Admission Requirements

Admission to the Ph.D. program is decided by the Ph.D. program committee at the School of Business, and is based on a review of the candidate’s scholastic record, professional accomplishments, and the fit between the student's research objectives and those of the school’s faculty. This allows the program to create invaluable opportunities for students to learn from, and work alongside, faculty who share their passion for research in algorithmic trading, mathematical finance, high-frequency trading, asset pricing, systemic risk, portfolio optimization, and financial analytics and innovation.

A list of Stevens admissions criteria can be found at Graduate Admissions. Some specialized requirements for admission to the doctoral program in Financial Engineering:

  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, preferably in math, computer science, physics, engineering or finance. 

  • For international students:

     Candidates must achieve a TOEFL score of at least 90 or an IELTS score of at least 6.5 in each component. 

  • Valid GMAT or GRE scores. Admission to School of Business programs is very competitive; excellent scores are required for candidates to be accepted.

  • A statement of purpose describing, in three pages, the applicant’s research interests and rationale, and general career objectives.

  • Current résumé or curriculum vitae.

  • Official transcripts for accredited schools of higher learning attended. Typically, a GPA of 3.0 (on a 4-point scale) or better at the bachelor’s level, and 3.5 or better at the master’s level, are required.

  • Three letters of recommendation.

  • Evidence of prior scholarly work. This work should be written solely by the applicant; published work under sole authorship will be highly valued.