Doctor of Applied Science
Learn about your options for earning a Doctor of Applied Science (DAS) through programs that cover advanced scientific and mathematical principles. Explore the prerequisites for DAS programs, the coursework, and career opportunities resulting from these programs.
What Are the Prerequisites for the Applied Science Doctorate Program?
DAS programs are quite uncommon, but do exist. These programs typically focus on science and engineering fields, such as computer science. To apply to a DAS degree program, you generally must hold a bachelor's or master's degree in a science-related subject. You also usually must meet a minimum GPA requirement and submit multiple letters of recommendation, along with your Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. Programs typically look for candidates with strong science, math and computer backgrounds who are innovative thinkers and problem solvers.
|Requirements||Bachelor's or master's degree in a science field, letters of recommendation, GPA and GRE scores|
|Common Courses||Linear dynamic systems, Stochastic control, software design|
|Degree Fields||Systems Science & Mathematics, Computer Science|
|Career Opportunities||Computer software engineer, computer specialist, professor|
What Courses Will I Take?
Classes for the applied science degree can cover many different subjects, including computer science and mathematics. The coursework usually leads up to a final examination and the completion and defense of an original dissertation. In addition to standard coursework, students are also expected to conduct extensive research. Some common applied science topics include:
- Database design
- Computer networking
- Probability & statistics
- Linear dynamic systems
- Multimedia technology
What Can I Do with My Degree?
Doctoral programs in applied science prepare you to enter a number of fields, largely dependent on the applied science subject you have specialized in. Typically, a doctoral degree can help you obtain an advanced position at a technology-oriented job or go into academics and research.
If you focus on computer science during your program, you can become a computer software engineer or specialist. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that computer software developers made a mean annual salary of $108,760 as of May 2015. You can also become a computer scientist, which is expected to offer job growth of 11% from 2014 to 2024, according to BLS figures. The BLS stated that computer and information scientists earned an annual wage of approximately $115,580 as of May 2015.
Another career option is to become a post-secondary teacher and researcher in an applied science subject. The BLS reported that computer science postsecondary teachers earned an average annual salary of $84,700, postsecondary engineering teachers $104,220 and postsecondary physics teachers $93,950, as of May 2015.