UB to offer the world’s first doctorate in applied ontology

BUFFALO, N.Y. – How artificial intelligence (AI) will affect different careers in the future remains a matter of conjecture, but one thing is certain: AI development requires applied ontologists.

Ontology is a foundational philosophical discipline. Applied ontology uses the ideas and methods of its namesake to integrate data and promote interoperability across computing systems. By structuring otherwise unrelated terms and definitions, ontologists make explicit the implicit meanings buried across such systems, drawing out hidden insights and new knowledge.

The University at Buffalo is currently the world’s only university offering graduate level degrees in applied ontology, including a new fully online, asynchronous PhD program, beginning in the fall 2026 semester. Housed within UB’s Department of Philosophy, the new doctorate program — and the university’s existing online master’s degree in applied ontology — will prepare students globally to work and research in this high-demand and quickly growing field.

The two degree programs further reinforce UB’s standing as a leader in the field of applied ontology, a distinction achieved through the leadership of Barry Smith, PhD, SUNY Distinguished Professor in the Department of Philosophy, and John Beverley, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Philosophy and director of the two graduate programs.

“AI requires a firm and rigorous basis for the data sets used to train its models,” says Beverley. “Because of that broad recognition in government and commercial spaces, there has been an outpouring of interest for applied ontology education.

“It’s a watershed moment in the history of AI and we’re here to meet the growing market demand for ontologists.”

Prospective PhD students will soon be able to apply online through the graduate link on the UB philosophy department’s landing page.

Beverley says the master’s and PhD program each fulfill specific needs for prospective students. The master’s program suits those interested in standard practices that can be immediately applied in the job market. That master’s coursework, for those wishing to obtain a doctorate, all contributes to the PhD program, which is ideal for students focused on greater depth of knowledge and pushing research boundaries.

“We’re on the cusp of greatness with the AI movement and achieving greater innovation will rely heavily on applied ontology,” says Beverley. “Entering our PhD program will give students the tools needed to push the boundaries of AI research.”

In addition to tech and AI employers, finance, banking, defense, health care, biotech, and e-commerce all need ontologists. The work of applied ontologists is partially responsible for the iPhone’s Siri app. Applied ontologists were critical to the success of the Human Genome Project. Improved search engine capability, linked website data, and improved product recommendations all owe a debt to applied ontologists, who are also responsible for helping to integrate tech products from different manufacturers.

“There’s a blanket demand,” says Beverley. “Every one of my students that wants a job in ontology has one, with entry level positions often over six figures.”

PhD program applicants require an undergraduate degree. Computer science majors, data scientists, systems engineers, and philosophy degrees all lend themselves well to applied ontology, but the program is open to all interested students with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline.

The PhD program will include opportunities for hands-on and experiential learning.

“We want to put our students in front of people who can enrich their educational experience,” says Beverley. “We have relationships with leaders in the public and private sectors that offer ways for students to interact with people working in various roles.

“This program reflects UB’s long-standing leadership in ontology and its commitment to preparing students for the next generation of AI, data integration and knowledge engineering challenges.”