Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence Program Guide

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Considering a Ph.D. in artificial intelligence (AI)? You’re not alone. With AI revolutionizing everything from healthcare to finance, the demand for advanced AI expertise has never been higher.

In this guide, we’ll dive into what a Ph.D. in AI offers students, the job market for graduates, and how to determine whether this degree is the right fit for you.

AI is a broad field, encompassing everything from speech recognition to problem-solving. Machine learning is a subset of AI that specifically focuses on teaching computers to learn from data.

Both a Ph.D. in AI and a Ph.D. in machine learning offer promising opportunities. The choice between the two depends on your career goals and interests. If you’re interested in developing a broader understanding of AI, a Ph.D. in AI may be a better fit. If you’re more interested in the use of algorithms and statistical models, a Ph.D. in machine learning might be the way to go.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

With a Ph.D. in artificial intelligence, you can explore a variety of diverse and fulfilling career paths across tech, business, and academia.

The types of roles available for professionals with a doctorate in AI reflect the growing importance of AI. Industries with the highest demand include technology companies, automotive manufacturers, and the healthcare, finance, and defense sectors. AI positions are competitive and command high salaries, many of them averaging over $100,000 per year. According to Payscale, graduates with a Ph.D. in artificial intelligence have an average salary of $115,000 as of June 2024.

The demand for skilled professionals in these areas is expected to continue rising as AI technologies become even more integrated into people’s daily lives and business processes.

Programs often include courses such as machine learning, natural language processing, and ethical AI, as well as interdisciplinary electives from related fields such as computer science, engineering, and mathematics.

In addition to coursework, programs may have research rotations in various labs to help you identify a dissertation mentor and project. Most Ph.D. programs require you to complete original research in AI and write a dissertation about it.

Artificial intelligence programs cover a wide range of subjects. Here are some of the core subjects you’ll encounter:

This course covers both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of machine learning. Specific topics typically include statistical learning theory, optimization algorithms, Bayesian learning, advanced deep learning techniques, dimensionality reduction, generative models, and reinforcement learning.

In this course, students learn to capture new forms of digital data and apply computational analysis techniques from data science and AI. Students are expected to master analytical techniques such as descriptive analytics, diagnostic analytics, predictive analytics, and prescriptive analytics.

In robotics, you’ll focus on actuation, manipulation, dynamics, control, social and ethical issues, and human-robot interaction. You’ll also explore specialized areas like marine robotics, agricultural robotics, soft robotics, healthcare robotics, social interaction robotics, and advanced manufacturing.

Computer vision is an interdisciplinary field that incorporates concepts such as machine learning, neural networks, deep learning, and object detection. Students can expect to conduct advanced research and study in technologies and algorithms that enable machines to interpret and understand visual data.

Cognitive computing uses computerized models to simulate human thought processes. This course can be particularly useful to prepare you to work in industries like healthcare, banking, finance, and retail.

Let’s walk through the prerequisites, the costs associated, and the funding opportunities available for prospective Ph.D. in AI students.

To apply for a Ph.D. in AI, you’ll need the following:

The cost of a Ph.D. in AI varies greatly depending on the university and the program. On average, graduate students pay between $20,000 and $45,000 per year in tuition fees, but many universities offer tuition waivers or assistantships to Ph.D. students, which can cover some or all of the tuition costs in exchange for teaching or research duties.

There are several funding opportunities available for students pursuing a Ph.D. in AI. Availability can depend on where you live and the schools you apply for, but in general, you can start by looking at the fellowships, scholarships, and assistantships offered by the school and program. You can also research government grants and scholarships, such as the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

The tech industry has its own pool of fellowships to choose from, such as the Google Ph.D. Fellowship, the Microsoft Research Ph.D. Fellowship, and the Facebook Fellowship Program. If you plan to work while studying, check with your employers to see if they will fund all or part of the tuition. Always keep track of deadlines and apply for as many opportunities as possible.