AI Degree Online
A guide for professionals comparing online AI degree options — and how SMC distinguishes accredited degree awards from optional AI specialization pathways.
The phrase “AI degree online” can mean very different things: a technical AI degree, a business degree with AI specialization, an executive certificate, or a doctoral research pathway.
Degree clarity: The awarded degree is the Executive MBA. Applied Artificial Intelligence is an optional executive specialization track and does not constitute a separate Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence.
Applied AI belongs in management education.
Professionals increasingly need to evaluate AI tools, govern risk, lead implementation, and translate AI into organizational value.
AI strategy
Connect AI initiatives to priorities, productivity, and value creation.
AI governance
Understand accountability, transparency, human oversight, and responsible use.
AI implementation
Lead adoption, workflow redesign, and organizational change.
AI communication
Explain AI opportunities and risks to teams, boards, clients, and stakeholders.
Executive MBA with Applied AI specialization.
SMC’s pathway is built around the accredited Executive MBA, with Applied AI offered as an optional specialization for eligible students. This creates a clear management route for professionals who need AI competence without pursuing a technical computer science degree.
The Applied AI specialization is currently included at no additional tuition cost for eligible Executive MBA students.
Review the full Executive MBA with Applied AI specialization.
Not a standalone AI Master’s.
The academic award remains the Executive MBA. The AI specialization supports the degree pathway but does not constitute a separate Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence.
What this pathway develops
Executive AI fluency
Understand AI language, opportunities, limitations, and practical implications.
Strategic judgment
Assess where AI can support business goals and where it creates avoidable risk.
Responsible adoption
Guide teams with awareness of governance, accountability, and implementation readiness.
Choose the route that matches your goal.
| Goal | Recommended route |
|---|---|
| Technical AI engineering | Technical AI / computer science route |
| Executive AI leadership | Executive MBA with Applied AI specialization |
| Original AI research | PhD in Artificial Intelligence |
Common questions
Is this a separate AI degree?
No. The awarded degree remains the Executive MBA. Applied AI is an optional specialization track.
Is this for technical engineers?
No. It is designed for professionals and managers who need executive AI fluency and leadership capability.
Does the specialization cost extra?
It is currently included at no additional tuition cost for eligible Executive MBA students.
Build AI leadership inside an Executive MBA pathway.
Start with the main Executive MBA Applied AI page and apply when ready.