PhD in Data Science

You’ll be working alongside faculty and industry partners to analyze, capture, search, share, store, transfer, query, and visualize huge amounts of data to solve real-world challenges. Some broad-stroke examples:

using predictive analytics to identify cyber threats
employing big data analytics to improve healthcare outcomes
empowering “smart” cities to make data-driven policy changes critical for societal well-being

Applying to the Data Science PhD Program

Students applying to the data science PhD program will find WPI’s data science degree options listed with engineering, science, and mathematics on the application form.

PhD requirements include coursework as well as a research component. Together they total a minimum of 60 credit hours beyond the Data Science master’s degree requirement. Students entering the Ph.D. Program with a bachelor’s degree first complete the M.S. in data science at WPI using the M.S. Thesis option as first step towards their Ph.D. degree.

Each Ph.D. student is assigned an Academic Advisor and together they formulate a Plan of Study that then is approved by the Data Science Steering Committee.

Core coursework requirements in the 5 categories as detailed below – 21 credits / 7 courses
Electives in coursework – 9 credits / 3 courses
Research credits – 30 credits

TOTAL 60 credits (beyond MS program)

A Ph.D. student must obtain core competency by taking 7 courses from the below list of Data Science core areas, with an A grade in 4 out of the 7 courses and at least a grade B for the remaining 3 courses, within 2 years after starting the Ph.D. 60 program.

Integrative Data Science (Required)

DS 501. Introduction to Data Science (3 credits)

Mathematical Analytics 3 credits (Select at least one)

DS 502. Statistical Methods for Data Science (3 credits)

MA 542. Regression Analysis

MA 554. Applied Multivariate Analysis

Data Access and Management 3 credits (Select at least one)

CS 542. Database Management Systems (3 credits)

MIS571. Database Applications Development

DS 503. Big Data Management (3 credits)

CS 561. Advanced Topics in Database Systems

Data Analytics and Mining 3 credits (Select at least one)

CS 548. Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining (3 credits)

DS 504. Big Data Analytics (3 credits)

CS 539. Machine Learning

Business Intelligence and Case Studies 3 credits (Select at least one)

MIS 584. Business Intelligence

MKT 568. Data Mining Business Applications

Nine more course credits must be taken, with the listing of courses pre-approved as electives for the Data Science program found in the WPI Graduate Catalog under Data Science. Other graduate courses, graduate research credits, or ISGs may also be used, with prior approval of the Data Science Steering Committee.

Two elective courses designed as ramp up courses for students who may be lacking in sufficient background in either statistics or programming, respectively, are listed below. They can count towards the 33 credits of the DS MS degree, However, they cannot be used to meet the above requirements in five core categories.

MA 511. Applied Statistics for Engineers and Scientists

CS 5007. Intro to Applications of CS with Data Structures and Algorithms (Programming for non-CS majors)

At least 30 credits must be research credits, consisting of DS 597 Directed Research and DS 699 Dissertation Research. Prior to Admission to Candidacy, a student may receive up to 18 credits of Pre-Dissertation Research under DS 597. Only after Admission to Candidacy by passing the Research Qualifier may a student receive credit toward Dissertation Research under DS 699.

As part of the research component, PhD students pass a Qualifying Examination and propose and defend Dissertation Research. Learn more about the Ph.D. milestones, including the Ph.D. Qualifying Examination, the Ph.D. dissertation proposal and Ph.D. final dissertation defense.

Close faculty interaction, cutting-edge equipment, and personal attention let you structure your program so it suits your individual career goals. You’ll leave with a degree that will help you succeed in your distinctive path.

Data science research gives you opportunities to work on grand challenge problems with societal importance, including topics such as cybersecurity, healthcare, and sustainability.

Our data science graduate program offers expertise in computer science, statistics, and business topics while giving you essential opportunities to work with industry partners.

WPI’s innovative and multidisciplinary graduate program prepares students to become talented and effective leaders in this rapidly evolving field.

WPI faculty and candidates in the PhD in data science are exploring every aspect of this burgeoning field. Together, they’re fueling breakthroughs that have direct, real-world impact in health, genetic analysis, sustainability, educational software, financial trading, and more.

A faculty advisor will help you design a Plan of Study for your dissertation as well as coursework in the core areas of data analytics and big data computing, statistical foundations and mathematical analytics, and business intelligence and innovation.

Faculty Profiles

Elke Rundensteiner

Professor, Computer Science, Program Head, Data Science, Computer Science

As founding Head of the interdisciplinary Data Science program here at WPI, I take great pleasure in doing all in my power to support the Data Science community in all its facets from research collaborations, and new educational initiatives to our innovative industry-sponsored and mentored Graduate Qualifying projects at the graduate level.

Xiangnan Kong

Associate Professor, Computer Science

Professor Kong’s research interests focus on data mining and machine learning, with emphasis on addressing the data science problems in biomedical and social applications. Data today involves an increasing number of data types that need to be handled differently from conventional data records, and an increasing number of data sources that need to be fused together. Dr. Kong is particularly interested in designing algorithms to tame data variety issues in various research fields, such as biomedical research, social computing, neuroscience, and business intelligence.

Yanhua Li

Associate Professor, Computer Science

Yanhua Li is an Associate Professor in the Computer Science Department and Data Science Program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). His research interests focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and data science, with applications in smart cities in many contexts, including spatial-temporal data analytics, urban planning and optimization.

Randy Paffenroth

Associate Professor, Mathematical Sciences

My research focuses on compressed sensing, machine learning, signal processing, and the interaction between mathematics, computer science and software engineering. My interests range from theoretical results to algorithms for tackling practical applied problems, and I enjoy problems most when mathematical results lead to efficient software implementations for big data. I am looking forward to working with students at all levels and backgrounds who share an interest in mathematics, software, or data.

Andrew Trapp

Professor, The Business School

I am Professor of Operations and Industrial Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), with courtesy appointments in Mathematical Sciences, Data Science, and Computer Science. I hold a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. My objective is to use science and technology to assist real human need by improving systems that serve vulnerable peoples, such as refugees and asylum seekers, survivors of human trafficking, and children in the foster care system.

Learn more about our community on campus.

The Data Science Community

Current Students

Faculty Research

Data Science Department

Careers & Advisory

Getting Involved

We’re data scientists – we use tools of the trade and big data analytics to innovate. Follow department happenings and industry trends via our social media channels on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Need to Earn a Master’s First? Explore Our Pioneering MS in Data Science

Not quite ready to apply for our data science PhD program since you first need to earn a master’s? Our pioneering master’s in data science dives into how to articulate findings into how to synthesize huge amounts of data and articulate findings into innovative solutions. WPI is one of a handful of universities that offers a MS in data science. Are you a working professional and prefer to study online? Our master’s in data science online makes it possible for you to advance your expertise from wherever you are conveniently online. Our core courses dive into the same on campus data-science essentials like analysis techniques, database management, and more. Maybe you’re excited about elevating your career in big data, but have questions about PhD data science salary and popular job titles. Check out our career information for data science.

Advance Your Data Science Skills with a Graduate Certificate

Individuals who know how to interpret and harness large amounts of data are in high demand and our graduate certificates are a perfect way to customize your data science skills and aspirations. Our on campus graduate certificate in data science enables students to select six courses that dive into mathematical analytics, data management, business intelligence, and more. Maybe you have a busy work-life balance and prefer to study online? Our online data science certificate brings world-class instruction right to you with flexible course offerings that enable you to enhance your data analytics skills.

Ready to Start Your Data Science Path?

If data intrigues you and you love the idea of finding patterns and revealing the information in massive amounts of data, a future in data science likely appeals to you. If you have your sights set on a PhD in data science, you can get started on the right academic path with a bachelor’s in data science. WPI’s bachelor’s program offers hands-on projects to increase your understanding of the field while giving you real skills you can use. If you’re majoring in another field, such as business or computer science, a minor in data science will give you a solid understanding of data science concepts. With a minor in data science, you’ll gain skills and learn how to apply them to your chosen discipline.

The BioPoint Program for Graduate Students has been designed to complement traditional training in bioscience, digital and engineering fields. Students accepted into one of the home BioPoint programs will have the flexibility to select research advisors and take electives in other departments to broaden their skills. BioPoint curriculum is designed to be individual, interactive, project-focused and diverse, and includes innovative courses, seminars, journal clubs and industrial-based projects. Learn more.