Artificial intelligence (AI) is powering the future of business—and it’s reshaping how tomorrow’s business leaders are being educated today. As AI tools like ChatGPT, a powerful chatbot developed by OpenAI, become more widely adopted, educators are exploring new ways to integrate this technology into coursework and learning delivery methods. Beyond the classroom, AI is transforming career development, helping business schools develop career-ready curriculum and students build industry-relevant skills and explore business career paths.

This growing trend in higher education also comes with the responsibility to teach business students how to use AI ethically, responsibly, and effectively. Explore how ChatGPT and education intersect in today’s classrooms, the benefits and limitations of AI in business programs, the opportunities and challenges it presents, and how academic institutions can prepare students for success in a competitive, AI-driven job market. 

How Should AI Be Used in Teaching

As artificial intelligence becomes more commonly integrated into higher education, business schools are considering how to incorporate AI fundamentals while also strengthening human-centered skills that technology can’t replicate. ChatGPT, for example, helps students summarize complex concepts in topics like accounting and economics, brainstorm new ideas, and create personalized learning experiences. Recent findings from WGU Labs show how students are already leveraging AI in their academic journeys, with 47% using it to better understand complex topics, 40% for brainstorming, and 39% relying on it for feedback to their work.

Intro Business Classes

Introductory business courses cover foundational topics like marketing, organizational behavior, and accounting. AI tools like ChatGPT support learning these concepts by summarizing content, simplifying concepts, and providing real-world examples. A student learning about supply and demand might ask ChatGPT to explain pricing strategies and then apply it to a current market trend. 

Courses grounded in hands-on learning help students go beyond memorization to develop critical thinking, adaptability, and collaboration. Simulations, peer-to-peer activities, and real-world applications make concepts stick. When combined with responsible AI use, this learning becomes even more impactful. 

Intro courses like Fundamentals for Success, Business Ethics, and Organizational Behavior encourage practical learning and power skill development. Course instructors can guide responsible AI use by prompting students to ask thoughtful questions, verify sources, and think critically. This AI-supported approach helps higher education students build essential skills that influence how they approach course work, prepare for exams, and will eventually carry over into the workplace. 

Exams and Assignments

In a flexible, competency-based learning environment, college students often complete exams and assignments when they feel ready, not on a fixed schedule. AI tools can help students study more efficiently by quizzing them on key terms and providing feedback on essay drafts. When used ethically, AI becomes a supplement—not a shortcut—to mastering coursework. Using AI to brainstorm or clarify assignment expectations helps students better understand course material.

Strengthening Soft Skills

Also known as power skills, developing these skills in college is a top priority. LinkedIn’s 2024 Most In-Demand Skills places core human skills like collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership in the top 10. Adaptability in particular was identified as the fastest-growing skill—and essential in the rapidly changing AI business landscape. These findings offer valuable insight to how business schools can integrate AI as a support tool, especially in foundational business courses, while still prioritizing the development of power skills. 

Making Students Feel More Comfortable 

ChatGPT serves as a space for business students to explore topics at their own pace. Whether it's understanding financial formulas, brainstorming ideas for a case study, or studying for an exam, AI tools can reduce anxiety around understanding complex material. Combined with instructor feedback and program mentor support, AI empowers students to take ownership of their learning. 

Increase Business Practicum Component 

A business practicum gives students the chance to apply what they’ve learned in the real world or in simulated environments. For example, developing marketing strategies, analyzing case studies, or collaborating in UX design projects. By leveraging AI, students can enhance hands-on learning by generating ideas and feedback, and refining deliverables like presentations and reports. Students can then use these business practicum experiences in a portfolio to share with future employers.  

Forecasting  

Forecasting is an essential area of knowledge for business students, especially in specialties like finance, marketing, and supply chain. AI tools help students analyze historical data, identify patterns, and generate predictive models, which can help students better understand how forecasting informs decision-making in business. 

6 Steps to Help Business Schools Adopt AI Technologies  

AI is a rapidly evolving landscape of tools, platforms, and applications that, when implemented thoughtfully, can enhance learning. To help business schools integrate AI in ways that support both students and academic institutions, the following steps can serve as a practical guide for building AI fluency in higher education.

Define the Purpose 

Before implementing AI in business school programs, academic institutions should clearly define their purpose and acceptable best practices. Student feedback indicates favorable use of AI that enhances access to resources, personalizes learning, and provides 24/7 support—but not at the expense of student interaction. By recognizing student needs and working closely with institutional policies and values, business schools can ensure that AI technologies are used transparently and intentionally to support learner success. 

Secure Team Leadership 

Implementing AI in business schools responsibly requires strong leadership teams who prioritize academic integrity. One recent example is WGU’s rollout of secure proctoring measures, including a lockdown browser that flags suspicious behavior and restricts actions like screenshotting, copy/paste, and accessing websites. This implementation has significantly prevented cheating incidents at four times the previous rate. 

Just as importantly, academic leaders should actively champion AI adoption by allocating resources, setting policies, and fostering a culture that views AI as a tool for improving the student learning experience. When secure team leadership is in place and aligned with academic values, AI can be a beneficial addition. 

Establish a Team 

Successful AI implementation policies in business schools require a dedicated, cross-functional team to guide strategy, manage change, and balance responsible use with the specific needs of higher education students. This team should include members from academic leadership, faculty, IT, and student services, and should be combined with institutional research to ensure AI tools are integrated appropriately. 

For example, the research and development team at WGU Labs launched a Student Insights Council to gain student feedback about innovation and key research initiatives. The first survey explored how students are currently utilizing AI, what they want to gain from it, and where they draw the line. Findings showed that while students are enthusiastic about AI’s potential, they expect transparency and prefer human support, especially when it comes to evaluations. A leadership team that understands this data can better implement and support students during AI implementation. 

Emphasize Ethics of AI 

When students rely on AI without clear guidelines, the effects can extend beyond academics. Graduates who lack fundamental knowledge can have a detrimental impact in their careers, especially in fields like healthcare, finance, and education. Employers also rely on the credibility of academic credentials when making hiring decisions.

Emphasizing ethical use of AI upholds integrity and prepares students to be accountable in school and in their future careers. That’s why it’s imperative that business schools make every effort to help students understand the implications of AI. The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AACU) 2025 Student Guide to Artificial Intelligence offers a practical framework with seven core principles for students regarding ethical AI use, academic integrity, avoiding plagiarism, and prioritizing privacy.