Best Online Doctorates in Artificial Intelligence: Top PhD Programs, Career Paths, and Salary

An online PhD that is related to artificial intelligence (AI), can qualify you for advanced roles in subjects like research, data science, software development, and academia. These programs are rigorous, multi-year commitments that include things like structured research milestones, faculty supervision, and a dissertation or equivalent publication track. These programs are delivered in either fully online or online-hybrid formats, depending on the university.

Can You Get a PhD in Artificial Intelligence Online?

Yes. Today you can find fully online doctorates that are branded as a PhD in Artificial Intelligence (for example, Capitol Technology University) and PhD in Computer Science programs that are delivered 100% online with AI/ML focus areas (for example, National University.

Is an Online PhD Respected?

Credibility depends on institutional accreditation, research activity, and dissertation quality (not the learning modality – online/hybrid/in-person). Two reputable examples of online PhD programs include that ones that we mentioned above: National University and Capitol Technology University.

How to Choose the Right Online AI-Related PhD

Instead of naming one “best” program, we recommend that you compare schools on these five factors:

1. Modality: Fully online vs online-hybrid programs (i.e., involving an in-person component).
2. Credits & Timeline: ~60–100 credits, which often takes  ~3–5+ years to complete depending on your pace and your prior degree.
3. Published Tuition & Fees: Per-credit pricing and mandatory fees will vary between schools. Check the school’s website for the most up-to-date information on program cost.
4. Advisor Fit: Confirm faculty availability in your subfield (NLP, CV, robotics, etc.).
5. Research/Publication Requirements: Traditional dissertation vs publication-based options.

Admissions Requirements (What Most Schools Ask For)

Admissions will vary from school to school, but you’ll typically need: an accredited master’s degree, official transcripts, CV/resume, statement of purpose or research interests, and letters of recommendation. Some schools do not require GRE/GMAT, and several allow limited transfer credits. If this sounds of interest to you, make sure that you check on your prospective university’s website for the most up to date information. 

Online Programs Snapshot (2025)

Use these snapshots for apples-to-apples comparisons. This information is up-to-date as of 2025, but make sure that you always verify these details on each program page before you apply.

Representative Online Programs (2025): Deep Dive

Capitol Technology University — PhD in Artificial Intelligence (Online)

At a glance

• Accreditation: Regionally accredited and the program is listed in Capitol’s catalog and degree page.
• Modality/Residency: Advertised as 100% online; there are no in-person residencies described on the program page.
• Credits & Structure: Minimum of 60 credits with research progression and dissertation requirements.
• Admissions (highlights): Standard doctoral application + program review; see catalog for any specialization/committee details.

What stands out

• Publication/dissertation track: Catalog documents a research/dissertation pathway; some Capitol doctoral programs also allow publication-based options but verify this with an advisor at admission.
• Good for: Students seeking a named “PhD in AI” with a fully online pathway and clear per-credit pricing.

Watch-outs before applying

• Confirm the expected time-to-degree completion and committee/publication expectations with your prospective advisor, since these shape workload more than modality.

National University — PhD in Computer Science (Online) (absorbed the former Northcentral University programs)

At a glance

• Accreditation: National University is regionally accredited; the PhD-CS page details the program and delivery.
• Modality/Residency: 100% online with weekly Monday starts (year-round). No entrance exams listed.
• Credits & Structure: About 60 credits (~20 courses) with options to propose original research and complete replication studies en route to the dissertation.
• Admissions (highlights): $0 application fee; “no essays/exams” language on page; transfer up to 12 credits (confirm current policy and limits).

What stands out

• Asynchronous convenience + frequent starts, which can compress the time from inquiry to enrollment.
• Good for: Applicants who want a fully online PhD-CS with explicit AI/ML coursework in the plan and flexible start dates.

Watch-outs before applying

• Ask admissions to confirm transfer-credit acceptance, time-limit on transferred coursework, and dissertation committee formation timelines.

University of North Dakota — PhD in Computer Science (Online or On-Campus)

At a glance

• Accreditation: Public research university; program is housed in the CS department.
• Modality/Residency: Online or on-campus; UND explicitly notes the same online tuition rate regardless of residency for this program
• Credits & Structure: 90 credits (BS entry) or 60 credits (MS entry); curriculum lists CS subfields (AI, software engineering, compilers, etc.).
• Admissions (highlights): Prior degree in CS/related field recommended (see program requirements page for details).

What stands out

• Uniform online tuition is unusual and simplifies budgeting for out-of-state students.
• Good for: Students wanting a research-active public university with online completion and transparent cost pages.

Watch-outs before applying

• Ask the department about remote access to research compute, lab groups, and defense logistics if you intend to stay fully online.

Colorado Technical University — Doctor of Computer Science (Big Data Analytics, Online-Hybrid)

At a glance

• Accreditation: CTU is institutionally accredited; program information is on the university site and catalog.
• Modality/Residency: Online coursework with required doctoral symposia (in-person components); the dissertation caps the research sequence.
• Credits & Structure: Documentation lists ~100 credits including core, electives, research, and symposium courses; final deliverable is a dissertation.
• Admissions (highlights): Admissions advising + interview/essay noted in CTU doctoral materials; verify current requirements directly with CTU.

What stands out

• Structured residency (symposia) can strengthen community and research momentum if travel is feasible. 
• Good for: Learners who don’t mind periodic in-person commitments and want a Big Data Analytics concentration. 

Watch-outs before applying

• It’s important to factor in travel/lodging costs for symposia when you are estimating the total cost of your program.

Aspen University — Doctor of Science in Computer Science (Online)

At a glance

• Accreditation: DEAC institutional accreditation (reaccredited Feb 2025).
• Modality/Residency: Online program with a mentorship model and an applied research dissertation (ARD); catalog shows doctoral residency requirements (RSH900 & RSH912) as courses, not campus residencies.
• Credits & Structure: 60 credits; catalog lists CS core courses (e.g., Automata, Compiler Design, AI), research sequence, and dissertation.
• Admissions (highlights): See program page for current entry requirements and financial-aid eligibility; Aspen notes DSCS is Title IV eligible.

What stands out

• Lower published per-credit rate than many private peers; clear list of doctoral course fees for budgeting.
• Good for: Self-directed learners comfortable with a nationally accredited online university and an applied dissertation model.

Watch-outs before applying

• Understand the implications of DEAC (national) vs regional accreditation for your career goals (e.g., tenure-track hiring norms at some universities). Verify transferability and employer requirements in your target sector.

How Hard Is It to Finish an Online PhD?

Completing a doctoral degree is challenging in any modalities. What helps is to have clear milestones with your advisor, realistic timelines, a strong research community that can prove as a support system during this time, and early planning for IRB/data, publications, and the remote defense process.

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How Long Does It Take?

The typical timeline for completion is 3–5 years full-time and even longer if you are enrolled part-time, depending on credits, research pace, and prior degree. 

What Courses Will You Take?

In these types of PhD programs, you can expect AI and machine learning coursework, research methods classes, and dissertation seminars. 

What Does an Online AI-Related PhD Cost?

Costs for online PhD programs vary widely. Refer to our table above for costs, and look on your prospective program’s website for the most up-to-date tuition information. Your specific program costs will vary based on how many credits you are taking, the modality (in-person vs hybrid vs fully online) and any fees that are associated with the program from your school. 

Paying for Your Degree (2025 context)

Graduate aid has been evolving. As of September 2025, traditional Unsubsidized federal loans remain available; however, Grad PLUS is slated for elimination beginning July 2026 under new federal legislation, with new borrowing caps and repayment options for graduate students.⁶ Check the latest federal guidance and your university’s financial aid office before borrowing to make sure you are up-to-date on the latest policies and procedures.

Is It Possible to Get an Online PhD for Free?

Fully funded online doctorates are rare. Some programs offer scholarships, fellowships, or tuition reductions, and many students will combine their employer tuition benefits, scholarships, and federal aid wherever possible. These strategies likely won’t earn you a free PhD, but they can significantly reduce the costs. It’s recommended to monitor any federal changes (loan types, caps, repayment) if you plan to borrow.

Online vs On-Campus: Key Differences

• Convenience: Online programs remove commuting and often offer rolling or flexible starts.
• Cost: Some public universities advertise that they have the same online tuition rate regardless of where you live, but overall totals will still hinge on credits and fees.
• Research Experience: Confirm that you will have access to research computing, datasets, labs, and remote defenses. Program policies often differ from school to school.

Salary and Job Outlook

“AI Specialist” and “Machine Learning Engineer” are not separate BLS occupations; most AI roles connect directly to one or more of the established categories below. BLS median pay figures reflect the most current data from 2025.

• Computer & Information Research Scientists: $140,910 median; +20% projected growth in the next decade.⁸
• Data Scientists: $112,590 median; +34% projected growth in the next decade.⁹
• Software Developers, QA Analysts, & Testers: $131,450 median for developers; +15% projected growth in the next decade.¹⁰
• Computer Network Architects: $131,450 median; +15% projected growth in the next decade.⁷

What Can You Do With an Online Doctorate in AI?

Graduates often pursue research-heavy roles, like Computer & Information Research Scientist, Data Scientist, Software Developer/Engineer, or faculty positions, and from there they contribute to model development, algorithm research, and applied AI projects across healthcare, finance, security, and public sector labs.

Step-by-Step: Earning Your Online PhD

1. Apply: Prepare transcripts, a CV, statement of purpose, letters, and (if required) a research proposal/interview.
2. Set a Timeline: Plan milestones with your advisor (proposal → IRB → data → writing → defense).
3. Select a Focus: Choose AI subfields aligned to faculty expertise (e.g., NLP, CV, RL).
4. Complete Credits: Expect ~60–100 credits including dissertation research.
5. Defend: Many schools support remote dissertation defenses; confirm these logistics with your committee.

Bottom Line: Is an Online PhD in AI Worth It?

If your goal is advanced research and development, academic research, or leadership roles that involve building or evaluating AI systems, a credible, accredited online program where you are paired with the right advisor and resources can very well be worth the time and cost. Your future earning potential will depend on the role you pursue (see BLS medians above), your research portfolio, and the industry demand in your pursued specialization.

References

1. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-network-architects.htm
2. https://www.captechu.edu/degrees-and-programs/doctoral-degrees/artificial-intelligence-phd
3. https://www.nu.edu/cost-of-attendance/
4. https://und.edu/programs/computer-science-phd/cost.html
5. https://www.coloradotech.edu/media/default/ctu/documents/tuition-and-financial-aid/Tuition-and-Fees-VIRTUAL-CIV.pdf
6. https://www.aspen.edu/tuition/
7. https://www.ascentfunding.com/blog/how-big-beautiful-bill-impacts-grad-student-loans/
8. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm
9. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm
10. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm