Introduction to the Computational and Data Science Ph.D. Program

The Computational and Data Science Ph.D. program at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is an interdisciplinary research-intensive program that encompasses various fields, including agriculture, biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering technology, geosciences, mathematical sciences, and physics and astronomy. This program is designed to produce graduates with competency in three key areas: mastery of mathematical methods of computation, deep knowledge of programming languages and computing technology, and effective written and oral communication skills.

Program Overview

The Computational and Data Science Ph.D. program is available on-ground and is tailored for students working toward their doctoral degrees. With additional coursework and requirements, students in the program can also complete a Master's degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, or Data Science before graduating.

Careers

Graduates of the Computational and Data Science Ph.D. program can work as research scientists in almost any field of science or engineering in industry or government, or at a university. The program has focus areas in bioinformatics, biological modeling, computational chemistry, computational graph theory, computational physics, engineering and differential equations, high-performance computing, and machine learning and remote sensing.

Requirements

Admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Computational and Data Science program is based on a comprehensive assessment of a candidate's qualifications, including undergraduate and graduate grade point averages, academic preparation for the degree, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. GRE scores may be optionally included at the applicant's discretion.

Application Procedures

All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies. The application deadline is February 15 for those wishing to be considered for graduate assistantships for the following Fall. Late applications may be considered, but space and assistantship availability may be limited.

Degree Requirements

The Ph.D. in Computational and Data Science requires completion of 72-84 semester hours. To satisfy the minimum requirements for the degree, students must successfully complete 48 hours of approved graduate core coursework, 12 hours of directed research, pass the qualifying exam before the end of the second year in the program, complete 12-24 hours of dissertation research, make at least two research presentations at regional, national, or international meetings, serve as lead author or make significant contributions to two articles published, in press, or under review in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals, and make a significant contribution to the development of at least one external grant proposal in collaboration with an MTSU faculty member serving as principal investigator.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes foundation courses, track courses, and electives. Foundation courses cover topics such as computational science, scientific computing, computer systems fundamentals, parallel processing concepts, research seminar in computational science, and computational science capstone. Track courses are divided into two areas: Computational Science and Data Science.

Faculty

The faculty members in the Computational and Data Science Ph.D. program have diverse research interests and expertise in various fields, including bioinformatics, biological modeling, computational chemistry, computational graph theory, computational physics, engineering and differential equations, high-performance computing, and machine learning and remote sensing.

Research Areas

The research areas in the Computational and Data Science Ph.D. program include:

• Bioinformatics
• Biological Modeling
• Computational Chemistry
• Computational Graph Theory
• Computational Physics, Engineering, and Differential Equations
• High-Performance Computing
• Machine Learning and Remote Sensing

Research Groups

The faculty members in the Computational Science Program at MTSU have a diverse set of research interests that cross between traditional departmental boundaries. The research groups include:

• Bioinformatics
• Biological Modeling
• Computational Chemistry
• Computational Graph Theory
• Computational Physics, Engineering, and Differential Equations
• High-Performance Computing
• Machine Learning and Remote Sensing

Publications

The faculty members in the Computational and Data Science Ph.D. program have published numerous research papers in reputable journals and conferences. The publications cover a wide range of topics, including computational science, data science, machine learning, bioinformatics, and more.

Information

The Computational and Data Science Ph.D. program offers research and teaching assistantships, with stipends beginning at $20,100, available on a competitive basis to full-time students. The university also pays all tuition and most fees for assistantship holders. Non-Tennessee residents who are awarded a graduate assistantship are not required to pay out-of-state fees.

Middle Tennessee State University

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Overview:

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is a large university with a small-town feel, located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It is known for its affordability, strong academic programs, and vibrant campus life. MTSU is a public university with a diverse student body, including a significant number of first-generation students.

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Services Offered:

MTSU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Financial Aid:

83% of students receive financial aid, with over $230 million in assistance available.

Campus Improvements:

The university has invested $1.5 billion in recent campus improvements and renovations.

Academic Support:

MTSU provides academic advising, tutoring, and other support services to help students succeed.

Student Life:

The university offers a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities to enhance the campus experience.

Career Services:

MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

MTSU boasts a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can enjoy:

Large Campus with Small-Town Feel:

MTSU's 515-acre campus offers a scenic, park-like setting while maintaining a close-knit atmosphere.

Active Student Organizations:

Students can join over 200 student organizations and clubs, catering to diverse interests.

Athletics:

MTSU has 17 Division I sports teams, providing opportunities for both participation and spectator enjoyment.

Campus Events:

The university hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and sporting events.

Student Union:

The Student Union serves as a central hub for students, offering dining, a bookstore, a game room, a theater, and more.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordability:

MTSU offers the lowest tuition among Tennessee's three largest universities, making it a highly affordable option.

Strong Academic Programs:

MTSU offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate majors and concentrations, including highly ranked programs in areas like Industrial and Organizational Psychology and Audio Engineering.

Diverse Student Body:

MTSU is home to a diverse student population, including a significant number of first-generation students.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university offers a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, fostering a strong sense of community.

Career Opportunities:

MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities to help students prepare for their future careers.

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Academic Programs:

MTSU offers a wide range of academic programs across eight colleges, including:

Arts and Sciences:

Offers majors in fields like biology, chemistry, English, history, and mathematics.

Business:

Offers majors in accounting, finance, marketing, and management.

Education:

Offers majors in elementary education, secondary education, and special education.

Engineering and Technology:

Offers majors in computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.

Fine Arts:

Offers majors in music, theater, and art.

Health and Human Sciences:

Offers majors in nursing, health sciences, and human development.

Liberal Arts:

Offers majors in communication, journalism, and political science.

University College:

Offers a variety of general studies programs and interdisciplinary majors.

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Other:

• MTSU is the number 1 producer of college graduates in the greater Nashville area.
• MTSU is home to the first public Honors College in Tennessee.
• MTSU has more than two dozen Fulbright scholars.
• MTSU students, alumni, faculty, and staff have won 47 Grammy Awards since 2001.
• MTSU is known for its flexible programs that emphasize real-world projects and soft skills development.