Big Data Analytics will train researchers with a statistics background to analyze massive, structured or unstructured data to uncover hidden patterns, unknown correlations and other useful information that can be used to make better decisions.
The program will provide a strong foundation in the major methodologies associated with Big Data Analytics such as predictive analytics, data mining, text analytics and statistical analysis with an interdisciplinary component that combines the strength of statistics and computer science. It will focus on statistical computing, statistical data mining and their application to business, social, and health problems complemented with ongoing industrial collaborations. The scope of this program is specialized to prepare data scientists and data analysts who will work with very large data sets using both conventional and newly developed statistical methods.
The Ph.D. in Big Data Analytics requires 72 hours beyond an earned Bachelor's degree. Required coursework includes 42 credit hours of courses, 15 credit hours of restricted elective coursework, and 15 credit hours of dissertation research.
Total Credit Hours Required: 72 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor's Degree
Program Prerequisites
Students must have the following background and courses completed before applying to the Big Data Analytics PhD program. These courses are: MAC 2311C: Calculus with Analytic Geometry I, MAC 2312: Calculus with Analytic Geometry II, MAC 2313: Calculus with Analytic Geometry III, MAS 3105: Matrix and Linear Algebra or MAS 3106: Linear Algebra, COP 3503C - Computer Science II. These pre-required courses are basic undergraduate courses from the Math and Computer Science departments. Students without background in COP 3503C can still apply for admission but they will need to take that course sometime after admission in the PhD program. COP 3503C serves as pre-requisite for COP 5711, which is required for the qualifying exam.
Application Requirements
For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.
- In addition to the general UCF graduate application requirements, applicants to this program must provide:
- One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
- A personal statement identifying the area of research interest and a description of the applicant's academic and professional experiences.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- A Bachelor's degree or its equivalent in statistics, data analytics or a related field from a regionally accredited institution or recognized foreign institution.
- The student should have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all bachelor's level work completed.
- A competitive score on the combined quantitative and verbal sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or a competitive GMAT score taken within the last five years prior to admission to the program.
- A current curriculum vitae.
Application Deadlines
| Big Data Analytics PhD | *Fall Priority | Fall | Spring | Summer |
| Domestic Applicants | Jan 15 | Jul 1 | | |
| International Applicants | Jan 15 | Jan 15 | | |
*Applicants who plan to enroll full time in a degree program and who wish to be considered for university fellowships or assistantships should apply by the Fall Priority date.
Financial Information
Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.
Fellowship Information
Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student's graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see UCF Graduate Fellowships, which includes descriptions of university fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.
