A doctorate in Data Science is a big deal, it is time-consuming, expensive, and tasking but very rewarding. Having a doctorate in Data science boosts your standing in the tech world, you can land leadership roles, high-paying salaries, and respect among your peers. If you are currently holding a job and want to enroll for a doctorate in Data science the best way to obtain this doctorate is to take the online route. It offers you convenience and flexibility to maintain your full-time job and your academic pursuits.
Choosing the best online doctorate in Data Science programs is a move you need to take very seriously. Before choosing the “best”, you have to put some factors into consideration. These factors include cost, accreditation status, and specializations they offer. Once you have vetted each school with consideration to these factors, you can go ahead and choose the right fit for you.
To make this easier, we have listed the schools we consider the best when it comes to an online doctorate in data science programs, go through the list, and pick the college that ticks all your boxes.
Doctorate in Data Science
Data science is all about using data to solve problems and make decisions. It involves collecting, analyzing, and interpreting large sets of data to find patterns, trends, and insights that can be useful for businesses, organizations, and society as a whole.
Data scientists use different methods like math, computer programs, and special technology to find important information in data. They work in many areas such as finance, healthcare, marketing, and technology, helping them make informed decisions. Data science plays an important role in helping us learn more about our world and make better decisions using facts and info.
A doctorate in data science is the highest academic achievement in this field, it offers advanced expertise and research capabilities. It indicates that you have done research and are now capable of handling leadership positions. Individuals with this qualification are highly sought after in various industries, including finance, healthcare, marketing, and technology.
Best Online Doctorate in Data Science Programs
1. National University
National University represents a collection of non-profit educational institutions with its headquarters in California. It offers one of the best online doctorate in Data Science programs and also offers various bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as certificates in fields such as marriage and family therapy, business, education, psychology, and technology.
At the end of the program, scholars are awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in Technology Management – Data Science—Western Association of Schools and Colleges – Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The average cost of tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students in this program is $16,881.
2. Colorado Technical University
From its name, you can already tell why Colorado Technical University is at the top of our list of the best online doctorate in Data Science programs. Colorado Technical University which was established in 1965 is a private university that offers hundreds of programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.
The Doctor of Computer Science in Big Data Analytics program, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, is delivered online in an asynchronous format with a residency component, including an in-person symposium. The average cost of tuition for both in-state and out-of-students for this program is $13,683.
3. Capitol Technology University
Capitol Technology University a private university located in South Laurel, Maryland was established in 1927. Today, this college offers programs in business, computer science, cybersecurity, and engineering at undergraduate master’s, and doctoral levels including a doctorate in Business Analytics and Data Science.
Capitol Technology University, established by a former Navy veteran is recognized as a military-friendly institution. It has earned the esteemed SC Media Award for its outstanding Cybersecurity Higher Education Program.
Capitol Technology University holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
4. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is a private non-profit university located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It is a fairly young university which was founded in 2001.
It offers undergraduate and graduate programs focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, as well as business, healthcare management, and other related disciplines. It also offers one of the best online doctorates in Data Science. This college holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
5. Columbia University
This list of the best online Doctorate in Data Science programs would be incomplete if this prestigious Ivy League University located in New York City was not included. Columbia University was established in 1754 as the oldest university in New York City.
Columbia University offers undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs in hundreds of disciplines including a PhD in Data Science. This University holds accreditation from the Middles States Commission on Higher Education.
Admission Requirements For an Online Doctorate in Data Science
To be eligible for admission to study a Ph.D in Data Science, there are requirements you must meet, while these requirements may vary depending on the institution, here are some of the popular requirements:-
- A master’s degree in a related field like computer science or math.
- Some programs are preferred if you have work experience in data science.
- You must have a good GPA from your previous studies.
- Some colleges require you to submit letters of recommendation from former professors and employers.
- Some programs require you to submit a letter of intent.
- You may need to submit a resume showing your education and work history.
- You might need to submit standardized test scores like the GRE or GMAT.
- Some schools might need you to sit for an interview so that they can vet you properly and confirm that you are a great fit for the program.
Why A Doctorate in Data Science?: Pros and Cons
Getting a doctorate in data science is a big deal and comes with a lot of pros and cons, read the pros and cons we have listed below to confirm if a doctorate in Data Science is what you need:-
Pros
- Data science is booming, and getting a Ph.D. is a ticket to becoming a master in a field that is only getting bigger.
- With a doctorate in data science, you can land top roles like research scientist or a high-profile analyst. That means more money and better job security.
- A Ph.D. lets you dive deep into data science research. You could be the one making discoveries and leaving a mark in the field.
- You can specialize in whatever track that piques your interest like machine learning, big data, etc. This means you can customize your degree to fit your dream job.
- Enrolling in a Ph.D. program allows you to meet professionals and top professors of the course, this can lead to high-paying jobs or a mentorship.
Cons
- Ph.D. programs can take years, and most of the time you will need to read books, do research, and write. It requires serious time commitment.
- Ph.D.(s) are not cheap even with scholarships or part-time jobs, you might end up drowning in debt.
- Some jobs in data science do not require a Ph.D. You could end up overqualified and underemployed.
- More people are jumping on the data science bandwagon, so the job market is quite competitive.
Getting a Ph.D. in data science can be awesome if you are passionate about it, but it’s not a decision to take lightly. Consider your goals, your wallet, and how much time you are willing to invest before you take the plunge.
Average Cost of an Online Doctorate in Data Science Program
The average cost of an online doctorate in data science program depends on some factors. It depends on factors like the school you pick, how long the program is, and how it is set up. Based on information from U.S. News & World Report and university websites, these programs usually cost between $30,000 to $60,000 or more in total.
This fee mostly covers tuition but might not include other costs like books or extra fees. It is important to look into each program’s details and consider all the expenses before deciding.
Career Prospects for Data Science Doctorate
Career prospects for a doctorate in data science are quite promising. Here is what the career prospects look like for a data science Ph.D graduate:-
- Lots of companies need people who understand data, so having a doctorate in data science can make you valuable.
- Jobs that need a doctorate often pay well. With this degree, you might get higher-paying jobs compared to others in the field.
- Some jobs might want you to lead teams or do important research. Having a doctorate can help you get these kinds of roles.
- If you like teaching, having a doctorate can open doors to becoming a professor at a university or teaching others about data science.
- You might get chances to do research projects and make discoveries in data science.
Having a doctorate in data science can lead to lots of exciting job opportunities with good pay and chances to do important work. If this is what you need, you should go for it.
Doctorate in Data Science Accreditation
When choosing the best online doctorate in data science, make sure to check its accreditation status. Accreditation means that the program meets certain quality standards so, look out for accreditation from well-known associations like the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), or the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). It is important because it shows that your degree is legit and respected.