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Schmid College of Science and Technology

» Ph.D. in Computational and Data Sciences

Computational Science is the art of creating, developing, and validating models in order to gain a profound understanding of real-life complex problems. Data Science is the art of generating insight, knowledge, and predictions by applying modern methods to large datasets. 

In Chapman University’s Ph.D. in Computational and Data Sciences program, you will collaborate on innovative research as you work closely with nationally and internationally renowned faculty mentors who will help prepare you to thrive in a variety of professional settings, from academia to private industry, scientific research labs to government agencies. You will learn to design and implement mathematical models and refine quantitative analysis techniques to solve complex scientific problems. Develop your dissertation with focus on advancement of theory and applications of statistical, machine learning and AI in diverse data science related fields such as medicine and epidemiology, climate and Earth hazards, big data and high-performance computing, drug design, genetics, natural language processing, bioinformatics and biotechnology, economics, and sports analytics. 

Employment and Future Opportunities

In our tech-driven world, employers are increasingly recognizing the value of data science professionals. According to U.S. News and World Report, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 35.8% employment growth for data scientists between 2021 and 2031. In this period, an estimated 40,500 jobs should open up.  

Graduates from the program have gone on to work in a variety of industries, such as: 

  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning 
  • Higher Education Institutions 
  • Healthcare 
  • Entertainment Industry 
  • Government Agencies 
  • Large Tech Companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Yahoo 

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CONTACT US


Cyril Rakovski, Ph.D.
Program Co-Director
rakovski@chapman.edu

Adrian Vajiac, Ph.D.
Program Co-Director
avajiac@chapman.edu

Matthew Martinez, MFA
Graduate Program Coordinator
matmartinez@chapman.edu

Melissa Liberman, MA
Senior Graduate Admission Counselor
liberman@chapman.edu

Graduate Financial Aid
gradfinaid@chapman.edu
(714) 628-2730

Application Deadlines: 2025 Academic Year


Early Admission Deadline: December 1, 2024
Regular Deadline: January 15, 2025

Applications submitted after the deadline will be reviewed on a space-available basis.

Featured Faculty

Joshua Fisher


Associate Professor Joshua Fisher is a Climate Scientist focusing on terrestrial ecosystems, water, carbon, and nutrient cycling using a combination of remote sensing, supercomputer models, and field campaigns from the Amazon to the Arctic.