Top 5 Part-Time PhD in Data Science Degree Programs 2026

A PhD in data science or data analytics can open doors to advanced research, academic, and specialized industry roles, but committing to a full-time doctoral program isn't realistic for every working professional. A handful of schools offer part-time options, letting you pursue this advanced degree without stepping away from your career entirely.

Below, you'll find some of the best part-time PhD in data science programs available today, along with how long they typically take, what they cost, and what to look for as you compare your options.

Can You Earn a PhD in Data Science Degree Part-Time?

Yes, though part-time PhDs in data science are less common than part-time master's programs. A handful of schools explicitly support a part-time path, letting students take fewer courses each term to balance doctoral work with a full-time job or other commitments.

These part-time options aren't a separate or lesser version of the degree. Part-time students complete the same coursework, comprehensive exams, and dissertation requirements as full-time students, just spread across a longer timeline that typically stretches to five years or more.

Best Part-Time PhD in Data Science Programs

Each school below offers a legitimate, accredited path to a data science PhD that accommodates part-time study, whether through online delivery, flexible scheduling, or a structured low-residency format. Here's a closer look at what each program offers. 

1. Capitol Technology University

Capitol Technology University's PhD in Business Analytics and Data Science prepares graduates for senior-level research, education, and advanced practice positions, with coursework spanning management theory, decision analysis, big data warehousing, and professional ethics. Most students take one, sometimes two, courses per term, and the program requires a minimum of five years of relevant work experience along with a master's degree in business analytics, data science, or a closely related field to apply.

The program includes a limited on-campus residency requirement, students must complete a course in contemporary research in management in person, along with a qualifying exam, so it isn't entirely remote despite its otherwise online delivery. Capitol Tech is a private, nonprofit university based in Laurel, Maryland, and accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

2. Chapman University

At Chapman University, the PhD in Computational and Data Sciences takes an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on mathematics, statistics, and computing to prepare graduates for research careers in fields like medical diagnostics, drug discovery, and predictive analytics. Students work closely with faculty mentors to develop a dissertation, culminating in original research and peer-reviewed publications.

Part-time enrollment is available, though the university's own program catalog cites seven years as the normative completion timeline for full-time students, so part-time students should expect an even longer path. Located in Orange, California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), Chapman delivers this program entirely on-campus rather than online.

3. Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University's Professional PhD in Computer Science, with a Data Science and Analytics concentration, was built specifically for working professionals, with 100% online coursework and evening, weekend, and asynchronous options that let students study full-time or part-time. The 42-credit program (after 30 credits are awarded for a relevant master's degree) covers data mining, machine learning, information retrieval, and artificial intelligence, culminating in a dissertation that can be completed remotely.

Based in Boca Raton, Florida, and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), FAU is a public university that also offers a lower application GPA threshold for applicants who completed their master's through its own Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

4. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Harrisburg University structures its PhD in Data Sciences in two phases: the first two years overlap with the university's Master of Science in Analytics, followed by a research phase centered on an original dissertation. Students who already hold a relevant master's degree can apply directly into the PhD portion, skipping the initial coursework phase entirely.

Flexible online, evening, and weekend class options make this program accessible to working professionals pursuing the degree part-time. Harrisburg University is a private, nonprofit institution based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and accredited by the MSCHE.

5. National University

National University is a private, nonprofit institution based in San Diego, California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). A one-on-one learning model sets its PhD in Data Science apart, pairing each student with a dedicated faculty mentor throughout the 60-credit, 100% online program.

Coursework covers data mining, artificial intelligence, data visualization, and statistical modeling, with courses running in eight-week terms and dissertation courses extending to 12 weeks. Year-round enrollment with new start dates every Monday gives part-time students significant control over their pacing.

6. New Jersey Institute of Technology

New Jersey Institute of Technology's PhD in Business Data Science integrates business analytics, management systems theory, and scientific methods from statistics, computing, and engineering, preparing graduates for research or leadership roles at the intersection of business and technology. The university explicitly confirms it admits part-time students, and those balancing full-time employment can pursue the degree through NJIT's Collaborative PhD track.

The 36-credit program is delivered on-campus in Newark, New Jersey. NJIT is a public research university accredited by the MSCHE and is one of the best STEM colleges in New Jersey.

7. University of North Texas

A public research university based in Denton, Texas, and accredited by the SACSCOC, University of North Texas offers a standalone PhD in Data Science through its dedicated Department of Data Science. The program requires 60 credit hours for students entering with a related master's degree or 75 hours for those entering with only a bachelor's.

Coursework blends advanced data science and statistical foundations with artificial intelligence, machine learning, and applied research training, delivered in a face-to-face and hybrid format that gives students meaningful flexibility to balance coursework with outside employment.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university.

We then evaluate each school based on factors that matter most to students pursuing a part-time data science PhD, including flexibility, academic quality, and career relevance. Below are the core criteria we consider when comparing programs:

• Accreditation: We prioritize regionally accredited institutions to ensure academic standards, credit transferability, and eligibility for federal financial aid.
• Program flexibility: We look for schools that offer a genuine part-time pathway, with reasonable timelines and course loads built for students balancing work or other commitments.
• Career alignment: We look for curricula that build in-demand research and technical skills, such as advanced statistical modeling, machine learning, and applied data science methods, alongside meaningful dissertation or research opportunities.
• Student outcomes: We review publicly available data related to retention, graduation rates, and post-graduation pathways to gauge overall program effectiveness.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a PhD in Data Science Degree Part-Time?

Most part-time data science PhD programs take about five to eight years to complete, compared to roughly three to five years for full-time students. The exact timeline depends on how many credits a program requires, how many courses you take each term, and whether you enter with a relevant master's degree already in hand.

Entering with a master's degree can meaningfully shorten your path, since several programs award significant credit toward the PhD for coursework you've already completed. From there, your pace largely comes down to how much time you can dedicate to coursework and, eventually, dissertation research, since the research phase often takes as long as, or longer than, the coursework itself.

What Will You Learn in a Data Science PhD Program?

A data science PhD builds on master's-level training with a much deeper focus on original research and advanced methodology. Core areas typically include:

• Advanced statistical modeling: developing and applying sophisticated statistical methods to complex, real-world datasets.
• Machine learning and artificial intelligence: designing and refining advanced algorithms and models at a research level, rather than simply applying existing ones.
• Research methodology: learning to design rigorous studies, from formulating research questions to analyzing and interpreting results.
• Big data systems and data warehousing: working with the infrastructure needed to manage and process data at a large scale.

Beyond coursework, most programs require a written and oral comprehensive exam to demonstrate mastery of the field before moving into independent dissertation research. The dissertation itself is the core of the degree, requiring original research that contributes new knowledge to the field, culminating in a written dissertation and an oral defense.

How Much Does a Part-Time Data Science PhD Cost?

The cost of a part-time data science PhD depends heavily on the school, with private universities generally charging more per credit than public institutions. Because part-time students take longer to complete their degree, they often pay tuition over a more extended period, even though the total number of credits required stays the same as the full-time track.

It's worth noting that doctoral programs often include additional costs beyond tuition, such as fees for comprehensive exams or dissertation credit hours that continue even after coursework is complete. Comparing a program's full cost structure, not just its per-credit tuition rate, can give you a clearer picture of the total investment before you enroll.

Financial Aid for Part-Time Data Science PhD Programs

Paying for a part-time data science PhD may feel more complicated than a full-time program, but most students at accredited institutions still have meaningful financial support available. Here's a closer look at the most common options.

• Federal student loans: Subsidized and unsubsidized federal loans can help cover tuition and fees, with repayment typically beginning after graduation or once you drop below half-time enrollment. Part-time students should confirm their school's minimum credit threshold for loan eligibility, since it can differ from full-time requirements.
• Graduate assistantships: Teaching or research assistantships can provide a tuition discount or stipend in exchange for work within the department, though these opportunities are often more limited for part-time students than full-time ones, since many assistantship roles assume a full-time commitment.
• Institutional scholarships: Some universities offer merit-based or program-specific scholarships for doctoral students in technology and data-related fields. It's worth checking with each program directly, since these opportunities aren't always advertised as prominently as loans.
• Employer tuition assistance: Some employers offer tuition reimbursement or assistance for employees pursuing a relevant doctoral degree, particularly if the research connects to your current role. A part-time schedule can make this benefit easier to take advantage of, since you can continue working while you study.
• Military and veteran benefits: Eligible service members and veterans may use education benefits, such as the GI Bill, to help cover tuition and related costs for a part-time doctoral program. Some schools also offer dedicated discounts for active-duty and retired military members.

How to Choose the Right Part-Time Data Science PhD

Not all part-time data science PhD programs offer the same level of flexibility, so it's worth comparing more than just a school's reputation before enrolling. Consider the following when evaluating your options:

• Part-time timeline and course load: Compare how long each program allows for part-time completion and how many courses you'll need to take per term, since these policies vary significantly from school to school.
• Delivery format and residency requirements: Some part-time programs are fully online and even self-paced, while others require in-person attendance, so confirm whether a program's format fits your location and schedule before applying.
• Credit for a prior master's degree: Look for programs that award meaningful credit toward the PhD if you already hold a relevant master's degree, since this can significantly shorten your timeline.
• Accreditation: Confirm that any school you're considering holds regional accreditation, since this affects financial aid eligibility, credit transferability, and how your degree is viewed by employers and academic institutions alike.
• Faculty mentorship and research fit: Since a dissertation is the core of any PhD, look for a program with faculty whose research interests align with your own, since you'll be working closely with a mentor throughout your dissertation.

Career Outlook With a Data Science PhD

A PhD in data science can open doors to roles that a bachelor's or master's degree typically can't, particularly in research, academia, and senior technical leadership. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of data scientists is projected to grow 34% between 2024 and 2034, far outpacing the 3% average growth projected across all occupations, and that demand extends to the more specialized and research-focused roles a doctoral degree prepares you for.

Related roles often held by data science PhD graduates include computer and information research scientist, a role with a median annual salary of $145,080 as of May 2024 and 25.6% projected growth, as well as postsecondary teaching positions in data science, statistics, or computer science departments. Graduates also frequently move into senior research or leadership roles within industry, where advanced research training and dissertation experience can set candidates apart from those with a master's degree alone.

FAQs About Part-Time PhDs in Data Science

Earning a PhD in data science part-time comes with a few more practical questions beyond program length and cost. Below are answers to some of the most common ones.

Is a PhD in Data Science Worth It?

If you're hoping to advance into research, academia, or senior technical leadership roles, a PhD in data science is generally worth it. It provides advanced knowledge and research skills that a master's degree doesn't, and it can open doors to positions, like postsecondary teaching or research scientist roles, that typically require a doctoral degree.

What Careers Can I Pursue With a PhD in Data Science?

Common paths include research scientist, postsecondary professor, and senior technical leadership roles in industry, particularly in fields that rely heavily on original research and advanced modeling. Some graduates also move into consulting or executive roles where deep expertise in data science methodology sets them apart from candidates with a master's degree alone.

How Hard Is a Data Science PhD?

A data science PhD is a significant undertaking, both intellectually and in terms of time commitment. Beyond advanced coursework in statistics, machine learning, and research methodology, candidates must pass comprehensive exams and complete an original dissertation, which requires sustained, independent work over several years, especially challenging to balance with a full-time job on a part-time schedule.

Do I Need The GRE For A PhD In Data Science?

Some schools require GRE scores for admission, while others don't or will waive the requirement under certain conditions, such as a strong GPA in a related master's program. Admission requirements vary significantly by school, so it's best to check each program's specific requirements directly.

Do I Need A Master's Degree Before Starting A PhD In Data Science?

It depends on the program. Some schools require a master's degree in data science or a closely related field before you can apply, while others accept students directly from a bachelor's degree, though this path often requires additional credit hours to complete. Programs that accept bachelor's-only applicants typically build the extra foundational coursework directly into the PhD curriculum.

Can I Work Full-Time While Earning A PhD Part-Time?

Many part-time PhD students do work full-time, though it requires careful planning and strong time management. Programs designed for working professionals, with online coursework, evening classes, or low-residency formats, tend to make this balance more manageable than traditional, campus-based programs built primarily for full-time students. 

Explore Data Science Degree Programs

Start your journey toward reaching your data science career goals by exploring the part-time PhDs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment options, and financial aid.