If you have a passion for mining information from large amounts of data, you should consider exploring PhD Data Science online programs.
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Furthering your education in this field can help take your career to the next level. By earning your PhD, you may increase not only your knowledge but also your salary.
Online PhD in Data Science Programs
Data science is exactly what it sounds like – the study of data. Data scientists look at sets of data and notice patterns that emerge. They identify key information that data presents which may not seem readily apparent at first.
If you are someone that notices the small details while also keeping an eye on the bigger picture, a career in data science may be right for you. If you find trends and patterns in large amounts of data, you may be well-suited for this field.
What kind of job can you expect to have as a data scientist? In the last few years, Glassdoor has continuously ranked data scientist as one of the best jobs to have in the United States. The options for specific jobs are numerous and varied.
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For example, one data scientist may work as a statistician and interpret statistical information for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Another data scientist may be a business intelligence developer for Discover, creating strategies for businesses to make more informed decisions about their company.
Data Science Pros and Cons
As with any financial and length time investment, you should consider both the pros and the cons of earning your PhD in an online data science program.
| Pros | Cons |
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Data science is a field that is booming in the twenty-first century. Jobs are plentiful and many companies incorporate data scientists to help boost their sales and offer the best customer experience. Data scientists typically earn significant salaries compared to some other careers. The median data scientist salary is $100,910 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics). |
PhD programs can be lengthy and you can expect to devote several years to completing the courses and research required.
While earning your PhD can help you make more money in the long run, you will be spending time researching rather than working and making a paycheck. |
All salary data in this table was provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Choosing to pursue an online PhD in a data science program is decision that must be taken into careful consideration, but there are many benefits to completing a program.
Data Science Curriculum & Courses
Curriculum for data science programs is heavily focused on analysis and research. Examples of courses offered by universities like Dakota State University and the University of North Texas are listed below.
- Information Systems – This course is designed to help students learn about the role information systems have for businesses and other organizations.
- Applied Statistics – This class teaches how to use statistical software to study data samples and make inferences based on the data presented.
- Project and Change Management – This class is designed to help students learn the underlying principles for managing information systems and how to utilize software for project management.
- Technology for Mobile Devices – Students in this course study the process of developing apps for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.
- Advanced Network Technology and Management – This class helps students learn how to work with a model network environment, including how to find solutions for problems with the network.
- Seminar in Research and Research Methodology – Students in this seminar are asked to develop a research proposal and participate in a research study.
- Knowledge Management Tools and Technologies – This course introduces students to a variety of technologies including those associated with knowledge management and IT infrastructure.
- Seminar in Communication and Use of Information – This class explores the roles communication plays at various levels in society.
- Readings in Information Science – Students in this class study texts which emphasize methodological and theoretical issues.
- Medical Geography – In this course, students study the correlation between location and health care and work on their own projects.
Exploring the curriculum offered by different universities can help you determine which online PhD program is best suited for your interests and your needs.
Data Science PhD Admissions
Before applying for a PhD program, you will want to ensure that you have all the application materials on hand, including the commonly required materials listed below.
- Reference letters – You should request these documents well before your application deadline as mentors may not be able to honor a last-minute request due to time constraints.
- All transcripts – These grades will include both undergraduate and graduate level courses.
- Letter of intent – Be prepared to explain in writing why you want to enroll in the program and what you plan to do after its completion.
- Application fee – Fees to cover administrative costs of reviewing your application can add up, so make sure to budget for the costs of each one.
- Resume – Schools want to know your background in not just education but in the job market as well.
- Specific program application – Your prospective school will most likely have its own unique application on its official website.
Save yourself the stress of anxiously waiting to receive documents from an institution or mentor in time and compile them well ahead of the due date.
Data Science PhD Careers & Salaries
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information research scientists earned a median of $131,490 a year. Data scientists as a group earn increasingly high salaries in various industries including research laboratories, government departments, and a variety of companies focused on technology.
Some of the top companies that utilize data scientists are IBM, Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook, Oracle, Google, and Apple. These multi-billion dollar companies are consistently hiring data scientists to interpret the large amounts of data, or “big data,” that is collected via their services.
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Data scientists can expect to work in roles where job duties include designing data models, organizing data from multiple sources, and identifying trends in data.
Data scientists use a comprehensive process for gathering and analyzing information including asking questions, acquiring data, storing data, using models to interpret it, and presenting their findings to stakeholders in the community.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some careers in the data science field include:
| Careers | Annual Median Salary |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $159,010 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $131,490 |
| Computer Network Architects | $120,520 |
| Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers | $110,140 |
| Information Security Analysts | $102,600 |
| Data Scientists | $100,910 |
| Computer Systems Analysts |
$99,270 |
| Database Administrators and Architects | $98,860 |
| Statisticians | $95,570 |
| Management Analysts | $93,000 |
| Operations Research Analysts | $82,360 |
Whatever the job title, data scientists continually earn a significant amount more than employees in other fields.
Data Science Accreditation
Before clicking the “submit” button on your application to a PhD program, you will want to ensure that the university you are applying to is accredited, meaning it is recognized as a legitimate program that offers quality coursework and research opportunities.
If you decide to apply to a program related to computer technology or engineering, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) determine which schools offer suitable coursework and requirements for these fields. Also be sure that your prospective university is regionally accredited, the gold-standard for accreditation in the United States.
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Search on your prospective schools’ website for information regarding their accreditation status. You will want to ensure that the schools you apply to are regionally accredited so you can get the most out of your PhD experience and your credits will be more likely to transfer should you switch schools while studying.
Data Science Professional Organizations
Joining a professional organization can help to advance your career by connecting you with other individuals who work in the same field.
Professional organizations offer a multitude of benefits, including networking opportunities (which may help to connect you with future employers), and they can also provide inspiration for completing your PhD program, decreasing feelings of isolation that can accompany students.
- Association for Information Science and Technology – This organization states its role “advances the information sciences and similar applications of information technology by helping members build their skills and [develop] their careers” via several different ways, including training and education.
- Association of Information Technology Professionals – This agency gives members advice on how to pursue certain career paths while also providing discounts on certifications and resources for professional development.
- International Association for Social Science Information Services and Technology – IASSIST has 300 members from countries around the world. They offer resources for professionals from sectors such as non-profits, academia, and government.
While some organizations may have a yearly membership fee, the potential gains for job opportunities and professional development through these groups can easily offset those costs.
Financial Aid
Across the nation, the average cost of obtaining a PhD online is between $4,000 and $20,000. As a student in a PhD program, you can expect to have costs from tuition, books, personal supplies, transportation, etc. Without the time or energy for a full-time or often, even part-time job, you should explore all financial aid options available.
Financial aid for PhD students can come in the form of loans, scholarships, and grants. Grants and scholarships typically do not have to be paid back, but loans are borrowed money which may accrue interest and should be a last resort for students.
Some specific scholarships and grants are designed with scientists, including data scientists, in mind. For example, the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship is designed to support students who are pursuing research-based doctoral degrees.
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Previous recipients include Nobel Prize winners, a U.S. Secretary of Energy, and the founder of Google.
Another common source of money comes from taking on teaching assistant positions within your university or becoming an assistant lecturer. Both positions are great for gaining experience teaching in your academic department while generating income to offset the costs incurred from your years of study.
How long does it take to get a PhD in data science?
It takes an average of 71 credits to complete a PhD in data science. On top of this, students may also have responsibilities to research and/or teach, which can make the process take even longer.
It is not unusual for some PhD programs to take anywhere from four to five years to complete.
Is a PhD in data science worth it?
Whether or not a PhD in data science is “worth it” depends on a number of factors. Do you have the time available for next few years (possibly longer) to invest in this opportunity? Are you motivated enough to complete coursework while also on a shoestring budget?
Search for employment positions you are interested in and take a look at the education requirements employers are requesting. These factors may effect your decision in potentially pursuing an online masters in data science instead.
Can I do a PhD in data science?
Whether or not you complete a PhD in data science depends on your ability to stay focused and motivated. PhD programs are notoriously intensive, and they are not for everyone.
You should have a better reason for applying to a program than simply not knowing what to do in today’s job market.
Universities Offering Online Data Science Doctorate Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format. In addition, the schools offer online data science programs.
Founded in 1993, private Capella University offers online doctorate, master’s, and bachelor’s degrees. The Minneapolis-based school’s 38,000 enrolled students represent 50 states and 61 countries. Doctoral students account for more than 27 percent of Capella University’s student body.
- DBA in Business Intelligence – Data Analytics
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Capitol Technology University is a private university located near the nation’s capital in South Laurel, Maryland. Established in 1927, the university now offers undergraduate and master’s programs in business, computer science, cybrsecurity, and engineering.
Capitol Technology University is a military-friendly school founded by a Navy veteran. It holds the prestigious SC Media Award for Best Cybersecurity Higher Education Program. The school’s annual enrollment is approximately 850 students.
- PhD in Business Analytics and Data Science
Capitol Technology University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Colorado Technical University was founded in 1965. This private university offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in business management and technology.
The school has earned the U.S. News & World Report “Best for Veterans” designation, the Council of College and Military Educators (CCME) Institution Award, and recognition as a center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense from the NSA and Department of Homeland Security.
Annual enrollment stands at around 26,000 students.
- Doctor of Computer Science – Big Data Analytics
Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
New York City’s Columbia University is a private Ivy League research university founded in 1754. It stands today as the oldest university in New York City. Columbia operates four undergraduate schools and 15 graduate/professional schools.
Bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs covering business, medicine, liberal arts, technology, and political science are available. Student enrollment at Columbia stands at roughly 33,413.
- PhD in Data Science
Columbia is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Grand Canyon University is a private Christian college based in Phoenix, Arizona. With a student enrollment of 70,000 students, it is considered to be the world’s largest Christian university.
Grand Canyon University offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in business, education, health sciences, liberal arts, and nursing. The school offers a total of 200 academic programs throughout its nine colleges.
- DBA in Data Analytics
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Founded in 2001, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is a STEM-focused institution with campuses in Harrisburg and Philadelphia.
This private university offers bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, and certificate programs. The nearly 6,000 students enrolled study degree paths related to applied science and technology.
- PhD in Data Sciences
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis is a public research university offering more than 225 options for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across 18 different schools. The university’s campus is based in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The more than 30,000 students enrolled pursue degrees in majors like art and design, business, education, engineering, law, liberal arts, medicine, nursing, and social work.
- PhD in Data Science (on-campus)
Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
National University is a network of nonprofit educational institutions that is headquartered in San Diego, California. It offers a range of bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, and certificates in business, education, marriage and family therapy, psychology, and technology.
NU has over 30,000 students enrolled and more than 220,000 alumni from around the world.
- PhD in Data Science
National University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Located in Hoboken, New Jersey, Stevens Institute of Technology is a private research institution with an enrollment of approximately 6,125 students. Founded in 1870, the school has been named among the “Best Value Colleges” by the Princeton Review.
Additionally, the Princeton Review ranks Stevens Institute of Technology among its “Top 15 for Internships.” The school’s undergraduate and graduate students represent 47 states and 60 countries. Students can pursue bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs.
- PhD in Data Science (on-campus)
Stevens Institute of Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Located along Orlando’s Space Coast, the University of Central Florida is a public research university with a student enrollment of approximately 69,525. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.
Students can pursue degrees in arts and humanities, business, engineering, computer science, health science, medicine, and nursing. The University of Central Florida has been ranked as a “Best Southeastern College” by the Princeton Review.
- PhD in Big Data Analytics
The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your PhD in Data Science Online
Obtaining your doctoral degree in data science is not an easy task, but it is also not an impossible one. If you are serious about pursuing your PhD, talk to experts in the field. The admissions departments at prospective universities can help put you in touch with recruiters who can give you more information about the program.
Joining a professional organization can help you connect with individuals who are working in the field, many of whom will have obtained their higher education degree. With careful planning and the right information to make informed career choices, you can further your education and your sense of accomplishment.
