The major new report provides the most clear picture of the dramatically changed landscape
How AI is restructuring MBA: Key new reports provide the clearest image of a dramatically changed landscape
According to 2025, artificial intelligence has become a central pillar of graduate business education Graduate School Business Curriculum Overview Report It was released today (April 1) by the Graduate Business Curriculum Roundtable to meet the rapid technological advancement and the needs of the evolving workforce.
Drawing on data from 110 B-schools and 245 graduate business programs, the report reveals that AI has emerged as a key component across core instruction, analysis and leadership training. It not only forms specialized coursework, but is increasingly embedded in how core disciplines such as strategy, operations, and ethics are taught.
“Schools not only maintain disciplinary rigor, but are intentionally tied to leadership, ethics and analysis. The skills needed to lead in today’s business environment,” Jeff Bieganek, executive director of Roundtable, said in a news release accompanying the report. “AI is currently an important part of that skill set.”
How AI is restructuring MBA: Key new reports provide the clearest image of a dramatically changed landscape
Source: GBC
The report shows that at the heart of the AI migration is the enterprise analytics cluster. This is a curriculum group that emphasizes the integration of data and business analytics and leadership, ethics and operations. The program is increasingly using AI tools to enable data-driven decision-making, predictive modeling, and accountability in leadership.
Beyond certain analytical courses, AI is emerging throughout the field. Finance, marketing, and operations are taught in AI-enabled simulation and real-time data platforms. Many schools have launched new courses or certificates in AI and machine learning, while others have incorporated AI case studies and tools into traditional business themes.
Respondents to the survey were also placed at the top of the list of emerging areas that should also be highlighted in the future. This theme cluster combines AI with sustainability, ESG and entrepreneurial innovation, demonstrating a broader shift towards technology-ready socially conscious business leadership.
How AI is restructuring MBA: Key new reports provide the clearest image of a dramatically changed landscape
Source: GBC
A broad shift in curriculum and delivery
2025 Graduate School Business Curriculum Overview Report It is part of the Graduate School’s Multi-Part Benchmark Initiative with Business Curriculum Roundtables. Participating schools will receive comprehensive data reports and benchmarking tools to compare with peer institutions.
In addition to content innovation, the report highlights a wide range of changes in the way business education is structured and delivered, including:
Flexible Modular Routes: Schools are moving from robust degree tracks to stackable credentials and microclade identities that allow for individual learning journeys.
Online First and Hybrid Models: Over 40% of MBA and Master Programs are offered online or through hybrid formats, with flexibility and accessibility being cited as a top priority.
Focus on real-world learning: Experiential learning, including live consulting projects and simulations, is becoming the center of pedagogy. AI tools are increasingly being used to support scenario-based learning and decision training.
Improved Focus on Soft Skills: Despite the rise of technology, schools are doubling human-centric skills such as communication, emotional intelligence, and ethical leadership to balance technical flow ency.
How AI is restructuring MBA: Key new reports provide the clearest image of a dramatically changed landscape
Source: GBC
This report utilizes curriculum data submitted by 110 business schools between November 2024 and February 2025. The institution provides detailed information on 245 graduate business programs, represents more than 112,000 registered students offering 913 degrees, and is supported by nearly 8,000 full-time equivalent Furcher factions.
Survey respondents represent a diverse mix of public and private institutions, urban and rural campuses, and large and small programs. Almost every school offers MBAs, but about half also offer master’s programs specializing in business analytics, finance and accounting.
Important facts about school MBAs and other programs that answer the survey:
Full-time MBA programs remain the most common, with 66% continuing for more than two years.
57% of MBA programs use cohort models, particularly in full-time format.
The average MBA spends 67% of the curriculum on the required courses, and an executive MBA requires up to 82% of core content.
Business Master’s programs are usually shorter, more specialized and often offered in a self-paced format.
The report does not move away from the hurdles schools face. Important barriers include faculty resistance to change, institutional inertia, and the challenge of aligning academic content with industry expectations. In response, many institutions are:
Invest in faculty development to support AI integration and digital pedagogy.
We partner with the industry to ensure real relevance and input into course design.
Use curriculum analysis to evaluate results and optimize program design.
Principal component analysis identified six key categories of institutional challenges. From “evolving demands” and “maintaining the pace”, to “maintaining the pace” with technological changes, to “ensure curriculum cohesion” in a variety of formats.
On the occasion, business schools are leaning towards industry-cooperative partnerships, curriculum optimization using learning analytics, and collaborative networks to increase effectiveness without expanding credit requirements.
Survey respondents overwhelmingly agree that the role of AI in business education will only expand over the next decade.
“AI is expected to affect both what is being taught and how it is taught,” the report states. “Real world applications in AI-driven decision-making, learning automation, and business decision-making will be at the heart of the curriculum.”
Schools are also equipped for a future where flexibility, accessibility and personalization define students’ experiences. Stackable qualifications, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ethical leadership training are shaping new models of business education.
As one respondent summed up, “future business schools will be defined by a ruthless focus on agility, industry integration and relevance.”
Request a full report or visit our graduate business curriculum roundtable for more information gbcroundtable.org.
