AI in business master's degree gave Melisa Hasan confidence to pursue her dream career

The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence in Business (MS-AIB) is designed not only for business students looking to gain more technical skills, but for those from other fields who want to learn how AI can be used in business decisions. As an undergrad, Melisa Hasan (MS-AIB '25) studied computer science and mathematics, but she wanted to broaden her skills and perspective with a business graduate degree.

The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence in Business (MS-AIB) from ASU's W. P. Carey School of Business is a first-of-its-kind graduate program that sits at the crossroads of technology and business.

The MS-AIB is designed not only for business students looking to add more technical skills to their repertoire, but for those from other fields who want to learn how tools like artificial intelligence can be used mindfully to make smarter business decisions.

During her undergraduate studies at ASU, Melisa Hasan (MS-AIB '25) focused on the technical fields of computer science and mathematics, but wanted to broaden her skills and perspective with a graduate degree. When she discovered the newly launched MS-AIB program, she knew it was what she was looking for. "The program not only built my technical skills but also helped me develop strong personal connections," she says.

W. P. Carey News spoke to Hasan about her choice to pursue a graduate business degree, how the MS-AIB program aligns with her career goals, and the community she's found at W. P. Carey.

Why W. P. Carey?

Hasan was already familiar with ASU, as she had graduated with a bachelor's in computational mathematical sciences from the school in 2024. She knew she wanted to pursue a master's degree and continue her studies within the realm of technology and data.

The MS-AIB at W. P. Carey caught her interest right away. "I’ve always been passionate about technology, and this program seemed like a compelling opportunity to deepen that interest while also exploring a potential career pivot," Hasan says.

Hasan found the MS-AIB curriculum to be the perfect balance between technical skill development and opportunities for discussion and connection with classmates and faculty. She says the program helped her boost her confidence and feel more prepared for her future career.

"All of the projects had a meaningful impact," Hasan says. "They gave me the chance to build confidence in myself and recognize what I’m capable of learning and achieving. I discovered how adaptable I am, and I proved to myself that I could succeed regardless of the challenges or circumstances."

Having in-class discussions, as well as chances to bond outside of the classroom, helped Hasan form deep connections with members of her cohort. "I’ve made amazing friends and built a supportive network that I know I can lean on professionally. More importantly, it boosted my self-confidence and prepared me to tackle any challenge that might come my way."

Why AI in business?

Hasan's undergraduate studies in computational math show her strong interest in data and the ways it can be used to solve problems and drive decision-making. When exploring master's programs, she was captivated by the MS-AIB and its innovative curriculum combining technology and business.

"I saw it as a valuable stepping stone toward transitioning into data analytics and data science — fields that truly excite me," she says.

Being in the MS-AIB program not only gave Hasan valuable skills and knowledge in the world of artificial intelligence and machine learning, but it also gave her a glimpse into the business world, which she was less familiar with. "I am a lot more interested in business and how things operate than I thought I would be," she says.

Hasan now sees a potential career path in combining her interest and background in data analytics and computer science with her new knowledge and experience in business. "I hope to have a couple of successful businesses that value their employees," she says.

What's next?

The W. P. Carey Career Services Center offers dynamic career coaching and a host of resources to help W. P. Carey students navigate what’s next. Hasan took advantage of many of these tools while in the program, including resume assistance and networking events.

She encourages current and future students to take advantage of professional development opportunities at W. P. Carey, as well as the community that the school nurtures among its students.

"I really appreciated how W. P. Carey created opportunities for community-building," Hasan says. "Through group outings and events, I was able to connect with my cohort in ways I probably wouldn’t have initiated on my own. Those experiences made the journey more meaningful and reminded me that growth happens inside and outside the classroom."

Her final piece of advice is simple, but effective: "Ask questions, no matter how small or trivial they may seem."