Harvard HBS

Executive Summary

Harvard Business School has implemented institution-wide changes to integrate AI across curriculum, research, and career development. The school received STEM designation for its MBA program (effective fall 2024) and launched a required AI course for all MBA students. HBS operates the Digital Data Design Institute at Harvard (D^3), a research center with 14 labs focused on AI and digital transformation, and has established partnerships with JPMorgan Chase, Boston Consulting Group, and Microsoft to support AI research.

1. AI Integration into MBA Curriculum

Required Curriculum

• Data Science and AI for Leaders (DSAIL) — Required for all MBA students (Class of 2025+). First "AI-native" core MBA course covering data science fundamentals, generative AI, machine learning, scaling AI systems, and ethical AI governance with daily hands-on AI tool interactions.

STEM Designation

Entire full-time MBA classified as STEM degree (effective Fall 2024), providing 24-month OPT extension for international students.

AI Electives

• Digital Operations — AI-driven digitization of services and supply chains.
• Process Analysis and AI Implementation — AI applications in operations management.
• Product Development with AI Tools — Integrating AI into product development workflows.

AI Case Studies

Notable AI-focused teaching materials include "OpenAI and Microsoft (A): Partnership or Alliance?", "JPMorganChase: Leadership in the Age of GenAI", "Generative AI and the Future of Work", and "'Storrowed': A Generative AI Exercise" (2024).

AI Tutor Bots

Pilot program using AI tutor bots for class preparation, focusing on accounting concepts and case preparation. 88% of prompts focused on concept mastery; Fall 2024 midterm grades similar to or slightly higher than 2023.

Joint Degree Programs

MS/MBA: Engineering Sciences — Joint degree with Harvard SEAS providing AI/ML technical foundation combined with business training over four semesters.

2. Career Placement and AI Job Opportunities

Class of 2024 Key Metrics:

• Technology sector: 16% of placements
• Median base salary: $175,000
• Financial Services: 24% | Consulting: 18% | Health Care: 6%

Employment Context: Nearly 25% of the Class of 2024 was still seeking employment three months post-MBA, contributing to HBS dropping to 13th place in the 2025 Financial Times MBA ranking.

AI-Specific Trends: Tech recruiting includes OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind, Microsoft, and Amazon. Hiring diversifying beyond "Big Tech" to include AI startups. International students benefiting from STEM OPT extension.

3. Centers and Labs

Digital Data Design Institute at Harvard (D^3) (2022). Primary AI research center with 14 labs across 6 communities of practice. Focus: AI-driven digital transformation, generative AI applications, and AI ethics. Hosts Leading with AI annual conference.

Laboratory for Innovation Science at Harvard (LISH). Research on how AI reshapes innovation and decision-making in organizations.

Institute for Business in Global Society (BiGS) - AI & Society Initiative. Focus on AI regulation, governance, and societal implications including economic inequality and displacement.

4. Key Faculty in AI/ML

Research Distinction: HBS faculty led the influential BCG-HBS AI Productivity Study showing consultants using GPT-4 finished 12.2% more tasks, 25.1% faster, with 40%+ higher quality results—while also introducing the "jagged edge" concept showing AI users were 19 percentage points more likely to produce incorrect solutions on tasks outside AI's capabilities.

5. Partnerships

Tech Engagement: Regular speakers from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind, Meta, Amazon, NVIDIA. Annual Tech Club conference (33rd in 2025) focused on AI revolution.

6. AI Programs, Competitions, and Student Clubs

New Venture Competition (NVC)

$315,000 in prizes (2025). AI-related winners:

• Argus Systems (Student Business, $75K): AI model development for physical AI
• Lexi (Social Enterprise, $75K): AI-powered medical interpretation platform

HBS Foundry

AI-powered startup platform (launched Nov 2023) featuring AI clones of entrepreneurs/investors for mentorship. Self-described as "first AI-native entrepreneurship support platform."

Student Clubs

• AI Club: Hands-on AI/ML projects, technical skill development for MBA students
• Tech Club: Annual conference, AI industry speaker series, career networking

Joint Degree Programs

MS/MBA: Engineering Sciences - Joint degree with Harvard SEAS providing AI/ML technical foundation combined with business training. Four semesters over two years.

Cross-Harvard Collaboration

Generative AI Symposium (May 2025) - University-wide event with Faculty of Arts and Sciences and School of Engineering.

7. Competitive Context

MBA Program Rankings (2024-2025)

• Fortune (2025): 1st place
• QS Global MBA (2026): 2nd place
• U.S. News (2025): 6th place
• Financial Times (2025): 13th place (lowest in history, due to employment challenges)

Key Strengths

1. Institutional Commitment: STEM designation and required AI course demonstrate institution-wide commitment
2. Research Infrastructure: D^3 Institute with 14 labs and major corporate partnerships
3. Practical Integration: AI-native courses, AI tutor bots, and Foundry platform
4. Corporate Access: JPMorgan Chase, BCG, Microsoft partnerships provide real-world examples
5. Entrepreneurship: NVC competition and AI-powered Foundry platform support AI startups
6. Ethical Focus: BiGS Institute ensures responsible AI is part of curriculum

8. Sources

1. MBA Program
2. D^3 Institute
3. Employment Data
4. New Venture Competition
5. AI Club
6. DSAIL Course
7. Technology & Operations Management Curriculum
8. Leading with AI Conference
9. Laboratory for Innovation Science at Harvard
10. BiGS AI & Society Initiative
11. BCG-HBS AI Productivity Study
12. MS/MBA Engineering Sciences
13. Generative AI Symposium
14. Tech Club Conference
15. HBS Foundry