College of Business capitalizes on Academic Innovation Fund
Launched in 2023, the Academic Innovation Fund (AIF) represents an annual $1 million commitment by Kansas State University leadership to drive curriculum enhancement and academic excellence. The purpose of the AIF is to invest in new programs that:
- Meet regional, national or international learner or workplace needs of the future
- Drive curricular innovation and academic excellence at K-State, using new and/or flexible methods to present up-to-date and rigorous disciplinary learning experiences
- Align with the Next-Gen K-State strategic plan or realize other key outcomes and differentiators
- Support the long-term financial viability of the university
After receiving 40 proposals for new degree programs, minors, certificates, and both credit and non-credit microcredentials, it was announced last spring that the College of Business was awarded two of eight grants. As a result, the college will move forward with an online master’s degree in marketing science and 12 new AI-related microcredentials.
Master’s degree in marketing science
“The master’s in marketing science allows learners to gain advanced skills in marketing technology with an emphasis in marketing strategy and analytics,” said Janis Crow, director of the online degree program. “With valuable hands-on experiences, future marketing professionals will gain strong skills in data analysis and the ability to interpret marketing metrics to drive strategic decisions through all stages of digital marketing. Employers we've talked with identify these as top desired marketing skills.”
The online marketing science master’s degree will be launched in August 2026. The degree received a STEM designation and will offer eight-week courses five times a year. Future plans for the program include an accelerated master’s program, and certificates in marketing strategy and marketing analytics. Both credit and non-credit microdentials will be embedded within courses. “This degree is exciting for us as it involves all learners at all stages of their careers,” according to Esther Swilley, marketing department head.
“We are excited to offer this opportunity for those who wish to transition directly into a master’s program and those in the workforce who are looking to update their skills and knowledge in marketing technology, analytics and strategy,” Crow said. “Whether looking for a full master’s degree, a specialized certificate in marketing analytics or strategy, or a short mini course, the master’s in marketing science offers learners many ways to gain valuable employable skills.”
AI-related microcredentials
With a purpose of enhancing knowledge and capabilities of learners in key areas of business administration by incorporating AI concepts and applications into business curriculum, the College of Business will develop 12 new AI-related microcredentials by 2027. The microcredentials will be arranged in three categories: Fundamental AI in Business, Functional AI in Business, and Strategic AI in Business.
The Fundamental AI in Business category concentrates on developing a foundational understanding of AI and explores both existing and emerging AI applications in business. In the Functional AI area, the focus shifts to deploying AI applications across business value chain activities, including support functions. The Strategic AI in Business category emphasizes the formulation and implementation of comprehensive AI strategies and the development and deployment of AI for strategic decision-making in organizations.
“Expanding our curriculum with microcredential courses that focus on the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in business will allow us to train the next generation of leaders and employees, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to transform business value chains with AI and achieve significant advances in efficiency and effectiveness,” said Hansin Bilgili, associate professor, department of management. “I am very pleased to have received the university’s support for this innovative effort at the College of Business Administration.”
With the launch of the master’s in marketing science and the development of AI-related microcredentials, the college is preparing students to excel in cutting-edge fields, enhancing both their professional prospects and the university’s long-term impact. These initiatives reflect the College of Business’s commitment to offering flexible, high-demand learning opportunities that meet the needs of today’s marketplace while anticipating the trends of tomorrow.