Monday, December 15, 2014

Call for applications to Northeastern's PhD program in Network Science


www.northeastern.edu/networkscience The PhD program in Network Science at Northeastern University is a pioneering interdisciplinary program that provides the tools and concepts aimed at understanding the structure and dynamics of networks arising from the interplay of human behavior, socio-technical infrastructures, information diffusion and biological agents. Students will be able to work with some of the most prominent network scientists in the world and can participate in cutting edge research activities and work with unique large-scale network datasets. Network Science is a truly interdisciplinary field and the students will interact and work with members of the network science community representing a wide range of fields, including computer science, information science, complexity, physics, sociology, communication, organizational behavior, political science, and epidemiology.
Northeastern University is a world leader in Network Science, with prominent faculty in the field such as Albert-László Barabási, Alessandro Vespignani, David Lazer, and Alan Mislove, dozens of faculty affiliated with the program, and multiple centers and labs with scores of researchers.  This year we are launching a 13,000 square foot Network Science Institute, and 60+ PhDs working primarily on networks, and access to some of the most interesting, large-scale, data about human behavior that have ever existed. A key element of the program involves careful mentoring from these faculty, and rapid involvement in the cutting edge research taking place at Northeastern. The initial tracks will be focused on the physical sciences; social sciences; health science; and computer and information sciences. The program is structured around foundational courses in Network Science (Complex Networks and Applications, Network Science Data, and Dynamical Processes in Complex Networks), and gateway courses tailored to the relevant tracks. The curriculum is supplemented with additional courses from the relevant domains.
Admissions We expect applications from talented students from around the world with strong interdis­ciplinary interest with a bachelor’s or higher degree. Application materials will include: · transcript(s) · personal statement · three letters of reference · general GRE examination scores · in the case of international students, proof of English proficiency (TOEFL exam with a minimum score of 100 or a degree earned at an institution where English is the medium of instruction) Financial aid We offer a generous complete package for the first year that includes a full tuition waiver, full medical coverage and a competitive yearly stipend provided the student remains in good standing at the end of the academic year. Career path Network Science is establishing itself as major inter­disciplinary research area with applications in data science and data analytics methodologies. Network scientists are employed in academia, government, and business. Applied network scientists work at Internet and social media companies. The deadline for applications is February 1, 2015
Application and contacts
e-mail:  Mark Giannini, at m.giannini@neu.edu