Computational Social Science Ph.D.
Admission
Why URI Computational Social Science?
At URI, Computational Social Science is the central focus of the doctoral program rather than a certificate or specialization layered onto another discipline.
Students work with faculty across the College of Arts and Sciences and the wider University, participate in collaborative research and the Computational Social Science seminar series, and benefit from URI’s growing investments in AI and high-performance computing.
A competitive applicant will have the following:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education in the United States, or a foreign institution of similar standing.
- A strong academic record
- Quantitative preparation sufficient for graduate-level statistics coursework, typically including prior coursework (or equivalent preparation) in calculus, linear algebra, and statistics.
- A personal statement describing 1) how the Computational Social Science PhD supports the applicant’s long-term professional goals, 2) the applicant’s commitment to developing as a doctoral-level researcher, 3) relevant academic, research, or professional experience, and 4) the computational social science questions or general research areas the applicant is most interested in pursuing.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- A CV (or resume) and unofficial transcripts.
GRE/GMAT scores are not required. GRE scores are optional and may be submitted as supplemental evidence of quantitative preparation. Submitted GRE scores may be considered as part of holistic admission and funding review.
How to Apply
Submit your application online through the URI Graduate School.
Application Deadline
| Fall 2026: | Spring 2027: | Summer 2027: |
|---|---|---|
| March 1 | N/A | N/A |
We have a limited number of 20-hour-a-week graduate teaching assistants (GTA). GTAs covers tuition and offers a living stipend.
Some CSS students will also work as 20-hour-a-week graduate teaching assistants (GTA) helping to deliver undergraduate courses, run labs or recitations, hold office hours, support students and faculty, and sometimes teach courses. All admitted students are automatically considered for a limited number of these assistantships that provide full tuition and a living stipend.
Graduate Teaching Assistantships
Some CSS students will also work as 20-hour-a-week graduate teaching assistants (GTA) helping to deliver undergraduate courses, run labs or recitations, hold office hours, support students and faculty, and sometimes teach courses. All admitted students are automatically considered for a limited number of these assistantships that provide full tuition and a living stipend.