Ph.D. in Technology in Data Science

Flexible STEM Learning for Career Success

The fast-changing world of technology needs trained, innovative leaders to help integrate this essential technology into businesses and organizations. SBU's PhD in Technology with a concentration in Data Science prepares you to not just be an indispensable contributor in your field, but you'll also be prepared for your career to go to the next level.

SBU's PhD programs have these distinctive components:

- STEM-designated doctoral program
- Potential Day 1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Seamless pathway from SBU master’s programs
- Up to 36 months OPT including STEM OPT extensions
- Dedicated DSO support for F-1 visa compliance
- Cohort-based dissertation mentorship model
- Flexible hybrid format with online coursework + weekend residencies
- Three on-campus residency weekends per year
- Christian worldview integrated across all coursework

APPLY TODAY

REQUEST INFORMATION

SBU is no longer accepting applications for the August start date.
Doctoral students who wish to join us for the September 9 start must initiate their SEVIS transfer by August 31.

100% Accredited

Southwest Baptist University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Hybrid Format

Our hybrid PhD programs include weekend residency sessions three times per year, combined with asynchronous online coursework and live virtual sessions. This format is ideal for working professionals and F-1 international students with CPT/OPT components to their degree.

Program Details

Credit Hours

STEM

Designated

3-5 Years

Completion

Courses and Structure

Total Units:	60 hours
Duration:	3-5 years
Delivery method:	Hybrid: Online + Weekend Residencies (3x/year)
Calendar:	Semester (Fall, Spring, Summer)
Start Date:	Fall 2026
Transfer Credits:	Up to 12 credits from another doctoral program

Research Methods Core | 12 Credits | Required for All PhD Programs

CIS Foundations of Professional and Academic Writing | 3 cr

CIS Introduction to Research Design | 3 cr

CIS Advanced Research Methods | 3 cr

CIS Statistical Methods for Applied Research | 3 cr

Core CIS Courses | 15 Credits | Required for All PhD Programs

CIS Applied AI for Problem Solving in Organizations | 3 cr

CIS Applied Data Science for Strategic Decision-Making | 3 cr

CIS Security Risk Management for Executives | 3 cr

CIS Strategic Innovation Leadership and Strategy | 3 cr

CIS IT Governance, Ethics, and Policy Implementation | 3 cr

Dissertation Sequence | 18 Credits + Milestones | Required for All PhD Programs

CIS Literature Review to Solve a Problem | 3 cr (Dissertation 1)

CIS Applied Research Methods | 3 cr (Dissertation 2)

CIS Proposal Defense | 0 cr (Milestone, course fee required)

CIS Data Collection and Analysis I | 6 cr (Dissertation 3)

CIS Research Reporting and Writing | 6 cr (Dissertation 4)

CIS Dissertation Final Defense | 0 cr (Milestone, course fee required)

Data Science Concentration Courses | Choose 15 Credits from the Following:

BUS 5203 Advanced Data Analytics | 3 cr
BUS 5213 Processing Data for Decision-Making | 3 cr
BUS 5223 Leading Data Analytics Projects | 3 cr
CIS 5383 Big Data Analyics for IoT | 3 cr
CIS 5523 Applied AI: Solutions for Business and Technology | 3 cr
CIS 5613 Advanced AI for Business, Technology and Decision-Making | 3 cr
CIS 5643 Risk Management in Technology | 3 cr
CIS 5663 Statistical Methods | 3 cr
CIS 5833 Quantitative Methods | 3 cr
CIS 5903 Practical AI Development and Optimization | 3 cr

Total Estimated Costs

PhD 60-credit programs

With Scholarship: $38,600

Without Scholarship: $49,100

TUITION & Fees for Fall 2026, Spring 2027

Compare Tuition Plans	With Scholarship	Without Scholarship
Tuition per credit	$575	$750
Technology Fee Per Credit	$30	$30
Textbook Fee Per Credit	$30	$30
CPT Fee	$0	$0
Dissertation Course Fee	$500	$500
Total Program Estimated Cost:	$38,600	$49,100

*International students accepted into a PhD STEM program are eligible to receive a scholarship. .

Admissions Requirements

General Requirements

Qualifying master’s degree from an accredited institution (domestic or international)

Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00

Up to 12 credits may transfer from another doctoral program

International Student (F-1) Requirements

Valid F-1 visa status or ability to obtain F-1 status

Official transcripts evaluated by a NACES-approved credential evaluation service

Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or equivalent)

Financial documentation demonstrating ability to cover program costs

Completed application and documentation for I-20 issuance

F-1 Student Benefits

SBU is SEVP-certified with a dedicated DSO team. Our STEM-designated PhD programs qualify for CPT during enrollment and up to 36 months OPT (including STEM OPT extension) after graduation. The doctoral credential also strengthens H-1B, EB-1, and O-1A visa pathways.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PhD in Technology: Data Science degree?

A STEM-designated doctoral program at SBU that prepares scholars and practitioner-leaders to conduct rigorous, ethical research grounded in a Christian worldview, culminating in an original dissertation.

How long does the program take to complete?

Full-time: 3–4 years. Part-time: 5–6 years depending on pace and dissertation progress.

Is this program available online?

Hybrid format: asynchronous online coursework + live virtual sessions + three on-campus weekend residencies per year in Springfield, MO.

Is this program STEM designated?

Yes. This program carries a STEM CIP code, qualifying graduates for the 24-month STEM OPT extension (up to 36 months total post-graduation work authorization).

Does SBU support F-1 international students?

Yes. SBU is SEVP-certified with a dedicated DSO team. Full support for I-20 issuance, SEVIS compliance, CPT during enrollment, and OPT/STEM OPT after graduation.

How much does the program cost?

Estimated $38,100 with scholarship (60 credits at $575/credit + $30 tech fee + $30 textbook fee per credit), plus $500 per dissertation course. Without scholarship: $48,600 plus dissertation fees.

What is the residency requirement?

Three weekend residency sessions per year (one per semester), held on the Springfield campus. Each is a Saturday–Sunday intensive for dissertation workshops, faculty mentorship, and peer engagement.

Can I work while enrolled?

Yes. The hybrid format is designed for working professionals. F-1 students are eligible for CPT allowing employment in their field during enrollment.

Is the program accredited?

Southwest Baptist University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The PhD in Technology is an approved doctoral program offered under the University's HLC accreditation.

Faculty

Program Director

Kenneth George, PhD — Professor of Finance and Data Science, Senior Director of Graduate Technology

Faculty

Jim Cain, PhD in Computer Science, CISSP

Amos Gichamba, PhD in Information Systems

Jeff Kimball, PhD in Computing Technology in Education

Baochuan Lu, PhD in Computer Engineering

Tim DeClue, PhD in Curriculum and Instruction

Stephen Bowling, PhD in Mathematics

Other Contacts

Levi Fox — DSO | lfox@sbuniv.edu

Michelle Driscoll — PDSO | michelle.driscoll@sbuniv.edu

Learn More About Admissions to the Programs

Admissions Information

International Students

This program is designed to accommodate international students studying abroad, studying in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, and looking to earn OPT/CPT work opportunities. International students interested in learning more about admissions can contact sbustem@sbuniv.edu.

U.S. Students

Domestic students who do not require an F-1 visa and wish to pursue an online program through SBU Worldwide should contact gradadmissions@sbuniv.edu.

Please note that this program is not currently eligible for FAFSA funding.

Apply Now

SBU Worldwide Campus

The SBU Worldwide Campus makes it possible for those who have work, family, or military obligations, or seek flexible learning options, to pursue educational programs from wherever you are.

Upcoming STEM Ph.D. Start Dates

September 9, 2026

Transfer SEVIS by:
August 31, 2026

January 11, 2027

Transfer SEVIS by:
January 2, 2027

August 16, 2027

Transfer SEVIS by:
August 7, 2027

Worldwide Campus Information