Data Science & Engineering
This Ph.D. program focuses on advanced skills in engineering, developing, constructing, testing and maintaining architectures for data, databases and large-scale processing systems.
Become An Expert in Data Engineering
As a student in the Data Science & Engineering program at USD, you'll learn how to clean and organize data, as well as develop the necessary skills to construct, test, and maintain architectures for data, databases, and large-scale processing systems through computer programming and mathematical processing. You'll have the opportunity to partner with top professors from both the South Dakota Mines and USD, bringing together the expertise of both institutions to gain a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education in data science and engineering.
The program curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of students who seek to advance their careers in data science, as well as those who aspire to become academic researchers. You'll engage in coursework covering a range of topics, including machine learning, data visualization, statistical modeling, and big data analytics. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to conduct research with faculty members who are experts in various areas of data science and engineering.
The demand for data science jobs continues to grow. According to Forbes, data science jobs have increased by over 650% since 2013, making the skillsets gained from this doctorate program highly in-demand. You'll be equipped with the skills you need to design and implement cutting-edge data analysis solutions, make data-driven decisions, and develop innovative data-driven products and services. This will enable you to pursue careers in a variety of fields, including academia, industry, government, and health care.
Degrees & Offerings
Data Science & Engineering (Ph.D.)
DoctorateA doctoral degree in data science and engineering is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the ever-growing field of data science. The collaborative program is an exciting opportunity for students seeking a rigorous and interdisciplinary education to gain expertise from USD and South Dakota Mines. Pursue coursework in core, elective and research requirements for a total of 72 credit hours. You may apply 24 credits and six research credits from a previous M.S. degree toward the Ph.D. requirements, subject to approval by the student’s committee.
Program Details
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Known for Excellence
Since 2013, the number of jobs in data science and engineering has increased by over 650%, and experts project they will continue to rise by 28% by 2026. That is approximately 11 million new data science jobs by 2026.
Source: Forbes and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Amazing interdisciplinary course options through USD's partnership with South Dakota Mines is unique and what makes this educational experience exceptional.
Small faculty-student ratio assures you the one-on-one attention and mentorship you need to succeed.
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
As a student at USD, the opportunities available to you extend beyond the classroom. Explore your interests, find your community and experience your education to the fullest extent through the following opportunities.
An Affordable Education
Gain valuable real-world, professional experience while enjoying paid employment and discounted tuition rates as a graduate student at USD. The affordability you gain through graduate assistantships and fellowships will equip you will valuable, professional-level skills that will set you apart after graduation.
Teaching and research assistantships are awarded by individual departments. If you do not receive an assistantship within your department, you are eligible for an assistantship outside of your academic program or administrative assistantships within support offices are available at USD. Further inquiries should be directed to the graduate chair of the department.
For more information and to apply for a graduate assistantship, visit the Graduate Assistantship webpage.
Real Experience Through Research
You'll find the mentorship and opportunities you need to study topics that spark your curiosity.
At USD, our graduate students are actively pursuing unique research and presenting at local and national conferences exploring innovative areas of interest to them. Additional research and grant opportunities include:
Three Minute Thesis (3MT®)
Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition provides the opportunity to communicate the significance and impact of your research project in just three minutes.
Research and Creative Scholarship Opportunities
Each semester students may apply for grants through the USD Graduate School, faculty and students pursue research in virtually all academic departments on campus, and in many cases, it is a required portion of a graduate degree program.
IdeaFest
IdeaFest is an annual event celebrating student research, creative scholarship and academic engagement. Undergraduate and graduate students in all disciplines present their work in oral and poster presentations, live performances, readings, exhibits and displays.
USD is home to more than 170 student organizations, including several that are housed in the Department of Computer Science. Through these organizations, you can forge valuable professional connections, make lifelong friends and gain incomparable experience in your field.
Association of Computing Machinery
Formed in 1947, the ACM is is the world's largest scientific and educational computing society. Becoming a member will help you build relationships with other students and computer science professionals and open doors for you professionally.
Network Security Club
The club regularly participates in the North Central Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition, in which schools compete to create the best corporate network security system. In 2017, USD's team took second place.
Upsilon Pi Epsilon (UPI)
This international honor society promotes excellence in computer science and information technology, with more than 300 chapters at schools across the country.
Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA)
Join your fellow graduate and professional students at USD. We aim to build a sense of community between graduate and professional students. Build your resume, network with others and gain experience and the unique opportunity to represent the interests of graduate students to the greater campus and community.
At USD, our graduate students are active. USD is home to more than 170 student organizations, including several that are housed in the Department of Mathematical Sciences. You may be interested in creating projects and hosting outreach opportunities to make friends, develop new skills and explore your interests.
Pi Mu Epsilon
Pi Mu Epsilon is a national mathematics honor society dedicated to promoting math and recognizing math students by sponsoring conferences, travel funds for student speakers and cash prizes.
Math Club
A place to bond with fellow students, the Math Club sponsors field trips and activities that are open to both math and non-math students.
Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA)
Join your fellow graduate and professional students at USD. We aim to build a sense of community between graduate and professional students. Build your resume, network with others and gain experience and the unique opportunity to represent the interests of graduate students to the greater campus and community.
Departments & Facilities
Computer Science
Learn to develop and manage technology that changes the world in the Department of Computer Science.
Mathematical Sciences
Our renowned faculty will help you understand the wide field of mathematics and how it impacts our everyday lives.
Two South Dakota Institutions
By collaborating with distinguished professors from both the University of South Dakota and South Dakota Mines, you can benefit from the combined expertise of both institutions.
A Strong Computer Science Program
FACULTY & STAFF
Get to know the faculty and staff in the Computer Science and Mathematical Sciences department. Experts in their field, they contribute to research and scholarship in algorithms, artificial intelligence, machine vision, pattern recognition, data science, information retrieval, cybersecurity, statistics, analysis, biomathematical modeling and more.
Dan Van Peursem
Nan Jiang
Yuhlong Lio
Specialty
Ramiro Lafuente-Rodriguez
Teresa Chasing Hawk
Laurie Fritsch
Douglas Goodman
Kyle Greywall
Farhad Akhbardeh
Clark Bennett
Angela Keith
Shannon Kortan
Kelly Steinmetz
Kristen Maxon
Carrie Minette
Gabe Picioroaga
Sally Schmidt
Zachary Tschetter
Longwei Wang
Nicholas Wulf
Surprisingly Affordable
Whether you’ve recently completed your undergraduate degree, or you want to kick your career up a notch, graduate school is the next logical step. The good news is there is funding for both online and on-campus students to get you through your program.Graduate Tuition & Costs
Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate students and see how your out-of-pocket costs at USD compare to those at other colleges and universities. Visit the Graduate Tuition & Costs Detailed page for program specific costs and fees.
Financial Aid
Navigating options for how to pay for college can be challenging, but you are not alone. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to explore how you can make your college education even more affordable.
Graduate Assistantships
USD offers opportunities for grad students to earn a reduced tuition rate in exchange for their teaching, research and service efforts to the university.
