Doctor of Data Science (DDSci)
Unicollege – Westcliff University Programs
Unicollege and Westcliff University partner to deliver graduate-level academic programs, including Master’s and Doctoral degrees, within an international learning environment. Unicollege, a degree-granting higher education institution based in Italy, manages international outreach, student orientation, academic advising, and enrollment support, while Westcliff University, a WASC-accredited university in the United States, provides all academic delivery, instruction, assessment, and supervision from program start through graduation. Programs are offered fully online and are designed to accommodate international learners across disciplines and academic levels, while also offering exclusive partner-granted scholarships for Unicollege applicants, dedicated international cohorts with schedules aligned to European time zones, and personalized one-to-one academic and administrative assistance throughout the program. Upon successful completion, graduates are awarded a U.S.-accredited degree from Westcliff University, recognized internationally.
DDSci Program Description
The Doctor of Data Science (DDSci) program prepares experienced professionals to become advanced practitioners, researchers, and leaders in the rapidly evolving field of data science. Through a rigorous curriculum that blends deep technical training with applied, real-world problem-solving, students build expertise in machine learning, statistical modeling, big data systems, and AI-driven decision-making. The program also emphasizes responsible and ethical data practices, ensuring graduates can navigate the complex challenges of data privacy, governance, and emerging AI technologies. DDSci scholars are equipped to transform complex datasets into meaningful insights, design data-informed solutions, and contribute to the advancement of the global data economy across industry, academia, and research environments.
Program Structure
- 3 years full-time (the duration may be shorter depending on the number of credits recognized from prior academic studies and/or validated professional experience).
- Candidates may apply for credit recognition (up to 50% of the total credit requirement) based on prior academic studies or relevant professional experience.
- Fully online, designed for international and multi-time-zone participation
- Typically one live taught class per week
- Weekly readings, applied assignments, and assessments
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- A Master-level degree from a regionally, nationally, or internationally accredited institution (including NACES-recognized credentials)
- English language proficiency for non-native English speakers
Enrollments are open all year round with starting windows every 2 months.
Tuition and Scholarships
Applicants applying through Unicollege may access exclusive partner-granted scholarships of up to 75% of the total program cost, awarded based on academic merit, prior academic achievements, and professional experience.
Enrollment
Applying through Unicollege provides access to dedicated guidance, enhanced scholarship opportunities, and personalized admissions support.
For applications or further information, please contact: phd@unicollege.eu
Required Courses
Core Courses – 21 Credit Hours
- DOC 700 – Doctoral Foundations – 3 credit hours
- PRG 705 – Python and Computation – 3 credit hours
- DATA 710 – Statistical Foundations for Data Science – 3 credit hours
- MIS 720 – Machine Learning & Predictive Modeling – 3 credit hours
- DATA 730 – Big Data Systems and Infrastructure – 3 credit hours
- DATA 740 – Data Science Research Methods – 3 credit hours
- DATA 750 – Applied Methods and Domain Applications – 3 credit hours
Research Courses – 12 Credit Hours
- DOC 705 – Quantitative Research Methods – 3 credit hours
- DOC 710 – Qualitative Research Methods – 3 credit hours
- DOC 715 – Prospectus – 3 credit hours
- DOC 720 – Literature Review – 3 credit hours
Advanced Research Course (Select one of the following):
- DOC 706 – Advanced Quantitative Research Methods – 3 credit hours
- DOC 711 – Advanced Qualitative Research Methods – 3 credit hours
- DOC 712 – Applied Research for Real-World Impact – 3 credit hours
Dissertation or Capstone Courses (12 Credit Hours)
- DOC 901 – Dissertation I – 3 credit hours
- DOC 902 – Dissertation II – 3 credit hours
- DOC 903 – Dissertation III – 3 credit hours
- DOC 904 – Dissertation IV – 3 credit hours
Or
- DRP 901 – Doctoral Research Project I – 3 credit hours
- DRP 902 – Doctoral Research Project II – 3 credit hours
- DRP 903 – Doctoral Research Project III – 3 credit hours
- DRP 904 – Doctoral Research Project IV – 3 credit hours
Capstone Course – 12 Credit Hours
In addition to the core curriculum, students may choose to complete a concentration by taking four (4) courses totaling 12 credit hours in a selected specialization area. Concentration options can be discussed during Unicollege’s one-to-one orientation sessions or explored directly on the dedicated program pages on the Westcliff University website.