Program Overview

Doctor of Philosophy in Data Science and Analytics

The PhD in Data Science and Analytics at Kennesaw State was founded in 2015. This degree is at the intersection of computer science, statistics, mathematics, and business. The program offers concentrations in Computer Science, Statistics, and mHealth. Students engage in relevant research with faculty from across the eleven colleges.

KSU is an institution on the forefront of the development of data science as an academic discipline. The university is committed to developing the next generation of Data Science leaders, researchers, and educators. Culturally, the program is committed to the discipline of Data Science through ethical practices, attention to fairness, a diverse student body, academic excellence, and research that makes positive contributions to the local, regional, and global community.

The degree trains students to translate structured and unstructured, complex data into information to improve decision making. The data science and analytics curriculum include a heavy emphasis on programming, data mining, statistical modeling, and the mathematical foundations to support these concepts. The program also emphasizes communication skills – both oral and written – as well as application and tying results to business and research problems.

Doctor of Philosophy Concentrations

• Computer Science
• Statistics
• mHealth

Program Details

• Program Format: Face-to-Face
• Number of Credit Hours: 78 Total Hours
• Entry Terms: Fall
• Time to Complete: Four-year Program

Admissions Requirements

• Online Graduate Application: A non-refundable $60 application fee applies.
• Transcripts: Official transcripts from each college and/or university attended.
• Bachelor's degree: A minimum GPA of 2.75 from a regionally accredited college or university.

Additional Program Requirements

• GRE Score: minimum quantitative score 160, preferred analytical writing score of 3.5
• Successful completion of math courses through calculus II
• Proficiency in at least one analytical programming language (e.g., Python, SAS, or R)
• Statement of purpose describing how this degree facilitates career goals
• Three letters of recommendation
  • At least one from an academic source
  • At least one from a source outside of the academic community
• Resume or professional vitae

Data Science and Analytics Doctorate Degree Benefits

• Focused Learning: The data science and analytics degree program is a full-time, in-class traditional Ph.D. program with substantive project-based work, research, teaching, and internship/practicums.
• Flexible Model for Career Path: Choose from either the research model or the practitioner model to reinforce career goals.
• Program Cost: Qualified students receive a tuition waiver and a research stipend.

Related Degrees & Programs

• Business Administration (PhD)
• Computer Science
• Instructional Technology