Admission Requirements

This page is for the academic requirements only. The documentary requirements and the application process are found in the Application Process Page.

General Requirements

All applicants must have appropriate undergraduate level knowledge (or equivalent experience/expertise/background) in:

(1) intermediate differential calculus (e.g., Math 22, or its equivalent);

(2) college statistics / statistical data analysis (e.g., Stat 101, or its equivalent); and

(3) computational skills or good experience with at least one programming language (e.g., Computer Science 11, Appl. Phys. 155, or their equivalent).

Requirements

The applicant is deemed admitted to the program once the unit Graduate Committee has assigned her/his Program Adviser and approved the Program of Study. Additional requirements may be added as deemed necessary by the Data Science Graduate Committee. Applicants without the appropriate level of mathematical, computational, and statistical background may either opt to take Option 1, or enroll in non-degree course/s to attain the required level of competencies for either Option 2 or Option 3.

Option 1: Straight Ph.D. Track

1. An undergraduate degree in science (BS), engineering (BEngg), or a related discipline;

2. GWA of 2.0 or better in the undergraduate program (when translated to UP Grading System);

3. Favorable recommendation letter(s) from at least two (2) former professors;

4. Approved proposed program of study endorsed by the program adviser**.

5. Passing a placement examination and interview administered by the implementing unit;

6. Passing an English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) per university policy for applicants whose medium of instruction in the previous degree program is not English;

7. Other additional and special admission requirements imposed by the Graduate Committee of the implementing institution, duly approved by the Program Committee;

• **If you do not have any prospect mentor, the unit Graduate Committee may recommend one for you in temporary basis.

Option 2: Regular PhD Track

1. Master’s degree in science or engineering with at least 24 units of graduate courses from a recognized institution of higher learning. Additional requirements will be imposed for those with a professional master’s degree. Specifically, they may be required to take relevant graduate courses. And for those coming from a non-thesis or non-research track master’s degree, they must show proof of competence to do graduate-level research;

2. Favorable recommendation letter(s) from at least two (2) former professors;

3. Approved proposed program of study endorsed by the program adviser**.

4. Passing a placement examination and interview administered by the implementing unit;

5. Passing an English proficiency test per university policy for an applicant whose medium of instruction in the previous degree program is not English;

6. Other additional and special admission requirements imposed by the Graduate Committee of the implementing institution, duly approved by the Program Council;

• **If you do not have any prospect mentor, the unit Graduate Committee may recommend one for you in temporary basis.

Option 3: Ph.D. by Research Track

1. Master’s degree in science or engineering with at least 24 units of graduate courses from a recognized institution of higher learning. Additional requirements will be imposed for those with professional master’s degree and/or may be required to take relevant credit courses;

2. At least three (3) publications in a highly-reputable publishing medium included in a list approved by the Data Science Graduate Committee, at least one (1) of which the applicant must be the lead/primary author and published in the last five years;

3. Presentation of capsule proposal for dissertation research and endorsement by at least two (2) faculty members from the members of Data Science Graduate Committee;

4. Approved proposed program of study endorsed by the program adviser**.

5. Passing a placement examination and interview administered by the implementing unit;

6. Passing an English proficiency test per university policy for an applicant whose medium of instruction in the previous degree program is not English;

7. Other additional and special admission requirements imposed by the Graduate Committee of the implementing institution, duly approved by the Program Council;

• **If you do not have any prospect mentor, the unit Graduate Committee may recommend one for you in temporary basis.