Doctor of Philosophy in Network Science

Program level: Post-graduate (Doctoral)

Degree awarded: PhD

Unit: Department of Network and Data Science

Program registration: Program approved and registered by the New York State Education Department

Program length: 3-6 years

Type of degree: CEU

CEU credits: 90

ECTS credits: 180.00

Start of the program: September

Head of Department: János Kertész

Email: dnds@ceu.edu

PROGRAM URL: Doctor of Philosophy in Network Science

CEU Application Details

• Who Can Apply
• Funding and Fees
• How To Apply

Program Description

The PhD program in Network Science is a research-oriented program. It includes training in theoretical and computational methods and coursework on the basic notions and theories of complex networks including hands-on experience with large datasets. Students will have the opportunity to focus on specific related fields, like mathematics, sociology, political science or environmental science. During their research work they will participate in international research projects and by the end of their PhD studies they will develop into independent researchers, with the ability to contribute to network science with analyses and modeling empirical data.

Doctoral enrollment may continue up to a maximum of six years. Students admitted into CEU doctoral programs are eligible to receive the CEU Doctoral Fellowship for up to three years. Numerous additional funding opportunities exist.

Sample Courses for the Doctoral Program

Core courses

• Fundamental Ideas in Network Science
• Statistical Methods in Network Science and Data Analysis
• Social Networks
• Data Mining and Big Data Analytics

Optional courses

• Scientific Python
• Networks and Computers
• Agent Based Models
• Data and Network Visualization

Entry Requirements for the Doctoral Program (Program-Specific Requirements)

Apart from general CEU admission requirements, we expect applications from candidates with a Master’s degree in one of a broad range of related disciplines (including physics, mathematics, computer science, sociology, political science and economics), who have an interest in network science and/or its applications to social sciences.

The PhD program is open for students with a wide variety of backgrounds. Presently we have students with MA/MSc in math, sociology, psychology, architecture, physics, economics and political science. The Program is strongly interdisciplinary with a special emphasis on quantitative methods in social sciences and data-driven research. Those who have weaker math background will have to participate in a pre-session course and will need some additional effort.

We do NOT request a GRE test.

In addition to the items of the CEU checklist, a STATEMENT OF PURPOSE (previously “motivation letter”) is an important part of the application.

The Statement of Purpose should make clear:

• why you are interested in studying network science at CEU;
• your knowledge of social science/network science literature;
• your openness towards and possible experience with mathematical methods and programming;
• what is the special field of research you are particularly interested in and what kind of plans you have in that direction;
• what kind of studies and activities you have carried out which are related to your plans.

The Statement of Purpose should not be longer than 1500 words.