Getting a PhD in Data Science: What You Need to Know

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest degree you can obtain in data science. Focused primarily on equipping degree holders with the skills and knowledge required to conduct original research, a PhD prepares degree holders for advanced professional positions in industry and academia. 

That said, earning a PhD requires many years of potentially costly study, which can discourage those looking for rapid career progression. Before entering a doctoral programme, it’s helpful to define your goals and how a PhD may (or may not) fit into them. 

Read on to learn more about PhDs in data science, the different factors you should consider before joining one, and the types of programmes to consider. You’ll also find some suggested online courses to help you start your career journey today. 

What is a PhD in data science? 

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a terminal degree in data science, meaning it is the highest possible degree you can obtain in the subject. Consequently, a PhD in data science signals your mastery and knowledge of the field to potential employers and fellow professionals. 

PhD vs Master’s degree in data science

You can pursue two graduate degrees in data science: a master’s in data science and a PhD in data science. Whilst both can benefit your job prospects, they also have essential differences that might help you decide which one might be better for you. 

A master’s in data science is a graduate degree you can earn after your bachelor’s and before a PhD. It usually takes about two years to complete. It expands on what you learned in undergraduate school through more advanced machine learning, data analytics, and statistics courses. Often, as a master’s degree learner in data science, you will also pursue original research and complete a capstone project highlighting what you learned in their programme.

A PhD in data science is a research-focused degree that typically takes three to six years but can take longer depending on various personal factors. In addition to taking more advanced courses, as a PhD candidate, you will devote a significant amount of time to teaching and conducting dissertation research to advance the field. After your doctoral programme, you will complete a dissertation contributing to the field. 

Often, bachelor’s degree holders entering a PhD programme can earn their master’s degree as a part of their doctoral programme. 

Skills and curriculum 

Every PhD programme is unique with its own requirements and focus. They have similar features, such as course, credit, and teaching requirements. To give you a better understanding of how a doctoral graduate programme in data science might be, explore this example curriculum from the Centre for Machine Intelligence and Data Science at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay [1]:

• Complete 28 to 58 credits whilst maintaining a cumulative performance index (CPI) greater or equal to an eight in coursework

• Core courses in topics like applied AI, computer vision, natural language processing, and machine learning foundations

• Complete a PhD thesis

Is a PhD in data science worth it? 

A PhD can open new career opportunities and boost your employment prospects. It can also take a lot of time and money to complete. Everyone’s personal and professional goals differ, so consider these factors when deciding if you should pursue a PhD in Data Science:  

Cost and time

The time and financial investment required to complete a PhD are likely the leading factors you will consider when deciding whether to pursue a doctoral degree. According to the IMTS Institute, a doctorate costs an average of ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000 per year, depending on the university, and takes roughly three to six years to complete [2]. 

The time and money you might spend obtaining your doctoral degree will depend on your circumstances and programme. Before applying for a doctoral degree, review each programme’s graduation requirements and costs to understand what you’re committing to clearly. 

Data science PhD salary 

According to Payscale, the average annual base salary for someone with a PhD in India ranges is ₹10,00,000 [3]. The salary will depend on your chosen job, industry, and employers.

Typically, the entry-level degree to get a data science position is a bachelor’s degree, meaning that even an undergraduate degree could help you land a job with a higher-than-average salary. Nonetheless, a PhD will likely prepare you for more advanced positions that could offer higher pay than less specialised roles. 

Data science PhD programmes 

Several types of doctoral programmes exist that you might consider if you want to obtain a PhD in data science. These include: 

Online PhD in data science 

An online PhD programme may appeal to individuals interested in a more flexible programme, allowing you to complete your coursework at your own pace. Often, online programmes can also be cheaper than their in-person counterparts, though they may offer fewer opportunities for networking and mentorship. If you’re an independent, self-starter looking for a programme that fits your busy life, then you might consider an online PhD programme. The University Grants Commission may not recognise online PhD programmes from foreign universities, so you do run the risk of not qualifying for India-based jobs once you graduate.

In-person PhD in data science

An in-person PhD programme offers a more traditional educational method in which you attend classes on campus with your peers and instructors. In addition to providing doctoral-level instruction, you will have more opportunities to network and gain more personalised instruction than you will likely encounter through online programmes. In-person programmes tend to be more expensive and inflexible than in-person ones.

If you prefer real-world instruction, networking opportunities, and a more rigid structure, you might consider an in-person doctoral program. 

Alternatives 

Alternatively, to a PhD programme, you might also consider obtaining a master’s degree. Whilst covering some of the same material as a doctoral programme, a master’s usually takes much less time and money to complete.

If you’re motivated primarily by the desire to boost your chances of landing a job and gaining financial stability, then a master’s degree programme might better help you achieve your goals.

Learn more about data science on Coursera

A PhD in Data Science is the terminal degree in the field, demonstrating your expertise and opening new job opportunities. Whatever your educational goals, data science requires extensive knowledge and training to enter the profession. You might consider taking a flexible online course through Coursera to prepare for your next career move. 

The University of Colorado Boulder’s Foundations of Data Science and Algorithms Specialisation teaches course takers how to design algorithms, create applications, and organise, store, and process data efficiently. Their online Master of Science in Data Science, meanwhile, teaches broadly applicable foundational skills alongside specialised competencies tailored to specific career paths in just two years of instruction.