Data Science PhD?

[efh0888]

With a few exceptions, I've been pretty skeptical of the value of masters degrees in data science/analytics/business analytics, favoring a degree in one of the pillar fields like statistics (not applied statistics) or computer science. The main drawback to this approach, of course, is the course requirements in areas that aren't that helpful for data science. However, at the PhD level, since research these days is highly interdisciplinary, especially in domains like machine learning and data visualization, I'm not so sure what to think.

There aren't very many such programs yet. Some examples:

• http://csm.kennesaw.edu/datascience/
• https://www.wpi.edu/academics/datascience/phd-program.html
• http://bas.utk.edu/academic-programs/phd/default.asp

Also, I know of another state university currently developing one within the stats department in collaboration with the CS department.

I'm very interested in statistics but worry it'd be too theoretical. I'm also interested in biostats but don't necessarily want to be pigeonholed into one application domain (even if just during the PhD). I would actually be most interested in CS if I had taken enough courses in undergrad to meet admission requirements.

So I am curious about your thoughts on these types of PhD programs, particularly for someone who wants to work in industry.

Edited June 26, 2016 by efh0888

[Residuals]

These PhD degrees in data science will not likely land students in academia (maybe lower-tier business school positions but for sure not statistics or CS departments). Looking at the UTennessee curriculum, there is nothing innovative except window dressing. Basically, they tossed in standard stats courses (probability, inference, multivariate, etc.) and then renamed operations research/operations management courses with trendy new names. Other than adding a research component and getting to say "Dr." at the end, I don't see these PhD programs as fundamentally better than most of the MS degrees in data science. I think it is a better strategy to pursue an MS at one of the brand names (NYU, Columbia, etc.).