CME-MS - Computational and Mathematical Engineering (MS)

ICME is a degree-granting (MS/PhD) interdisciplinary institute at the intersection of mathematics, computing, engineering, and applied sciences. ICME was founded in 2004, building upon the Scientific Computing and Computational Mathematics Program (est. 1989).

At ICME, we design state-of-the-art mathematical and computational models, methods, and algorithms for engineering and science applications. The program collaborates closely with engineers and scientists in academia and industry to develop improved computational approaches and advance disciplinary fields. In particular, it leverages Stanford’s strength in engineering applications in the physical, biological, mathematical, and information sciences and has established connections with nearly 20 departments across five schools at Stanford.

The program identifies research areas that would benefit from a multidisciplinary approach in which computational mathematics is critical. This multidisciplinary intellectual environment is a core strength of ICME, with interaction among students and faculty with diverse backgrounds and expertise. Students and faculty are active in many research areas: aerodynamics and space applications, fluid dynamics, protein folding, data science, including machine learning and recommender systems, ocean dynamics, climate modeling, reservoir engineering, computer graphics, financial mathematics, and many more.

The program trains students and scholars from across Stanford in mathematical modeling, scientific computing, and advanced computational algorithms at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Courses typically provide strong theoretical foundations for solving real-world problems and numerical computations to facilitate the application of mathematical techniques and theories. Training offered includes matrix computations, computational probability and combinatorial optimization, optimization, stochastics, numerical solution of partial differential equations, parallel computer algorithms, and new computing paradigms.

ICME offers service courses for undergraduates and graduate students to fulfill departmental requirements, core courses for master’s and doctoral students in Computational and Mathematical Engineering, and specialized electives in various application areas.

The ICME master’s program offers a general Computational and Mathematical Engineering track as well as three specialized tracks: Data Science, Imaging Science, and Mathematical and Computational Finance. 

Prerequisites

Fundamental courses in mathematics and computing may be needed as prerequisites for other courses in the program. Check the prerequisites of each required course. Recommended preparatory courses include advanced undergraduate-level courses in linear algebra, probability, differential equations, stochastics, and numerical methods and proficiency in programming.

Financial Assistance

The department awards a limited number of fellowships, course assistantships, and research assistantships to incoming graduate students. Most course and research assistantships are awarded to students in the doctoral program in ICME. If there are insufficient PhD students to staff all course and research assistantships, these positions may be open to master’s students. However, master’s students are not guaranteed financial assistance.

Prospective applicants should consult the Graduate Admissions and the ICME admissions webpages for complete information on admission requirements and deadlines.

Applications to the MS program and all supporting documents must be submitted and received online by January 30, 2024, the deadline published on the ICME admissions webpage.

The master's degree in Computational and Mathematical Engineering is intended as a terminal professional degree and does not lead to the Ph.D. program. There is no internal transition process from the M.S. to the Ph.D. program. Students interested in the doctoral program should apply directly to the Ph.D. program.

Coterminal Master’s Program

Stanford undergraduates who want to apply for the coterminal master’s degree are subject to the same application deadline as external applicants. The application must clearly demonstrate that the student has a potential for strong academic performance at the graduate level. A student is eligible to apply for admission once the following conditions have been met:

• Completion of six non-Summer quarters at Stanford or two non-Summer quarters at Stanford for transfer students

• Completion of 120 units toward graduation (UTG) as shown on the undergraduate transcript, including transfer, Advanced Placement exam, and other external test credit

• Declaration of an undergraduate major