PhD in Data Science in USA: Best Universities, Requirements, Cost, Scholarships & More for PhD in Data Science USA

PhD data science programs in the USA seek to produce researchers who are fluent in this emerging field of data science and can develop a native environment for their training and education. Apart from this, some other reasons why should you study data science in USA are:

• PhD in data science USA can introduce you to an advanced understanding of big data analytics. It provides you with an in-depth understanding of several areas of data science such as big data management, data analytics, data mining, statistical techniques etc.
• USA universities offering PhD programs in data science impart you with the skills and knowledge necessary to enable research and development methods in data science. It boasts you with robust applied training that is geared towards interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Data science graduates from US universities have a very high employment rate. Completing it from the top universities will land you a job within three months of completion with an average pay of more than 90,000 USD.
• The opportunities for data scientists in USA are great as there is currently a huge shortage of qualified and skilled data professionals in the USA. And it is projected that the demand for experienced and informed data scientists will grow by 27.9% by 2026, with an increase in employment of 27.9%.
• Data scientists in the USA can earn an annual median pay of around 98,230 USD last year. The best 25 percent earned over 130,370 USD that year, and the lower 25 percent made 71,790 USD per annum. 

Suggested: Know About Best Data Science Universities in USA

The PhD programs in data science in USA nurture the new generation of data scientists by designing and building an environment for data science where methodological innovations can be developed and translated successfully to the domain applications both scientifically and socially. It combines the fundamental research on the principles of data science with translational projects involving domain experts creating a virtuous cycle. The curriculum of this program includes subjects like:

1. Integrative Data Science
2. Business Intelligence and Case Studies
3. Data Access and Management
4. Data Analytics and Mining
5. Mathematical Analytics
6. Big Data Management
7. Applied Multivariate Analysis

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The USA being a top destination offering high standards in the field of research, has been preferred by international students. Most of its universities are renowned for their stellar research-oriented outputs. Here we have curated a list of the best universities for PhD in data science in USA for you below:

1. Stevens Institute of Technology
2. New York University
3. University of Virginia
4. Indiana University
5. The University of Texas El Paso

Let's discuss each university in detail below:

1.  New York University

The doctorate in data science courses at NYU helps develop methodology and harness statistical tools to find answers to questions that transcend the boundaries of traditional academic disciplines. It trains the students to clearly communicate to extract crisp questions from big, heterogeneous, uncertain data. This program effectively translates fundamental research insights into data science practice in the sciences, medicine, industry, and government.

2.  University of Virginia

The University of Virginia data science program is committed to educating the next generation of data science leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to enable research and discovery in data science methods. Students learn to master the computational and mathematical foundations of data science, and develop competencies in data engineering, software development, data policy and ethics.

3.  Stevens Institute of Technology

Data science programs at Stevens Institute of Technology prepares inquisitive students to be pioneers in this space through a rigorous curriculum emphasising mathematical and statistical modelling, machine learning, computational systems and data management. This program is administered through both the Schaefer School of Engineering and Science and the School of Business at Stevens, which respond to the demand for data scientists with extensive knowledge of the theories, techniques and applications associated with data and artificial intelligence.

4.  Indiana University

The PhD program at Indiana University is offered by the School of Informatics and Computing and prepares the students to make research contributions that advance the theory and practice of data science. It will provide deep thinking skills and the ability to formulate and test hypotheses using massive and heterogeneous data to provide the foundation for students to be a researcher in academic settings or in industrial research and development laboratories.

5.  The University of Texas, El Paso

The Department of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Texas offers a PhD program in data science that will prepare and train the students to obtain a position in the industry using data to guide decision-making. It is an interdisciplinary field open to individuals of a variety of backgrounds. Applicants must have a good command of principles of mathematics, analysis, probability and statistical inference or equivalent for this course.

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The eligibility and admission requirements for the admission to data science PhD programs in USA vary between the universities. However, there are some basic requirements that every university must follow. Here we have given the following requirements:

1. Educational Qualifications
2. English Language Proficiency
3. GRE or GMAT
4. Work Experience
5. Passport and Student Visa

Let's discuss them one by one:

1.  Educational Qualifications

The first PhD in Data Science in USA requirements is to have a valid bachelor's and master's degree from an accredited institution. A master's degree in business intelligence & analytics, computer science, financial analytics, financial engineering etc is preferred for the data science doctoral programs.

Prerequisite courses in statistics, calculus, probability, algebra and data management etc. Also, a minimum grade of B is considered best for admission to the best universities.

2.  English Language Proficiency

If you are not a native language speaker and don't have an academic background. You are required to provide proof of English language proficiency by submitting any one of the test scores. The two popular test scores are:

• IELTS: 6.0 - 7.0
• TOEFL: 90 - 105
• Duolingo: 105

3.  GRE or GMAT

Some of the PhD data science universities in the USA also ask for either a GRE or GMAT score in order to complete the application form. The minimum average score should be 280 or above on GRE and 650 on GMAT. However, some universities offer admissions without these scores too.

4.  Work Experience

For a PhD in data science in USA, universities may ask for work experience. So, having 2 or more years' experience will be effective. A relevant work experience will be factored into the admission decision but is not a mandatory requirement for entry into this program.

5.  Passport and Student Visa

A copy of your passport and your US student visa are also mandatory for studying for a PhD degree in Data Science in the USA for international students. If you don't have one, make sure to apply for it at least three months before your travel date.

Read: Know About DS-160 Form

Before applying for a fully funded phd in data science USA, make sure you have the following set of documents to submit in the application form. These documents include:

1. Higher secondary education certificate
2. Academic transcripts
3. Scorecards
4. Letter of recommendation
5. Statement of Purpose
6. Academic achievements certificate
7. Scholarship certificate
8. Proof of your finances
9. US student visa

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The application process for applying to the PhD admission in Data Science programs in USA is quite simple. Here we have given some steps which you can refer to for the application:

1. First, make a list of some best universities for PhD in Data Science in USA or go through the above-mentioned ones.
2. Shortlist those universities based on their entry requirements and costs.
3. Fill in the available application along with paying the fees.
4. Gather all documents and requirements asked in the application form.
5. Submit those scanned documents and wait for the admission decision.
6. You can also check the status of the application form.
7. Once you get the acceptance letter, acknowledge it by paying the deposit fees.

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Now that you get an idea of the application process along with the phd in data science USA eligibility. Let's now look at the costs required to pursue a doctorate in the USA.

The cost of studying at PhD universities in USA for Data Science is impacted by two factors, one is its tuition fees and the cost of studying. Both of these factors are discussed below:

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees of these universities for PhD in Data Science mainly depend on the type of university. The average tuition fees will range from 26,400 USD to 60,000 USD per year. However, the fees may be slightly lower for public universities.

Cost of Living

Your living costs are also a factor in the cost of studying for a PhD in the USA. On average, the living costs in the country should range between 1,200 USD to 2,500 per month. A major part of these expenses is from your rent, location, food, materials, transportation etc.

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There are many universities in USA offering PhD scholarships to their students. Some also offer fully funded PhD in data science USA. These scholarships can be from government and external sources too. To help you get the best, here are some scholarships you can look for to study a PhD in data science in USA:

Suggested: Scholarships to Study in USA

Though the cost of PhD data science in USA is quite high so is the return on investment. PhD data science graduates from USA have seen performing very well in commercial research. Completing a doctorate equips you with the skills to thrive in different careers related to computer science, engineering, data analytics and management etc.

Some of the job profiles of a Phd degree holder in data science are:

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With a tremendous package and career prospects, there's no doubt that it is one of the top study destinations for data science PhD in USA. Not only because of its high return on investment, but you also get hold of PhD scholarships in the USA easily. So, if you are in search of a promising career ahead, then the USA is definitely a great choice. In case you need any assistance related to universities in USA, reach out to our Yocket Counsellors for an extra hand.