Doctor of Computer Science Program - Westcliff University College of Technology and Engineering

Doctor of Data Science (DDSci)

Doctor of Data Science (DDSci)

Program Description

The Doctor of Data Science (DDSci) program prepares experienced professionals to become advanced practitioners, researchers, and leaders in the rapidly evolving field of data science.

Through a rigorous curriculum that blends deep technical training with applied, real-world problem-solving, students build expertise in machine learning, statistical modeling, big data systems, and AI-driven decision-making.

The program also emphasizes responsible and ethical data practices, ensuring graduates can navigate the complex challenges of data privacy, governance, and emerging AI technologies.

DDSci scholars are equipped to transform complex datasets into meaningful insights, design data-informed solutions, and contribute to the advancement of the global data economy across industry, academia, and research environments.

*Not SEVP approved for international students

DDSci Program Learning Outcomes

DDSci Program Learning Outcomes

The Doctor of Data Science (DDSci) Program aims to prepare students for advanced careers in computer science and software by combining practical and problem-solving skills with business skills, proving their ability to adapt quickly to the ever-changing tech industry.

The Doctor of Data Science program encourages students to achieve the following educational objectives:

1
Evaluate the historical development and emerging trends of data science in addressing complex, real-world data challenges across diverse domains.
2
Advance the discipline through original research, scholarly writing, ethical dissemination, and the creation of applied data-driven innovations for evolving, global environments.
3
Clearly articulate and apply data science principles, models, and algorithms to solve multifaceted technical and organizational problems.
4
Generate new ideas, models, designs, or techniques that extend the boundaries of knowledge and practice in the field of data science.
5
Demonstrate deep knowledge and mastery in one or more specialized areas of data science.

Program Requirements

  • Admissions Requirements

    For acceptance into the Doctor of Data Science (DDSci) degree program, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

    An applicant with a Master-level degree and a 2.5 GPA from a regionally or nationally accredited institution can apply to Westcliff University.

    Strong consideration will be given to candidates with a master’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university or comparable recognized institution outside of the United States in the field of computer science, information technology, engineering, or closely related discipline.

  • Graduation Requirements

    Students in the Doctor of Computer Science must complete forty-eight (48) prescribed credit hours with a program GPA (PGPA) of 3.0 or higher to graduate. As an option, students can take an additional twelve (12) credit hours to obtain a certificate in one of several areas of concentration. Students must apply for graduation. Upon graduation and fulfillment of all academic requirements, students receive a Doctor of Computer Science degree.

Program Information

  • Required Courses

    Doctor of Data Science (DDSci) Course Requirements - 48 Credit Hours Total

    Core Courses (21 Credit Hours)

    DOC 700 Doctoral Foundations 3 credit hours
    PRG 705 Python and Computation 3 credit hours
    STA 710 Statistical Foundations for Data Science 3 credit hours
    ML 720 Machine Learning & Predictive Modeling 3 credit hours
    DSA 730 Big Data Systems and Infrastructure 3 credit hours
    DSR 740 Data Science Research Methods 3 credit hours
    DSR 750 Applied Methods and Domain Applications 3 credit hours

     

    Research Courses (12 Credit Hours)

    DOC 705 Quantitative Research Methods 3 credit hours
    DOC 710 Qualitative Research Methods 3 credit hours
    DOC 715 Prospectus 3 credit hours
    DOC 720 Literature Review 3 credit hours

     

    Advanced Research Course (Select one of the following):

    DOC 706 Advanced Quantitative Research Methods 3 credit hours
    DOC 711 Advanced Qualitative Research Methods 3 credit hours
    DOC 712 Applied Research for Real-World Impact 3 credit hours

     

    Dissertation or Capstone Courses (12 Credit Hours)

    DOC 901 Dissertation I 3 credit hours
    DOC 902 Dissertation II 3 credit hours
    DOC 903 Dissertation III 3 credit hours
    DOC 904 Dissertation IV 3 credit hours
    OR
    DRP 901 Doctoral Research Project I 3 credit hours
    DRP 902 Doctoral Research Project II 3 credit hours
    DRP 903 Doctoral Research Project III 3 credit hours
    DRP 904 Doctoral Research Project IV 3 credit hours

     

    Concentrations (if applicable)

    Big Data (New)

    DATA 8XW Scalable Data Systems & Architecture 3 credit hours
    DATA 8XX Advanced Big Data Analytics & Mining 3 credit hours
    DATA 8XY Cloud Data Engineering & MLOps 3 credit hours
    DATA 8XZ Data Governance, Privacy, & Responsible AI at Scale 3 credit hours

     

    Artificial Intelligence

    AIT 800 AI Ethics and Societal Impact 3 credit hours
    AIT 805 Deep Learning 3 credit hours
    AIT 810 Computer Vision 3 credit hours
    AIT 815 Natural Language Processing 3 credit hours

     

  • Course Catalog and Student Handbook
    Student Handbook/Catalog
Program Requirements