Lead the Future of AI Innovation

Advancing artificial intelligence takes more than technical skill. It calls for thoughtful research and a clear understanding of how intelligent systems affect people and organizations. The online PhD in Artificial Intelligence at University of the Cumberlands is designed for professionals who want to deepen their expertise and contribute to the development and responsible use of AI technologies across industries.

Through hands-on projects and AI research, you’ll connect theory with practical applications in machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, reinforcement learning, and data engineering. Coursework in responsible AI challenges you to examine ethical considerations alongside technical capabilities, bringing questions of trust and explainability into your approach to solving complex problems. You’ll develop your ability to critically evaluate AI research and assess the strengths, limitations, and implications of AI approaches when addressing challenges in your field.

For professionals comparing AI PhD programs, Cumberlands offers a flexible online format that supports continued education alongside career commitments. Pursue your online PhD in AI while developing the technical knowledge and research experience to investigate challenges in your field and advance your professional goals.

Anchor: Stats

By the Numbers

$140,910

Average Salary

26%

Industry Growth

100%

Committed to Students

30

Max Class Size
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

Online Doctorate in Artificial Intelligence

Every industry is being reshaped by artificial intelligence, and the need for skilled leaders in the field is only growing. Gain a competitive edge with a Doctorate in Artificial Intelligence that focuses on ethical innovation, advanced research, and real-world application. This 100% online PhD program is designed for professionals who want a practical and theoretical understanding of artificial intelligence through a hands-on approach that includes working on major end-to-end projects, research assignments, and exercises.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Artificial Intelligence at the University of the Cumberlands in its School of Computer and Information Sciences provides a practical and theoretical understanding of artificial intelligence through a hands-on and research-based approach that includes working on major end-to-end projects, research assignments, and exercises. It is designed to equip students with the advanced expertise needed for professional roles such as AI Research Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, Chief AI Officer, Data Science Director, AI Ethics Consultant, and AI Policy Advisor. The program fosters critical thinking, innovation, and problem-solving skills. Graduates will be well-prepared to lead and drive advancements in artificial intelligence, shaping the future of AI across diverse industries.

Course Requirements

Anchor: Mission & Goals

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.

Design intelligent systems that solve real-world problems.
Conduct AI research using advanced data and computational tools.
Build responsible AI that values ethics, transparency, and fairness.
Apply classroom knowledge in professional settings through internships.
Lead AI strategy and development across industries and organizations.
Anchor: Career Outcomes

Artificial Intelligence Careers & Outcomes

*All statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and 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. 

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts

Learn more about the professors you will interact with in the Department of Artificial Intelligence. 

Dr. Lola Longe

Dr. Lola Longe

Adjunct Professor
School of Computer Information Sciences

Dr. Lola Longe

Contact Information

temilola.longe [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Dr. Refaat Shulaiba

Dr. Refaat Shulaiba

Adjunct Professor
School of Computer Information Sciences

Dr. Refaat Shulaiba

Contact Information

refaat.shulaiba [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Dr. Christian Youngblood

Dr. Christian Youngblood

Associate Professor
School of Computer Information Sciences

Dr. Christian Youngblood

Contact Information

christian.youngblood [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote

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