WorldQuant University (WQU) has launched its Master of Science in Strategic AI and Innovation, the institution’s second degree offering and latest expansion of free, online, global education. Applications are now open for classes that start on Oct. 13, 2026.

The 30-credit-hour program, accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), will cater to professionals who need to understand and apply artificial intelligence in strategic decision making. No prior AI or coding experience is required.

“Organizations need people who can take AI output, understand its limits, and apply it to navigate real risk,” WorldQuant University CEO John Endrud said. “This program helps fill an urgent need in a rapidly changing economy.”

WorldQuant University launched its first degree program, the Master of Science in Financial Engineering, in 2016. Three professional certificate programs followed. Since its founding, WorldQuant University has served more than 34,000 learners in over 150 countries without charging tuition or fees.

“Making education accessible is not a marketing trend for us, it is our mission,” Endrud added. “A more resilient future depends on more people having the skills we teach. If access to this kind of education depends on your income or geography, the benefits reaped from AI will not be shared broadly.”

The new graduate program’s interdisciplinary approach will bring together students from both technical and nontechnical backgrounds, allowing collaboration across industries, cultures, and geographic distances. Hands-on projects will combine applied AI, data analysis, systems thinking, strategic decision making, governance, and organizational implementation.

“We designed this degree program for people the world needs most right now: those who can harness AI to navigate complex systems, assess interconnected risks, and lead through disruption with confidence and integrity,” WorldQuant University Academic Dean Gabriella Maiello, PhD, said. “Most AI programs mainly teach people to build models. We teach people to go beyond just that and actually make strategic and ethical decisions with them.”

The curriculum consists of 10 courses. The first five courses comprise WorldQuant University’s Graduate Certificate in Applied AI Fundamentals. Every course is designed around a real problem. Learners use data and AI to weigh tradeoffs, model risk and design adaptation and mitigation strategies in climate, public health, energy, agriculture, supply chains and urban mobility. This credential, launched in July 2026, can stand alone or serve as a gateway to the remainder of the master’s program.

To earn the degree, students must complete the certificate and five additional courses. Course 10 is a Capstone, a hands-on project that combines all previous instruction.

For more information, visit http://wqu.edu/msc-strategic-ai-and-innovation.

About WorldQuant University:

WorldQuant University is a not-for-profit institution dedicated to the belief that talent is equally distributed globally, but opportunity is not. Offering free, online education in advanced technical and quantitative fields, WQU empowers students in over 150 countries with industry-driven curricula and expert faculty to develop in-demand future-ready skills. Accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, WQU is committed to making quality education accessible worldwide. Learn more at www.wqu.edu.

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