» Ph.D. in Computational and Data Sciences

For the latest information on the current curriculum, please visit the Graduate Catalog.

Prerequisites

It is expected that students admitted to the CADS Ph.D. program will have completed substantial preparatory coursework as an undergraduate major or minor from a regionally accredited institution in one of the following disciplines, or the equivalent: Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Software Engineering.

Preparatory coursework must include the following courses, or the equivalent:

1. Linear Algebra
2. Multivariable Calculus
3. Differential Equations
4. Computer Programming: Data Structures preferred (R, Python, and SQL)
5. Probability and Statistics (Distributions, Confidence Intervals, Hypothesis Testing, Linear Models)

Total Credits - 70

Admission Requirements

An undergraduate degree specifically in computational science is not required for admission. The program will consider applicants from a broad range of undergraduate and master’s level science disciplines (e.g. biology, chemistry, computer science, biochemistry and molecular biology, mathematics, physics). Admission will depend on the relationship between the student’s goals and the program’s objectives as well as the likelihood that the student will benefit from the program.

1. Prerequisite Courses

It is expected that students admitted to the CADS Ph.D. program will have completed substantial preparatory coursework as an undergraduate major or minor from a regionally accredited institution in one of the following disciplines, or the equivalent: Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Software Engineering.

Preparatory coursework must include the following courses, or the equivalent:

2. Application Requirements

Admission to the program may be achieved by the completion of the following requirements:

Online application for admission (including $60 non-refundable application fee)

Official transcript from degree granting institution. If prerequisite courses have been taken at schools other than the degree granting institution, those transcripts must also be submitted. Applicants must have earned a minimum grade point average of 3.00.

Graduate Admission Test Scores (School Code: 4047); the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test scores must have been taken within the last five years. Applicants must achieve the following minimum scores:

• Verbal: 153
• Quantitative: 146
• Analytical Writing: 4.0

To request a GRE waiver, complete this form. Once you submit your waiver request, you will be notified by email in 1-2 weeks if the GRE has been waived for you. Each waiver is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Letters of recommendation - two letters of recommendation are required, including one from an academic source which describes your professional and academic abilities.

Statement of Intent - a 750 word essay; applicants are expected to address science topics they are interested in and how they envision applying computational science in those areas.

Resume - a resume or curriculum vitae is required

International student application requirements

Chapman's language of instruction is English. If you have not received a bachelor's degree (or higher) at an institute where English was the language of instruction, you must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting official scores from an English language exam. You can find additional information here.

Official Transcripts and Diploma

• Your application requires official transcripts in both the native language, and in English. If your university does not provide translations of your transcript, you will need to have your transcript translated, line-by-line and word-for-word exactly. You will need to submit both the official transcript and the official translation.
• If your university only provides one official transcript, you will need to submit a notarized copy. You will need to take your official transcript and have certified copies made, and translated into English if needed. These documents should be stamped by the legal notary who made the copy and/or translation. We do not accept uncertified copies directly from students. Please note that official documents will be required upon acceptance.
• While your diploma will not be required with your application, your enrollment into Chapman University will be dependent upon submission of your official diploma. Should you be admitted, your diploma will need to be submitted in both the native language, and in English. You will need to submit both the official diploma and the official translation. If your university only provides one official diploma, you may send a notarized copy, or bring the original documents into our office at the time classes begin. 

Supplemental Application

• The International Supplemental Application is the financial certification form that provides comprehensive information about your passport, I-20 requirements, and financial support for your studies. This form is required for F-1 student visa applicants.
• Should you be admitted into our program, you will be sent information on how to access the Supplemental Application.
• If you hold a U.S. passport, or are a permanent resident, you do not need to submit this document. You will apply as a domestic student.

Tuition Information

Financial assistance is available in the form of federal loans, department scholarships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships.

More information can be found on the Financial Aid website or by contacting Graduate Financial Aid at gradfinaid@chapman.edu or (714) 628-2730.

Admission – Please contact the Associate Director of International Initiatives, DSO, Monica Chen, MA, at mchen@chapman.edu regarding your application, to schedule a campus visit or for other non-program specific questions.

Application: How to Apply

International Students – View our international student admissions page for additional information regarding applying to Chapman.

Tuition - Contact Student Business Services at (714) 997-6617 for information regarding tuition, fees, billing & payments. Please note that program staff are prohibited from discussing financial information.

Federal Financial Aid - For more information, email gradfinaid@chapman.edu or call (714) 628-2730.

Housing - For graduate student housing options, contact Housing and Residence Life at (714) 997-6603.

Q: What is required for admission to the program?

A: Please review our admissions requirements for more information. You may also contact our graduate admissions team at (714) 997-6711, or gradadmit@chapman.edu 

Q: Am I required to take the TOEFL (or equivalent)?

A: Applicants who have completed their bachelor’s degree or higher at an institution where English was not the primary language of instruction must submit scores for an English Proficiency exam. Chapman University's institution code for the TOEFL is 4047. 

Q: Who should my letters of recommendation come from? May I submit additional letters?

A: Letters of recommendation should come from former faculty members or those you've worked with in industry who can attest to your academic and professional abilities. Two letters is recommended, but you can submit more if you wish.

Q: Can I send in transcripts to show coursework from non-degree granting institutions? 

A: Yes, all courses you have completed will be taken into account by the admission committee.

Q: Can I submit my application before I have all the necessary documents?

A: Yes, although some sections are required before submitting. Admissions will hold your application and notify us as your documents become available. You will not receive an admissions decision until all documents have been received.

Q: How many students are accepted each year?

A: The Ph.D. program accepts an average of 8 applicants each fall.

Q: Do you accept admissions on a rolling basis?

A: No, students are admitted once a year – for the following fall semester.

Q: What is the cost of the program?

A: The 22/23 cost of the Ph.D. program is $126,000 ($1,800 per credit regardless of residency). However, most students receive funding and TA opportunities.

Q: How long does the program take to complete?

A: Normative completion to the doctoral degree is 4-6 years, depending on the student’s level of preparation, research topic, and rate of publication.

Q: Am I allowed to attend part-time?

A: Yes, although part-time Ph.D. students are expected to provide their own funding.

Q: Is this program online?

A: No, this program is not online and does not offer any hybrid courses. 

Q: When are classes offered?

A: Most courses are offered in the afternoons and evenings.

Q: Can I transfer courses?

A: Up to 18 credits may be accepted as transfer credit. We accept both standard and online courses that meet all transfer requirements and are from regionally accredited schools.

Q: Is there financial support available?

A: Yes, highly qualified Ph.D. applicants will be offered financial packages upon admission.

Q: Do I find out about available assistantships?

A: Students who would like to be considered for assistantships should send their CV and evaluations from any previous teaching assignments to the Program Coordinator prior to the application deadline. Please specify level of knowledge in each of the following undergraduate areas: math, physics, statistics, and/or computer science.

Q: What scholarships are available?

A: Students are encouraged to apply for external scholarships sponsored by government agencies, corporations, and foundations. Some scholarship search options are found on the Financial Aid - Outside Scholarships page.

Q: What are the housing options?

A: On-campus housing is extremely limited and graduate students are encouraged to research alternative living arrangements off-campus by visiting our Introduction to Off-Campus Living page. After being accepted to the program, you can connect to the community through Facebook Off Campus Housing and Roommate Corner and Off-Campus Housing Listings.  International students should also check with International Student & Scholar Services. 

Additional Information for International Students:

Q: Are Chapman's Computational and Data Sciences degrees STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) programs?

A: Yes, students in our program are eligible to apply for STEM benefits.  See the International Student & Scholar Services for more information.  You can also contact Lisa Luu-Luc, Specialist International Student & Scholar Services, at lluluc@chapman.edu or (714) 744-2110, with any questions.

Q:  What is OPT? 

A:  Optional Practical Training or OPT allows you to work for one year, following graduation, in a job related to your major or field of study.  See the International Student & Scholar Services for more information.  You can also contact Lisa Luu-Luc, Specialist International Student & Scholar Services, at lluluc@chapman.edu or (714) 744-2110, with any questions.

Q: What is CPT?

A: Curricular Practical Training or CPT allows you to participate in an off-campus paid internship that is related to your major or field of study.  See the International Student & Scholar Services for more information.  You can also contact Lisa Luu-Luc, Specialist International Student & Scholar Services, at lluluc@chapman.edu or (714) 744-2110, with any questions.