Data Science and Analytics, Ph.D.

[linked graphic] Admission, Enrollment, and Graduation Policies

[linked graphic] Program Course Requirements

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Program Description

Kennesaw State University’s Ph.D. with a major in Data Science and Analytics is an advanced degree, which trains individuals to translate large, structured and unstructured, complex data into information to improve decision-making, and become independent researchers. This highly interdisciplinary curriculum includes heavy emphasis on programming, machine learning, artificial intelligence, data mining, statistical modeling, and the mathematical foundations to support these concepts. The program also emphasizes communication skills, data ethics, and application of results to business and research problems. Graduates can pursue a position in the private or public sector as a “practicing” Data Scientist or a position within academia, where they are uniquely qualified to teach the next generation of data scientists.

This program is a part of the College of Computing and Software Engineering .

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Admission, Enrollment, and Graduation Policies

Admission Requirements

The following are requirements beyond the general Admissions requirements

GRE Score Report - Minimum Quantitative score is 160. Preferred Analytical Writing Score of 3.5.
Resume or CV
Statement of Intent describing how this degree facilitates your career goals.
Three Letters of Recommendation 
- At least one must be from an academic source.
- At least one must be from a source outside of the academic community. 
Successful completion of Math courses through Calculus II
Proficiency in at least one analytical programming language (e.g., Python, SAS, R).

Admission Criteria for Unique Cases

Currently, there are no exceptions to the admission requirements.

Transfer Credit

No credit from outside institutions is accepted for this degree program.

Graduation Requirements

Each candidate must petition to graduate online. For more information, please view the corresponding section of Academic Policies: 5.0 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS & GRADUATION .

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Program Course Requirements

Required Core (24 credits)

Electives and Concentration (21 hours)

Students can take up to 9 credit hours for 6000 or 7000 level courses in DS, STAT, or CS with permission of the program director. Students can take any 8000 or 9000 level course in DS, STAT, MATH, CS, or IT (other disciplines by permission of the director).

Computer Science Concentration

Students interested in pursuing a concentration in Computer Science must take at least 15 credit hours in CS courses at 8000 or 9000 levels (except CS 9900).

Statistics Concentration

Students interested in pursuing a concentration in Statistics must take at least 15 credit hours in STAT courses at 8000 or 9000 levels.

Research (33 hours)

Students will take a minimum of 15 hours of DS 9900 in order to graduate. This course should only be taken by students who have already completed comprehensive exams or with permission of the program coordinator.