2027 Wake Forest University - School of Professional Studies Online Master of AI Strategy and Innovation (MAISI): Cost, Admissions, Curriculum, and Career Paths

Imed Bouchrika, PhD

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

What can students expect from Wake Forest University - School of Professional Studies's online Master of AI Strategy and Innovation (MAISI) curriculum?

The Wake Forest University - School of Professional Studies online master of AI strategy and innovation (MAISI) curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between technical AI skills and their strategic application in business contexts, aligning closely with core program standards seen across the U.S. However, its distinct emphasis on innovation management and leadership in AI-driven environments sets it apart by integrating applied decision-making into a multidisciplinary framework.

For instance, a mid-career professional tasked with leading AI adoption in a healthcare system would need to balance ethical considerations, operational strategy, and technical understanding-skills explicitly cultivated through this program.

Below are key curriculum components that illustrate this balance:

  • AI Fundamentals: Coursework covers machine learning, data analytics, and algorithm design, requiring students to develop a solid technical foundation critical for effective strategy formulation and innovation management.
  • Innovation and Change Management: Students explore digital transformation and leadership principles essential for guiding cross-functional teams and driving AI-enabled business transformation amidst organizational resistance.
  • Ethics and Governance: This segment focuses on AI risk management and ethical frameworks, training students to anticipate and mitigate compliance and societal challenges that emerge in real-world AI deployment.

The curriculum's structure provides a comprehensive skill set reflecting typical master of AI strategy and innovation curriculum overviews at Wake Forest University while preparing students for roles requiring both technology fluency and strategic operational insight. For professionals evaluating online courses in AI strategy and innovation from Wake Forest University School of Professional Studies, this approach offers rigorous grounding.

It equips graduates to translate AI capabilities into sustainable business value in diverse sectors. For those considering the time investment involved, visiting fastest degree to get online offers perspective on how this program compares with other accelerated, career-focused degrees.

Table of contents

What are Wake Forest University - School of Professional Studies's admission requirements for online Master of AI Strategy and Innovation (MAISI) program?

Admission to Wake Forest University - School of Professional Studies' online Master of AI Strategy and Innovation (MAISI) program hinges on demonstrated academic readiness rather than traditional undergraduate credentials, which is critical for applicants without a conventional bachelor's degree. This means applicants are evaluated more on the substance of their prior education and recommendations than on standard test scores or high school diplomas.

For example, a professional switching careers into AI strategy must still provide proof of robust academic history and character references to ensure they can engage with a rigorous graduate curriculum.

The key admission elements can be summarized as follows:

  • Secondary School Records: While a high school diploma or equivalent is not required, submission of secondary academic records is essential. These documents help verify foundational academic competence and support applicant evaluation beyond formal degree prerequisites.
  • Recommendations: Letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources are mandatory, providing critical third-party insight into the applicant's potential, work ethic, and suitability for graduate-level studies in AI strategy.
  • Competency Demonstrations: While not compulsory, formal demonstration of relevant competencies is recommended to strengthen the application, especially for candidates emerging from non-traditional backgrounds or career transitions.
  • English Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must submit TOEFL scores to confirm language proficiency adequate for the program's demanding curriculum, aligning with broader expectations for graduate studies conducted in English.
  • Standardized Testing and Credit Policies: Unlike some graduate programs, SAT, ACT, or GMAT scores are not explicitly required, and the program does not offer open admission. Transfer policies for credits or dual experiences are limited, with AP credits potentially accepted under specific conditions but no explicit recognition of life experience credits.

Is it difficult to get admitted to Wake Forest University - School of Professional Studies's online Master of AI Strategy and Innovation (MAISI) program?

Admission to a Master of AI Strategy and Innovation (MAISI) program is generally competitive, reflecting the specialized skill set these programs cultivate for roles bridging technical AI knowledge with strategic leadership. Candidates face intense scrutiny not only of academic records but also of their ability to articulate a clear vision for AI's application within organizational contexts, which narrows the pool of successful applicants compared to broader graduate programs.

Wake Forest University - School of Professional Studies presents a notably selective admissions landscape, with an acceptance rate of just 22%, admitting 3,768 students from 17,479 applicants. This selectivity places its online MAISI program among the more difficult to access, especially given the requirement for high standardized test scores that typically range from 690 to 740 in verbal SAT and 700 to 770 in math SAT, or ACT scores between 32 and 34.

Such thresholds emphasize quantitatively robust academic foundations alongside strategic aptitude, underscoring the program's rigorous entry expectations.

The competitive admissions process also reflects wider market dynamics where demand for sophisticated AI strategy expertise is rising, but organizations prioritize measurable academic excellence and analytical capability in applicants. This means prospective students must balance preparation rigor with strategic presentation of their goals to differentiate themselves effectively.

What Graduates Say About Wake Forest University - School of Professional Studies's Master of AI Strategy and Innovation (MAISI) Program

  • Mason: "During my time at Wake Forest University - School of Professional Studies, the master of AI Strategy and Innovation (MAISI) program challenged me to think beyond technical AI skills and focus on integrating AI with business strategy-a perspective my previous roles lacked. The case-based projects, especially those involving AI adoption in legacy industries, improved my problem-solving approach and gave me a clearer framework for advising executive leadership. After graduation, I noticed employers were more interested in my portfolio and strategic insights than just certifications, which helped me secure a managerial position leading AI initiatives."
  • Armando: "Studying at Wake Forest University - School of Professional Studies gave me invaluable exposure to the realities of AI deployment, balancing ethical concerns with commercial goals, something textbooks often overlook. The flexibility of the master of AI Strategy and Innovation (MAISI) program allowed me to continue working while gaining knowledge that directly impacted my day-to-day decisions in AI project management. While I've faced competition for senior roles requiring more hands-on experience, the program set a solid foundation that's expedited my career shift from software development to AI strategy."
  • Tyrone: "The master of AI Strategy and Innovation (MAISI) at Wake Forest University - School of Professional Studies provided a much-needed practical lens on AI's organizational impact, but transitioning into fully strategic roles was still challenging. I found that, despite the degree, employers put considerable weight on internships and demonstrated case experience in hiring decisions, which made me seek out supplemental projects alongside my studies. Nonetheless, the program's focus on innovation frameworks and risk management has been critical in advancing my role in AI governance and compliance within the finance sector."

Other Things You Should Know About Degrees

What prerequisites must applicants meet before applying to the MAISI program?

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and submit official transcripts, a resume, a statement of purpose, and recommendation materials through Wake Forest’s graduate admissions process. The School of Professional Studies also reviews professional experience and academic readiness before offering admission.

What is the workload balance like for professionals enrolled part-time in this program?

While the MAISI program offers flexibility, part-time students should expect a rigorous pace, balancing coursework that demands both technical and strategic thinking. Juggling work commitments with academic deadlines requires disciplined time management; the strategic focus of the curriculum means significant reading, case analysis, and project work outside of live sessions. Those unable to commit substantial weekly effort may find progress slow and might delay graduation, so prioritizing consistent study hours is critical for timely program completion.

Does the MAISI curriculum equip students with hands-on AI technical skills that employers prioritize?

The program emphasizes strategic application and innovation over deep technical coding or algorithm development, focusing more on AI's business integration and leadership. Graduates may need supplementary technical training if aiming for roles requiring advanced programming or data science expertise. Therefore, applicants prioritizing technical mastery should either pursue additional coursework or consider this program primarily for building leadership and strategy capabilities in AI contexts.