Mathematics Doctoral Program
Develop and conduct original, cutting-edge mathematical research that applies directly to real-world challenges with a Ph.D. in mathematics from Stevens.
Here, you’ll enhance your expertise in mathematics foundations and complex mathematical models, and will learn how to effectively communicate that expertise through presentations and seminars.
Alongside a faculty mentor you choose from among our world-class experts, you’ll produce a dissertation that develops a significant result in mathematics, and its application. You’ll graduate from the program well-prepared for careers in academia, technology industries (pharmaceuticals, insurance, financial services, etc.), scientific and management consulting companies and military and government research labs
The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers dynamic opportunities to explore leading-edge research within a close community of faculty mentors. You'll be able to study under a faculty mentor in the area that you find most exciting:
Algebraic Cryptography
Computational Algebra
Decision Making under Uncertainty
Group Theory
Inverse Problems in Science and Engineering
Numerical Analysis
Optimization
Partial Differential Equations (PDEs)
Quantum Algorithms
Reliability Theory
Risk-Averse Optimization
Statistical Learning
Stochastic Modeling
Statistics
The Stevens Advantage: Widen Your Career Options
Stevens university-wide emphasis on innovative research relevant to the real world supplies graduate students with the support to pursue coursework far beyond foundational mathematics. This exposure not only enhances the value of the Stevens education, but gives you the upper hand when entering the job market after graduation.
Stevens’ Hoboken, N.J., campus is located close to numerous industry hubs—such as the pharmaceutical corridor in New Jersey and epicenter of American finance in Manhattan—as well as a thriving start-up ecosystem. Employers in these sectors are always on the lookout for talented graduates with expertise in mathematics.
Learn more about what makes graduate education from Stevens a unique experience:
Graduate Cooperative Education Program: Available with two tracks, your co-op experience can serve as a starting point for a research project or augment your on-campus research with complimentary experience.
International Student Experience: Tap into our expanding worldwide network of research, academic and alumni partners and mentor with our expert faculty in a number of federally-designated STEM degree programs. Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is available to gain work experience in your major/field of study.
State-of-the-Art Research Labs and Facilities: Build, tinker and test your designs in Stevens' MakerCenter, Prototype and Object Fabrication Lab, or numerous other research facilities.
Research Opportunities: Renowned faculty, labs and research centers – as well as industry partnerships and funding from leading national agencies – support strategic and interdisciplinary research in engineering and science.
Assistantships and Fellowships: Stevens offers funding to select graduate students in the form of teaching assistantships, research assistantships and fellowships. Limited in number, these highly competitive opportunities are awarded to exceptional candidates based on merit.
Expanded Learning Options: The Schaefer School offers new opportunities for doctoral students to do coursework at universities in the New York City area – and around the world – through our growing list of academic partnerships with other prestigious universities. Learn more about our latest partnerships.
Mathematical Sciences Research at Stevens
The Department of Mathematical Sciences is home to the internationally recognized Algebra and Cryptology Center (ACC), which investigates new techniques from computational algebra and their applications to practical problems in cryptography and cryptanalysis. The Department is also known for world-class expertise in the field of stochastic optimization.
The Department holds regular seminars and hosts workshops and international conferences. It also hosts outreach initiatives such as Math Circles and Math Olympiad with the aim to foster enthusiasm for mathematics and creative thinking in school students.
Additional Information
Who Should Apply?
We welcome applicants who hold a master’s degree in mathematics, applied mathematics, or computer science (up to 30 credits may transfer to the Stevens Ph.D. program).
Exceptionally well-qualified applicants with a bachelor’s degree in these fields who have demonstrated a solid mathematical and analytical orientation may apply directly to the doctoral program instead of the master’s program.
We strongly advise applying for fall semester because of (a) the constraints of course scheduling and (b) the availability of financial aid. If you wish to be considered for financial aid, you should submit your application by February 15 for the following Fall.
A limited number of Ph.D. students may receive teaching assistantships, which provide recipients with a salary and waiver of tuition costs.
Program Admission Requirements
Bachelor’s degree, with a minimum GPA of 3.5, from an accredited institution
Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional only; Select Ph.D. programs require a third letter of recommendation)
Statement of Purpose describing reasons for pursuing a Ph.D. degree, research areas of interest, and prior classroom and research experience in mathematics and that suggests one/two potential advisors from the Department.
$60 non-refundable Application Fee
Proof of English language proficiency
A competitive GRE or GMAT score (Math Subject Test recommended) (required for both part-time and full-time applicants)
Resume/CV
Writing sample(s). All applicants are encouraged to submit a lab report (preferable) or paper that they wrote, individually, for an engineering course. Applicants who have published a journal article are also encouraged to submit a copy of their article.
For more complete details, visit our General Admissions Requirements page.
Curriculum Overview
View objectives, outcomes, and other Ph.D. curriculum details in the most recent academic catalog.
View Academic Catalog >
Each Ph.D. curriculum must also adhere to the institution wide standards listed in the doctoral handbook.
View Doctoral Handbook >
If you have existing graduate credits or experience in this area of study, contact graduate@stevens.edu to discuss opportunities to include it in the curriculum.
Fellowships & Assistantships
Information about assistantships and fellowships can be found here.
STEM Designated Degree Programs
The four fields comprising STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – offer a wide variety of professions that are classified as some of the highest-growing and highest-paying jobs right now and in the future.
And for international students, the demand for STEM-related professionals in the United States can open the door for an extended stay.
An ever-growing list of eligible programs across all levels is available here.
A Tech Forward Education
I have been able to attend and present at two conferences already as a Ph.D. student. These have been great experiences for networking with current academics, postdocs, and professionals, along with learning about the cutting edge of research in many areas of mathematics and STEM more broadly, and what problems researchers are currently interested in.
Charles Beall
Mathematics Ph.D. Student
My long-term goal is to be a professor and Stevens has already provided me with many positive experiences and resources that has helped me towards that goal. My advisor, along with being an accomplished researcher, has been incredibly supportive in the early part of my journey towards a career in academia, and has already provided me with many opportunities that fit my research and career goals.
Charles Beall
Mathematics Ph.D. Student
I have been able to attend and present at two conferences already as a Ph.D. student. These have been great experiences for networking with current academics, postdocs, and professionals, along with learning about the cutting edge of research in many areas of mathematics and STEM more broadly, and what problems researchers are currently interested in.
Charles Beall
Mathematics Ph.D. Student
My long-term goal is to be a professor and Stevens has already provided me with many positive experiences and resources that has helped me towards that goal. My advisor, along with being an accomplished researcher, has been incredibly supportive in the early part of my journey towards a career in academia, and has already provided me with many opportunities that fit my research and career goals.
Charles Beall
Mathematics Ph.D. Student
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