The PhD in Network Science is an interdisciplinary program supported jointly by the Bouvé College of Health Sciences, College of Arts, Media and Design, College of Science, D’Amore-McKim School of Business, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, and Khoury College of Computer Sciences. Our interdisciplinary program provides the conceptual and mathematical tools needed to describe and predict networks in an ever-evolving field. Students will learn a range of network-based approaches, and will become proficient in relational (graph-based), mathematical, and algorithmic techniques, as well as fundamental network theories that can be used to explain mechanisms and processes of networks across domains—in physical, technological, informational, and social systems.
As the only Network Science doctoral program based in the U.S., our curriculum provides a scholarly experience that is truly one of a kind. The program fosters intellectual and quantitative agility, enabling students to combine theoretically-driven inquiries with data collection and analytic tools and theories—while also understanding when, and in what contexts, particular techniques are appropriate and meaningful.
Our Mentoring Approach
The program takes a mentoring approach whereby students work in research groups of faculty, doctoral students, and postdoctoral fellows, with opportunities to conduct research across disciplines. Over the course of the doctoral experience, students are expected to gradually take on more responsibility culminating in the student’s independent work for their doctoral dissertation.
Students are admitted into the program with a faculty mentor from the Network Science doctoral program faculty. Faculty mentors guide students during their first year of the program, after which students must secure a primary faculty advisor for their doctoral journey. Often, the mentor becomes the student’s faculty advisor, though that is not always the case.
Our Network Science doctoral program receives applications from students around the world with diverse backgrounds and research interests, ranging from mathematics, physics, and computer science, to biology, epidemiology, psychology, political science, communication, and many other fields.
The application deadline for Fall 2026 is December 1, 2025.
For more information about applying to the Network Science PhD Program, read this Q&A by former PhD Program Director David Lazer:
"Everything that you wanted to know about applying for grad school but were afraid to ask"
For more helpful advice on applying to graduate school, see:
- Graduate School Q&A by NetSI faculty member Brooke Foucault Welles
- Northeastern's Graduate School Application Tips and Advice
- How To Write a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School
PhD Program Campuses
Boston, Massachusetts (main campus): Students admitted in the Boston program will have dedicated desk space at our main location at 177 Huntington.
Roux Institute in Portland, Maine: Students admitted to the program to work with faculty based in Portland will typically spend their first year located in Boston to complete the required core coursework. In year 2, students are expected to work from the Roux Institute in Portland, Maine for the remainder of their doctoral studies.
London, United Kingdom: The Northeastern University PhD program in London follows a model shared by many European institutions where students apply to work on a specific research project and complete their doctoral degree requirements over 3.5 years focusing on research with minimal coursework.
Admissions
Applicants interested in the Boston, MA or Portland, ME campuses should follow the application guidelines below.
There is no formal application process for the Network Science PhD program at the London, UK campus. Doctoral research positions are posted as they become available. Interested applicants should review the NU London’s admissions guidelines.
Academic Requirements +
A minimum of a baccalaureate from an accredited institution is required. Proficiency in the English language is essential. Students selected must meet minimum requirements for admission to the University (overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0, and a combined GRE Verbal + Quantitative score of 297). Note GRE is optional for applications this year but strongly recommended. A GPA of 3.5 and a combined GRE V/Q score of 311 are considered competitive.
Incoming PhD students should have a strong academic foundation in quantitative and computational skills, including topics like undergraduate-level mathematics, probability, and statistics. The application materials should show proficiency in these areas, or applicants may address gaps by outlining a plan to get those skills. We are happy to discuss strategies for skill-building, and admitted students will have opportunities to strengthen these concepts through workshops and coursework. Applicants should feel free to reach out to networkscience@northeastern.edu with any questions.
Language Proficiency Requirement +
International students must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores unless they have earned a degree at an institution where English is the medium of instruction. Applicants must receive a minimum score of 100 on the Internet-based TOEFL.
In some cases, the language proficiency requirement might be waived. For a list of such examples please check here. Applicants may contact the College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH) at gradcssh@northeastern.edu to determine if this waiver applies to their case. Applicants may be asked to provide official documentation from their institution that states that English is the only medium of instruction.
Please note that graduate certificates are considered a non-degree by Northeastern University and will not satisfy the language proficiency requirement.
Faculty Advisor Requirement +
Applicants should indicate interest in one of the Network Science Institute faculty and/or core research areas as part of their application. Faculty research, lab groups, and recent publications can be found within the Institute website.
Applicants are only admitted to the program if a faculty member shows interest in serving as an advisor.
Before applying, applicants must meet with at least one Network Science Institute faculty member with whom they wish to work. If an applicant is unable to meet with faculty, they may meet with the PhD Program Director.
Labs may have additional requirements, such as a written test or prior research experience.
Application Materials +
The following materials must be included as part of your application:
Application and application fee
Transcripts from all schools attended
Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL exam, IELTS exam, Duolingo exam, or a degree earned at an institution where English is the medium of instruction)
Three letters of recommendation (two of which must address academic competencies)
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Statement of Purpose (SOP) (1-2 pages)*
GRE scores are recommended
A writing sample is recommended
*The statement of purpose (SOP) should include a description of the applicant’s interest in the program and their career goals. The essay should demonstrate their knowledge about the program and the types of research carried out by Network Science Institute faculty, as well as how the applicant’s interests align with them. It should also include the ways in which the applicant’s experiences and/or coursework have influenced their development, interests, and their potential as a scholar.
Applicants should indicate interest in one of the Network Science Institute faculty and/or core research areas as part of their application. Faculty research, lab groups, and recent publications can be found within the Institute website.
Applicants interested in working with one of our faculty members located at our Portland, ME campus should explicitly state this in their SOP.
Application Fee +
The application fee for both domestic and international students is $100. After completing the online application, directions will be provided for payment. If this is a financial burden, application fee waivers can be offered on a case-by-case basis. To officially request an application fee waiver, please email the College of Social Sciences and Humanities at gradcssh@northeastern.edu.
How to Apply +
Applications should be submitted through the SLATE application portal: enroll.northeastern.edu/apply
Admission for the Network Science program is housed in the College of Social Science and Humanities. On the application, in the [College/School] field, select [Social Science and Humanities]. In the [Program] field, select [Network Science].
Applicants interested in working with one of our faculty members on our Portland, ME campus should select [Boston] as their [Campus Location] because core coursework will be completed at the Boston campus. Applicants must explicitly state their interest in the Portland location in their Statement of Purpose.
The TOEFL and GRE scores should be sent to the College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH) using the institution code: 3682. To submit official transcripts, review instructions here.
For students seeking opportunities in London, there is no formal application process. Doctoral research positions are posted as they become available. Interested applicants should review the NU London’s admissions guidelines. Positions are posted at jobs.ac.uk and at findaphd.com.
For the most up to date information regarding the standing of the application, please visit this page.
Financial Support
Admitted students typically receive financial support in the form of a Graduate Assistantship for 5 years while in good standing in the program. This support typically includes a stipend, tuition remission, and health insurance.
Student Graduate Assistantships (SGA) +
SGAs are provided for the first five academic years, including summers. The responsibilities required for SGAs vary but come in the form of Research Assistantships (RA) or Teaching Assistantships (TA). Students receiving an SGA are expected to devote 20 hours per week to their assistantship duties. Students’ assistantship duties are assigned and performed under the supervision of a faculty supervisor. Continuation ofthe assistantship is contingent upon fulfilling all academic and graduate assistantship requirements and may also be facilitated through the student’s pursuit of external funding sources, such as doctoral fellowships or grants. Conditions relating to PhD Student funding can be found here. Students should expect to spend additional time conducting research in support of their academic studies, including coursework and activities connected to their dissertation.
The annual (including summer) stipend rate for Network Science doctoral student for the 2025-2026 academic year will be $43,050. Students are typically paid on a twice-monthly basis. Student support includes a tuition remission for coursework.
Occasionally, students have a need for supplemental financial support. Information on financial aid loans can be found here.
Research Assistantships (RA) +
The responsibilities required for Research Assistantships vary and are assigned and performed under a faculty supervisor. RA positions give students the opportunity to participate in research projects as members of a research team. Frequently, this work leads to the students' doctoral dissertation projects. Students should expect to spend additional time conducting research in support of their academic studies, such as coursework and activities connected to their dissertation.
Teaching Assistantships (TA) +
Graduate students holding Teaching Assistant appointments generally assist faculty members with coursework, instruction, classroom management, and providing additional support to students. Network Science students may TA for courses in any college with approval from their faculty advisor.
Other Financial Support +
There are also funding opportunities available through external sources where the funds are provided directly to the PhD student rather than through Northeastern University. External doctoral fellowships typically offer stipends comparable to the NU stipend, and some awards offer additional travel or equipment funds. While these awards are both competitive and rarely awarded, Network Science students have achieved remarkable success in obtaining them. If a student receives an extramural award, the external funds will be applied towards stipend and tuition/fees, and the program and/or advisor will supplement as needed to ensure students receive at least the standard support outlined in the admissions letter.
Health Insurance +
All students in the Network Science PhD Program receive health insurance and tuition remission. While Northeastern University covers the cost of the individual graduate student health insurance plan (NUSHP) for its fellowship students and graduate assistantships, students will be required to pay all other university-issued fees (including student fees, roughly $180 per semester, the University Health and Counseling Service fee, estimated at $225 per year, and an additional one-time fee of approximately $450 for international students). Additional information on the student health plan can be found here.
International Applicants
We welcome applications from students from all countries around the world. If, during the application process, applicants have any questions about immigration issues, please feel free to contact us at networkscience@northeastern.edu.
Applicants may submit an online inquiry to the Office of Global Services with questions. OGS is unable to advise on the admissions process and cannot advise on immigration status until students are admitted into a program of study.
Visa application documents +
International students admitted to the Network Science PhD program typically receive an F-1 Visa. The following documents are typically required for the F-1 visa application:
Online Non-immigrant Visa Application Form (DS-160) confirmation page
Visa application fee payment receipt (visit the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate website for specific instructions)
Form I-20 issued by OGS at Northeastern University (accepted students must submit a request for this form as soon as possible, following instructions provided in the application portal)
Valid passport (the passport should be valid for at least six months after your date of entry into the U.S.)
Evidence of financial support (proof of sufficient funds for estimated cost of one academic year)
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) I-901 fee payment receipt
A copy of the acceptance letter to Northeastern University
One photograph (see the U.S. Department of State website for photo requirements)
Admissions FAQs
How do I know if my transcripts and test scores have been received?
The status of required application materials is available through the application status portal. For issues regarding outstanding checklist items, please contact the College of Social Sciences and Humanities Graduate Office at gradcssh@northeastern.edu.
Please note that an electronic copy of your transcripts must be uploaded with your application for your application to enter the review process. Should you be accepted, and decide to enroll, an official copy of your transcripts is required within 30 days of matriculation.
How do I view the status of my application to the PhD program at NU?
For the most up to date information regarding the standing of your application, please visit enroll.northeastern.edu/apply/status. For questions unrelated to Fall 2026 applications, please allow 1-3 business days for a response.
How can I request an application fee waiver?
To officially request an application fee waiver, please email the College of Social Sciences and Humanities at gradcssh@northeastern.edu.
Do I still need to take the language proficiency test if I have previously gone to an English-speaking school?
In some cases, the language proficiency requirement might be waived. For a list of such examples please check here. Please contact the College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH) at gradcssh@northeastern.edu to determine if this waiver applies to your case.
How can I select the Portland, ME location on my application?
Applicants interested in working with one of our faculty members on our Portland, ME campus should select [Boston] as their [Campus Location] because core coursework will be completed at the Boston campus. Applicants must explicitly state their interest in the Portland location in their Statement of Purpose.
I am interested in the PhD program at the London UK campus. How can I apply?
There is no formal application process for the Network Science PhD program at the London, UK campus. Doctoral research positions are posted as they become available. Interested applicants should review the NU London’s admissions guidelines.
Housing Resources
Off Campus Engagement and Support and the Network Housing team at Northeastern University provide support and education related to off-campus housing, renters' rights information, and campus and community connection.
You can sign up for their newsletter here.
Off Campus Engagement and Support Website
Webinars for Incoming International Students to U.S. Campuses
Apartment Search Database
Immunizations
Information on immunization requirements and compliance can be found here.
Network Science Institute graduates have achieved remarkable success across diverse career paths, with 50% securing faculty and research positions at prestigious universities including Rutgers University, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Northeastern University, MIT, Stanford, and the University of Pennsylvania. Over 30% of our graduates have joined leading research institutes such as the Santa Fe Institute and the Max Planck Institute, advancing cutting-edge research as research scientists, while an additional 20% have brought their expertise to industry leaders like Google, Twitter, Blue Cross Blue Shield as data scientists and researchers. Our graduates' successes demonstrate the strength of our program in preparing graduates to make meaningful contributions to network science across academia, research, and industry.
