The Ph.D. in Data Science is an interdisciplinary program managed jointly by the School of Engineering and Sciences and the School of Business. The program prepares students for research careers in academia or industry that involve the use of methods and systems for extracting insights from rich data sets, especially as applied to the fields of finances and the life sciences. The program responds to the demand by industry for data scientists with a deep knowledge of the theories, techniques and applications associated with “Big Data” and artificial intelligence. The program also recognizes the broad range of skills needed to successfully apply the tools of the digital revolution in industry. This is reflected in the four core areas of (1) mathematical and statistical modeling, (2) machine learning and artificial intelligence, (3) computational systems, and (4) data management at scale, all of which provide a strong foundation for a thorough strong understanding of (5) a field of application.

Programs of study in two application areas, Financial Services and Life Sciences, are described below. Students may design a program of study in another field of application with support of their advisor and approval of the department chair/program director.

To make progress on leading-edge subjects in a fast moving field like data science requires full-time study. Accordingly, students will be admitted only for full-time on-campus study in partnership with a full-time faculty advisor.

Admission Requirements. The Ph.D. in Data Science is primarily designed for students with technical backgrounds. e.g., an undergraduate or master’s degrees in computer science, computer engineering, business analytics, science or engineering from Stevens or other universities. Applicants to the program must fulfill the following requirements:

A 4-year undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.

International students for whom English is a second language must demonstrate English language proficiencyby submitting the results of a TOEFL or an IELTS test.

GMAT or GRE test scores not older than 5 years.

Admissions decisions are made beginning in February for the following fall semester. Students are encouraged to apply at any time during the year but it is preferred that complete applications are submitted by January 15.

Credit Requirements. The Ph.D. in Data Science requires 84 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree. A prior master’s degree may be transferred for up to 30 credits without specific course descriptions. The remaining 54 credits must include at least 12 credits of core courses, a minimum of 9 credits of field-specific courses and a minimum of 15 dissertation credits. Approval to enter the Ph.D. in Data Science is generally only given when a student has completed work equivalent to a master’s degree.