Computational and Data Science, Ph.D.
Program Overview
The Ph.D. in Computational and Data Science at MTSU requires 72-84 semester hours, including core coursework, directed research, and a dissertation. Students choose a track in either Computational Science or Data Science and complete electives in related fields. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, industry, and government research.
Program Outline
Outline:
The Ph.D. in Computational and Data Science requires completion of of 72-84 semester hours. To satisfy the minimum requirements for the degree, students must successfully complete 48 hours of approved graduate core coursework composed of foundation, core, and elective courses; complete 12 hours of directed research; complete 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 as the lead or coauthor; serve as lead author or make significant contributions to two articles published, in press, or under review in high quality, peer-reviewed journals; 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; complete a dissertation, including the final oral defense. Curriculum: Computational and Data Science The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements. In addition, a maximum of 12 hours of directed research and a maximum of 24 hours of dissertation research may be applied to degree requirements. Foundation Courses (21 hours) COMS 6100 - Fundamentals of Computational Science COMS 6100 - Fundamentals of Scientific ComputingLoading...CloseCOMS 6500 - Fundamentals of Scientific ComputingCOMS 6500 - Fundamentals of Scientific ComputingLoading...CloseCSCI 6050 - Computer Systems FundamentalsCSCI 6050 - Computer Systems FundamentalsLoading...CloseCSCI 6330 - Parallel Processing ConceptsCSCI 6330 - Parallel Processing ConceptsLoading...CloseCOMS 7950 - Research Seminar in Computational Science (total of 3 credits) COMS 7950 - Research Seminar in Computational ScienceLoading...CloseCOMS 7900 - Computational Science CapstoneCOMS 7900 - Computational Science CapstoneLoading...CloseTrack (15 hours) You must take 15 hours from one of these two tracks. Substitutions for particular courses may be approved by your advisor and by the program director. Computational Science Track COMS 7100 - Applied Computational ScienceCOMS 7100 - Applied Computational ScienceLoading...CloseCOMS 7300 - Numerical Partial Differential EquationsCOMS 7300 - Numerical Partial Differential EquationsLoading...CloseCOMS 7700 - Advanced Concepts in Computational Science (4 credits required) COMS 7700 - Advanced Concepts in Computational ScienceLoading...CloseCOMS 7840 - Selected Topics in the Natural and Applied SciencesCOMS 7840 - Selected Topics in the Natural and Applied SciencesLoading...CloseData Science Track COMS 7841 - Special Topics in Data ScienceCOMS 7841 - Special Topics in Data ScienceLoading...CloseCSCI 7350 - Data MiningCSCI 7350 - Data MiningLoading...CloseCSCI 7400 - Cloud Computing for Data AnalysisCSCI 7400 - Cloud Computing for Data AnalysisLoading...CloseCSCI 7850 - Deep LearningCSCI 7850 - Deep LearningLoading...CloseSTAT 7400 - Computational StatisticsSTAT 7400 - Computational StatisticsLoading...CloseElectives (12 hours) Electives may come from departmental master's degree programs and the COMS program. They must be at the 6000- or 7000-level. Directed Research (12 hours) Students must complete 12 hours of directed research before advancement to candidacy. Students may not take more than 6 credit hours of directed research per semester. Note: No more than 12 hours of directed research may be applied toward degree requirements. COMS 7500 - Directed Research in Computational ScienceCOMS 7500 - Directed Research in Computational ScienceLoading...CloseDissertation (12-24 hours) Note: No more than 24 hours of dissertation research may be applied toward degree requirements. COMS 7640 - Dissertation ResearchCOMS 7640 - Dissertation ResearchLoading...CloseProgram Notes Applicants holding a master's degree will be expected to have earned at least 21 semester hours of graduate mathematics, science, or engineering credit with evidence of strong mathematical skills and experience in computation through coursework, employment, and/or research experiences. Applicants applying from the baccalaureate level must have an appropriate science degree with evidence of strong mathematical skills and experience in computation through coursework, employment, and/or research experiences. Students entering with a master's degree in a mathematical, science, or engineering discipline may, on the recommendation of the program coordination committee and with the approval of the graduate dean, have up to 12 credit hours accepted from their master's if it directly corresponds to coursework in the Computational and Data Science curriculum. Students who are interested in pursuing a Master's Degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, or Data Science while pursuing their Ph.D. will need to consult with the program director and the respective departments to understand the additional requirements. Applicants lacking necessary foundational coursework in previous degrees will be required to complete some remedial courses as part of their program of study in addition to the degree requirements. Close
Middle Tennessee State University
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.
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.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.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.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.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.
Entry Requirements:
- Submit an application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
- Submit official transcripts showing a GPA in previous academic work that indicates potential for success in advanced study. Successful applicants typically have a minimum 3.50 GPA in their graduate work or a minimum 3.00 GPA when entering with a bachelor's degree. Applicants should hold a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in a science discipline;
- Provide letters of recommendation from at least three professors or professionals that address the applicant's potential to successfully complete a Ph.D. in the Computational and Data Science program.
- Submit a one-page statement of background and research interests as part of the application. The statement should include a short summary of experience in mathematics, computer programming, and in science along with the types of problems they hope to work on when they join the program.
