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

Data science is a highly technical career field, but it's also highly research-oriented. Those who want to further their careers in data science can pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in data science. PhDs are research degrees that can lead to careers in academia, research, or the applied sciences.

Many people who pursue PhDs are working professionals, so some schools offer part-time options. This allows students to continue working while earning their degrees. Keep reading to learn more about earning a part-time PhD in data science.

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

While part-time data science PhDs aren't particularly common, there are a few schools that offer them. These programs allow students to take fewer courses per semester, reducing the overall weight of their course load.

Typically, full-time for graduate students is considered nine credits, or three courses, or more per semester. A part-time PhD allows students to take one to two classes per semester instead.

Can I Earn My Part-Time PhD in Data Science Online?

As mentioned, part-time PhDs in data science are somewhat rare, and online options are even rarer. That being said, there are a couple of schools that offer part-time PhDs in data science online.

How Long Does It Take to Finish a Part-Time Data Science PhD?

The length of time it takes to finish a part-time data science degree will depend on several factors, like how many credits the program requires, how many credits you take each term, and whether or not you have a master's degree. Typically, you can expect to finish a part-time PhD in five to eight years.

Best Part-Time PhD Programs in Data Science

A few schools allow students to earn a PhD in data science part-time. We've highlighted these options below.

Note that we only included programs that demonstrated that students could earn their PhDs on a flexible schedule. Many schools do not provide that information up front.

1. National University

National University is a private, nonprofit institution in San Diego. It offers a highly flexible online PhD in data science.

This 60-credit program includes courses on topics such as data mining, artificial intelligence, data visualization, and statistical modeling. Each course runs eight weeks, and the dissertation courses run 12 weeks. National offers year-round enrollment, with new start dates every Monday.

• Estimated tuition cost: $69,215 total
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

2. Capitol Technology University

At Capitol Technology University, students can earn a PhD online in business analytics and data science. It requires 60 credits, including courses on management theory, decision analysis, big data warehousing, and professional ethics.

Capitol Tech, a private, nonprofit university, is located in Laurel, MD. Students in the data science PhD here take one, sometimes two courses per term.

• Estimated tuition cost: $58,500 total
• Program length: Three years minimum
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

3. University of North Texas

The University of North Texas (UNT) offers a hybrid PhD in information science with a concentration in data science. UNT is a public research university in Denton, TX.

This program is designed to be flexible for working professionals and includes courses on big data analytics and data visualization. It requires 60 credit hours for those with a master's or 72 credits for those without a master's.

• Estimated tuition cost: $327.79 per credit (in-state); $732.79 per credit (out-of-state)
• Program length: Four to eight years
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSOC)

4. New Jersey Institute of Technology

Through the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), students can earn a PhD in business data science part-time. The 36-credit program includes courses on data mining, database management, business research methods, and more.

NJIT, located in Newark, NJ, is a public research institution. Students can enter the data science PhD with either a bachelor's or a master's degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $28,924 total (in-state); $70,236 total (out-of-state)
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: MSCHE

5. Chapman University

Chapman University is a nonprofit, private research institution in Orange, CA. It offers a PhD in computational and data sciences that students can pursue full-time or part-time.

Courses cover topics like mathematical modeling, data mining, data analysis, and computational science. The program is on-campus and requires 70 credit hours.

• Estimated tuition cost: $137,550 total
• Program length: Five to six years
• Accreditation: WSCUC

How We Rank Schools

To create the list above, we chose schools that met the following criteria:

• Accreditation: All schools are regionally accredited.
• Program flexibility: Every program offers flexible part-time learning options.
• Program reputation: Each institution is nonprofit and offers a high-quality education.

FAQs About Flexible PhD in Data Science Programs

Earning a PhD in data science part-time can help you reach your career goals. Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about these programs to help you determine if it's a good option for you.

How Much Does a PhD in Data Science Cost?

The cost of a PhD in data science can range anywhere from less than $30,000 to over $100,000. The total cost will depend on several factors, such as:

• which program you choose
• whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student
• how many credit hours you need
• what financial aid you qualify for

Many schools offer financial aid options specifically to doctoral students. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out what you're eligible for.

Is a PhD in Data Science Worth It?

If you're hoping to advance your data science career, especially in an area of research or academia, a PhD in data science is worth it. They provide you with advanced data science knowledge and research skills.

Which PhD Is Best for Data Science?

The best PhD for data science will depend on your career goals and lifestyle. If you're looking for a part-time, online option, the degrees at National University or Capitol Tech will be your best option. Other degrees may offer different concentrations or research options that fit your career goals better.

Do I Need the GRE for a PhD in Data Science?

Some schools require the General Records Examinations (GRE) for admission into a PhD in data science, but not all do. You can usually find full admissions requirements on the program website.

Discover Online Doctoral Degrees

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.