AI & Analytics Programs
RPI Lally School of Management
Artificial intelligence is transforming how organizations make decisions, design products, manage risk, understand customers, and compete in global markets. At the Lally School of Management at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, students learn to connect business strategy, analytics, computing, finance, and emerging technologies so they can lead in AI-enabled industries.
Lally's AI-focused programs prepare students to work across business, technology, data, and innovation — from undergraduate degrees in analytics, finance, and information technology to graduate programs in business analytics, information technology, and AI-focused management. All six programs on this page are STEM-designated.
Why Study AI, Analytics, and Emerging Technology at Lally?
RPI is one of the few universities in the world with an IBM Quantum computer on campus. Lally sits at the center of that ecosystem — a business school inside a leading technological research university, not attached to one from a distance.
Students benefit from STEM-designated programs built for technology-driven careers; coursework in analytics, machine learning, predictive modeling, AI, data science, fintech, and advanced computing; hands-on projects using real-world data and industry-standard tools; and direct access to RPI's research infrastructure, including quantum computing.
The Lally AI Academy, open to all RPI students, runs 30-day product sprints where teams use professional-grade AI development tools and up to $500 in cloud compute credits to build and ship a production-ready product. No prior coding experience required. Learn more about the AI Academy.
The M.S. in Business Analytics has been ranked #1 by TFE Times in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026.
Undergraduate AI and Emerging Technology Pathways
B.S. in Business Analytics
Turn data into business intelligence
Turn data into decisions
This STEM-designated degree prepares students to work at the intersection of business strategy and data science. Coursework covers data visualization, predictive analytics and machine learning, statistical analysis, and business information systems. Students gain hands-on experience with Python, R, Tableau, and Power BI — applied to real organizational data and business problems throughout the program.
Where graduates go: Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Marketing Analyst, Financial Risk Analyst, Operations Analyst, Consulting Associate.
B.S. in Finance, Markets, and Emerging Technologies
AI is reshaping capital markets — learn how to lead that shift
This STEM-designated degree blends global markets, financial modeling, data analytics, and the technologies remaking capital markets. Students explore how AI is transforming algorithmic trading, risk analysis, market behavior prediction, and financial decision automation — using Bloomberg terminals, financial simulation labs, and applied fintech projects throughout the program. Areas of emphasis include blockchain, sustainability metrics, quantitative modeling, and emerging financial technologies.
Where graduates go: Investment Banking Analyst, Quantitative/Risk Analyst, Fintech Product Manager, Corporate Finance Associate, Asset Management Associate, Venture Capital Analyst.
B.S. in Information Technology and Web Science
Understand the systems AI actually runs on
If you want to understand the systems and data architectures that AI applications actually run on, this is where you start. The program combines computing, web systems, data engineering, human-computer interaction, and leadership — with a dedicated AI/Intelligent Systems track alongside options in Data Science, Information Security, and Human-Computer Interaction. The program is actively expanding its AI and intelligent systems focus as it continues to evolve.
Where graduates go: AI/ML Engineer, Data Engineer, Product Manager (Technology), Systems Analyst, Security Analyst, UX/UI Designer.
Graduate AI and Analytics Pathways
M.S. in Information Technology
Advance into AI, machine learning, and technology leadership
This STEM-designated graduate program combines computing, business, and engineering at the master's level. Students specialize in areas including Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Analytics, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, Software Engineering and Cloud Architecture, IT Product Management, and Digital Innovation and FinTech. The program develops skills in enterprise software design, full-stack development, AI and ML engineering, data-driven decision-making, cloud infrastructure, DevOps, and digital transformation leadership.
Where graduates go: AI/ML Engineer, Cloud/Solutions Architect, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst, IT Product Manager, Full-Stack Engineer.
M.S. in Business Analytics
The #1-ranked program that connects advanced analytics to real business decisions
Ranked #1 by TFE Times in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, this STEM-designated graduate program prepares students to connect technical analytics work to the business decisions that depend on it. Coursework covers machine learning and predictive modeling, natural language processing, marketing analytics, supply chain analytics, and data storytelling — applied to real datasets throughout the program.
Where graduates go: Data Scientist, Analytics Manager, Quantitative Consultant, Business Intelligence Lead, Market Research Analyst.
MBA with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Computing
Lead AI transformation at the strategic level
Lally's most direct AI-branded graduate program combines core MBA coursework with machine learning, cloud computing, generative AI applications, intelligent systems, and AI-driven innovation strategy. It is designed for professionals who want to lead — not just implement — AI in organizations: AI product managers, technology strategists, entrepreneurs, and executives driving digital transformation. Students develop skills in AI product lifecycle management, machine learning strategy, ethical AI governance, cloud platforms, advanced analytics, and digital transformation frameworks.
Where graduates go: AI Product Manager, Digital Transformation Lead, Chief Data/AI Officer, Technology Strategy Consultant, Innovation Director.
Lally AI Academy
The Lally AI Academy gives student teams 30 days, a real budget, and professional-grade tools to build and ship an AI product from scratch. Teams manage cloud compute credits, collaborate across disciplines, and walk away with something a potential employer can actually open and use, not a class project, but a live product. No prior coding experience required. Open to all RPI students. Participants earn a Certificate of Completion and a referral pathway to the Severino Center for entrepreneurship opportunities. Learn more about the Lally AI Academy.
Find the Program That Fits Your Goals
Use this table to narrow your options:
| Program | Level | STEM | Core Focus | Best if you want to… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B.S. Business Analytics | Undergrad | ✓ | Data science + business strategy | Analyze data and drive business decisions |
| B.S. Finance, Markets & Emerging Technology | Undergrad | ✓ | AI in financial markets + fintech | Work in trading, investment banking, or quantitative finance |
| B.S. Information Technology & Web Science | Undergrad | ✓ | AI systems + data engineering + product | Build AI-enabled systems and understand how they work |
| M.S. Information Technology | Graduate | ✓ | ML engineering + cloud + cybersecurity | Advance technically into AI/ML, cloud, or security roles |
| M.S. Business Analytics | Graduate | ✓ | Predictive analytics + natural language processing + data leadership | Lead analytics functions and translate data into executive decisions |
| MBA with a concentration in AI & Advanced Computing | Graduate | ✓ | AI strategy + leadership + transformation | Lead AI products, strategy, or transformation at the org level |
FAQs: AI and Analytics Programs at RPI Lally
These are meaningfully different programs. The M.S. in Business Analytics is a technical analytics degree: most of your time will be spent on quantitative work, predictive modeling, machine learning, Natural language processing and learning to communicate results to business audiences. It's the right choice if you want to become a data scientist, analytics manager, or quantitative consultant.
The MBA with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Computing is a management degree with an AI specialization. You'll cover the full MBA curriculum, strategy, finance, operations, leadership, alongside coursework in AI strategy, machine learning applications, and digital transformation. It's the right choice if you want to lead AI initiatives, manage AI products, or move into executive roles in technology-driven organizations.
The MBA with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Computing is the most direct AI-focused business leadership program. Students interested in analytics-heavy careers may also consider the M.S. in Business Analytics or B.S. in Business Analytics.
It depends on what kind of AI work interests you. If you want to analyze data and support business decisions, the B.S. in Business Analytics is a strong foundation. If you want to understand how AI systems are built and deployed, the B.S. in ITWS, especially its AI/Intelligent Systems track, gives you the technical grounding. If you want to work in AI's impact on financial markets, trading, and fintech, the B.S. in Finance, Markets, and Emerging Technologies is the most direct path.
Yes. All six programs listed here are STEM-designated, which means international graduates may be eligible for a 24-month OPT extension (for a total of three years) when working in qualifying STEM fields in the United States.
Graduates may pursue careers in analytics, business intelligence, data science, AI product management, fintech, technology consulting, digital transformation, software and web development, risk analytics, product management, and technology strategy.
The Lally AI Academy is a 30-day sprint where student teams build and ship production-ready AI products using professional tools and real compute budgets. It's open to all RPI students — not just Lally students — and no prior coding experience is required. Learn more
Yes. Lally offers several accelerated pathways, including an Accelerated B.S. + M.S. Program and an Accelerated Co-Terminal MBA, allowing students to earn both degrees in less time than completing them sequentially.
