Did You Know You Can Get A PhD…
For FREE?!
Regardless of your field of study – be it operations research, engineering, computer science, mathematics, or management science – earning a PhD can be a valuable tool as you prepare to take the next important step in your career.
As with any investment in your future, particularly in the early stages of your career, managing the demands of pursuing an advanced degree – both the time constraints as well as financial ones – can be a significant undertaking. What many don’t know, however, is there are many ways to obtain a PhD at significant savings, if not for free!
Mapping The Pathway To A Career In The Decision And Data Sciences
Below is a chart that includes a list of undergraduate degrees that provide a strong foundation for an advanced degree in the decision and data sciences, as well as a list of those degrees and the potential careers, employers and job titles where they could lead.
Undergraduate programs | Math Statistics Computer Science Social Science Physics Chemistry Engineering All other STEM degrees |
Masters/PhD Programs | Operations Research Industrial Engineering Industrial & Systems Engineering Systems Engineering Operations Management Industrial & Operations Management Management Science |
Career Opportunities and Employers | Energy Health Transportation Aerospace Finance Manufacturing Sustainability Academic (Engineering, Business, and Mathematics Departments at most universities Government (Air Force, Army, Navy, NASA, RAND, Sandia) Industry (Amazon, Apple, Delta Airlines, Facebook, General Motors, Google, IBM, Mayo Clinic, Microsoft, and more) |
Job Titles and Positions | Operations Research Analyst Data Scientist Decision Scientist Software Engineering Supply Chain Analyst Professor/Faculty Manager/Director of ...data analytics, predictive analytics, business analysis Health Systems Engineer Operations Research Engineer Business Intelligence Engineer Applied Scientist Research & Development Scientist |
How Do I Get Started?
To find a funded PhD program in one of these fields, start by using search engines with specific keywords such as “funded PhD programs in [your field]” or “PhD scholarships in [your field].” Look for university websites, academic forums, and scholarship databases. Many websites and university-specific pages often list available programs and funding opportunities. Additionally, check professional organizations and academic journals in your field for announcements about funded positions. Networking with professors and current PhD students can also provide valuable insights and leads.
Regardless of what PhD program you are interested in pursuing, remember that all of these programs are competitive, and you must apply to be selected to a program. In addition, the type and level of support or benefits may vary by program and university. For example, a teaching assistant opportunity is typically funded by the academic department, while a research assistant opportunity is funded by a research grant or fellowship. You can also benefit from institutional commitments or donations. In addition, funding may be provided for a specific time range. You could receive full funding for a full five years or just for the first year.
How Do I Know if An Academic Program Is Right For Me?
Many academic departments will host on-site visits to campus for prospective graduate students. These usually occur in the early fall or late summer as applications are often due in December and January. These provide an excellent opportunity to speak with graduate students currently in the program, learn from their experiences and see if is a good fit for you and your long term goals. There is no commitment to apply to that program if you participate in a site visit.
Helpful Tip: Search in INFORMS Connect for posts featuring on-site visit opportunities!
I Have So Many Questions! Who Can I Talk To?
If you aren’t quite ready to commit to an on-site visit, but still have a lot of questions, you can reach out directly to that program. Some individuals to look for could best answer your questions include:
- Director of Graduate Programs
- Graduate Program Coordinator
- Program Director
- Associate Chair of Graduate Studies
I Am Ready To Apply! What Should I Expect?
You should start to prepare your application early, in either the summer or fall the year before you are hoping to begin your degree. While every academic program is unique, most typically require:
- Transcripts
- Personal Statements
- 3 Letters of Recommendation from faculty members
- Some schools require GRE
- TOEFL or other English proficiency test for international students
Some schools do require an earned Master’s degree but others allow you to apply directly as an undergraduate. As was mentioned earlier, these programs are competitive so remember to engage in/include any additional efforts you have undertaken that will enhance your application, such as an undergraduate research project.
When you start to apply, it’s ok to have favorites but remember, don’t put all your eggs into one basket! Send your application to a wide range of universities with PhD programs. Contact faculty at each of these universities whose research you are interested in. This can help you make valuable connections that you can reference in your application as faculty you are interested in working with.
Helpful Tip: Do not be afraid to ask for an application fee waiver!
Help INFORMS Spread the Word About Free PhD Opportunities!
INFORMS has created a poster to serve as a tool to help spread the word to undergraduate students about not only the value associated with earning a PhD, as well as opportunities to partial and even full funding. You can download the poster below to print out and hang in your department, or join us for the 2024 INFORMS Annual Meeting in Seattle this October and stop by the INFORMS Center for a pre-printed copy to take home with you!