General Admission FAQs

The deadline to apply for admission to the data science Ph.D. program in Fall 2025 is February 1, 2025.

No, the Ph.D. program does not have rolling admissions. Applications are reviewed based on a specific deadline, and decisions are made after that deadline. Please check the program’s website for exact dates and further details.

No. At this time, we are only accepting new students in the fall.

The admissions committee plans to finish reviewing all applications by the end of February. Decisions should be released in early March.

No, the fee is collected by the Graduate School to cover processing costs. The charge is a nonrefundable, nontransferable application processing fee.

$75 USD for U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents
$85 USD for International Applicants

GRE can be waived if one of the following criteria is met: 

• Earned a degree from U.S. institution with a minimum 3.0 undergraduate/3.5 graduate degree,
• Earned a terminal degree (PhD, JD, or MD)

A formal letter, including documentation of credentials, should be sent to the program director to request a waiver.

We do not offer a distance learning option for the data science Ph.D. program. Self-motivated and dedicated part-time students may be admitted to the program. Part-time students typically complete the program in 5-7 years.

You may need to take the following tests depending on your situation.

The GRE is required for all applicants unless they hold a terminal degree (JD, PhD, MD) or they have earned a degree from an accredited US institution with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above, or a graduate GPA of 3.5 or better.

An English Language Assessment is required for those whose first language is not English. The test can be waived if the applicant has earned a degree from an approved English-speaking institution. Applicants who do not meet these requirements must submit official scores from one of the three assessments: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo.

Yes, minimum test score requirements vary by test:

English Language Assessments:

TOEFL: Minimum score of 83
IELTS: Minimum overall band score of 6.5
Duolingo: Minimum score of 115

For the GRE, there are no specific minimum scores set, but competitive scores are encouraged.

Faculty typically look for applicants who demonstrate:

Strong academic background: Solid performance in relevant coursework, especially in data science, statistics, mathematics, and related fields.
Research potential: Previous research experience, publications, or projects that show the ability to contribute to the field.
Relevant skills: Proficiency in programming, data analysis, machine learning, and other data science tools.
Motivation and goals: A clear statement of purpose that outlines your research interests, career goals, and how the program aligns with them.

No, a master’s degree is not required to apply for the Ph.D. program. Applicants with a strong academic background, relevant experience, and a bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply. However, a master’s degree in a related field may strengthen your application.

Yes, the Ph.D. program offers financial aid in the form of teaching and research assistantships to some selective, full-time, admitted students. International students are also eligible for these assistantships. Financial aid availability may vary based on merit and funding resources.

For more information, on Financial Aid.

Prospective students are welcome to reach out to faculty members to discuss their research interests and fit with the program. Faculty availability for meetings may vary.

The average duration of the Ph.D. program is:

Full-Time: 4-5 years
Part-Time: 6-8 years

The exact duration may vary depending on the student’s progress and research.

Students with a relevant master’s degree, with the approval of the Ph.D. Program Director, can enter the Ph.D. in Data Science on an accelerated track through Advanced Standing. This allows for a reduced coursework requirement, potentially a minimum of 44 credit hours, including the dissertation. The Ph.D. Program Director must recommend admission to this track for the student’s first term.

To be eligible for the Advanced Standing option for the Ph.D. in Data Science, students must meet all the admission requirements and demonstrate experience or coursework in the following areas:

Databases: One or more courses or equivalent experience in data management

Statistics: One or more additional advanced statistical courses

Machine Learning: One or more courses in machine learning, artificial intelligence, or algorithmic development

Visualization and Communication with Data: One or two courses or equivalent experience in data visualization and communication