The Darden Ph.D. Program
Ph.D. - Data Analytics and Decision Sciences
Data Analytics and Decision Sciences
Research in Data Analytics and Decision Sciences is focused on mathematical methodology with business applications and includes:
- Dynamic programming
- Game theory
- Mechanism design
- Machine learning
- Optimization
- Search theory
- Wisdom of crowds
- Forecasting
- Decision analysis
- Pricing and revenue management
- Behavioral models of human decision making
Students will be required to take a few core courses but also have the freedom to choose from the many Ph.D. courses that the UVA campus offers, and are encouraged to follow their interests and expand their knowledge. Whatever portfolio they choose, students are expected to be strong in several areas of fundamental theory (e.g., real analysis, probability theory, micro-economics, game theory, decision theory, optimization) as well as methods (e.g., statistics, econometrics, experimental design, coding), so that they can begin exploring novel research questions by the middle of their second year. There is no requirement for prior experience in business applications. Students with a strong quantitative background can be taught all the necessary skills for success in academic research.