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
Interdisciplinary approach
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.
Specialize in your area of interest
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:
Career prospects across industry and academia
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
Research with world-class faculty
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.
Internships
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
Graduate assistantships and fellowships
Learning outcomes
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
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Boston
Located in the heart of Boston, Northeastern’s oldest campus is home to a vibrant community of students, researchers, and faculty working across disciplines to build a better world through CS.
Applications and admissions
Deadline: December 15 for fall admission
How to apply
The College of Social Science and Humanities apply page has everything you need to know about applying to the PhD in Network Science program.
Have questions?
Contact the graduate admissions team
Meet our faculty
Get to know the engaged, experienced professors who are here to support you every step of the way.
Albert-László Barabási
Albert-László Barabási is the Robert Gray Dodge Professor of Network Science and a Distinguished University Professor at Northeastern University, director of the Center for Complex Network Research, and a joint appointee within Khoury College and the College of Science. His award-winning work includes the discovery of scale-free networks and the Barabási-Albert model to explain their prevalence in natural, technological, and social systems.
Institutes and Centers
Where engaged students, expert faculty, experienced research scientists, and industry and government partners work together to solve big challenges.
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