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The mission of the program is to create scientifically minded and technically proficient professionals with a comprehensive background in the methodological diversity of the data sciences and the intellectual depth to offer influential perspectives to analytical teams across disciplines.

There are two phases of the doctoral program at HU: a learning phase that includes coursework, seminars, research, and fieldwork that contributes to the student’s knowledge in the program of study; and a research phase that focuses on the student’s original research culminating in their final examination. Upon a student’s successful completion of all required course work, defense of the dissertation, and completion of all milestones, the student is awarded the doctoral degree in the program of study.

Program Goals

The Data Sciences Program will produce Ph.D. graduates who will have:

Doctorate Program Admissions Process

Doctorate program applicants are encouraged to apply at least six months prior to the start of any semester. This application process allows ample time for an admissions decision and development of an academic schedule. The Admission Committee reviews all documents and will request an interview with the applicant prior to making an admission decision for a limited number of applicants to become resident or non-resident candidates for the degree.

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“This hot new field promises to revolutionize industries from businesses to government, healthcare to academia.”

– The New York Times

#1 Best Job in America 2016 | Forbes
$121,788 Avg Base Salary 2017 | Salary.com

Program Lead

 Rand (William) Ford, Ph.D.

Rand (William) Ford, Ph.D. Professor and Program Lead of Analytics

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Program Courses

The following courses comprise the 36 semester hours required for the Ph.D. in Data Sciences. Complete 18 semester hours in upper level courses, 6 semester hours of Doctoral Research Seminars and defend dissertation proposal, and complete 12 hours to complete the dissertation process and defend the dissertation.

ANLY 705 – Modeling for Data Science (3 credits)

This course provides a more in depth presentation of the theory behind linear statistical models, segmentation models, and production level modeling. Further emphasis is placed on practical application of these methods when applied to massive data sources and appropriate and accurate reporting of results.

ANLY 710 – Appld Expmntal & Quasi-Expmnt Des (3 credits)

Methods and approaches used for the construction and analysis of experiments and quasi-experiments are presented, including the concepts of the design and analysis of completely randomized, randomized complete block, incomplete block, Latin square, split-plot, repeated measures, factorial and fractional factorial designs will be covered along with methods for proper analysis and interpretation in quasi-experiments.

ANLY 715 – Applied Multivariate Data Analysis (3 credits)

This course provides hands-on experience in understanding when and how to utilize the primary multivariate methods Data Reduction techniques, including Principal Components Analysis and Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses, ANOVA/MANOVA/MANCOVA, Cluster Analysis, Survival Analysis and Decision Trees.

ANLY 720 – Data Science from an Ethical Perspe (3 credits)

This course introduces the power and pitfalls of handling user information in an ethical manner. The student is offered a historical and current perspective and will gain an understanding of their role in assuring the ethical use of data.

ANLY 725 – Research Seminar in Unstructured (3 credits)

This course follows a research seminar format. Students and faculty develop research proposals, analyses, and reporting in the domain of Unstructured Data. Topics of special interest in Unstructured Data analysis are presented by faculty and students under faculty direction. Topics of special interest vary from semester to semester.

ANLY 730 – Research Seminar in Forecasting (3 credits)

This course follows a research seminar format. Students and faculty develop research proposals, analyses, and reporting in the domain of Forecasting. Topics of special interest in Forecasting Data analysis are presented by faculty and students under faculty direction. Topics of special interest vary from semester to semester.

ANLY 735 – Research Seminar in Machine (3 credits)

This course follows a research seminar format. Students and faculty develop research proposals, analyses, and reporting in the domain of Machine Learning. In addition, topics of special interest in Machine Learning are presented by faculty and students under faculty direction. Topics of special interest vary from semester to semester.

ANLY 740 – Graph Theory (3 credits)

This course introduces standard graph theory, algorithms, and theoretical terminology. Including graphs, trees, paths, cycles, isomorphisms, routing problems, independence, domination, centrality, and data structures for representing large graphs and corresponding algorithms for searching and optimization.

ANLY 745 – Functional Prog Mthds for Data Sci (3 credits)

This course is designed to build on the Functional Programming Methods for Analytics course. The student works to extend programming skills to write the student’s own versions of popular statistical functions using a current programming language.

ANLY 755 – Advanced Topics in Big Data (3 credits)

Topics include the design of advanced algorithms that are scalable to Big Data, high performance computing technologies, supercomputing, grid computing, cloud computing, and Parallel and Distributed Computing, and issues in data warehousing.

ANLY 760 – Doctoral Research Seminar (3 credits)

This seminar provides support to doctoral students within their specific domains of research. Led by the faculty advisor for that domain, the course is designed to provide a forum where faculty and students can come together to discuss, support, and share the experiences of working in research.

ANLY 761 – Research Seminar in Unstructured (3 credits)

This course follows a research seminar format. Students and faculty develop research proposals, analyses, and reporting in the domain of Unstructured Data. Topics of special interest in Unstructured Data analysis are presented by faculty and students under faculty direction. Topics of special interest vary from semester to semester.

ANLY 762 – Research Seminar in Forecasting (3 credits)

This course follows a research seminar format. Students and faculty develop research proposals, analyses, and reporting in the domain of Forecasting. Topics of special interest in Forecasting are presented by faculty and students under faculty direction. Topics of special interest vary from semester to semester.

ANLY 763 – Research Seminar in Machine (3 credits)

This course follows a research seminar format. Students and faculty develop research proposals, analyses, and reporting in the domain of Machine Learning. Topics of special interest in Machine Learning are presented by faculty and students under faculty direction. Topics of special interest vary from semester to semester.

ANLY 799 – Doctorial Studies (6 credits)

Advancement to candidacy is a prerequisite of this course. This is an individual study course for doctoral students. Content to be determined by the student and the student’s Doctoral Committee. May be repeated for credit.

International Admissions

Information for Students who want to come to the U.S.

The University is home to more than 5,000 international students representing 110 countries.

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