If you’re passionate about big data and interested in an advanced degree, you may be wondering which degree is right for you. Should you go with a Master of Science (M.S.) or a PhD in data science?

Our guide to getting a PhD in data science is here to help. Here, we’ll break down potential pros and cons of choosing either option, related job opportunities, dissertation topics, courses, costs and more.

Just want the schools? Skip ahead to our complete list of data-related PhD programs.

A PhD in Data Science is a research degree designed to equip you with knowledge of statistics, programming, data analysis and subjects relevant to your area of interest (e.g. machine learning, artificial intelligence, etc.).

The keyword here is research. Throughout the course of your studies, you’ll likely:

There are a number of benefits and downsides to earning a PhD in data science. Let’s explore some of them below.

In a PhD in data science program, you may have the opportunity to:

On the other hand, some PhDs in data science programs may:

A PhD in data science may open the door to a number of career opportunities which align with your personal interests. These include, but aren’t limited to:

At the end of a day, whether a data science PhD is worth it will be entirely dependent upon your personal interests and career goals.

In most cases, you don’t need a PhD in data science to land a job. Most computer and information research-related careers require a master’s degree, such as an online master’s in data science.

As you begin your search, pay attention to prospective employers and qualifications for your desired position:

People who hold a PhD in data science typically find careers in academia, industry and university research labs, government and tech companies. These places are most likely seeking job candidates who can:

Sample job titles include:

Typical Program Structure
Data science PhDs are similar to most doctoral programs. That means you’ll typically have to:

During these years, you’ll likely engage in professional activities that may help improve your career prospects. Such opportunities include attending and speaking at conferences, applying for summer fellowships, consulting, paid part-time research and more.

PhD students are expected to make a creative contribution to the field of data science—that means you’re encouraged not to go over old ground or rehash what’s already out there. Your contribution will be summed up in your dissertation, which is a written record of your original research.

Some students go into a PhD program already knowing what they want to research. Others use the first couple of years to explore the field and settle on a dissertation topic. Your advisor may be your closest ally in this process.

Doctoral programs in data science may also fall under the related disciplines such as statistics, computational sciences and informatics. It is important to evaluate each program’s curriculum. Will the foundation courses and electives prepare you for the research area that you want to explore?

A related degree you may consider is a PhD in Business Analytics (or Decision/Management Sciences). These degree programs are typically administered through a university’s School of Business, which means the curriculum includes corporate topics like management science, marketing, customer analytics, supply chains, etc.

Interested in a particular subset of data science? Some universities offer specialty PhD programs. Biostatistics and biomedical/health informatics are two examples, but you’ll also find a number of doctoral programs in machine learning (usually run by the Department of Computer Science) and sub-specialties in fields like artificial intelligence and data mining.

Typical Admissions Requirements
PhD candidates typically submit an application form and pay a fee. Universities often look for applicants who have:

If you don’t already have certain skills (e.g. stats, calculus, computer programming, etc.), the university may ask you to complete prerequisite courses.

Programs for PhD in Data Science – Online vs. On-Campus
Online programs may require you to attend a few campus events (e.g. symposiums), but allow you to complete coursework and conduct research in your own hometown.

While online learning can be a convenient way of obtaining your PhD from the comfort of home, there are a few important factors to consider.

As you research PhD in data science programs, you’ll probably find information on relevant fellowships on some university websites, as well as advice on financial matters. Here are a few ways that you may be able to fund your education:

Some PhD students in data science are fully funded. For example:

If you’re coming from overseas, try talking to your school about any differences between funding for citizens and international students.

The length of time it takes to obtain a PhD will likely vary depending on your chosen program. Programs for similar or identical degrees can have differing completion requirements at different schools, meaning how many years your PhD program takes will differ as well.

Of course, the amount of time you spend working toward a PhD in data science can also vary depending on whether you choose to take it part-time or full-time. Assuming you consistently pass your classes, a full-time commitment to your PhD program will expedite your way through it.

But a commitment like that won’t fit everyone’s lifestyles. For example, you might need to work to support yourself financially, or you might be raising a family. These sorts of important commitments are time-consuming and can take a lot of energy. So, in that case, a part-time commitment to your PhD program might make more sense for you.

If you’re looking for information on career paths that involve STEM, see our guides below:

Data Science and Analytics Careers:

Computer Science, Computer Engineering and Information Careers:

Marketing and User Research Careers:

Compare Careers and STEM Fields:

We found 57 universities offering doctorate-level programs in data science. If you represent a university and would like to contact us about editing any of our listings or adding new programs, please send an email to info@mastersindatascience.org.

Last updated August 2021. The program’s website is always best for most up to date program information.

Looking for on-campus programs? See the full list of on-campus PhD in Data Science/Analytics programs.

Looking for online programs? See the full list of online PhD in Data Science/Analytics programs.