PA

PhD in AI
On-Campus

University of Pennsylvania | PhD in Computer and Information Science (AI/ML)

  • Philadelphia
About This Program

This research-intensive doctoral program focuses on the scientific foundations of computer science and innovations in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Student Reviews
What You'll Learn
  • Students develop the capacity for independent research, contributing to the field through original investigations in algorithms, perception, and data science.

For detailed, official program information including specific curriculum, faculty, research opportunities, and application requirements:
Typical Curriculum Structure
The PhD in Computer and Information Science with a focus on AI/ML is a research-intensive doctoral program typically requiring 5–6 years of study, combining advanced coursework in machine learning theory, deep learning architectures, and optimization methods with independent dissertation research[1][2].
Typical Course Topics
1. Deep Learning and Neural Network Theory 2. Machine Learning Algorithms and Statistical Learning 3. Advanced Optimization Methods 4. Natural Language Processing and Large Language Models 5. Computer Vision and Representation Learning 6. AI Safety, Robustness, and Adversarial Machine Learning
Program Specializations:
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
AI Engineering / Applied AI
View the exact, up-to-date curriculum on the official program website
Typical Admissions Requirements
Applicants typically hold a bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, or a related field, with strong coursework in linear algebra, calculus, and programming. A master's degree in computer science or AI is preferred but not always required; relevant research experience and demonstrated mathematical maturity are highly valued[1][3].
Academic Requirements (Typical)

β€’ Degree Required: PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
β€’ GRE: Often required; quantitative score typically 160+
β€’ TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international students (TOEFL 100+ / IELTS 7.0+)

Application Materials (Typical)

β€’ Statement of Purpose: Required
β€’ Letters of Recommendation: 3
β€’ Resume/CV: Required
β€’ Transcripts: Official transcripts required
β€’ Research Statement or Writing Sample: Often required

Application Timeline

Most programs have rolling admissions or deadlines in early winter for fall admission. Check the official program website for exact dates.

Career Opportunities in AI

Lead advanced AI Research Scientist in Cross-Industry AI through machine learning

Estimated Industry Salary
Machine Learning Researcher/Engineer: $140,000–$180,000 AI Research Scientist: $135,000–$175,000 Applied AI Engineer: $130,000–$170,000 Machine Learning Security Engineer: $120,000–$180,000
Total compensation (entry to mid-level)
AI Job Growth
0.36%
Projected 2024-2034 (BLS)
Common Career Paths:
1. Machine Learning Research Scientist 2. AI Research Engineer 3. Applied AI Researcher (Industry or Government Labs) 4. ML Systems Architect
Top AI Employers (Industry-Wide):
Top employers for AI/ML PhDs include tech companies like Google, Meta, OpenAI, Microsoft Research, DeepMind, Apple, and Amazon, as well as national laboratories (Berkeley Lab, Argonne) and government research agencies[1].
Program Details
Duration
  • 5.0 Year
Tuition
$ 0
Format
On-Campus
Specializations
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
AI Engineering / Applied AI