The Stevens Institute of Technology board of trustees has approved the creation of a School of Computing, backed by an initial $36 million in philanthropic support. The university has also started the search for a founding dean to lead the new school, which is scheduled to launch in fall 2026.
According to Stevens, the School of Computing aims to address changes in the technology workforce, where employers now seek graduates who combine computational expertise with knowledge from other fields rather than focusing only on coding skills. The school will develop programs that integrate computing with disciplines such as life sciences, finance, and engineering. The goal is to prepare students for both technical and leadership roles in industries affected by artificial intelligence.
“Artificial intelligence represents a transformation as profound as the widespread adoption of the internet,” said Nariman Farvardin, president of Stevens Institute of Technology. “Institutions of higher education must adapt to AI’s impact on society and the labor market, quickly and strategically. A dedicated School of Computing positions Stevens to lead rather than follow, creating a structure designed for this new landscape where the real competitive advantage lies in integrating AI with disciplinary expertise.”
Currently, more than 25% of Stevens’ students are enrolled in computing-related majors. All students at Stevens participate in coursework that includes technology content. National data shows that jobs in computing and information technology are projected to grow faster than average across all occupations and tend to offer median annual wages more than twice those for all U.S. jobs. Stevens graduates have consistently ranked among those with high returns on investment; for example, U.S. News & World Report placed Stevens ninth nationally for return on investment 40 years after enrollment.
Although national enrollments in traditional computer science have slowed as the field changes, there is still strong demand for professionals who can apply computational thinking across different domains. The new school intends to offer interdisciplinary pathways that mix data fluency and analytical skills with expertise in areas like computational biology, financial technology, cyber-physical systems, and digital health.
“Stevens has always been at the intersection of technology and innovation,” said Jianmin Qu, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “Today’s students pursue education that will make them indispensable in the job market, and employers are signaling they need professionals who can integrate and apply AI and computational methods within their own disciplines. A dedicated school structure enables us to attract the very best faculty and students in what has become one of the most competitive areas in higher education.”
The initiative aligns with goals set out in Stevens’ strategic plan—Stevens 2032: Inspired by Humanity, Powered by Technology—which seeks to establish the university as a leader nationally and globally in technology-focused education and research while enhancing student experience.
A national search is underway for a founding dean described as an entrepreneurial leader capable of attracting top talent. The school also plans to hire faculty specializing not only in core computing fields like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity but also at intersections with other sectors such as finance, healthcare, and robotics.
