Big Data, Bigger Opportunities: Earn Your PhD in Data Science Online
Explore your many options for earning your PhD in data science online. Learn about admissions requirements, program content, job prospects upon graduation, and much more.
When it comes to computer science doctoral degrees, it’s hard to beat a PhD in data science. Want proof? Later, you’ll find a table showing graduates may see annual earnings starting at over $100,000. What’s more, job and recruiting website Glassdoor reported in June 2024 an estimated average total pay for a Data Scientist PhD of nearly $234,000. That’s right. $234,000.
Have we got your attention? Then, let us introduce you to the convenience and affordability of earning your PhD in data science online. Below, you’ll find answers to questions like:
- How do online data science PhD programs work, and what will I learn?
- What will my PhD data science online degree cost, and how can I find the financial aid resources to help pay for it?
- What are my career options once I have my degree in hand?
Ready to get going? Keep reading to discover how to earn your doctorate through one of today’s best PhD in data science online programs.
Spotlighting Top Data Science PhD Programs
A great way to start your exploration of online data science PhD programs is by looking at what each program has to offer. That’s why we’ve spotlighted below the four PhD data science online and hybrid programs currently offered by U.S. universities. While your definition of “best” may differ from that of other students, these spotlights provide an idea of what to expect in terms of academic content, delivery format, admission requirements, program cost, financial aid opportunities, and student support services.
Florida Atlantic University
Florida Atlantic University, a public institution with its main campus in Boca Raton, offers a fully online PhD in Computer Science with Concentration in Data Science and Analytics. Students complete 42 credits in subjects like data mining and machine learning, information retrieval, and artificial intelligence. The program culminates in the writing and defense of a doctoral dissertation.
Convenience is a major feature of the program, with students able to attend courses 100% online and complete their dissertations remotely. The current total tuition cost starts at just over $15,600 for Florida residents, so affordability is another highlight. (More on the tuition costs for all spotlighted programs below.)
Admission is open to applicants with a master’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related discipline who earned a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or greater. Applicants not meeting the minimum GPA requirement may be considered on a case-by-case basis. GRE scores are often needed but may be waived for students who’ve earned their master’s through FAU’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
National University
The PhD in Data Science (PhD-DS) degree offered by National University, a private university headquartered in San Diego, California, provides students with a comprehensive review of the data science field. The 60-credit curriculum features coursework from theoretical and applied perspectives. It covers data analysis, data mining, artificial intelligence, statistical modeling, big data, and more. Students complete their studies by writing and defending a doctoral dissertation.
Like the FAU program spotlighted above, National University’s PhD-DS program can be completed 100% online. The estimated program length is 40 months, but students work at their own pace. Admission requires a previously earned master’s or bachelor’s degree. GRE scores are needed only for applicants with a cumulative GPA below 2.5.
Capitol Technology University
Located between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland, Capitol Technology University is a private, nonprofit university. Its online PhD in Business Analytics and Data Science program aims to prepare graduates to fill senior-level research, educational, and advanced practice positions. Content is presented online except for a single three-day (Friday-Sunday) on-campus residency during the second semester. Courses are asynchronous, allowing students to access their coursework at any time. Earning the degree requires completion of a minimum of 54 credits (more credits may be needed for dissertation completion), typically over three years.
Prospective students need a master’s degree in business analytics, data science, or a closely related major, along with a minimum of five years of relevant work experience. The tuition rate of $950 per credit is for all students, regardless of residency status. Discounts may be available to active duty and retired military members,as well as community college and high school faculty and staff.
University of North Texas
The University of North Texas is a public university just over 30 miles north of Dallas-Fort Worth. The school offers a hybrid PhD in Information Technology with a Concentration in Data Science program that prepares students for “conducting research on critical issues in consumer behavior and related areas as they pertain to the information science perspective.” Content is delivered online, face-to-face, and in blended formats, allowing students to earn their doctorates while employed. The school strives to ensure graduates can fill professional roles in administration, education, and research.
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree (completing 72 credit hours) or a master’s degree (requiring 60 credit hours). This PhD program lasts three to four years.
How Long it Takes to Get an Online Data Science PhD
PhD in data science programs often feature a streamlined structure comprising highly focused components, resulting in faster completion times of typically three to four years. The shorter length is due in no small part to the absence of internship or practicum requirements.
While the program structures of PhD data science online programs vary somewhat from school to school, you’ll likely follow a timeline similar to the following:
Year One
PhD in data science online students begin their programs with core and elective coursework. The form this takes depends on the specific program. For example, students in UNT’s PhD in Information Science with Data Science Concentration program complete both core information science and data science specialization courses. On the other hand, students in National University’s PhD-DS program undergo coursework tailored specifically to data science. Additionally, first-year students may begin the dissertation process.
Year Two
In year two, students continue data science and research preparatory coursework. Students may have to take a comprehensive examination at the end of this year. A passing score leads to formal admission into doctoral candidacy and the dissertation process.
Year Three
Year three marks the shift from foundational coursework to (in most cases) the dissertation process that lies at the heart of all PhD programs. This begins with the submission of the dissertation proposal and its approval by the student’s dissertation committee. This is followed by the nitty gritty of conducting original research and writing the dissertation manuscript. In some cases, this year ends with the submission and defense of their dissertation.
Year Four and Beyond
Year four and beyond will simply be a continuation of year three. It’s not unusual for data science PhD students to need more time for their dissertations; most programs are happy to provide it. Nevertheless, if you believe you’ll need to stretch your academic work beyond three years, confirm that you’ll be allowed to do so before you enroll in your program.
Data Science PhD Specializations
You’ll notice from the spotlights above that two programs feature data science as a specialization within the larger degree program (Computer Science for one, Information Technology for the other.) But can you focus your studies on a data science subfield within an online data science PhD program?
Well, since data science is comparatively narrow, you’d be hard-pressed to find a program offering specializations. However, you can focus on a particular subfield of data science through your elective course selections and dissertation topic. Here are three of the most popular of those data science subfields:
- Artificial Intelligence Artificial intelligence, or AI, is concerned with using computer and information technologies to mimic biological intelligence (learning, comprehension, problem-solving, etc.). If you’re considering a PhD in data science, you already know AI is at the forefront of research and professional practice careers in the data science field.
- Data Mining Data mining is the subfield of data science involved in searching large datasets to identify and analyze patterns, correlations, and anomalies.
- Database Management Database management refers to the administration of data storage systems. Tasks include the effective storage, organization, and retrieval of data, as well as overseeing the security programs that protect data.
Accreditation & Online PhDs in Data Science
Postsecondary accreditation is the process used to evaluate and confirm that college and university degree programs and schools have met given standards of academic quality. It’s your way of knowing that a degree program you’re considering is worth your time and effort. The two primary forms of postsecondary accreditation are programmatic and institutional. Programmatic accreditation focuses on individual programs within a specific field of study. However, there is currently no programmatic accreditation body for data science PhDs.
Institutional accreditation looks at the academic quality of colleges and universities overall. U.S. colleges and universities may be accredited through several Department of Education-recognized regional and national accrediting agencies. You can use this DOE search engine to check the current accreditation status of schools offering PhD data science online programs.
What Happens in Online Data Science PhD Programs
While online data science PhD programs vary in regard to sequencing, all should include these curriculum components:
Data Science PhD Coursework
As we touched on earlier, instructional coursework will likely be the primary focus of your first and second years of study. Check out the “What You’ll Learn” section below for common data science course topics. Specific classes, requirements, lengths, and delivery formats (synchronous or asynchronous, for example) are determined by your particular program.
Candidacy Examination
Generally, a qualifying examination is required before being accepted as a doctoral candidate. Most students take their exams after completing most or all of their core coursework.
Dissertation Proposal and Approval
Students typically submit a written dissertation proposal soon after passing their candidacy exam. The purpose of the dissertation proposal is to outline the topic of your dissertation and the course of action you intend to take to complete it. Your dissertation committee’s proposal approval is required before beginning your dissertation research and writing process.
Dissertation Research, Writing and Defense
Completing your dissertation is generally the culminating activity for PhD data science online programs. Once your proposal has been approved, you proceed with your original research and written dissertation manuscript. The dissertation must be presented in the format specified by your department. Students generally submit their manuscript to a dissertation committee for review at least two weeks before its defense.
Defenses are made orally before the dissertation committee, after which the committee votes to accept or reject the dissertation. The committee may also recommend additions or changes to the dissertation. Once approved, you will submit your dissertation for publication, apply for graduation, and – at long last – receive your degree.
What You’ll Learn in an Online Data Science PhD Program
Coursework in your PhD in data science online program provides the foundational knowledge you’ll employ throughout your study and the research and writing of your dissertation. While much of your program depends on your elective courses and dissertation topic, there are a number of courses similar to the following that you’ll take as part of your core curriculum:
Introduction to Data Science
Overview of the data science field on the doctoral level, including exploring current data science theory and its application in research and real-world practice. Specific topics include data processing, data learning, and privacy and ethics issues. Not surprisingly, this course is typically taken at the beginning of a program.
Data Analytics
Exploration of the various data analytics methodologies with an emphasis on predictive analytics and its application to academics, government, and business forecasting. Specific areas covered include the theoretical and practical applications of key prediction methods, data mining, and predictive and statistical forecasting models.
Data Security
Introduction to the administrative and technical aspects of computer, information, and data security, particularly security models and assurance. Specific topics include the mathematical foundations of data security, fundamental security protocols, public- and private-key encryptions, and emerging technologies.
Data Visualization
The representation of data in a visual context through animations, charts, infographics, plots, and more. Students in the course review and evaluate the effectiveness and accuracy of these forms. Topics include data refinement and preparation, tandem modeling, visualization software, and the creation of visualizations to support decision-making.
Research Theory and Practice
Survey of the full range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies employed in preparation for dissertation research and research-focused careers. Approaches covered include experimental design, observational studies, and exploratory, technical, qualitative, and constructive research. In addition, students learn about developing dissertation questions, conducting literature reviews, and the ethical implications of research.
Tuition and Financial Aid for Data Science PhD Programs
Taking on any degree program requires a complete understanding of the substantial financial obligations that come with it. In addition to degree costs, it’s critical to explore all potential financial aid opportunities for your doctoral education. These include scholarships and grants, fellowships, employer tuition reimbursement, VA benefits, and more. Contact the financial aid offices at the schools you’re considering to learn about potential funding resources.
To start you off, the table below shows the current estimated tuition for the four online data science PhD programs discussed in this guide.
What Your Online Data Science Degree Could Cost
| School | Program | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capitol Technology University | PhD in Business Analytics and Data Science | 54 | $51,300 |
| Florida Atlantic University | PhD in Computer Science: Data Science and Analytics | 42 | $15,616.44 -$43,126.02* |
| National University | PhD in Data Science | 60 | $67,470 |
| University of North Texas | PhD in Information Science: Data Science | 60 – 72 | $18,617.40 – $51,860.88** |
*Dependent on state residency; **Dependent on education and state residency.
Popular Careers for Data Science PhD Graduates
The table below shows recent salary and job growth figures for popular jobs for data science PhD graduates. They’ll give you a rough idea of what you can expect to earn in your post-doctorate career. However, remember that many of these job titles may be filled by those with only a master’s degree, meaning that PhD holders will likely command salaries at the higher end of the scale.
| Job Title | Median Pay | 90th Percentile Pay | Projected Growth (2023-33) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Systems Analyst | $103,800 | $165,700 | 11% |
| Database Administrator | $101,510 | $157,710 | 9% |
| Database Architect | $134,700 | $194,960 | 9% |
| Data Scientist | $108,020 | $184,090 | 36% |
| Software Developer | $132,270 | $208,620 | 17% |
Source:The Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
Data Science PhD FAQs
What are some of the benefits of earning my PhD online?
The benefits of earning your data science PhD online are the same as those for almost all other online degrees:
- Convenience: By convenience, we mean the ability to attend classes and complete coursework from your home, office, or anywhere else with internet access. And with some programs featuring asynchronous delivery, you can access your coursework at any time.
- Flexibility: In most cases, online data science PhD students can attend their courses and complete dissertation work full-time, part-time, or even at their own pace.
As a result of these benefits, many students can earn their PhDs while continuing to work at their current jobs.
Are online Data Science PhD programs more affordable than in-person programs?
Doctoral program costs vary significantly, from the surprisingly affordable to the shockingly expensive. This is due to program length, internship/practicum requirements, whether the program is at a public or private school and more. In general, PhD data science online programs charge the same tuition rates for online and campus-based formats. However, online students may find their programs more affordable because they can avoid the costs associated with commuting.
How long does it take to earn a Data Science PhD degree online?
Program lengths for PhD programs can vary substantially from (in rare cases) as little as one year to up to seven years or longer. However, online data science PhD programs are relatively short, with most qualifying full-time students graduating in just three to four years of study. Part-time students often take an extra few years.
What are some common admission requirements for online Data Science PhD programs?
Admission requirements for online data science PhD programs vary from school to school. You may find requirements similar to the following:
- Additional application submittals: Resume or CV, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and more
- Previously earned degree: A master’s degree in data science, computer science or a closely related discipline is required by most programs
- GPA: Minimums vary by program, but a 3.0 from the program in which you earned your last degree is common
- Work experience: Employment in the field could be required
- GRE: As has become the trend for PhD programs overall, GRE scores are generally not required of applicants who meet all other requirements
Is Data Science the Same as Computer Science? What about Data Analytics?
What are the differences, if any, between the data science, data analytics, and computer science fields? Although there is quite a bit of overlap, there are distinctions.
- Computer science can be described as a broad-based discipline encompassing many subfields related to computers and information technology. With computer science’s growth, many areas—such as data science and data analytics—have become recognized as separate disciplines. So, what are the differences between those areas? Put in simple terms:
- Data science concerns the design, creation, and development of new data collection systems through statistical modeling, machine learning, algorithms, data visualization, and other predictive tools.
- Data analytics deals specifically with the collection (using systems created by data scientists) and interpretation of data to draw conclusions and present findings to benefit the operations of businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and others.
Resources for Online Data Science PhD Students
- Academic Data Science Alliance (ADSA)
ADSA is a professional association of data science academic institutions supporting the integration of data science and related technologies in university research, education, and training. - Association of Data Scientists (ADaSci)
The ADaSci is dedicated to serving the professional and scientific needs of data science analysts, managers, consultants, educators, students, and others. Individual memberships offer free access to conferences and networking events, discounts on association workshops and CE programs, and much more. - Association of Data Scientists and Data Engineers
This professional association is dedicated to advancing data science, data engineering, data governance, and artificial intelligence through promoting socially responsible and safe research and community service. - INFORMS
INFORMS is an international association of professionals in data science and related disciplines. Regular and student memberships have benefits like participation in meetings and conferences, access to special interest sections and student chapters, professional development and career support, and much more. - Upsilon Pi Epsilon (UPE)
UPE is an honor society that recognizes excellent graduate and undergraduate IT and computer discipline students. It operates on over 300 campuses, including Capitol Technology University, Florida Atlantic University, and the University of North Texas.