PhD in Network Science
The interdisciplinary PhD in Network Science — the only network science program in the United States — provides the conceptual and mathematical tools you will need to describe and predict networks in an ever-evolving field. Learn a range of network-based approaches and techniques as you build a theoretical foundation to explain network mechanisms and processes in physical, technological, informational, and social systems.
Become a top leader in the field
Our network science program aims to enhance your understanding of networks arising from the interplay of human behavior, sociotechnical infrastructures, information diffusion, and biological agents — an intrinsically multidisciplinary activity. We partner with colleges across Northeastern University — including the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, College of Science, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, and D’Amore-McKim School of Business — to prepare you with the deep knowledge, broad perspectives, and research opportunities you need to succeed in the field.
Network science represents a wide range of fields, including computer science, information science, complexity, physics, sociology, communication, organizational behavior, political science, and epidemiology.
You will have the opportunity to specialize in your area of interest, or take 20 semester hours of coursework from the electives course list:
A PhD in Network Science opens doors to diverse and high-demand career paths, including opportunities in research institutions, academia, and industry:
- Tenure-track faculty
- Network researcher
- Network architect
- Network policy advisor
- Cybersecurity analyst or consultant
You will engage in intensive research early in your doctoral experience as you work on cutting-edge projects led by renowned faculty from our innovative Network Science Institute.
You can gain industry exposure, build important connections, and form new perspectives on the impact of your work through internship opportunities at forward-thinking companies like:
- AstraZeneca
- TrustLab
- IBM
- Meta
Learn more about financial support for this program
Students graduating with a PhD in Network Science will demonstrate a graduate-level understanding of foundational network science concepts, including:
- The mathematics of networks, their use in complex natural and man-made systems, and their applications to biology, sociology, technology, and other fields
- Essential network data mining techniques from real-world datasets to networks
- Statistical descriptors of networks and statistical biases
- Measures and metrics of networks
- Network clustering techniques
- Network modeling
- Process modeling on networks
- Network visualization
Additionally, students will demonstrate a graduate-level understanding of non-network methods that enable network research, including:
- Measurement and research design
- Computational statistics (e.g., for social science track, a wide array of inferential methods)
- Data acquisition and handling
Campus location
Applications and admissions
Deadline: December 15 for fall admission
The College of Social Science and Humanities apply page has everything you need to know about applying to the PhD in Network Science program.
Contact the graduate admissions team.
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