The Department of Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics (ESAM) at Northwestern University is highly interdisciplinary and focused on applications. Our faculty and students connect with engineers and scientists across departments, schools, and institutions, applying mathematics to challenging problems presented by the world around us in engineering and the physical, biological, and social sciences. In these applications we develop new mathematical methods that anticipate future challenges.
The PhD program in applied mathematics is designed for students who want to pursue research in applied math at the highest level. We prepare students for independent research and emphasize flexibility in adapting research areas to current opportunities. PhD students can obtain a master's degree after successful completion of the first year of the PhD program.
Details about the PhD program can be found in the PhD handbook, which includes a description of the milestones required to earn the degree and provides detailed course requirements.
Our unique environment provides academic, career, and social benefits
Our position within the engineering school is unique among applied math departments and drives connections across disciplines. We collaborate with most other engineering departments as well as Northwestern’s Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and the Feinberg School of Medicine. Students and faculty work directly with engineers and scientists to tackle real-world applications at the cutting edge of science and engineering.
Our curriculum retains classical mathematical approaches while incorporating data-driven and computational techniques. In this way, we are training scientists to solve the biggest problems in the mathematics of life, physical, and social science.
We are located along the shores of Lake Michigan, only 17 miles from downtown Chicago. Our students benefit from a spectrum of suburban or urban home environments; extensive internship opportunities, cultural and entertainment experiences; and a diverse population. Beyond the classroom, students have opportunities to connect through our many student organizations.
Northwestern Engineering’s Department of Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics is using its uncommon position within an engineering school to seek out applied math applications in the real world, driving connections with interdisciplinary departments and groups at the University and beyond.
Central to the department's research is the development of data-driven and principle-based mathematical models to harness the vast and complex data available to us today.
For applied mathematicians, mathematical problems and solutions do not remain abstract, but connect with the real world providing understanding and rigorous answers to pressing questions. Often in collaboration with engineers and scientists, faculty and students develop mathematical models and methods to analyze, validate, and predict new phenomena.
“The best science sits at the interface of what you want to do and what you can do.”
The basics at-a-glance
Our curriculum combines core applied mathematics topics with special topics courses that are chosen to support your research and personal interests.
The average time for completion of the PhD program is about 5 years.
We are in the formal process of updating the requirements for a PhD in Applied Mathematics. We anticipate that starting with the academic year 2025-2026, the number of required courses will be reduced and students will do 2 quarters of research experience with 2 different faculty members during their first year. We will give details about the new requirements on this page once the changes have been finalized.
Prospective students can attend a virtual information session where faculty members give a presentation about the program and answer questions.
Where do we go from here?
A PhD in applied math opens the doors to many possibilities. Our graduates become professors at major research universities, teach at liberal arts colleges, get research positions in national labs and agencies such as the NSA, and work in industry.
While they are at Northwestern, our students benefit from professional development opportunities that prepare them for the next step in their careers. They serve as teaching assistants, present research results at national and international conferences where they can build a global network of contacts. And they have access to internships and extensive career placement resources via both Northwestern’s Engineering Career Development office and Northwestern Career Advancement.
Where our alumni work in academia
Where our alumni work in industry
Request a customized program guide about the PhD in engineering sciences and applied mathematics.
