Northern Kentucky University Reimagines MBA for the Future of Work

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky., Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Northern Kentucky University (NKU), in partnership with education technology company Risepoint, is launching a reimagined Master of Business Administration designed to meet the changing demands of the workplace as artificial intelligence and automation reshape how businesses operate and the skills employers need.

Launching in Fall 2026, the redesigned fully online MBA brings together interdisciplinary business education, AI-enabled learning and real-world experiences with an intentional focus on the human skills that remain critical in an increasingly technology-driven workplace. Developed by faculty across NKU's Haile College of Business, the program represents a comprehensive redesign of the MBA experience.

The program comes as the Greater Cincinnati region continues to grow as a major center for business and industry. With a workforce of approximately 1.2 million people across three states, the region is home to employers navigating many of the trends the new MBA was designed to address, from emerging technologies and new ways of working, to the need for leaders who can make decisions in increasingly complex environments.

"Business education must evolve alongside the workplace it serves. We reimagined the Haile MBA to prepare professionals not simply to respond to change, but to lead through it," said Dr. Abdullah Al-Bahrani, Associate Dean for Graduate Programs at Northern Kentucky University. "We reimagined this program around the critical skills professionals need to lead in today's workplace. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how to use AI and data effectively while strengthening the critical thinking, adaptability, storytelling, and emotional intelligence employers increasingly value. Just as importantly, students will have opportunities to put those skills into practice, so they leave NKU prepared with both the business knowledge and human skills needed to lead through change."

At the center of the redesigned curriculum is a focus on four capabilities the Haile MBA at NKU has identified as essential for modern business leaders: critical thinking, agility, storytelling and emotional intelligence. Students begin with three foundational courses focused on thinking critically, working with people, and building agility and resilience before moving into an interdisciplinary business core.

Rather than teaching business disciplines solely in isolation, the core connects areas including marketing and economics, accounting and finance, organizational behavior, ethics and law, and analytics and supply chain. AI is incorporated throughout the learning experience, helping students understand how to use emerging tools while developing the judgment needed to determine when and how to apply them effectively.

Experiential learning is also embedded throughout the program and culminates in a project-based capstone where students work with real companies on business challenges, develop strategies, and present their ideas through a pitch competition with faculty and alumni serving as mentors and judges.

The program is delivered through seven-week courses, providing greater flexibility and a more cohesive experience for working professionals. Students can also tailor their MBA to their career goals through concentrations in Finance, Human Resources, Leadership and Project Management, or pursue the General MBA.

Through its partnership with Risepoint, NKU is expanding access to the reimagined MBA for working professionals seeking a flexible path to advance their education and careers.

"Employers are looking for individuals who can do more than just understand new technology. They need professionals who can use it thoughtfully, make sound decisions, communicate effectively and lead through change," said Fernando Bleichmar, CEO of Risepoint. "NKU has built those compelling lessons directly into the MBA experience while creating a flexible pathway for working adults to develop skills they can apply throughout their careers. We are proud to support NKU in bringing this reimagined program to more learners."

The first session of NKU's reimagined online MBA begins in Fall 2026. Prospective students can learn more and apply here.

About Northern Kentucky University

NKU is an entrepreneurial state university of more than 15,000 students on a thriving suburban campus nestled between Highland Heights, Kentucky, and bustling downtown Cincinnati. Ranked in the top 65 out of nearly 600 universities nationwide by The Wall Street Journal for exceptional value, we are a regionally engaged university committed to delivering an innovative, student-centered education. We empower our graduates to have fulfilling careers and meaningful lives, while contributing to the economic, civic and social vitality of the region. Learn more at nku.edu.

About Risepoint

Risepoint is a global education technology company that helps regional universities launch and grow online programs for modern learners. Risepoint supports more than 100 universities and colleges across five countries, with programs concentrated in high-demand fields including nursing, healthcare, teaching, business, technology, and public service. Our suite of products and services supports the full student journey and each university's long-term goals. Together, we increase access to affordable education that delivers a strong return on investment for learners and meets employer and community needs. Learn more at risepoint.com.

SOURCE Risepoint, LLC