Doctor of Philosophy in Computational Sciences - Data Analytics

Computational Science is concerned with the construction of mathematical models to solve problems in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This is accomplished through the design and implementation of numerical, probabilistic and statistical models, machine learning and theoretical computer science. The methods and applications are necessarily cross disciplinary.

A typical example is the use of topological data analysiswhich has roots in algebraic topology in pure mathematicsto analyze protein data or large data clouds. Other examples include environmental modeling via image processing, risk management and forecasting in finance via stochastic simulations, which in turn can be used in computational biology to understand the roles of non-coding RNA in cancer.

The Computational Sciences PhD Program at UMass Boston coordinates and promotes multidisciplinary exchange of ideas among researchers and graduate students. The program involves faculty and graduate students in various departments at the College of Sciences and Mathematics. Departments currently participating in the program include: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics and Mathematics. The program is built on the existing strong scientific collaborations among faculty and industry partners. Graduates from the program are expected to be competitive for securing positions in academia or at companies seeking expertise in data analytics and high-end implementation of computational modeling.

You can select from the following tracks:

Data Analytics
Bioinformatics
Computational Physics

Applicants will be required to determine the track they are interested in pursuing Data Analytics Bioinformatics or Computational Physics and demonstrate adequate preparation at the undergraduate level in the form of relevant coursework and research experience Given the multidisciplinary nature of the Computational Science program we expect that our applicants will be undergraduates with bachelor of science degrees in computer science mathematics biology chemistry physics or graduates with masters degrees in these areas Applicants are required to take the general GRE test The program requires three letters of recommendation submitted with the application A minimum, cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale or international equivalent in all undergraduate work. At the time of enrollment a bachelors degree from a regionally accredited US institution of recognized standing or an international equivalent International applicants must submit evidence that they have completed the equivalent of a regionally accredited US university-level bachelors degree program. Official transcripts for all institutions where you have earned more than 6 credits Most transcripts can be requested electronically through the Centralized Application System CAS Original hardcopy transcripts must be sealed in an envelope from the issuing institution. PBT - 550, TOEFL IBT - 79, IELTS - 6.0, DuoLingo - 100