- 1.Hakia's analysis of the best data science doctoral degree programs reveals that data science PhD graduates in industry research earn $150,000 median salary (BLS, 2024), while tenure-track faculty earn $120,000-$180,000.
- 2.Our top-ranked doctoral programs are University of California-Berkeley, University of California-Los Angeles, University of Southern California—selected for research output, funding, and graduate placement.
- 3.Most PhD programs are fully funded: tuition waiver + $25,000-40,000/year stipend. You should not pay for a PhD.
- 4.Average time to degree is 5-6 years, though it varies by research area and advisor.
- 5.60% of data science PhD graduates enter industry research (Google, Meta, Microsoft Research); 40% pursue academic careers.
Source: A data science PhD is worth it if you want to conduct original research, whether in academia or industry research labs. Unlike master's programs, PhDs are typically fully funded (tuition + ~$35K/year stipend). Industry research scientists at Google, Meta, and OpenAI earn $200K-400K+. Academic faculty earn less but enjoy research freedom and job security.
Why Pursue a Data Science PhD?
A PhD is the terminal research degree in data science—required for tenure-track faculty positions and highly valued for industry research scientist roles. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Data Scientists with advanced degrees can earn $194,410 or more, especially in research-focused positions.
Who Should Consider a PhD?
- Aspiring academics: Tenure-track faculty positions require a PhD
- Research scientists: Industry labs (Google Research, Microsoft Research, Meta AI) recruit PhDs for cutting-edge research
- Deep specialists: Those who want to push the boundaries of data science
- Intellectually curious: People who find fulfillment in solving hard, unsolved problems
The PhD Value Proposition
- Fully funded: No tuition + $25K-45K/year stipend (you're paid to learn)
- Research freedom: Work on problems that interest you with expert guidance
- Career options: Both academic ($100K-200K faculty) and lucrative industry paths ($150K-400K+ research scientist)
- Expertise: Become a world expert in data science
Important: Don't pursue a PhD just for salary gains. If your goal is maximizing income quickly, a master's + industry experience often yields better short-term returns. A PhD is a 5-6 year commitment to research mastery.
Best Data Science PhD Programs - Top 10
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley Statistics helped found CDSS in 2019. Students can pursue designated emphases in Computational and Data Science and Engineering, Computational and Genomic Biology, or Computational Precision Health.
University of California-Berkeley Data Science Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of California-Berkeley as the #1 in data science degree program.
University of California-Berkeley's Data Science program graduates 57 students annually with a 96% graduation rate. San Francisco Bay Area
Hakia Insight: University of California-Berkeley leverages partnerships with Google and Meta to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
computational biology
biosensors and related research
cybersecurity research
technology policy and social impact
Location Advantages
- •San Francisco Bay Area
- •Silicon Valley data science hub
- •Strong biotech presence
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Google, Meta, Biotech companies, Research universities
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of California-Los Angeles
UCLA Statistics & Data Science has a long history dating to the 1930s. The PhD requires a high-quality solely-authored paper for the written qualifying exam.
University of California-Los Angeles Data Science Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of California-Los Angeles as the #2 in data science degree program.
University of California-Los Angeles's Data Science program graduates 37 students annually with a 92% graduation rate. Los Angeles data science ecosystem
Hakia Insight: University of California-Los Angeles's direct partnerships with Google and Amazon give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Location Advantages
- •Los Angeles data science ecosystem
- •Entertainment industry analytics
- •Healthcare data science
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Google, Amazon, Finance companies, Research universities
Admissions
University of Southern California
USC's DSO PhD program is research-focused with low student-to-faculty ratio and 'open-door' policy. Students draw on resources across the university including the Information Sciences Institute.
University of Southern California Data Science Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of Southern California as the #3 in data science degree program.
University of Southern California's Data Science program graduates 59 students annually with a 92% graduation rate. Los Angeles business hub
Hakia Insight: Students at University of Southern California benefit from active collaborations with Google and Amazon, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Location Advantages
- •Los Angeles business hub
- •Entertainment industry data science
- •Strong startup ecosystem
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Google, Amazon, Finance companies, Research universities
Admissions
University of California-Irvine
UCI was the first UC campus to offer undergraduate Data Science major (2015). 400+ doctoral students in ICS with guaranteed 5-year funding.
University of California-Irvine Data Science Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of California-Irvine as the #4 in data science degree program.
University of California-Irvine's Data Science program graduates 28 students annually with a 96% graduation rate. Orange County tech corridor
Hakia Insight: University of California-Irvine's industry network — including Google and Amazon — provides students with internship and hiring pathways.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Location Advantages
- •Orange County tech corridor
- •LA/San Diego proximity
- •Strong healthcare presence
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Google, Amazon, Tech companies, Research universities
Admissions
University of California-San Diego
UCSD's Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute offers a dedicated PhD in Data Science - one of few standalone data science doctorates in the UC system.
University of California-San Diego Data Science Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of California-San Diego as the #5 in data science degree program.
University of California-San Diego's Data Science program graduates 38 students annually with a 81% graduation rate. San Diego biotech corridor
Hakia Insight: Through ties with Qualcomm and Google, University of California-San Diego bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Location Advantages
- •San Diego biotech corridor
- •Qualcomm headquarters
- •Strong healthcare presence
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Qualcomm, Google, Biotech companies, Research universities
Admissions
University of California-Santa Barbara
UCSB offers data science research within CS and Statistics PhD programs, with strong computational science and bioinformatics applications.
University of California-Santa Barbara Data Science Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of California-Santa Barbara as the #6 in data science degree program.
University of California-Santa Barbara's Data Science program graduates 30 students annually with a 90% graduation rate. Santa Barbara research environment
Hakia Insight: Students at University of California-Santa Barbara benefit from active collaborations with Amazon and Carpe Data, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Location Advantages
- •Santa Barbara research environment
- •CA tech corridor access
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Google, Amazon, Tech startups, Research universities
Admissions
Columbia University in the City of New York
Columbia's Data Science specialization within CS PhD is advised by Professor David Blei. Statistics PhD offers full 5-year funding for data science research.
Columbia University in the City of New York Data Science Program Overview
Hakia ranks Columbia University in the City of New York as the #7 in data science degree program.
Columbia University in the City of New York's Data Science program graduates 37 students annually with a 100% graduation rate. New York City location
Hakia Insight: Through ties with Amazon and Google, Columbia University in the City of New York bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
smart cities research
data collection and movement
healthcare analytics
foundational data science research
finance and business applications
social impact of data
cybersecurity research
AI applications in sciences
Location Advantages
- •New York City location
- •Finance and media industries
- •Strong startup ecosystem
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Google, Meta, Finance companies, Research universities
Admissions
Stanford University
Stanford's Data Science Scholars program supports PhD students across disciplines with 50% compensation over two years. Statistics PhD offers Data Science track.
Stanford University Data Science Program Overview
Hakia ranks Stanford University as the #8 in data science degree program.
Stanford University offers comprehensive Data Science programs at multiple degree levels, combining rigorous academics with practical experience. Silicon Valley epicenter: direct proximity to Google, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon offices
Hakia Insight: Stanford University's direct partnerships with Google and Apple give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Location Advantages
- •Silicon Valley epicenter: direct proximity to Google, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon offices
- •Venture capital and startup ecosystem (Sand Hill Road, leading VC firms)
- •Majority of Fortune 500 tech companies have R&D within 30 miles
- •Access to early-stage startup networking and recruiting
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Google, Apple, Meta, Research universities
Admissions
Cornell University
Cornell's Center for Data Science for Enterprise and Society focuses on computational social science and economics/CS interface. Data Science Scholars program supports PhD students.
Cornell University Data Science Program Overview
Hakia ranks Cornell University as the #9 in data science degree program.
Cornell University's Data Science program graduates 38 students annually with a 95% graduation rate. Ithaca campus + Cornell Tech NYC
Hakia Insight: Students at Cornell University benefit from active collaborations with Google and Microsoft, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Location Advantages
- •Ithaca campus + Cornell Tech NYC
- •NYC finance and tech access
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Google, Microsoft, Finance companies, Research universities
Admissions
Princeton University
Princeton's CSML Graduate Certificate formalizes data science training for PhD students applying statistics and ML principles to research. One course must be outside student's home department.
Princeton University Data Science Program Overview
Hakia ranks Princeton University as the #10 in data science degree program.
Princeton University's Data Science program graduates 39 students annually with a 96% graduation rate. Princeton research environment
Hakia Insight: Through ties with Google and Meta, Princeton University bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Location Advantages
- •Princeton research environment
- •NYC proximity
- •Strong academic focus
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Google, Meta, Finance companies, Research universities
Admissions
Best Data Science PhD Programs - Top 10 — Complete Program Data
#1. University of California-Berkeley Data Science Program
Hakia ranks University of California-Berkeley as the #1 in data science degree program. Location: Berkeley, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 100.0
What makes University of California-Berkeley stand out: Berkeley Statistics helped found CDSS in 2019. Students can pursue designated emphases in Computational and Data Science and Engineering, Computational and Genomic Biology, or Computational Precision Health.
Hakia Insight: University of California-Berkeley leverages partnerships with Google and Meta to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.
Program Overview: UC Berkeley's Statistics PhD program prepares students for careers in statistics, probability, or data science. The top-ranked program typically takes 5 years with rigorous training in probability and statistics theory. Berkeley's department helped found the Division of Computing, Data Science, and Society (CDSS) in 2019, establishing leadership in machine learning and data science.
Degree Programs: BA (4 years); MIDS (Master of Information and Data Science) (20 months (standard), 12 months (accelerated), 32 months (decelerated))
Research Labs: Center for Computational Biology - computational biology; BioSENSE Lab - biosensors and related research; Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity (CLTC) - cybersecurity research; Center for Technology, Society & Policy - technology policy and social impact
Industry Partners: Google, Meta, Microsoft, Tech startups, Biotech companies
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Google, Meta, Biotech companies, Research universities
Notable Faculty: David Bamman (digital humanities, AI, film and television analysis); Joshua Blumenstock (AI for poverty reduction); Deirdre Mulligan (AI governance and tech innovation)
Admissions: GPA: Competitive
Accreditations: WASC-accredited
#2. University of California-Los Angeles Data Science Program
Hakia ranks University of California-Los Angeles as the #2 in data science degree program. Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 98.5
What makes University of California-Los Angeles stand out: UCLA Statistics & Data Science has a long history dating to the 1930s. The PhD requires a high-quality solely-authored paper for the written qualifying exam.
Hakia Insight: University of California-Los Angeles's direct partnerships with Google and Amazon give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Program Overview: UCLA's Statistics & Data Science PhD is structured around three core course sequences: theoretical statistics, data analysis, and statistical computing. The program requires 54 units with 40 units from the Statistics & Data Science department. Completion typically takes 5 years (15 quarters) with written qualifying exam in summer after first year.
Degree Programs: Ph.D. in Statistics (5 years (15 quarters))
Research Labs: Statistical Machine Learning Lab; Data Theory Group; Computational Statistics Lab
Industry Partners: Google, Amazon, Meta, Finance companies, Healthcare
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Google, Amazon, Finance companies, Research universities
Notable Faculty: Leaders in theoretical and applied statistics; Strong machine learning focus
Admissions: GPA: 3.5 minimum
#3. University of Southern California Data Science Program
Hakia ranks University of Southern California as the #3 in data science degree program. Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $66,640/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 96.7
What makes University of Southern California stand out: USC's DSO PhD program is research-focused with low student-to-faculty ratio and 'open-door' policy. Students draw on resources across the university including the Information Sciences Institute.
Hakia Insight: Students at University of Southern California benefit from active collaborations with Google and Amazon, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Program Overview: USC offers the Data Sciences & Operations PhD through Marshall School of Business, viewing PhD students as 'junior colleagues' encouraged to research with faculty from day one. The program draws on resources across USC including economics, mathematics, engineering, and the Information Sciences Institute. Low student-to-faculty ratio with flexible, custom-tailored courses of study.
Degree Programs: Ph.D. in Data Sciences & Operations (Marshall) (5-6 years); Ph.D. in Computer Science (Data Science Focus) (5-6 years)
Research Labs: Information Sciences Institute; Marshall DSO Research Center; Center for Applied Probability
Industry Partners: Google, Amazon, Finance companies, Healthcare, Defense contractors
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Google, Amazon, Finance companies, Research universities
Notable Faculty: Leaders in operations research and data science; Strong industry connections
Admissions: GPA: Competitive
#4. University of California-Irvine Data Science Program
Hakia ranks University of California-Irvine as the #4 in data science degree program. Location: Irvine, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 94.6
What makes University of California-Irvine stand out: UCI was the first UC campus to offer undergraduate Data Science major (2015). 400+ doctoral students in ICS with guaranteed 5-year funding.
Hakia Insight: University of California-Irvine's industry network — including Google and Amazon — provides students with internship and hiring pathways.
Program Overview: UC Irvine's ICS doctoral programs enroll 400+ students with research in data science, AI, and software systems. UCI pioneered undergraduate data science in the UC system (2015). PhD students can focus on data science within Computer Science, Statistics, or Informatics programs with 5-year funding guarantee.
Degree Programs: Ph.D. in Computer Science (Data Science Focus) (5-6 years); Ph.D. in Statistics (Data Science Focus) (5-6 years)
Research Labs: Data Science Initiative; Machine Learning Lab; Computational Statistics Group
Industry Partners: Google, Amazon, Tech companies, Healthcare, Gaming industry
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Google, Amazon, Tech companies, Research universities
Notable Faculty: Leaders in data science and machine learning; Strong industry connections
Admissions: GPA: 3.5 for PhD
#5. University of California-San Diego Data Science Program
Hakia ranks University of California-San Diego as the #5 in data science degree program. Location: La Jolla, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 81% | Score: 93.8
What makes University of California-San Diego stand out: UCSD's Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute offers a dedicated PhD in Data Science - one of few standalone data science doctorates in the UC system.
Hakia Insight: Through ties with Qualcomm and Google, University of California-San Diego bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Program Overview: UCSD's Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute offers a dedicated PhD in Data Science spanning foundational aspects (computational methods, machine learning, statistics) to applications. Dissertation must contain original contribution acceptable for publication. Preliminary assessment by end of second year, qualifying exam by fourth year.
Degree Programs: BS (4 years); MS (Master of Data Science) (1.5 years (5 quarters)); Minor
Research Labs: Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute (HDSI); Machine Learning Research Lab; Computational Statistics Group
Industry Partners: Qualcomm, Google, Amazon, Biotech companies, Healthcare
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Qualcomm, Google, Biotech companies, Research universities
Notable Faculty: HDSI faculty across multiple departments; Leaders in computational and applied data science
Admissions: GPA: 3.0 minimum for preliminary assessment
#6. University of California-Santa Barbara Data Science Program
Hakia ranks University of California-Santa Barbara as the #6 in data science degree program. Location: Santa Barbara, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 90% | Score: 93.5
What makes University of California-Santa Barbara stand out: UCSB offers data science research within CS and Statistics PhD programs, with strong computational science and bioinformatics applications.
Hakia Insight: Students at University of California-Santa Barbara benefit from active collaborations with Amazon and Carpe Data, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Program Overview: UC Santa Barbara's Computer Science PhD offers data science research through machine learning, data mining, and statistical computing specializations. Students can pursue data science within CS or Statistics PhD programs. Strong research in bioinformatics and computational science applications.
Degree Programs: BS Statistics and Data Science (4 years); BA Statistics and Data Science (4 years); Master of Environmental Data Science (MEDS) (1 year)
Research Labs: Data Mining Lab; Machine Learning Research; Computational Science Group
Industry Partners: Amazon, Carpe Data, Franklin Templeton, Capital One, Deutsche Bank
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Google, Amazon, Tech startups, Research universities
Notable Faculty: Leaders in data mining and machine learning; Strong computational focus
Admissions: GPA: 3.5+ typical
#7. Columbia University in the City of New York Data Science Program
Hakia ranks Columbia University in the City of New York as the #7 in data science degree program. Location: New York, NY | Type: Private | Tuition: $64,526/year | Graduation Rate: 100% | Score: 93.2
What makes Columbia University in the City of New York stand out: Columbia's Data Science specialization within CS PhD is advised by Professor David Blei. Statistics PhD offers full 5-year funding for data science research.
Hakia Insight: Through ties with Amazon and Google, Columbia University in the City of New York bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Program Overview: Columbia offers a Data Science specialization within the Computer Science PhD program. Students fulfill regular CS PhD requirements plus Data Science specialization courses. The Statistics PhD also offers data science research opportunities with full 5-year funding including tuition, fees, and stipend.
Degree Programs: MS; PhD Specialization in Data Science; Certification of Professional Achievement in Data Sciences
Research Labs: Smart Cities - smart cities research; Sense, Collect, and Move Data - data collection and movement; Health Analytics - healthcare analytics; Foundations of Data Science - foundational data science research; Financial and Business Analytics - finance and business applications; Data, Media, and Society - social impact of data; Cybersecurity - cybersecurity research; AI for Sciences and Engineering - AI applications in sciences
Industry Partners: Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Meta, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, McKinsey & Company, IBM, Oracle, PayPal
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Google, Meta, Finance companies, Research universities
Notable Faculty: David Blei - leader in machine learning and data science; Cross-departmental faculty
Admissions: GPA: Very competitive
#8. Stanford University Data Science Program
Hakia ranks Stanford University as the #8 in data science degree program. Location: Stanford, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $61,731/year | Score: 92.9
What makes Stanford University stand out: Stanford's Data Science Scholars program supports PhD students across disciplines with 50% compensation over two years. Statistics PhD offers Data Science track.
Hakia Insight: Stanford University's direct partnerships with Google and Apple give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Program Overview: Stanford offers a Statistics PhD with Data Science track and MS in Statistics & Data Science. The Data Science Scholars program supports PhD students from all disciplines who contribute to data-intensive science. PhD deadline is December 3, with Data Science track deadline January 8.
Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (with Data Science focus) (4 years); MS in Computer Science (with specialization options in AI/ML) (1-2 years); PhD in Computer Science (5-6 years)
Research Labs: Stanford Data Science; Stanford AI Lab (SAIL); Statistics Department
Industry Partners: Google, Apple, Meta, OpenAI, Stanford startups
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Google, Apple, Meta, Research universities
Notable Faculty: Andrew Ng (Machine learning, AI education); Daphne Koller (Probabilistic graphical models, computational biology); Fei-Fei Li (Computer vision, human-centered AI)
Admissions: GPA: Highly competitive
#9. Cornell University Data Science Program
Hakia ranks Cornell University as the #9 in data science degree program. Location: Ithaca, NY | Type: Private | Tuition: $65,204/year | Graduation Rate: 95% | Score: 91.8
What makes Cornell University stand out: Cornell's Center for Data Science for Enterprise and Society focuses on computational social science and economics/CS interface. Data Science Scholars program supports PhD students.
Hakia Insight: Students at Cornell University benefit from active collaborations with Google and Microsoft, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Program Overview: Cornell offers data science research through Statistics & Data Science PhD and Computer Science PhD programs. The Center for Data Science for Enterprise and Society unifies data science curricula with emphasis on computational social science, economics/CS interface, and digital platforms. MPS in Data Science offers Option II for data science specialization.
Degree Programs: Biometry and Statistics; Statistical Science; Graduate Programs
Research Labs: Center for Data Science for Enterprise and Society; Cornell Center for Social Sciences; Statistics & Data Science Lab
Industry Partners: Google, Microsoft, NYC tech companies, Finance companies
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Finance companies, Research universities
Notable Faculty: Leaders in statistics and data science; Cornell Tech connections
Admissions: GPA: Competitive
#10. Princeton University Data Science Program
Hakia ranks Princeton University as the #10 in data science degree program. Location: Princeton, NJ | Type: Private | Tuition: $59,710/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 90.8
What makes Princeton University stand out: Princeton's CSML Graduate Certificate formalizes data science training for PhD students applying statistics and ML principles to research. One course must be outside student's home department.
Hakia Insight: Through ties with Google and Meta, Princeton University bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Program Overview: Princeton's Center for Statistics and Machine Learning (CSML) offers a Graduate Certificate in Statistics and Machine Learning for PhD students. Students complete three graduate courses (core ML, core statistics, elective), research contribution, and SML 510 seminar. Certificate complements home department PhD.
Degree Programs: PhD in Computer Science (with data science focus) (5-6 years); MS in Computer Science (data science track) (1-2 years)
Research Labs: Center for Statistics and Machine Learning (CSML); Princeton Data Science; Machine Learning Research Groups
Industry Partners: Google, Meta, Microsoft, Finance companies
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Google, Meta, Finance companies, Research universities
Notable Faculty: Cross-departmental faculty; Leaders in statistics and ML
Admissions: GPA: B+ (3.3) average in certificate courses
Full Data Science Doctoral Rankings 2026
| Rank | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | Public | 96% | 100 |
| 2 | University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | Public | 92% | 98.5 |
| 3 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | 92% | 96.7 |
| 4 | University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | 96% | 94.6 |
| 5 | University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | 81% | 93.8 |
| 6 | University of California-Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara, CA | Public | 90% | 93.5 |
| 7 | Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | Private | 100% | 93.2 |
| 8 | Stanford University | Stanford, CA | Private | — | 92.9 |
| 9 | Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | Private | 95% | 91.8 |
| 10 | Princeton University | Princeton, NJ | Private | 96% | 90.8 |
| 11 | University of California-Davis | Davis, CA | Public | 91% | 90.5 |
| 12 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | 97% | 90 |
| 13 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, MA | Private | — | 88.3 |
| 14 | Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, NY | Public | 89% | 86.6 |
| 15 | Harvard University | Cambridge, MA | Private | — | 86 |
| 16 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | 98% | 85.5 |
| 17 | University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | Public | 84% | 85.2 |
| 18 | Northwestern University | Evanston, IL | Private | 90% | 84.9 |
| 19 | University of California-Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz, CA | Public | 93% | 84.8 |
| 20 | Brown University | Providence, RI | Private | 96% | 84.5 |
| 21 | University of California-Riverside | Riverside, CA | Public | 83% | 84.5 |
| 22 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | Public | 93% | 84.2 |
| 23 | Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN | Private | 99% | 84 |
| 24 | Boston University | Boston, MA | Private | — | 83.4 |
| 25 | Emory University | Atlanta, GA | Private | 97% | 82.7 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Research Areas & Specializations
PhD programs in data science offer multiple specialization tracks. Your research area determines your advisor options, publication venues, and career trajectories.
Key Data Science Research Areas
- Machine Learning
- Statistical Modeling
- Big Data Systems
- Natural Language Processing
- Deep Learning
Emerging Research Topics (2024-2025)
- Statistical Learning Theory
- Causal Inference
- High-Dimensional Statistics
- Trustworthy ML
- Representation Learning
Choosing Your Specialization: Your research area should align with your interests, available advisors, and career goals. Review faculty research pages and recent publications. Attend seminars and read papers from top venues in data science to understand current research directions.
Publication Venues: Check CSRankings.org to see which conferences and journals are most prestigious for your chosen specialization. Top-tier venues vary significantly by subfield.
Finding the Right Advisor
Your advisor is the single most important factor in PhD success. A good advisor shapes your research trajectory, opens networking opportunities, and directly impacts your career outcomes. According to data from NSF's Survey of Earned Doctorates, advisor-student fit is strongly correlated with time to degree and completion rates.
What to Look For in an Advisor:
- Research alignment: Their work should genuinely excite you—you'll spend 5+ years on related problems
- Advising style: Some are hands-on, others hands-off. Know what you need and ask current students
- Funding stability: Do they have ongoing grants? Have they consistently funded students?
- Student outcomes: Where did their graduates end up? Academia? Industry? How long did they take?
- Lab culture: Talk to current students privately about work-life balance and lab dynamics
Red Flags to Avoid:
- High student turnover or many students leaving without degrees
- Faculty who are rarely available or traveling constantly
- Labs where students seem stressed, isolated, or unhappy
- Advisors with a history of conflicts or complaints
Pro tip: Email 2-3 current students and ask: "What do you wish you knew before joining this lab?" Their candid responses will tell you more than any faculty website.
PhD Funding & Stipends
You should not pay for a PhD.
Top programs offer full funding packages covering tuition plus a competitive stipend. According to CSStipendRankings.org and PhDStipends.com, computer science stipends range from $18,000 at lower-paying programs to $50,000+ at top institutions.
2024-25 Stipend Examples:
- Brown University: $49,000/year ($4,084/month) - Graduate School
- Duke University: Full funding for 5 years including tuition, fees, insurance, and stipend - CS Department
- Emory University: $37,467/year for CS/Informatics PhDs - Graduate School
- Mid-tier programs: Typically $25,000-35,000/year with full tuition waiver
Funding Sources:
- Research Assistantships (RA): Work on faculty research; most common funding source
- Teaching Assistantships (TA): Lead discussion sections, grade assignments
- Fellowships: Competitive awards (NSF GRFP, NDSEG, university fellowships) with higher stipends and research freedom
- Grants: Faculty research grants often fund PhD students
Cost of Living Warning: Use PhDStipends.com to compare living wage ratios, which normalize stipends to local cost of living. A $35K stipend in a low-cost city may provide better quality of life than $50K in San Francisco.
PhD Milestones & Timeline
The NSF Survey of Earned Doctorates tracks time to degree across all fields. Computer science PhDs typically take 5-6 years to complete, though this varies by research area and institution.
Typical PhD Timeline:
- Years 1-2: Coursework, rotations (if applicable), identify research area, pass qualifying exams
- Years 2-3: Thesis proposal, begin independent research, first publications
- Years 3-5: Core research, conference publications, build professional network
- Years 5-6: Complete dissertation, defend, job market
Key Milestones:
- Qualifying Exam: Usually year 1-2; tests breadth of knowledge and/or research potential
- Thesis Proposal: Year 2-3; defines your dissertation scope and convinces committee it's viable
- Candidacy: After proposal passes; you're now "ABD" (All But Dissertation)
- Dissertation Defense: Final oral exam presenting your complete research
What affects time to degree: Research area complexity, advisor expectations, publication requirements, whether you switch topics, and how quickly you identify a viable research direction.
Application Process
PhD admissions are highly competitive. According to ProFellow, top programs accept 5-15% of applicants. The process differs significantly from undergraduate or master's admissions.
Typical Application Components:
- Statement of Purpose: Your research interests, why this program, and potential advisors (2-3 pages)
- Letters of Recommendation: 3 letters, ideally from research supervisors who know your work deeply
- CV/Resume: Emphasize research experience, publications, and technical projects
- GRE Scores: Many programs have made GRE optional since 2020; check requirements
- Transcripts: Strong grades help, but research experience often matters more
- Research samples: Some programs request writing samples or research proposals
Timeline:
- September-November: Research programs, contact potential advisors, prepare materials
- December 1-15: Most application deadlines
- January-March: Interview invitations (virtual or in-person visit days)
- March-April 15: Admission decisions; April 15 is the standard decision deadline
Critical tip: Reach out to potential advisors before applying. A brief, professional email expressing genuine interest in their research can significantly improve your chances—especially if they respond positively and mention your application to the admissions committee.
Industry Research vs Academic Faculty Careers
| Factor | Industry Research | Academic Faculty |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Salary | $150,000-$200,000+ | $100,000-$140,000 |
| Salary Ceiling | $300,000-$500,000+ (with equity) | $150,000-$250,000 |
| Job Security | Project-dependent, at-will | Tenure after 6-7 years |
| Research Freedom | Aligned with company goals | High autonomy after tenure |
| Publication Pressure | Varies by company | Essential for tenure |
| Resources | Well-funded, large compute | Grant-dependent |
| Work-Life Balance | Generally better | Highly variable |
| Impact Timeline | Faster deployment | Long-term influence |
| Typical Employers | Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI | Universities, research institutes |
Source: Salary data from [CRA Taulbee Survey](https://cra.org/resources/taulbee-survey/) and [Glassdoor](https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/)
Choosing Your Career Path
Industry research is right for you if:
- Compensation is a priority
- You want to see research deployed at scale
- You prefer shorter feedback loops
- You're comfortable with more directed research agendas
- Geographic flexibility is important (industry hubs)
Academia is right for you if:
- Research freedom is paramount
- You want to mentor the next generation
- Job security matters more than peak compensation
- You enjoy teaching
- You want to pursue long-term, speculative research
Increasingly blurred lines: Many researchers move between academia and industry. Some professors consult extensively; some industry researchers teach courses. The choice isn't permanent.
Postdoc Pathways
A postdoc is a temporary research position after completing your PhD. According to Academic Positions, postdoc salaries average $61,000-$72,000 in 2024, with most positions lasting 2-3 years.
When is a Postdoc Necessary?
- Academic careers: Often expected, especially at research universities. Strengthens your publication record and expands your network.
- Industry careers: Rarely necessary—most industry research labs hire directly from PhD programs
- Switching fields: A postdoc can help you pivot to a new research area
- Building independence: Develops skills in grant writing, lab management, and independent research
Postdoc Considerations:
- Duration: 1-3 years typical; longer postdocs can signal difficulty finding permanent positions
- Salary gap: Postdocs earn significantly less than industry PhDs—factor this into your decision
- Location flexibility: Postdocs often require relocation; be prepared to move
- Exit strategy: Have a clear plan for what comes after the postdoc
Important: In computer science, a postdoc is increasingly optional. Strong PhD graduates with good publication records can go directly to tenure-track positions or industry research roles.
Publication Expectations
Publications are the currency of academic research. In computer science, conference papers (not journals) are the primary publication venue, unlike most other fields.
Typical Publication Expectations:
- Minimum for graduation: 2-4 peer-reviewed publications (varies by program and advisor)
- Competitive job market: 5+ publications with at least 1-2 at top-tier venues
- Top-tier venues: NeurIPS, ICML, CVPR, ACL, SIGCOMM, SOSP, PLDI (varies by subfield)
- First-author papers: Critical for demonstrating independent research ability
Publication Timeline:
- Year 1-2: Workshop papers, co-authored papers with senior students
- Year 3-4: First-author publications at good venues
- Year 5+: Aim for top venues, build a coherent research narrative for job market
Quality vs Quantity: One strong paper at a top venue (NeurIPS, ICML, etc.) often matters more than several papers at lower-tier venues. Focus on impactful work that others will cite and build upon.
Resources: Check CSRankings.org to understand which venues matter most in your subfield and how faculty are evaluated by publication record.
Top States for Data Science Doctoral Programs
| State | Total Programs | Median Tuition | Top Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Data Science Doctoral Programs in California | 25 | $9,500 | University of California |
| Best Data Science Doctoral Programs in Texas | 20 | $8,500 | University of Texas |
| Best Data Science Doctoral Programs in New York | 18 | $12,000 | SUNY |
| Best Data Science Doctoral Programs in Florida | 15 | $6,500 | University of Florida |
| Best Data Science Doctoral Programs in Virginia | 12 | $11,000 | Virginia Tech |
| Best Data Science Doctoral Programs in Pennsylvania | 14 | $14,000 | Penn State |
Data Science Career Track
+$25K avg salary increase·6 months
- AI-integrated curriculum with 28 projects and 3 capstones
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Data Science PhD Frequently Asked Questions
Data Sources
Federal database of U.S. postsecondary institutions
Computer science research publication rankings by faculty
May 2024 salary data for research positions
Related Data Science Resources
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.