CME-PHD - Computational and Mathematical Engineering (PHD)

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.

See Graduate Degrees for more information on the university’s basic requirements for the PhD degree.

Applications to the PhD program and all required supporting documents must be received by the posted deadline. See Graduate Admissions for information and application materials. See the institute’s admissions site for additional details. 

ICME offers direct admission to the PhD program. Admission does not imply that the student is a candidate for the PhD degree. Advancement to candidacy requires superior academic achievement, satisfactory performance on the qualifying exam, and sponsorship by a faculty member.