Ph.D. in AI: Is It Worth It?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) experts build the machine learning tools that are paving the way into the future. While AI presents many technological, economic, and ethical challenges, smart tools are here to stay, and the field is only going to get bigger.

Earning a Ph.D. in AI can position you to teach, lead, conduct research, or build exciting new technologies that could change the face of healthcare, banking, logistics, transportation, or national defense. Use the guide below to learn more about getting your doctorate in AI, including the schools you can attend and the professions you can pursue after graduation.

What Is a Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence?

A doctoral program focusing on artificial intelligence research. Students complete courses and research into areas that often include computer science, philosophy, engineering, linguistics, psychology, and other disciplines. These programs prepare them for careers in industry, government, and academia.

Is Getting a Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence Worth It?

Many Ph.D.s don't do it for the money. A Ph.D. makes it possible for you to make an impact in your field. But suppose job stability, high earning potential, and job variety are also important to you. In that case, a doctorate in AI may be worth the investment:

• The World Economic Forum predicts AI could create 97 million jobs by 2025, increasing job availability and driving up demand for skilled workers.
• AI-related roles for Ph.D.s pay an average salary of $115,000 and up to $279,000, according to limited 2024 Payscale data.
• There's a huge variety of industries to work in. This includes tech and non-tech fields, such as data science, software engineering, retail, education, and finance.

However, some experts believe job competition may increase as AI and machine learning become more popular. The number of jobs might even shrink if machine learning doesn't progress as fast as expected, according to 80,000 Hours, a London-based nonprofit that provides advice for careers with a positive social impact.

What Can You Do With a Ph.D. in AI?

The advanced skill set that comes with a doctorate in AI prepares you for careers in academia, research, and various industries. Some examples of job roles in AI include:

• AI Researcher: Develops new algorithms and models to improve the performance and capabilities of AI systems.
• AI Engineer: Designs and implements AI systems and applications, including computer vision, machine learning models, and natural language processing.
• Data Scientist: Uses statistical and computational methods to analyze and interpret complex data sets that can train and optimize AI models.
• Machine Learning Engineer: Develops and deploys machine learning models and optimizes them for performance and scalability.
• AI Ethics Specialist: Ensures AI systems meet ethical standards while identifying and mitigating potential biases and risks.

Which Universities Offer Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence?

At least 33 U.S. colleges and universities have doctorates in AI or AI-related subjects, according to an IDP Education database.

These include Carnegie Mellon University, which created the world's first machine learning department, and Purdue University's oldest existing computer science department.

• Capitol Technology University's artificial intelligence Ph.D. program explores the principles of autonomous systems and how computers' decision-making processes mirror the human brain. The program is available online and in person.
• Georgia Tech University's machine learning Ph.D. program admits 25-30 students annually. The multidisciplinary program involves mathematical foundations, data models, statistics, applied probability and other areas.
• George Washington University's online doctor of engineering in artificial intelligence and machine learning emphasizes hands-on research for solving real-world problems. The program requires synchronous learning experiences on Saturday mornings.
• Harvard University's Ph.D. in artificial intelligence in medicine equips students to accelerate precision medicine and improve health equity and outcomes by building new AI tools using mass-scale biomedical data.
• Oregon State University's Ph.D. in artificial intelligence takes an electrical engineering and computer science approach. One doctoral student's research involved developing reasoning for autonomous systems that account for social and ethical obligations.

Is a Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence Difficult?

Any doctorate is tough. People with strong backgrounds in computer science, mathematics, and statistics will have an easier time. But don't expect it to be easy.

How Many Years Does It Take to Get a Ph.D. in AI?

A Ph.D. in AI program can take between 4-7 years. The first two years are often lectures, and the rest is research.

• Most of the time is spent programming, calculating, and reading papers.
• Program requirements vary. For example, some require 40 hours of graduate coursework, six hours of dissertation credit, a comprehensive exam, and a dissertation.
• A dissertation is a deep analysis of a particular topic or a series of papers on relevant topics, which you write and defend.

More Questions About Doctorates in Artificial Intelligence

Can I get a Ph.D. in artificial intelligence?

Yes, you can get a Ph.D. or an applied doctorate of engineering in artificial intelligence, provided you meet the admissions requirements and complete the coursework and research component. Alternatively, you can pursue a doctorate in computer science with a concentration in artificial intelligence.

How much money does a Ph.D. in AI make?

Most Ph.D. programs in AI are newcomers to higher education, making it difficult for researchers to determine just how much graduates can earn. However, in 2023, the BLS found that computer science researchers earned a median annual salary of $145,080.

How much does it cost to get a Ph.D. in artificial intelligence?

The NCES reports that a doctorate in math, engineering, or computer science costs an average of $25,286 per year. This figure is a national average, so individual university's prices could vary widely.

Can I get into AI without a Ph.D.?

Absolutely. You can get into AI without a Ph.D. — a doctorate primarily prepares you for research, leadership, or teaching posts, but those are not your only options in AI. You can pursue one of many AI or machine learning positions after completing a bootcamp, bachelor's degree, or master's degree in the field.

Page last reviewed April 22, 2024.