Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are the most commonly asked questions regarding the Ph.D. in Analytics and Data Science program at KSU.

 

• How long will the program take?

  This is a traditional Ph.D. Program. We expect that individuals will complete the program in 4-5 years. This will include completion of course work in years 1-3 and completion of Project work and Research/Dissertation work in Year 4-5.

• How much does the program cost?

  This is a traditional Ph.D. Program - not a professional doctorate. Therefore, qualified students will receive a tuition waiver and a $36,000 annual stipend.

• Who would be successful in the program?

  Individuals who have an undergraduate/MS degree in a quantitative field (i.e. Engineering, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Finance) are particularly strong candidates. Successful applicants will have some previous experience with programming languages as well as have completed a calculus series.

• Where do these graduates work after graduation?

  The Ph.D. in Analytics and Data Science is a flexible degree which will enable graduates to work in the private sector as a senior executive in an analytics organization as well as pursue a career in academics - teaching the next generation of data scientists.

• What are the publication/research requirements?

  Successful completion of the program will require students to defend a doctoral research dissertation. Students, working with their faculty research adviser, will be expected to submit research papers to competitive conferences and to peer-reviewed journals. Student research projects should be aligned with their project engagement requirement.

• What is the Project Engagement requirement?

  Successful completion of the program will require students to complete a minimum of 9 credit hours in Project Engagement, which will take the form of a consulting project (as approved by the director) with an external sponsor in the private or public sector. Kennesaw State University has relationships with dozens of organizations across a wide range of application domains to ensure that individuals have the opportunity to participate in a project engagement aligned with their research interests.

• Can I pursue the program part time while I am working full time?

  No. The program is a full time traditional Ph.D. program. Students will engage in substantive project based work as well as internship/practicums. Students receive a research stipend to cover living costs.

• Can I live on campus?

  Yes. The university provides on campus housing for about 6,000 of the 35,000 total students. There is also off campus student housing within a mile of the campus - most of which is on the bus line for the university.

• Are the courses online?

  No. The courses are face-to-face and in-class. Most courses have a student-faculty ratio of less than 15 students per faculty. All Ph.D. students will have a faculty advisor.

• Do I have to have a masters degree to apply?

  Yes. All applicants must have a masters degree. If you do not currently have a masters degree, we encourage you to consider our MS in Applied Statistics, our MS in Computer Science, our MS in Information Technology or our MS in Information Systems. While a transition to the Ph.D. program is not guaranteed, high performing students from these programs will be given preferential consideration.