Department of Network and Data Science

Doctor of Philosophy in Network Science / The PhD program in Network Science is a pioneering, research-oriented program. It includes training in theoretical and computational methods and coursework on the basic notions and theories of complex networks, including hands-on experience with large datasets. Students have the opportunity to focus on specific related fields, such as mathematics, economics, sociology, political science or environmental science. During their research period, they participate in international research projects. By the end of their PhD studies, they develop into independent researchers, able to analyze and model empirical data in academia or in various industries.

Select Areas of Research 

• Pursue science with big data: effective methods of collecting, analyzing, modeling, and visualizing networks with millions of people 
• Understand social processes: friendships and phone calls, spread of ideas, the emergence of order from chaos 
• Discover secrets of success: how teams innovate, scientist make breakthroughs, entrepreneurs make the first million 
• Uncover hidden webs: political corruption, terrorist networks, global finance, wirings of the brain 
• Master the mathematical foundations: graph theory, dynamic processes and graph limits

Network scientists are employed in academia, government and business. Applied network scientists work at Internet and social media companies, where they improve users’ online experience by incorporating results of network science to the service. They also serve as consultants developing business infrastructure and specialize in risk mitigation for major financial institutions.