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University of Mary Washington Launches Virginias First Masters Degree Focused on AI in Business
The University of Mary Washington (UMW) has opened enrollment for a new Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence in Business (MS in AI in Business). The program, the first of its kind in Virginia, is designed to prepare professionals for an economy increasingly driven by artificial intelligence. It will be offered entirely online in an asynchronous format, allowing students across Virginia and beyond to balance study with professional and personal commitments.
UMW’s Provost, Tim O’Donnell, said the degree will equip students with the knowledge and applied skills to integrate AI technologies into organizational strategy, operations and innovation. He added that coursework will emphasize practical applications of machine learning, data analytics and ethical AI, preparing graduates to lead in industries such as finance, marketing, healthcare and consulting.
Christopher Garcia, director of accreditation and graduate programs and professor of quantitative methods, explained that the program is intended to bridge the gap between technical AI specialists and business leaders. He noted that the degree will give students hands‑on experience applying AI tools to real business challenges while developing the strategic insight crucial to businesses today and in the future.
The curriculum blends liberal‑arts strengths with STEM‑designated coursework. Students will study machine learning, generative AI and predictive analytics alongside core business disciplines including marketing, finance, operations and strategy. The program requires 30 credit hours and can be completed in as little as one year full‑time or two years part‑time. Students can begin their studies in the fall of 2026.
UMW’s location in the technology corridor between Washington, D.C., and Richmond places it near a concentration of federal agencies, contractors and technology firms that are driving demand for AI‑fluent business leaders. According to a recent Virginia Chamber Foundation assessment, the state posted nearly 9,000 AI‑related job openings in July 2025, the highest on record, with Northern Virginia leading the hiring surge.
The MS in AI in Business received approval from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) in May and from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in June. The program’s design reflects UMW’s liberal‑arts tradition, emphasizing communication, ethical reasoning and critical thinking alongside technical expertise.
UMW’s new degree responds to a growing need for professionals who can translate AI capabilities into strategic advantage. The curriculum includes modules on evaluating AI opportunities, redesigning workflows, managing organizational change and communicating across technical and executive teams.
The launch of the program underscores Virginia’s broader effort to build an AI‑ready workforce. Recent reports indicate that up to 1.5 million jobs in the state could be affected by AI, with many roles either augmented or automated. By offering a specialized, online graduate program, UMW aims to meet the region’s demand for leaders who can navigate the complex societal and organizational implications of emerging technologies.
In summary, the University of Mary Washington’s Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence in Business is the first graduate program in Virginia that focuses specifically on applying AI within a business context. Approved by state and regional accrediting bodies, the 30‑credit, fully online degree will begin in fall 2026 and is positioned to supply the region’s growing AI workforce with leaders who can blend technical knowledge with strategic business insight.
UMW’s Provost, Tim O’Donnell, said the degree will equip students with the knowledge and applied skills to integrate AI technologies into organizational strategy, operations and innovation. He added that coursework will emphasize practical applications of machine learning, data analytics and ethical AI, preparing graduates to lead in industries such as finance, marketing, healthcare and consulting.
Christopher Garcia, director of accreditation and graduate programs and professor of quantitative methods, explained that the program is intended to bridge the gap between technical AI specialists and business leaders. He noted that the degree will give students hands‑on experience applying AI tools to real business challenges while developing the strategic insight crucial to businesses today and in the future.
The curriculum blends liberal‑arts strengths with STEM‑designated coursework. Students will study machine learning, generative AI and predictive analytics alongside core business disciplines including marketing, finance, operations and strategy. The program requires 30 credit hours and can be completed in as little as one year full‑time or two years part‑time. Students can begin their studies in the fall of 2026.
UMW’s location in the technology corridor between Washington, D.C., and Richmond places it near a concentration of federal agencies, contractors and technology firms that are driving demand for AI‑fluent business leaders. According to a recent Virginia Chamber Foundation assessment, the state posted nearly 9,000 AI‑related job openings in July 2025, the highest on record, with Northern Virginia leading the hiring surge.
The MS in AI in Business received approval from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) in May and from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in June. The program’s design reflects UMW’s liberal‑arts tradition, emphasizing communication, ethical reasoning and critical thinking alongside technical expertise.
UMW’s new degree responds to a growing need for professionals who can translate AI capabilities into strategic advantage. The curriculum includes modules on evaluating AI opportunities, redesigning workflows, managing organizational change and communicating across technical and executive teams.
The launch of the program underscores Virginia’s broader effort to build an AI‑ready workforce. Recent reports indicate that up to 1.5 million jobs in the state could be affected by AI, with many roles either augmented or automated. By offering a specialized, online graduate program, UMW aims to meet the region’s demand for leaders who can navigate the complex societal and organizational implications of emerging technologies.
In summary, the University of Mary Washington’s Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence in Business is the first graduate program in Virginia that focuses specifically on applying AI within a business context. Approved by state and regional accrediting bodies, the 30‑credit, fully online degree will begin in fall 2026 and is positioned to supply the region’s growing AI workforce with leaders who can blend technical knowledge with strategic business insight.
