”

Students enrolled in the Master’s in Applied AI program will gain a robust foundation in topics including AI principles, data management, machine learning, ethical issues surrounding artificial intelligence, and data visualization. They will also choose between two specialized tracks — Business Analytics and Healthcare Informatics — to tailor their education to their career goals. Coursework will include hands-on projects, training with AI tools, and examining industry case studies, ensuring practical learning.

The Business Analytics track will aid students in learning to apply AI in the use of data, statistical methods, and analytical techniques to understand business performance, identify trends, and make informed decisions to improve business outcomes.

“What sets this program apart is its focus on applied learning and strategic insight,” said Todd Alessandri, Ph.D., dean of the College of Business. “Our graduates won’t just understand AI, they’ll know how to use it to enhance decision-making, drive performance, and create value.”

The Healthcare Informatics track will be delivered in partnership with faculty from the university’s School of Health and Behavioral Sciences and include coursework in healthcare law, privacy, and ethics, healthcare operations and systems, and electronic health records.

“AI is already revolutionizing healthcare — from diagnostics and personalized medicine to operational efficiency — and the need for professionals who can harness this technology responsibly and effectively is urgent,” said Kirsten Hokeness, Ph.D., director of Bryant’s School of Health and Behavioral Sciences. “This program equips students with the practical AI tools and applications and the knowledge of healthcare and its challenges to improve outcomes and drive innovation in patient care and public health.”

In addition to the full degree, the program will offer certificates in Applied AI, Health Informatics, and Business Analytics — ideal for professionals seeking to upskill or earn career-enhancing credentials.

The launch of the Master’s in Applied AI builds off a recent expansion of Bryant’s graduate offerings, including on-campus programs in Data Science, Business Analytics, and Health Informatics and AI, reinforcing the university’s position as a leader in graduate education.

For more information or to apply, visit www.bryant.edu/master-science-applied-ai. 

About Bryant University 
For 160 years, Bryant University has been at the forefront of delivering an exceptional education that anticipates the future and prepares students to be innovative leaders of character in a changing world. The university delivers an integrated academic and student life experience with nationally recognized academic programs at the intersection of business, liberal arts, and health and behavioral sciences.  

Since transitioning to Division I in 2012, Bryant teams have earned 36 conference championships, 29 NCAA Championship appearances, and three Commissioner’s Cup titles — recognition of sustained excellence across all sports. More than 700 student-athletes compete in Bryant’s 25 Division I programs. 

Located on a 465-acre contemporary campus in Smithfield, R.I., Bryant enrolls approximately 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students from 41 states and 50 countries. Bryant is recognized as a top 1 percent national leader in student education outcomes and ROI and regularly receives high rankings from U.S. News and World Report, QS Stars, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, Wall Street Journal, and College Factual. Bryant.edu