PhD in Applied Data Science - Eastern University

[rafars]

Hi folks

We now have another option for an online PhD—affordable, flexible, and from a regionally accredited university.

Eastern University is preparing a new PhD in Applied Data Science!

https://www.eastern.edu/academics/graduate-programs/phd-data-science

Some key highlights:
- The structure is flexible: you can finish quickly if you hustle, but plenty of room to go at your own pace, especially with dissertation work.

- Seriously built for working professionals. Requires at least a 3.5 GPA at master’s level and 5 years of real-world experience in data-related fields—so you're never grouped with early-career students, and the peer cohort is high-quality.

- Cost-efficient credit structure. Instead of front-loading and paying for a big block of dissertation credits up front, Eastern starts you with just 3 dissertation credits, and you add more as needed, in 2-credit increments. Much fairer and more transparent financially.

- Topical relevance + interdisciplinary foundation. The program emphasizes applied research tackling real social and organizational challenges, with deep grounding in ethics, causal inference, quantitative & qualitative methods, and machine learning.

- Hybrid delivery model = flexibility with interaction. Weekly Zoom sessions keep you connected, but most of the coursework is asynchronous—perfect if you're balancing a job.

It may look like a short PhD (30 credits), but realistically, no one completes a dissertation in an accelerated 2-month term. The program is structured around the minimum possible time frame, while giving you flexibility to pay only for the dissertation credits you actually need.


What I think:
This program seems to strike a balance between what are often called professional doctorates and scholarly doctorates. While all research doctorates are academic and require original research with methodological rigor, there is a traditional distinction: scholarly doctorates tend to focus on building or testing theory, whereas professional doctorates emphasize advancing practice.
Eastern’s PhD in Applied Data Science clearly incorporates elements of both. On one side, it is aimed at experienced professionals (minimum 5 years in the field, 3.5 GPA, hybrid online format) and emphasizes applied, real-world impact—characteristics often seen in professional doctorates. On the other side, it carries the PhD designation, requires a dissertation with original research, and ensures rigorous grounding in quantitative, qualitative, and ethical methodologies—features typical of scholarly doctorates. In that sense, it aligns with programs that intentionally blend theoretical and practical orientations, offering both credibility in academia and tangible value for professional practice.


Rafa

[NotJoeBiden]

Location: Online
Delivery: Hybrid (Part online synchronous, part asynchronous)
Length: 30 credits, as little as 2 years
Cost: $450/credit hour for '25-'26. As little as $13,500 depending on number of dissertation credits for 2025-2026.

Incredible cost and speed. Cheaper than many masters degrees.

[bjcheung77]

Wow, for those who have the Eastern MBA or other Masters that was offered for roughly $10K can ladder into this PhD if the subject matter interests you! Sister board thread: https://www.degreeinfo.com/index.php?thr...ity.63961/

[MarieF]

Location: Online
Delivery: Hybrid (Part online synchronous, part asynchronous)
Length: 30 credits, as little as 2 years
Cost: $450/credit hour for '25-'26.  As little as $13,500 depending on number of dissertation credits for 2025-2026.

Incredible cost and speed. Cheaper than many masters degrees.

"We are not currently accepting applications for this program."

[rafars]

Location: Online
Delivery: Hybrid (Part online synchronous, part asynchronous)
Length: 30 credits, as little as 2 years
Cost: $450/credit hour for '25-'26.  As little as $13,500 depending on number of dissertation credits for 2025-2026.

Incredible cost and speed. Cheaper than many masters degrees.

"We are not currently accepting applications for this program."

Yeahh I think they are getting everything ready...

[Sagan]

"This program seems to strike a balance between what are often called professional doctorates and scholarly doctorates. While all research doctorates are academic and require original research with methodological rigor, there is a traditional distinction: scholarly doctorates tend to focus on building or testing theory, whereas professional doctorates emphasize advancing practice."

Gosh, I think I read something just like this recently. Now, where was it....?

[mcjon77]

Wow, for those who have the Eastern MBA or other Masters that was offered for roughly $10K can ladder into this PhD if the subject matter interests you!  Sister board thread: https://www.degreeinfo.com/index.php?thr...ity.63961/

I think folks with the data science, or possibly data analytics masters degree would be competitive for the PhD program, but I don't think that the MBA folks, even those with the business analytics concentration would be competitive.  They don't have enough data science courses.

If I was an Eastern MBA grad I probably look more at Edgewood's DBA.  It's a little bit more money, but still a great value.  It would be interesting if a version that's more focused towards business, perhaps even a DBA, is rolled out at Eastern in the coming years.

[InHocSignoVinces]

I was very interested in this PhD program, given Eastern University's decent reputation, regional accreditation, PhD title upon graduation, stem-designated degree, as well as an overall quite affordable full price.

In my opinion, it is one of the best deals I've came across so far.

Unfortunately, they're not accepting new applications. I've contacted the admission office, expressing my interest and the fact that I've prepared all documentation outlined in the admission requirements, and here's their exact email response:

"Hello [Name],

Thank you for your interest in the PhD in Data Science program. The Fall 2025 start term has passed, and no additional details are available at this time regarding the next start term. The next start will either be Fall 2026 or Fall 2027. We encourage you to check the webpage periodically for updates. We will be sure to update the webpage once the program is accepting new applications.

In the meantime, if interested, I can add you to the list of students we will contact via email once more information is available.
If so, please confirm that the information below is correct, as well as provide a phone number, and I'll add you to the list."

In a nutshell, at the moment they don't know precisely whether the admissions will resume in 2026 or even 2027.

Have to move on and search elsewhere, I guess. Too bad, because it was quite a great deal in my perspective.

On a positive note, I look forward to finding an even better one!