Easiest Online AI Doctoral Programs To Get Into 2026

Doctoral programs in artificial intelligence are often perceived as highly selective, research-intensive, and difficult to access without a traditional academic background. While many PhD programs still follow that model, a small number of universities now offer online AI doctoral degrees designed to be more accessible for experienced professionals.

The easiest online AI doctoral degrees to get into focus on lowering admissions barriers rather than simplifying the academic work itself. These programs typically emphasize professional experience, applied research models, and clear admission requirements, making doctoral study more attainable for qualified candidates who may not fit the traditional research-only profile.

What Makes an AI Doctoral Program Easier to Get Into?

Ease of entry at the doctoral level is shaped by how programs evaluate readiness and structure admissions, not by a lack of rigor. Programs on this list maintain doctoral standards while offering more flexible pathways into advanced AI study.

Common features of more accessible AI doctoral programs include no GRE requirements, professional or applied doctorate formats, and admissions processes that prioritize experience over publication history. Many also offer clear prerequisite expectations and online delivery models that reduce logistical barriers such as relocation or residency requirements.

Easiest Online AI Doctoral Programs

The programs below stand out for their streamlined admissions processes and professional-friendly design. While all require advanced study and sustained commitment, these online AI doctoral degrees are structured to make entry more approachable for experienced technologists, researchers, and technical leaders.

1. University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands offers a PhD in information technology with a specialization in artificial intelligence and machine learning that is intentionally structured for working professionals. Admissions focus on academic readiness and professional experience rather than research publications or standardized testing, which helps reduce common entry barriers at the doctoral level.

The program’s applied research model allows students to align dissertation work with real-world technical or organizational challenges, making it easier to define a viable research path early. Combined with fully online delivery and clear progression milestones, this structure makes the University of the Cumberlands one of the most accessible entry points into an AI-focused doctoral program.

• Program length: About 3 to 4 years
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University offers a Doctor of Computer Science with an applied emphasis on artificial intelligence and data-driven systems. As a professional doctorate, the program is designed for experienced technologists rather than aspiring academic researchers, which significantly shapes how admissions decisions are made.

Applicants are evaluated primarily on prior education and professional background, with no expectation of published research or academic conference experience. This experience-forward admissions approach, paired with a fully online format, makes Colorado Technical University one of the easier doctoral pathways for professionals seeking advanced AI credentials.

• Program length: About 3 years
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Walsh College

Walsh College offers a PhD in technology with a specialization in artificial intelligence and machine learning that is designed for senior professionals and applied researchers. The admissions process emphasizes professional experience and academic preparation rather than a traditional research résumé, making entry more approachable for candidates coming from industry.

Because the program centers on applied AI research within organizational and enterprise environments, students are able to define focused dissertation topics earlier in the program. This clarity, combined with fully online delivery, helps reduce common barriers that slow entry into doctoral study.

• Program length: About 3 to 4 years
• Accreditation: HLC

4. Capitol Technology University

Capitol Technology University offers a fully online PhD in artificial intelligence that is narrowly focused on advanced AI research and application. Rather than embedding AI within a broader computer science doctorate, the program is structured specifically for professionals who already have experience in technical fields and want to pursue doctoral-level AI work.

Admissions are oriented toward demonstrated readiness and relevant background rather than academic prestige or prior publications. This targeted focus, paired with a clear program structure, makes Capitol Technology University a more accessible option for candidates seeking entry into an AI-focused doctoral program.

• Program length: About 3 to 4 years
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

5. Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University offers an online PhD in computer science with a formal concentration in artificial intelligence that balances traditional doctoral rigor with a more accessible admissions process. As a public research university, the program maintains high academic standards while removing some common barriers, such as GRE requirements, that can complicate doctoral entry.

The program’s online format and clearly defined research areas help applicants understand expectations before applying. For experienced professionals who meet prerequisite coursework requirements, Mississippi State can represent a more approachable path into doctoral-level AI research than many private or residential PhD programs.

• Program length: About 4 to 5 years
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Dakota State University

Dakota State University (DSU) offers a PhD in computer science that allows doctoral students to specialize in artificial intelligence and machine learning within a strongly applied research environment. Admissions tend to emphasize academic preparation and alignment with faculty research interests rather than an extensive publication record.

Because DSU’s AI research is closely connected to applied computing and cybersecurity initiatives, applicants with professional or technical backgrounds often find the program more approachable than theory-heavy PhD tracks. This applied orientation can help reduce entry friction while still supporting meaningful doctoral research.

• Program length: About 4 to 5 years
• Accreditation: HLC

7. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota (UND) offers an online PhD in computer science that allows students to pursue advanced research in artificial intelligence and machine learning through a public research university framework. While the program remains research-intensive, its online-friendly structure and clear admissions criteria make it more accessible than many traditional, on-campus PhD options.

UND’s mix of synchronous and asynchronous coursework supports early engagement with faculty and research peers, helping applicants understand expectations before committing. For students with a solid academic foundation who want a recognized public university doctorate without relocation, UND can represent a comparatively approachable entry point into AI-focused doctoral study.

• Program length: About 4 to 5 years
• Accreditation: HLC

8. George Washington University

George Washington University (GWU) offers an online Doctor of Engineering in artificial intelligence and machine learning that is designed for advanced technical professionals rather than early-career researchers. Admissions are typically experience-forward, emphasizing professional background and readiness for applied research instead of traditional academic metrics alone.

Although GWU is more selective than many programs on this list, its online format and professional doctorate structure reduce several common barriers associated with residential PhD programs. For qualified applicants seeking an AI doctorate with strong institutional recognition and a more flexible entry pathway, GWU can still be an attainable option.

• Program length: About 3 to 4 years
• Accreditation: MSCHE

How We Rank Online AI Doctoral Programs

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. This approach allows us to compare online AI doctoral programs using consistent benchmarks while accounting for how doctoral study is structured and delivered.

Because this article focuses on accessibility, our ranking criteria emphasize admissions flexibility rather than selectivity. Each program on this list maintains institutional accreditation and doctoral-level expectations while offering more approachable entry pathways.

• Admissions accessibility: Preference was given to programs with no GRE requirements, experience-forward evaluation, or applied doctorate formats.
• Program structure: Degrees designed for working professionals ranked higher, particularly those with clear milestones and online delivery.
• Transparency: Programs with clearly stated prerequisites and expectations were prioritized.
• Accreditation: All schools hold recognized institutional accreditation to support academic quality and financial aid eligibility.

What Makes an AI Doctoral Program Easier to Get Into?

Ease of entry at the doctoral level is typically determined by how programs assess readiness, not by reduced academic rigor. The programs in this list remove traditional gatekeepers while still requiring advanced study and original or applied research.

Experience-Forward Admissions

Many accessible AI doctoral programs place greater weight on professional background and prior graduate education than on publications or standardized test scores. This approach benefits experienced technologists and leaders who may not have followed a traditional academic research path.

Applied and Professional Doctorate Models

Professional and applied doctorates often have more structured research expectations than traditional PhDs. Clearly defined dissertation scopes can make both admission and progression more manageable.

Online-Friendly Program Design

Fully online delivery reduces logistical barriers such as relocation or residency requirements. This flexibility often makes doctoral study feasible for professionals who would not otherwise consider a PhD.

Who Is a Good Fit for an Accessible AI Doctorate?

Accessible AI doctoral programs are designed for learners who want advanced AI credentials without navigating highly restrictive admissions processes. These programs are often a strong fit for experienced professionals who value clear expectations, applied research, and flexible online delivery.

Experienced Professionals

These programs are best suited for individuals with significant experience in technology, engineering, data science, or applied computing. Prior graduate study or relevant professional credentials are often more important than academic prestige.

Career-Focused Researchers

Students interested in applying AI research to real-world challenges often benefit from professional or applied doctoral formats. These programs support research that aligns closely with industry or organizational needs.

Learners Seeking Structure Over Selectivity

Applicants who want a clear admissions process and transparent expectations may find these programs more approachable. While coursework remains rigorous, the path to entry is more clearly defined.

Career Outcomes With an Accessible AI Doctoral Degree

Graduates of accessible online AI doctoral programs often pursue advanced roles that combine technical depth with leadership or research responsibility. Common outcomes include director of artificial intelligence, principal machine learning engineer, senior data scientist, AI research lead, or technology strategist.

Applied and professional doctorates are particularly well suited for leadership, consulting, and enterprise AI roles, while PhD graduates may also pursue academic or government research positions. According to Payscale, professionals with doctoral-level training in artificial intelligence and related fields frequently earn six-figure salaries, especially as they advance into senior technical or leadership roles.

Long-term demand remains strong. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects continued growth for computer and information research scientists and advanced software development roles, many of which overlap with artificial intelligence research and implementation.

FAQs About Easiest Online AI Doctoral Degrees To Get Into

Doctoral programs raise unique questions, especially when accessibility is a priority. The FAQs below address common concerns prospective students often have.

Are Easier AI Doctoral Programs Less Competitive Academically?

Easier entry does not mean lower academic standards. These programs still require doctoral-level research, advanced coursework, and sustained independent study. The difference lies in how readiness is evaluated during admissions.

Do I Need Research Publications to Get Into an AI Doctorate?

Most programs on this list do not require prior publications. Instead, they focus on academic preparation, professional experience, and alignment with faculty research areas. Strong research interests and technical background are often more important.

Can You Work Full Time While Completing an AI Doctorate?

Many accessible online AI doctoral programs are designed for working professionals. Flexible pacing and online delivery make it possible to balance employment with doctoral study, though consistent time commitment is still required.

Is a Professional Doctorate Easier to Get Into Than a PhD?

Professional doctorates are often more accessible because they emphasize applied research and experience rather than academic research pedigree. PhD programs may still be approachable, especially at public universities, but often require stronger academic alignment.

Is an Accessible AI Doctorate Worth It?

An accessible online AI doctorate can be worthwhile for professionals seeking advanced credentials, leadership opportunities, or applied research roles. The value is highest when the program aligns with your career goals and allows you to maintain income while completing the degree.

Explore Online AI Doctoral Degrees

If you’re considering doctoral study in artificial intelligence and want a program with a more approachable admissions process, an online doctorate may be a practical option. To compare accredited programs, formats, and doctoral pathways, continue exploring online AI doctoral degrees through Learn.org and identify options that fit your professional goals.