Data Science, PhD

Admission Requirements

Applying to the Program

We welcome students with solid foundations in data science, computer science, statistics, mathematics, or related science or engineering disciplines to apply for our program. General application information can be obtained at the Graduate School website or go directly to the application website. Please view this website for domestic and international application deadlines.

Note: The application portal status page will give several options to upload additional documents after the application has been submitted. Select the “Personal Statement” option from the dropdown menu and upload your personal statement.

Application Requirements

A. A bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, statistics, mathematics, a natural science, engineering, an applied science, or social science with a strong mathematics and Students are expected to be fluent in Calculus and at least one programming language.

B. A minimum overall cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (or equivalent), and at least a 3.0 average in all courses in pertinent or related fields. Attention will be given to courses related to data science, computer science, statistics, and mathematics.

C. For Fall 2023 applications, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is NOT required. However, you are most welcome to submit your GRE score should you have it. Any GRE scores should be reported by ETS (Educational Testing System) to the Graduate School using institutional code 2548 and department code 0702.

D. An applicant who is not a native or primary speaker of English must present a minimum score for either the TOEFL or IELTS tests as follows:

• TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 90 for doctoral applicants and 80 for master’s applicants.
• IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, with no subsection recommended to be below 6.
• TOEFL scores should be reported by ETS to the Graduate School using institutional code 2548. Official IELTS score reports must be mailed to our department directly. Applicants who have earned a degree from an English language university or college, where all instruction is in English, may be admitted without taking the TOEFL/IELTS tests.

F. Three letters of reference and all transcripts of undergraduate and/or graduate study completed.

G. Applicants with domestic credentials must submit an official transcript from each undergraduate college or university attended, regardless of whether a degree was conferred. Applicants must also submit an official transcript from each college or university relating to graduate-level work, regardless of whether a degree was conferred.

Applicants with international credentials must submit an official English translation of all coursework showing a complete course-by-course record, GPA, degree, and institution, in addition to the original documents. In some instances where the coursework, degree equivalency, GPA, and/or institution cannot be verified, a course-by-course evaluation from one of Stony Brook University’s approved NACES members listed below, may be requested from the applicant.

1. World Education Services (WES)
2. International Education Evaluations, Inc. (IEE)
3. Education Credential Evaluators (ECE)

Unofficial copies for both domestic and international credentials are acceptable for an admission decision to be made. If admitted, the applicant must submit final official transcripts/evaluations sent directly from the college/university or evaluation agency as noted above.

Final Transcripts and Other Materials should be sent to:
Stony Brook University
Office of Graduate and Health Sciences Admissions
Health Sciences Tower, Level 2 - Rm. 271
11794-8276
Official E-Transcripts: Should be sent to gradadmissions@stonybrook.edu

Provisional Admission

Occasionally, students with who are less proficient in terms of credentials, but otherwise demonstrate academic potential are offered provisional admission. Their admission offer will stipulate remedial classes they must take in their first semester and earn at least a B average in order to matriculate to the regular MS or PhD student status.

Degree Requirements

The doctoral students in Data Science are required to take the same 10 core courses as in the MS program, as well. Furthermore, the doctoral students will need to take at least 2 electives (any letter-graded courses) from AMS or CS departments, plus an additional 42 credits of electives (including at least 18 thesis research credits) to satisfy the minimum 78-credit PhD program requirement. A doctoral student will take the written doctoral qualifying exam at the end of their first academic year. The doctoral qualifying exam consists of a 3-hour CS foundation exam, and a 3-hour Data Mining exam. These two exams will be held at the end of May/beginning of June - based on the following eight Data Science core courses taught in the first year of the Data Science Graduate Program under the usual Fall admission, namely

• AMS 507 - Introduction to Probability 3 credits
• AMS 572 - Data Analysis I 3 credits
• AMS 580 - Statistical Learning 3 credits
• AMS 597 - Statistical Computing 3 credits
• CSE 581 - Computer Science Fundamentals: Theory 3 credits
• CSE 582 - Computer Science Fundamentals: Data Structures and Algorithms 3 credits
• CSE 583 - Comp Sci Fundamentals: Prog.Abstract. 3 credits
• ISE 503 - Data Management 3 credits

Financial Support

All students admitted to the PhD program will automatically be considered for financial support and tuition waiver if the application is submitted by the due date. MS students are not typically considered for financial support or tuition waiver at the time of admission. However, in a small number of cases qualified MS students are able to receive partial support via departmental or campus opportunities.