Washington University in St. Louis’s Olin Business School announced three new specialized master’s degrees launching fall 2026—AI for Business, Sports Business, and Wealth Management—citing employer demand and faculty momentum. Olin framed the programs as accelerated, industry‑aligned credentials targeting early‑career professionals seeking practical, credentialed skills rather than full MBAs. Program designers said courses will be custom-built and co‑created with corporate partners; the AI degree emphasizes applied toolkits and employer partnerships, while the sports and wealth programs include internships and industry placements. The move signals continued fragmentation in graduate business education, where shorter, targeted credentials are gaining traction. Educators and career‑services leaders should track placement outcomes, employer partnerships and curricular agility as the sector tests whether specialized, one‑year credentials will scale sustainably across research universities.