UVA Darden
Executive Summary
UVA Darden launched the LaCross Institute for Ethical Artificial Intelligence in Business (September 2024) funded by a $101 million gift—the largest in Darden history. The school introduced a new MBA concentration in AI, Data Analytics and Decision Sciences (April 2025) with 25+ courses, partnered with OpenAI for ChatGPT EDU access (February 2025), and implemented explicit AI usage permissions in core Strategy courses (Fall 2025). Darden positions itself uniquely on ethical AI through stakeholder theory integration.
1. AI Integration into MBA Curriculum
AI, Data Analytics and Decision Sciences Concentration (Launched April 2025)
6+ courses from 25 available. Students explicitly permitted to use ChatGPT, Claude, CoPilot for coursework and exams (Fall 2025). OpenAI ChatGPT EDU partnership (February 2025).
Core Curriculum
- Decision Analysis — Data-driven decision making. Yael Grushka-Cockayne.
AI Electives
- Data Science in Business — Applied data science for business problems.
- Data Analysis & Optimization — Quantitative methods and optimization.
- Coding for MBAs in the Age of AI — Programming skills with AI tools.
- Artificial Intelligence in Business: Machines and Management — AI implementation in organizations.
- AI Here and Now: Managing Through Hype and Reality — Practical AI applications and limitations.
- Marketing Analytics — AI-driven marketing insights.
- Minds and Machines: Flourishing in Age of AI — Philosophical and practical AI considerations.
- Move Fast but Without Bias: Ethical AI Development in Start-up Culture — Ethical AI in startups.
Joint Degree Programs
- MS in Business Analytics (MSBA) — Partnership with UVA McIntire, 12-month program.
- MSDS/MBA — Joint program with UVA School of Data Science.
2. Career Placement
Class of 2024:
- Tied #1 "employed at graduation" rate among public U.S. business schools (with UC Berkeley)
- Median compensation: $175,000 (record high for Darden)
- 90% of job-seeking graduates accepted offers within three months
Tech Hiring: Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Dell Technologies listed as top employers. DC Tech Connect program provides site visits to Amazon and Microsoft DC Metro headquarters. Career support includes dedicated Tech Career Journeys track.
3. Centers and Labs
LaCross Institute for Ethical AI in Business (2024) - $101M gift focuses on ethical AI development, AI governance, labor market impacts, and stakeholder-centered decision-making. Academic co-directors: Profs. Yael Grushka-Cockayne and Raj Venkatesan.
Batten Institute for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology - i.Lab Incubator supports AI startups; Google AI Sprint (2024) engaged 30+ students.
4. Key Faculty in AI/ML
| Faculty | Primary Focus | Notable |
|---|---|---|
| Yael Grushka-Cockayne | Data science, forecasting, behavioral decision-making | Senior Associate Dean MBA, LaCross Institute Co-Director, Special Advisor to Provost on AI; Harvard Online course (350K+ enrolled) |
| Rajkumar Venkatesan | AI in marketing, customer analytics | LaCross Institute Co-Director; Author "The AI Marketing Canvas" (Stanford Press, 2021, Bronze Medal Axiom Awards) |
| Anton Korinek | Economics of transformative AI, labor markets, AGI transition | TIME100 AI (2025), Anthropic Economic Advisory Council, G7 Expert Panel; NBER Research Associate |
| Michael Albert | Machine learning, algorithmic market design | Published AAAI, IJCAI; Postdoc with Peter Stone (UT Austin) |
| Luca Cian | AI ethics, consumer behavior | Co-author "Building Stakeholder Trust In AI" whitepaper (2024) |
| Michael Lenox | Digital strategy | Batten Institute Director; Co-host "Good Disruption" podcast on AI |
Research Distinction: Darden faculty emphasize ethical AI implementation through stakeholder theory framework. Prof. Korinek recognized internationally for AI economics research (TIME100 AI, G7 advisor). Extensive case library on AI applications including automated hiring, fintech fairness, and ethical development in startups.
5. Partnerships
| Partner | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| OpenAI | Technology | ChatGPT EDU access (Feb 2025); among first business schools with institutional partnership |
| Amazon | Recruiting/Industry | Top hiring company; DC Tech Connect HQ visits |
| Microsoft | Recruiting/Industry | DC Tech Connect HQ visits; active campus recruiting |
| Recruiting/Industry | Google AI Sprint (2024, 30+ students); active alumni network | |
| UVA School of Data Science | Academic | Joint MSDS/MBA program; shared faculty appointments |
6. AI Programs, Competitions, and Clubs
Student Organizations:
- Generative AI Club: Educational growth, resource accessibility, networking; hosts AI Conference with Technology Club
- Technology Club: DC Tech Connect Conference participation, industry networking
- FinTech Club: AI/ML applications in finance
Entrepreneurship Support:
- i.Lab Incubator: Support for AI startups (e.g., Hardshell—data security for AI systems, Class of 2026)
- Batten Founder Fellows: Grant funding for MBA ventures including AI/tech startups
- LaCross AI Fellowship: Research projects in ethical AI with practitioner significance
Key Programs:
- Google AI Sprint (2024): 2-week sprint using Google AI suite across industries
- "Good Disruption" Podcast: Regular AI episodes (co-hosted Profs. Grushka-Cockayne, Lenox)
7. Competitive Context
Rankings:
- #1 public business school overall (U.S. News 2025, tied with UC Berkeley)
- First top-ranked school to publish Class of 2024 employment data
Key Strengths:
- Largest AI-specific endowment: $101M LaCross Institute gift (largest in Darden history)
- Ethical AI focus: Unique stakeholder theory integration in AI curriculum
- Permissive AI policy: Explicit encouragement of AI tool use in core courses including exams
- Distinguished faculty: Prof. Korinek (TIME100 AI 2025, Anthropic advisor)
- OpenAI partnership: Early institutional ChatGPT EDU adopter
- Cross-university coordination: LaCross Institute coordinates AI across all UVA schools
Competitive Landscape: AACSB (Nov 2025) cited Darden alongside Chicago Booth, Michigan Ross for comprehensive AI programs. Approximately 55 MBA programs launched AI offerings 2024-2025; Darden differentiates through ethics-first positioning and stakeholder framework.
8. Sources
- LaCross Institute for Ethical AI in Business
- UVA Darden Expands MBA Program Emphasis on AI, Data Analytics & Decision Sciences
- UVA Darden Pioneers AI-Powered Business Education with OpenAI Partnership
- UVA Darden Goes All-In on Use of Generative AI in Core Strategy Course
- Employment Report - Class of 2024
- Anton Korinek Faculty Profile
- AACSB - Beyond STEM: Making Leadership Irreplaceably Human