PhD in Data Science: Program Overview

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The field of data science has emerged from advances in computational speed, data availability, and novel analysis methods. It demands a new type of researcher: the rigorously trained, cross-disciplinary, and ethically responsible data scientist. 

Launched in Fall 2017, the pioneering CDS PhD Data Science program seeks to produce such researchers. It has gained recognition as one of the top and most selective data science doctoral programs globally, earning an NSF NRT training grant. CDS PhD students are also being recognized for their outstanding contributions to the field of data science through fellowships and awards that range from industry-sponsored programs like Microsoft Research, Google, and Apple to academic honors such as the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.

The CDS PhD program rigorously trains future data scientists to:

  1. Develop methodologies and use statistical tools to answer cross-disciplinary questions
  2. Clearly communicate to extract precise questions from big, heterogeneous, uncertain data
  3. Translate research insights into practical applications across sciences, medicine, industry, and government
  4. Understand the ethical implications of their work

Our mission is to nurture this new generation of data scientists in an environment where methodological innovations are developed and successfully applied to various domains. We believe that combining fundamental research on the principles of data science with translational projects involving domain experts creates a virtuous cycle, advancing both data science methodology and real-world applications.

The program has an innovative core curriculum, a novel data assistantship mechanism that provides training of skills transfer through rotations and internships, and communication and entrepreneurship modules. Students are exposed to a wider range of fields than in traditional PhD programs while working with our interdisciplinary faculty. We also offer a medical school track for those interested in healthcare applications or developing novel theoretical models from medical questions.

Successful candidates are guaranteed financial support, including tuition and a competitive stipend, for up to five years in the fall and spring semesters.* 

We invite you to learn more through our webpage or by contacting cds-admissions@nyu.edu. *Students also have the opportunity to pursue their study and research with Data Science faculty at NYU Shanghai. With this opportunity, students generally complete their coursework in New York City before moving full-time to Shanghai for their research. For more information, please visit the NYU Shanghai Ph.D. page.

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