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The Master of Science program in Artificial Intelligence for Business (MS-AIB) prepares students for leadership roles at the intersection of business and AI technologies. The program focuses on the use of artificial intelligence, computer technologies and data analytics to improve business processes. Graduates will gain knowledge in current AI applications, information systems, business analytics, and the application of modern information management theories with intelligent automation.
The program consists of two phases. Phase One (8 semester hours) is designed to address deficiencies in undergraduate course work considered to be prerequisite for the Phase Two (30 semester hours) graduate course work. Students with significant undergraduate course work in business may be waived from some, or all, of the Phase One requirements.
Phase Two consists of 10 courses, six from the core curriculum and four of which consist of elective courses selected by the student with the approval of the academic program coordinator. Whereas the core curriculum aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of fundamental concepts in artificial intelligence in business, the elective courses enable the student to survey related areas or to focus on a particular area of their choice.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of approved graduate work beyond Phase One and the baccalaureate degree. Of these 30 semester hours, 21 must be in classes reserved exclusively for admitted graduate students. Students-at-large are prohibited from registering for graduate business courses without departmental approval. The total credit from courses taken for graduate credit at other accredited institutions which are accepted in transfer plus credit earned at NIU as a student-at-large may not exceed 9 semester hours.
Each MS-AIB student will not be allowed to take more than 12 credit hours per semester.
Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence for Business Program Learning Competencies
Graduates of the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence for Business will be able to:
Align information systems and AI solutions with business strategy
Develop business solutions using AI tools
Analyze and model organizational processes and business rules
Design and create databases to manage business data
Analyze business data using statistical methods
Demonstrate professionalism in the discipline of information technology
Requirements for Admission
In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School at NIU, the M.S. program in Artificial Intelligence for Business also requires that applicants must have a minimum 2.75 overall grade point average (GPA), based on a 4.00 system, in their undergraduate program. Applicants whose GPA is below the required level may be recommended for admission if the applicant earned an undergraduate or graduate degree from NIU College of Business or a closely related NIU program.
Application for Admission
Admission to the M.S. in Artificial Intelligence for Business (MS-AIB) program is competitive and limited to candidates who demonstrate high promise of success in this graduate program. Applicants must submit the following materials:
A resume
A statement of purpose (500-words outline of your goals for the MS-AIB program and beyond)
Phase One
The Phase One foundations consist of four 2-semester-hour courses. Phase One foundation courses will be required in the student’s program of study unless the student has met the requirements by completing course equivalents at a university, community college, or select approved online provider. The MS-AIB program advisor will determine which Phase One courses will be included in each student’s program of courses. Phase One courses cannot be used as Phase Two electives; credits earned in Phase One will not count toward the Phase Two requirements.
Accelerated B.S. in Operations and Information Management (O.I.M.)/M.S. in Artificial Intelligence for Business (AIB)
Admission
This program leads to both the B.S. in O.I.M. and M.S. in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Business degrees. Students who want to complete this program must identify themselves to the Department of Operations Management and Information Systems as majors who will complete the accelerated program. Students must apply for admission to the M.S. in AI for Business program under the special provisions of this program and meet the application deadline. They must also have achieved the credit-hour and GPA requirements as specified by the Graduate School.
With this program, M.S. courses can be taken three semesters prior to earning the B.S. degree and have up to 15 semester hours count towards both the M.S. and B.S. degrees. An admissions exam, such as the GMAT or GRE, is not required. Interested students should meet with an academic advisor as early as possible and are encouraged to apply during the second semester of their junior year.
Curriculum
Once admitted into the B.S. in O.I.M./M.S. in AI for Business program and having completed all course requirements for entry, students will start taking classes in the M.S. in AI for Business program (up to 15 semester hours) which will also count toward 15 semester hours in the undergraduate degree. All students enrolled in this sequence must have their course schedule approved by their academic advisor each semester. Any deviation from an approved course schedule may delay graduation. Upon receiving their undergraduate degree, students will then follow the standard timetable for receiving an M.S. in AI for Business.
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