Advance leadership in artificial intelligence innovation.
This executive hybrid Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence is designed for working professionals prepared to lead the development and responsible use of AI technologies across industries. The program combines advanced research with applied, hands-on learning, building deep expertise in machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, reinforcement learning, and data engineering.
Structured in a flexible hybrid format, the program allows executives and senior professionals to balance doctoral study with professional responsibilities while engaging in rigorous research and real-world problem solving. This Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence delivers the technical depth, scholarly foundation, and leadership focus required to drive innovation and informed decision-making in complex organizations.
For professionals seeking a comprehensive, executive-focused, and flexible Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence, this hybrid program is designed to align with demanding careers and long-term leadership goals.
By the Numbers
Programs & Requirements
Doctorate in Artificial Intelligence
The executive Doctor of Philosophy in Artificial Intelligence at the University of the Cumberlands, offered through the School of Computer and Information Sciences, delivers a comprehensive, research-based foundation in artificial intelligence while supporting the needs of working professionals through a flexible hybrid format. Students develop advanced expertise in AI systems and intelligent technologies while strengthening critical thinking, innovation, and problem-solving skills.
This executive doctoral program prepares graduates for senior-level and leadership roles such as AI Research Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, Chief AI Officer, Data Science Director, AI Ethics Consultant, and AI Policy Advisor. Graduates are equipped to lead AI initiatives, guide responsible adoption, and drive meaningful advancements in artificial intelligence across diverse industries.
The hybrid format executive PhD in Artificial Intelligence program is a variation of our fully online program. It includes a residency component, ideal for working professionals who want a program that fits their busy schedules but isn't completely online. The hybrid format of the doctoral degree in artificial intelligence also works well for international students with visas who have a CPT/OPT component to their degree. The executive PhD in Artificial Intelligence program includes one mandatory residency weekend per semester, followed by 60 credit hours of advanced leadership and practical technical strategies in everything from information governance to emerging threats and their countermeasures.
Course Requirements
- PhDAI 730 - Statistics for AI
- PhDAI 731 - Analytical Methods for Machine Learning
- PhDAI 732 - Fundamentals of AI-Enabled Systems
- PhDAI 733 - Python Application for Data Analytics in AI
- PhDAI 830 - Applied Machine Intelligence and Reinforcement Learning
- PhDAI 831 - Deep Learning and Natural Language Processing
- PhDAI 832 - Ethics in Responsible AI
- PhDAI 833 - Data Engineering for AI
- PhDAI 834 - Trustworthy and Explainable AI
- DSRT 734 - Inferential Statistics in Decision-making
- DSRT 736 - Dissertation Seminar
- DSRT 834 - Advanced Statistical Applications
- DSRT 837 - Professional Writing and Proposal Development
- DSRT 839 - Advanced Research Methods
- DSRT 850 - Qualitative Research Methods
- DSRT 930 - Dissertation
- DSRT 931 - Dissertation*
* If the dissertation is not completed at the end of DSRT 931, the candidate repeats DSRT 931 as needed, for three (3) credit hours each term, until the dissertation is completed and successfully defended.
- ITS 833 - Information Governance
- ITS 834 - Emerging Threats and Countermeasures
- ITS 836 - Data Science and Big Data Analytics
OR
- INTR 799 - Applied Learning Practicum (Executive format students)*
- INTR 899 - Applied Learning Practicum, Dissertation Phase (Executive format students)*
* For Executive format students, the applied learning component (internship/practicum) is an integral and essential part of the established curriculum. Due to the applied learning component required for the degree program, Executive format students must enroll in INTR every term of enrollment. In addition to the required course enrollment, successful completion of three (3) hours of INTR 799/INTR 899 may replace one of the PhDIT electives, ITS 833, ITS 834, or ITS 836 with approval of the Department Director and/or Chair.
INTR 799/899 - Applied Learning Practicum
For executive format students, the applied learning component (internship/practicum) is established as an integral (essential) part of the established curriculum. Due to the applied learning component required for the degree program, executive format students must enroll in INTR every term of enrollment.
Executive Student Resources
UC's Department of International Graduate Services enjoys providing support resources for our international students. Find tutorials and information regarding offices and policies for the International Graduate Students and programs.
Executive Program Format
Our Executive Programs include hybrid course days designed for international graduate students studying in the U.S., or domestic students seeking a hybrid-format program. We strive to incorporate professional experience and real-world application of course curriculum into our programs to enhance the learning experience. Practical Training is an integral part of program coursework and available to all students. At the University of the Cumberlands our degree programs focus on quality education at an affordable price.
Executive Program students take three (3) courses per semester. The program semester is based on the existing UC semester calendar, with three (3) annual semesters: fall, spring, and summer. Two of the courses each semester focus on the specific program content. Additionally, students will be required to attend an intensive residency weekend as part of their course enrollment each term. The third class includes an Applied Learning Practicum, in which students apply what they are learning in their other two courses to the real world via work or internship experiences.
Residency FAQs
Residency Session dates are determined by the course that you are registered for. It is very important that you make note of the class you registered for, as well as the designated residency weekend for that course as each course will only meet one weekend for the duration of the semester.
Even though we will only be meeting one weekend per semester, we will have the same number of contact hours with you. This will enable the instructors to make residency weekends much more valuable. This change will allow us to have meaningful projects on residency weekends.
You can view your semester schedule in your self-service portal in your Student Profile. Once you log into your MyUC account, click on Academics, then click on Current Schedule. Your schedule details will indicate the date and location of your residency weekend.
You can find information on the residency site locations on our website.
Yes, all three days are mandatory, and requests to arrive late or leave early will not be approved. Should you not be in attendance for the full session, you will be counted absent for the entire session. Please plan travel accordingly!
Attendance to each executive residency class session is mandatory. Students may make up no more than one (1) residency session throughout the duration of their academic program. Missing a second residency will result in the student being dismissed from the university.
A missed session will result in the student attending a make-up session, and paying a $300 residency make-up fee. In addition, the student may be asked for documentation from the program department providing an explanation as to why the scheduled residency session was missed. Make-up sessions must be completed prior to the end of the term. Noncompliance with this policy will result in dismissal from the executive program.
Make-up residency sessions will be held at our campus in Williamsburg, KY. You will be contacted with the time and dates after your absence is reported. There will only be one (1) residency make-up session offered each semester. Failure to attend all days of the makeup session will result in receiving a failing grade for the course, as well as potential dismissal from the University, and SEVIS termination.
If you cannot be in attendance for all three days then you will be counted absent for the entire residency weekend and be required to attend the make-up residency and pay the $300 make-up fee.
The Department of International Graduate Services will contact you via your UC student email as registration for the next term approaches. Please remember that you are required to register for (one) main class, (one) online class, and Applied Learning Practicum each semester in order to maintain your F1 status – late registration will not be accepted and can result in the termination of your student status.
Once you register for a class you will want to make note of the residency weekend that your class is scheduled, as that is the only session for that class that will be scheduled for the semester. You will need to be sure to plan your travel accordingly to ensure that you are in attendance for the full residency session.
Registration is done on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once a course is full, there will not be additional seats added, as we cannot exceed classroom seating capacity; therefore, it is advised that you register for classes as much in advance as possible. As a reminder, students cannot register for future semesters until their current tuition balance is paid in full.
*Please note all times are in local time zone*
Friday
Facility will open at 4:00 p.m.
Saturday
Facility will open at 7:00 a.m.
Sunday
Facility will open at 7:00 a.m.
We ask that you please take note of the above-mentioned times and schedule your travel accordingly.
*These dates have been set; however, if any changes are made, they will be made prior to registration for that semester. Not all dates are available at each residency location.
Fall 2024 (August 26th – December 13th)
- September 27 – 29
- October 4 – 6
- October 11 – 13
- October 18 – 20
- October 25 – 27
- November 1 – 3
- November 8 – 10
- November 15 – 17
- November 22 – 24
Spring 2025 (January 6th – April 30th)
- January 31-February 2
- February 7-9
- February 14-16
- February 21-23
- February 28-March 2
- March 7-9
- March 14-16
- March 21-23
- March 28-30
- April 4-6
- April 11-13
Take the Next Step
Mission & Goals
The mission of the PhD in Artificial Intelligence at Cumberlands is to prepare professionals to drive responsible innovation in AI through advanced research, technical mastery, and strategic decision-making.
Artificial Intelligence Careers & Outcomes
*All statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
AI Research Scientist: $140,910
AI Research Scientist: $140,910
Designs and conducts advanced research to develop new artificial intelligence models and algorithms.
Machine Learning Engineer: $131,450
Machine Learning Engineer: $131,450
Builds, tests, and deploys machine learning systems to solve problems using data.
Chief AI Officer: $206,420
Chief AI Officer: $206,420
Leads the strategic vision and integration of AI tech in all types of businesses.
Data Science Director: $112,590
Data Science Director: $112,590
Leads data-focused teams and projects that help organizations achieve critical objectives.
AI Ethics Consultant: $152,000
AI Ethics Consultant: $152,000
Advises on the responsible design and use of AI that aligns with company goals, ethics, and standards for quality.
AI Policy Advisor: $125,350
AI Policy Advisor: $125,350
Develops guidelines and recommendations that impact public policy or private business practices.
Common Questions
An executive Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a terminal doctoral degree focused on advanced research, innovation, and leadership in the design, development, and ethical application of intelligent systems. The hybrid program prepares scholars and professionals to conduct original research in areas such as machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, natural language processing, computer vision, and responsible AI.
Most executive Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence programs are designed to be completed in three to five years, depending on the student’s academic background, research focus, and dissertation progress. This hybrid program typically includes advanced coursework, comprehensive examinations, original research, and the completion and defense of a doctoral dissertation.
Yes, many institutions offer this degree in a hybrid format, combining online coursework with mandatory in-person residency sessions. This flexible format accommodates the needs of working professionals while providing practical training and networking opportunities.
An executive Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence prepares graduates for advanced leadership, research, and academic roles where deep technical expertise and strategic thinking are required. Common career paths include AI research scientist, machine learning architect, chief AI officer, data science director, AI ethics or governance advisor, and university faculty.
An executive Ph.D. in AI is designed for professionals and scholars who want to move beyond application and into innovation, leadership, and original research. Ideal candidates include individuals with backgrounds in computer science, data science, engineering, information technology, mathematics, or related fields who are motivated to solve complex problems using artificial intelligence.
To earn an executive Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence, students must complete an accredited doctoral program that includes advanced coursework, original research, and a dissertation. Most programs require a relevant master’s degree, strong preparation in computer science, data science, mathematics, or engineering, and a formal application with academic credentials.
An executive Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence is worth it for individuals seeking long-term leadership, influence, and impact in the AI field. While it requires significant time and intellectual investment, this hybrid degree opens doors to senior-level roles, higher earning potential, academic careers, and positions of authority in AI research, strategy, ethics, and policy.
Executive Program Admission Requirements
All students in our executive programs are required to meet a standard set of admissions requirements for graduate students.
Faculty Experts
Learn more about the professors you will interact with in the Department of Information Technology
Dr. Christian Youngblood
Dr. Elyson De La Cruz
Dr. Aashis Luitèl
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