MADS program launches new AI and Data Analytics concentrations

Students in the University of Michigan School of Information’s online Master of Applied Data Science program now have the option to pursue two concentrations: Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics. Both are designed to offer a competitive edge as they build their careers. 

“If AI is a future that many people are excited about and moving toward, data analytics is the big present,” says Christopher Brooks, incoming director of the MADS program and associate professor of information. “I would say the vast majority of jobs right now need the skills developed in these two concentrations.”

The new concentrations are part of a broader update to the MADS degree structure. Students admitted in fall 2025 and beyond will choose four electives instead of two, thanks to a shift that reclassifies two previously required courses as electives. The new structure gives students greater flexibility to pursue specialized interests within data science, without increasing the total number of credits required for the degree.

These first two MADS concentrations were developed based on input from students. Each consists of four electives chosen from a list of approved courses. Opting into a concentration is simple: Students can complete the relevant electives and submit an intent form at any point before they graduate.

The AI concentration covers emerging AI methods and advanced machine learning, with courses including Generative AI in Business and Society, Reinforcement Learning, Applications of Generative AI, and Health Analytics. 

Brooks says a key differentiator of the concentration is its emphasis on the real-world impact of AI in society and business. Many AI specializations offered in similar degree programs focus on the theories behind large language models. “That’s not what we do in this concentration,” he says. “It’s really about the application of AI.” 

The Data Analytics concentration focuses on exploratory data analysis, communication and advanced visualization. Courses include Business SQL, Cloud Computing, Presenting Uncertainty and Information Visualization II. Future electives may cover topics like analytics dashboards and advanced visualization. 

Students who complete a concentration will receive a notation on their unofficial transcript, as well as a registrar-issued letter of support if requested for professional reasons. In addition to telling employers that a graduate is interested in AI or data analytics, Brooks says, the concentrations are designed to equip graduates with the skills to show it.

While concentrations are an exciting opportunity to specialize in high-demand areas, Brooks makes it clear that the MADS degree is already robust in its own right. 

“The degree very much stands on its own. You don't have to choose a concentration path, and we have excellent applied courses that aren't in either concentration, including pathways such as sports analytics and learning analytics.” 

He adds that plans are underway to explore more concentrations in the future. “Those will be based not only on our faculty’s expertise,” Brooks says, “but also the demand from students — their values and their interests.” 

Learn more about the new concentrations in AI and Data Analytics — see "Concentrations."