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.
By the Numbers
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
- 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
- ITS 833 - Information Governance
- ITS 834 - Emerging Threats and Countermeasures
- ITS 836 - Data Science and Big Data Analytics
- 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.
- 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.
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 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.
Common Questions
A 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 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 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. The program typically includes advanced coursework, comprehensive examinations, original research, and the completion and defense of a doctoral dissertation.
Yes, many universities offer Ph.D. programs in Artificial Intelligence online. These programs are designed to accommodate working professionals and offer flexibility in completing coursework and research requirements remotely.
A 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.
A 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 a 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.
A 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, the degree opens doors to senior-level roles, higher earning potential, academic careers, and positions of authority in AI research, strategy, ethics, and policy.
Faculty Experts
Learn more about the professors you will interact with in the Department of Artificial Intelligence.
Dr. Lola Longe
Dr. Refaat Shulaiba
Dr. Christian Youngblood
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