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Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Business

The Specialization in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Business is available to all majors within the Bachelor of Commerce degree. It responds to a major shift in how AI technologies and tools are evolving and becoming essential in business and the wider economy. This specialization equips students with the knowledge and tools to understand AI, develop skills in using current and emerging technologies, and make informed business decisions.

Students gain a fundamental understanding of AI, explore its applications in various business functions and operations, and choose electives to deepen their expertise in specific technologies or the ethical, legal, and societal implications of AI. This specialization prepares graduates to be more competitive in the job market and successful in their careers, and may also spark interest in graduate programs in AI.

 

The Specialization in AI for Business requires students to complete nine credit hours in AI-focused courses. These credits are taken as part of the existing BUSI or Open electives in the BCom program map, meaning no additional total credit hours are required.

Through this specialization, students develop:
  • Knowledge of AI fundamentals and business applications
  • Skills in using industry-relevant AI tools and technologies
  • Awareness of the ethical, legal, and societal considerations of AI in business

Required Courses

  • BUSI 2800U — Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Business
  • BUSI 4800U — Business Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Elective Courses (choose 1)

  • BUSI 3820U — AI Beyond the Hype: Ethical, Legal, and Societal Issues in Artificial Intelligence
  • BUSI 3504U — Databases, Data Warehouses and Business Intelligence
  • BUSI 4801U — Special Topics in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Business
  • INFR 3700U — Machine Learning
  • INFR 4611U — Trust Systems

* Important note: Students cannot double-count courses in a specialization and their major(s). If a course is listed in both in a major and a specialization, students must select a different elective to satisfy the requirements of this specialization.


FAQ

  • What is a specialization?
    A specialization is an addition to your degree where you take no additional courses, just specific electives that align with the topic.
  • How do you take a specialization?

    You have to do 2 things to take a specialization:

    1. Apply for the specialization on MyOntarioTech > Undergraduate Forms > Change of program and readmission forms > Change of specialization
    2. Take the courses that align with your specialization, seen on this page and considering your program map

    Then wait for confirmation from an Academic Advisor and you're in! You can apply for the specialization after you've already taken a course. Example: You are entering your fourth year and you have taken Fundamentals of AI for Business already as an elective, you can apply for the AI for Business specialization and sign up for the remaining courses in the specialization.

    NOTE: Registration opens in 2026! Please stay tuned for announcements in the near future.

  • When can I apply for the specialization?

    Apply for the specialization in your second or third year. You can take the first course in the specialization in your second year of studies if the pre-requisites are satisfied.

    NOTE: Registration for both Commerce specializations opens in 2026. Announcements will be posted on our webpage and social media accounts.

  • What are the deadlines for applying?
    There is no specific deadline, but some courses require prerequisites to take before graduation. We recommend that you start taking the courses in the second or third year of your studies. Your academic advisor can help you plan for your courses.
  • What are the benefits of taking the specialization?
    Specializations are designed to not add any extra courses or time to your degree, and give you an enhanced skill set in a specific area. Specializations can prepare you to be more competitive on the job market and hopefully more successful in your careers. Specializations may also spark interest in graduate programs in a related field.
  • Can you take more than one specialization?
    Yes, however you should be mindful of the implications for your program map and degree completion time.
  • I have more questions. Who can I contact for more info?
    Your academic advisor can answer questions about specializations or any other academic matters.

    Please also browse our website and the academic calendar for more information. We also share announcements on our social media accounts!