News Summary
Local MBA programs in San Diego are adapting their curricula to incorporate essential artificial intelligence skills amid the increasing adoption of AI in business. With significant growth in generative AI usage, institutions like San Diego State University and the University of San Diego are preparing students for leadership roles by integrating AI principles into their courses. Experiential learning approaches are being emphasized, encouraging real-world applications of AI as educational leaders focus on balancing technical training with ethical considerations in an AI-driven landscape.
San Diego – Local MBA programs in San Diego are evolving their curricula to include essential skills related to artificial intelligence (AI) in response to its widespread adoption in business. As of March 2023, data from McKinsey & Company indicates that 71% of businesses now utilize generative AI in at least one of their functions, a significant increase from 53% the previous year. This rapid integration of AI into various sectors has prompted educational institutions to prepare students for future leadership roles in business influenced by these technological advancements.
Professionals in various industries have reported an “explosion” in AI usage over the past few years. San Diego State University’s Fowler College of Business recognizes the necessity of equipping students with AI skills that are crucial across a range of disciplines. The significance of these skills is evident, as faculty members highlight how AI is reshaping not only the business landscape but also individual professional lives.
The University of San Diego (USD) is also adapting its MBA program to emphasize innovative thinking and entrepreneurial skill development centered around AI. One course of particular note, the Torero Venture Labs, integrates AI principles into its curriculum, encouraging meaningful projects that give students hands-on experience in applying AI concepts. Students in this program have reported gaining essential insights into customer discovery and product strategy, with many continuing their startup initiatives beyond the classroom.
Expansion of AI Education in Business Schools
To support this educational shift, SDSU inaugurated the James Silberrad Brown Center for Artificial Intelligence in 2023, reinforcing its commitment to both research and teaching in AI-related fields. The center aims to enhance student understanding of AI and its applications in business, preparing them to lead in a world increasingly governed by AI technology.
Educational leaders, like those at USD and SDSU, believe that AI will significantly reshape the business landscape within the next five years. They stress the need for future leaders to efficiently integrate human judgment with AI-driven insights, ensuring businesses not only adapt to AI technologies but leverage them for success. At SDSU, a new generative AI guideline encourages responsible use of AI tools among students and faculty, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations in AI applications.
Skills and Ethical Use of AI in Business
AI skills are deemed foundational for a wide range of professional fields including sales, marketing, engineering, healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and the legal sector. Faculty at both SDSU and USD are focused on addressing the dual faces of AI — its potential to enhance efficiency alongside concerns about job displacement and misuse. Emerging discussions among students and faculty highlight the prevailing sentiment that while AI may present challenges, the opportunities it creates outweigh these hurdles.
To navigate this landscape, educational institutions are increasingly leaning into experiential learning approaches, allowing students to engage with real-world AI applications. Courses that combine theoretical knowledge with practical experiences have shown promising outcomes, with several student teams actively pursuing their business projects post-course. Faculty understand the importance of striking a balance between technical AI training and the cultivation of traditional research skills, ensuring students maintain a critical perspective on AI-generated content.
Preparing for the Future
The overarching goal of these curriculum changes is to prepare students for successful careers in an AI-driven world. Both SDSU and USD emphasize the necessity of upskilling students, ensuring they can harness AI technologies while also recognizing the importance of human-centric tasks in the workplace. This balanced approach aims to create well-rounded leaders who can effectively manage the intersection of technology and human interaction in their future roles.
As MBA programs in San Diego continue to evolve, the focus remains on equipping the next generation of business leaders with the skills and ethical frameworks necessary to navigate a rapidly changing environment influenced by artificial intelligence.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Race the Rock Scavenger Hunt Fundraiser in Coronado
CPUC Approves Desalination Project for Monterey Peninsula
Hilrod Holdings Acquires Thrifty Ice Cream for $19.2 Million
Playboy Enterprises Relocates Headquarters to Miami Beach
Historic Reynolds Ranch in Central California Listed for Sale
La Corriente Seafood Restaurant to Open in Coronado
San Diego County Faces Rising Unemployment Rates
California Declares May 2025 as Small Business Month
California ABC Announces Liquor License Application Dates
California Unemployment Rate Hits 5.5% in July
Additional Resources
- San Diego Business Journal: Business Education in the Age of Technology
- Poets & Quants: 2025 MBA to Watch – Lilian de Melo Barbosa
- PR Newswire: InfoGov World Conference and AI World Conference
- Tech Informed: A Coffee with Dominique Meyer, CEO and Co-founder of Looq AI
- Wikipedia: Artificial Intelligence
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, 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 the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
