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ICME Master of Science

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The Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering (ICME), and its predecessor program Scientific Computing and Computational Mathematics, has offered MS and PhD degrees in computational mathematics for over 30 years. ICME Affiliated Faculty conduct groundbreaking research, train and advise graduate students, and provide over 60 courses in computational mathematics and scientific computing at both the undergraduate and graduate level to the Stanford community.

Master of Science

Through robust coursework in computational mathematics and computing, ICME MS program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a professional career or doctoral studies.  This is done through coursework in mathematical modeling, scientific computing, advanced computational algorithms, and application field. 

Recommended background: strong foundation in mathematics with courses in linear algebra, numerical methods, probabilities, stochastics and programming proficiency in C and MATLAB.

The ICME MS program includes the option to pursue either the general degree track or a specialization area in one of the following specialized MS degree tracks:

General Track

The General track is designed for students interested in studying and developing computational tools in those aspects of applied mathematics central to modeling in the physical and engineering sciences. The curriculum consists of core computational and mathematical engineering courses, programming coursework, extensive breadth and depth electives, and seminars. Core courses provide instruction in mathematical and computational tools applicable to a wide range of scientific, industrial, and engineering disciplines and augment the breadth and depth electives of one’s choosing. The programming requirement ensures proficiency in scientific computing and professional computing skills. Seminars highlight emerging research in engineering and sciences.

Recommended background: strong foundation in mathematics with courses in linear algebra, numerical methods, probabilities, stochastics, real analysis/pde, and programming proficiency.

Data Science Track

Students in the Data Science track will develop strong mathematical, statistical, computational, and programming skills through the core and programming requirements. This track is designed to provide a fundamental data science education through general and focused electives requirement from courses in data sciences and related areas. 

Recommended background: strong foundation in mathematics with courses in linear algebra, numerical methods, probabilities, stochastics, statistical theory, and programming proficiency in C and r.

Imaging Sciences Track

Designed for students interested in the skills and knowledge required to develop efficient and robust computational tools for imaging sciences, the Imaging Sciences track curriculum is based on four fundamental areas: mathematical models and analysis for imaging sciences and inverse problems; tools and techniques from modern imaging sciences from medicine, biology, physics/chemistry, and earth science; algorithms in numerical methods and scientific computing; and high performance computing skills and architecture oriented towards imaging sciences.  This program serves both as a terminal degree for students who are interested in a professional career in computational imaging sciences and also as a preparation for a higher level degree in imaging research. 

Recommended background: strong foundation in mathematics with courses in linear algebra, numerical methods, probabilities, stochastics, and programming proficiency in C and MATLAB.

Mathematical & Computational Finance Track

An interdisciplinary program that provides education in applied and computational mathematics, statistics, and financial applications for individuals with strong mathematical skills. The MCF track is designed to prepare students to assume positions in the financial industry as data and information scientists, quantitative strategists, risk managers, regulators, financial technologists, or to continue on to doctoral programs in related fields. 

Recommended background: strong foundation in mathematics with courses in linear algebra, numerical methods, probabilities, stochastics, real analysis/pde, programming, proficiency in C , and interest in finance/internship or industry experience.

Learn more by visiting the MCF Website

Honors Cooperative Program (HCP)

The Honors Cooperative Program (HCP) through the Stanford Center for Professional Development (SCPD), allows students to pursue graduate study on a part-time basis. HCP students are fully matriculated graduate students of Stanford University with all privileges, rights, and responsibilities. Explore the Stanford Center for Professional Development website for more information.

HCP applicants should follow the same application process as general applicants and should confirm "HCP" status on the application. Please note admission is only for autumn quarter entry.

ICME Coterminal MS for Current Stanford Undergraduates

The coterminal degree program allows you to simultaneously pursue a master's degree while completing your bachelor's degree(s) in the same or a different department. 

Please review Stanford University's coterm eligibility requirements and tuition assessment prior to application. You will be required to acknowledge these policies prior to submitting your application. Please find the full coterm application overview here.

Relevant university policy can be found in the Stanford Bulletin.

Coterm Applicants

  • The coterm online application can be found at https://applygrad.stanford.edu/portal/coterm-app 
  • The application and letters of recommendation must be received by the deadline (corresponding decision dates are also listed on this page). Admitted students should respond directly to the department to any offer of admission: icme-admissions@stanford.edu
  • Courses taken three quarters prior to the first graduate quarter or later are eligible for consideration for transfer to the graduate career. No courses taken prior to the first quarter of the sophomore year may be used to meet master’s degree requirements.
  • The GRE is not required for CME coterm applications.

Coterm Application Materials

  1. Statement of Purpose  
  2. Three (3) Letters of Recommendation (Stanford faculty preferred)
  3. Current Stanford transcript (unofficial, with earned unit total and GPA listed) as well as transcripts from any classes taken outside of Stanford

*Please note that reapplying after not receiving an admission offer is not recommended and it is very rare that admissions decisions are changed.

Graduate Authorization Petition for current Stanford Ph.D. students:

  • Only for students with declared Ph.D. candidacy in other departments at Stanford
  • A fee of $150 will be automatically assessed by the Registrar's Office when the offer of admission is accepted and a new program is opened
  • Send an email request to receive the department-specific application, recommendation form, and required program proposal before submitting the Grad Auth Petition: icme-admissions@stanford.edu
  • The Grad Auth Petition will not be considered for current Stanford MS students to add the CME-MS or to transfer their program to ICME.
  • The Grad Auth Petition will not be considered for any student wishing to add the CME-PhD.