Austin Peay's MBA program prepares students for the future of business with AI concentration
By: Elaina Russell March 27, 2025
APSU’ upcoming artificial intelligence concentration aims to help graduates from the Master of Business Administration program innovate and succeed. | Photo by Sean McCully
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Austin Peay State University is adding an artificial intelligence (AI) concentration to its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program starting in Fall 2025.
The concentration will require nine hours in AI electives exploring the technology’s integration into the professional workplace. New courses will highlight the practical applications of AI for business, preparing students to leverage it effectively and responsibly.
“Technology continues to change the way we do business,” said Dr. Amye Melton, director of the MBA program. ’s critical for our students to have skills and experience with AI. Austin Peay and the College of Business are committed to ensuring graduates are at the forefront of practical AI integration in business.”
The AI concentration marks the second specialty added to Austin Peay’s MBA program. It follows the introduction of the responsible human resource management concentration launched alongside the MBA program last fall.
“When technology and business landscapes evolve, our curriculum must adapt accordingly,” said Dr. Mickey Hepner, dean of the College of Business. “Offering specializations like the AI concentration will prepare students to be innovative and responsive to future market Ի.”
The College of Business is committed to preparing MBA graduates with industry-ready skills and may consider additional specializations in the future. As businesses adopt AI technologies, graduates with this specialized knowledge will be well-positioned for leadership roles in various sectors.
Students interested in adding the concentration should contact Lauren Pate, College of Business graduate advisor, at patel@apsu.edu.
About the MBA program at Austin Peay
The MBA program at Austin Peay State University provides a strong foundation in core business areas—including accounting, finance, marketing, economics, data analytics, human resources, and management—preparing students to lead in today’s complex and evolving global economy. The general MBA may be customized with optional concentrations in responsible human resource management or AI in business, allowing students to tailor their education to match their career goals and emerging industry trends.
Visit apsu.edu/mba for more information about the MBA program at Austin Peay.