Best Online Doctorate in Data Science Programs
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Editor & Writer
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Contributing Writer
Editor & Writer
Contributing Reviewer
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Deciding to get a Ph.D. is a big commitment. While there are always huge benefits to learning and becoming better in your industry, going back to school can also be challenging. Studying data science requires a list of skills, but if you find an online doctorate that fits your interests and needs, it can also be highly rewarding.
There are numerous things to keep in mind in order to pick the right online Ph.D. in data science. With the amount of time and resources it takes to finish a doctorate, it is important to choose a program that you are going to enjoy and that will fit your needs.
Featured Online PhD in Data Science Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Doctorate in Data Science Programs
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BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Colorado Technical University
Colorado Springs, CO - 4 years
- Online
- Doctor of Computer Science in Big Data Analytics
- Accreditation: HLC
- Delivery Format: Online (asynchronous) with residency component, In-person symposium
National University
La Jolla, CA - 4 years
- Online
- Doctor of Philosophy in Technology Management — Data Science
- Accreditation: WSCUC
- Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
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The Pros and Cons of an Online Doctorate in Data Science
Undertaking a Ph.D. is a big decision. While a positive experience for many as well as a good career step, it is also a lot of work and a time and financial commitment.
Only you can decide whether now is the right time for you to get a Ph.D. Consider the pros and cons before deciding to get an online doctorate in data science.
Pros
-
Expertise and Specialization: A Ph.D. allows you to become an expert in a specific area of data science, giving you a deep understanding of the subject matter and its applications. -
Research Opportunities: Pursuing a Ph.D. opens doors for you to conduct cutting-edge research, contribute to the field's advancement, and potentially publish influential papers. -
Career Advancement: A doctorate can enhance your career prospects, making you a valuable asset for academia, research institutions, or government agencies.
Cons
-
Narrow Focus: Specializing in a specific area of data science may limit job opportunities compared to a broader skill set. -
Time: Completing a Ph.D. takes several years, demanding substantial time commitment and potentially impacting your work-life balance. -
Stress: The research process can be mentally and emotionally taxing, with pressure to produce original and impactful work.
Career and Salary Outlook for Data Science Careers
A doctorate in data science can help you expand your career choices and land a high-level data science job. Graduates can become data scientists, research scientists, data analysts, or work in artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Other career options include roles as a researcher or professor in academia, industry roles as a data engineering or machine learning specialist, and leadership roles as a data science manager or director.
With continuing education and certifications, there is a lot of movement and flexibility in the tech space. Data science is also an important aspect of many other careers, so there is a lot of possibility for career movement and development. Here are some common career options for data science graduates.
Note: Wages marked with an asterisk symbol are current as of April 2024.
| Data Science Career | Average Annual Wage (2023) |
|---|---|
| Market Research Analyst | $83,190 |
| Data Science Professor | $106,380 |
| Business Intelligence Developer | $86,970* |
| Statistician | $109,190 |
| Senior Data Scientist | $132,260* |
| Business Intelligence Architect | $116,510* |
| Database Administrator and Architect | $104,810 |
| Machine Learning Engineer | $118,350* |
| Information Security Analyst | $124,740 |
| AI Specialist | $133,470* |
| Chief Data Officer | $171,860* |
Joining a Data Science Professional Organization
Joining a community or professional organization and getting involved can have many important benefits in terms of technical skills and interpersonal relationships. Whether it is a local organization or a national one, it’s a good idea to get involved — both for you and your career.
Advantages of joining a professional organization include access to educational courses and workshops, networking opportunities with industry experts and potential employers, grant and funding opportunities for research projects, conferences and events to stay updated on the latest trends, and collaborative projects and research initiatives.
Popular data science professional organizations include the Data Science Association, the Special Interest Group on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining, and the Computation Intelligence Society. Make sure to also search for any local associations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Doctorate in Data Science Degrees
How long will it take to get a Ph.D. in data science?
A Ph.D. in data science typically takes 3-5 years to complete, depending on the program, research topic, and your individual progress. It will also depend on whether you are studying full-time or if you have work or other personal commitments that will limit the time you can dedicate to your Ph.D.
Is it worth it to get a Ph.D. in data science?
The value of a Ph.D. in data science depends on your individual career goals. A doctorate offers expertise, research opportunities, and potential for high-level roles in academia, research, or industry. However, for some data science careers, a master's degree may be enough, and industry experience can also be valuable for your career.
Do you need a master’s or Ph.D. to become a data scientist?
A master's degree is often sufficient to become a data scientist. Many professionals work as data scientists with a master's in data science, computer science, statistics, or related fields. However, a Ph.D. can lead to specialized roles, research opportunities, and higher-level positions.
Will a Ph.D. in data science pay more?
A Ph.D. in data science can lead to higher-paying positions, but there is not always a correlation between education and pay levels. Industry salaries can also be influenced by experience, job responsibilities, and the specific demands of the job, regardless of the degree level. This is particularly true in tech, where experience and alternative education methods like certifications hold a lot of weight.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed April 22, 2024.
