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Ph.D. in Data Science

Apply Now!

Find requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. at the Graduate School website and apply for either program at applynow.unc.edu.

If you need technical assistance with the application, please email [email protected] or call 919-962-HELP. For any questions about graduate programs at the School of Data Science and Society, please email [email protected].

Deadlines: 
Jan. 15, 2026: Priority deadline
Feb. 10, 2026: Final deadline

The full-time, residential Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Data Science is designed for students who want to push the frontiers of knowledge in artificial intelligence, machine learning and data-driven discovery. Students will work alongside leading researchers on problems at the cutting edge of theory and practice, advancing both the foundations of data science and its transformative application across domains such as health, physical and biological sciences, social sciences and humanities. The program emphasizes creativity, depth and rigor in research, preparing graduates to drive fundamental breakthroughs, open new directions of inquiry and shape the future of the field through scholarship, innovation and leadership in academia, industry and beyond.

Ph.D. students will enter a five-year, research-based program with core coursework in mathematics, statistical foundations, programming, societal and ethical dimensions, communication and data engineering. Student will rotate through faculty labs to gain exposure to cutting-edge research and then pair with a faculty advisor at year 1, who will guide the student’s dissertation. By the second semester, students must select from one of four specialization tracks. SDSS is currently offering two tracks:

  • Advanced Foundations of Data Science and AI
  • Applications in Physical, Biological and Health Sciences

SDSS will introduce more specialization tracks in future years, including:

  • Applications in Social Sciences and Humanities
  • Data Engineering

The Ph.D. in Data Science offers opportunities to develop professional skills by serving as a teaching assistant as well as pursuing an optional internship with industry.

To learn more, please view the course of study below and sign up for the upcoming info session on Jan. 12, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Ph.D. in Data Science 

When will the application open?
The application is open and will close on Feb. 10, 2026. Find requirements for the Ph.D. at the Graduate School website and apply for the program at applynow.unc.edu.

Is there an English language requirement for international applicants?
Yes, international applicants are required to submit official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores as part of their application. More information regarding this requirement, including minimum test scores and exceptions, can be found on The Graduate School’s website.

Does the program accept transfer credit?
At this time, we will not accept transfer credit.

What is the funding structure and sources for the Ph.D.?
The Ph.D. is five years of guaranteed funding. Funding sources include teaching assistantships in years 1-2 and research assistantships in years 3-5. The nine-month stipend is $25,000.

Should I contact faculty before applying to the Ph.D. program?
Ph.D. applicants should consider up to five faculty members with whom they are interested in working and can list in their application materials. Please review the SDSS People page and explore faculty member’s personal websites. While applicants are welcome to reach out to faculty with questions, it is not a requirement, nor it is a guarantee for admission into the program.

When will Ph.D. students be matched with a dissertation advisor?
A Ph.D. student will be matched with a dissertation advisor after successful completion of the qualifying written and oral exams in year 1.

Is an internship required? Can I earn course credit for an internship?
The internship is encouraged but not required. Career services staff within SDSS will assist students by posting internship opportunities. Students cannot earn course credit for the internship.

What is the plan for forming a new school with the School of Information and Library Science?
You may have read that we are joining forces with the School of Information and Library Science. We are working together to plan the implementation of the new school that will launch July 1, 2026. Our plans to form a new school will not have an impact on existing degree programs, though we will have a new name for the school. We would be happy to answer any questions you have on our school’s history and our shared plans for the new school.