PhD. Computational and Data Science

The Computational and Data Science Ph.D. is an interdisciplinary program that includes faculty from Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering Technology, Geosciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physics and Astronomy. The program is research-intensive and applied in nature, seeking to produce graduates with competency in the following three key areas: Mastery of the mathematical methods of computation as applied to scientific research investigations coupled with a firm understanding of the underlying fundamental science in at least one disciplinary specialization. Deep knowledge of programming languages, scientific programming, and computing technology so that graduates can adapt and grow as computing systems evolve Effective written and oral communication skills so that graduates may assume leadership positions in academia, national labs, and industry. The Computational and Data Science Ph.D. program is for students who are working toward their doctoral degrees. However, with a few extra courses and requirements, most students in the program can complete a Master's degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, or Data Science before they graduate.

Career Path

Since computational and data science involves using computers to solve scientific problems, graduates can work as research scientists in almost any field of science or engineering in industry or government, or at a university. MTSU’s program has focus areas in bioinformatics, biological modeling, computational chemistry, computational graph theory, computational physics, engineering and differential equations, high performance computing, and machine learning and remote sensing. In each of these areas, MTSU faculty and students are working on cutting-edge research projects that cut across traditional departmental boundaries.