Stevens Institute of Technology announced Thursday that its board has approved the creation of a School of Computing, which aims to launch this fall.
This school, which will be supported through an initial $36 million in philanthropic support, will begin a search process to select a dean.
University officials say the creation of this new school positions the university to lead in AI and computing education and research as these technologies reshape how every industry operates and what skills employers demand.
Stevens officials say the School of Computing responds to a fundamental shift in the technology workforce: Employers increasingly seek graduates who can integrate computational expertise with deep domain knowledge rather than pure coding skills alone.
The School of Computing will enable innovative programs that blend computing with life sciences, finance, engineering and other areas, preparing graduates not just for technical roles but for leadership positions in industries transformed by AI. Stevens’ longstanding expertise in cutting edge physical technology offers a unique opportunity for School of Computing students to apply digital technology innovations to other fields.
“Artificial intelligence represents a transformation as profound as the widespread adoption of the internet,” Stevens President Nariman Farvardin said. “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.”
Stevens officials feel the desire to create the school builds on the university’s proven track record in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education and the explosive demand for computing skills.
While computing-related majors represent more than 25% of Stevens’ total enrollment, all students, regardless of discipline, are immersed in technology-infused course work. Student demand for computing-related education mirrors broader workforce trends: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that computing and information technology jobs will grow much faster than the national average for all occupations, and the median annual wages in these roles are more than double the median for all U.S. jobs.
Stevens graduates consistently achieve among the highest returns on investment of any university in the nation. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report placed Stevens at No. 9 in the nation for return on investment 40 years after enrollment.
While traditional computer science enrollments have softened nationally as the field evolves, demand for professionals who can apply computational thinking across disciplines continues to surge. Stevens’ School of Computing is designed for this reality, providing interdisciplinary pathways, which blend data fluency, analytical interpretation and human-centered design, with domain expertise in areas such as computational biology, financial technology, cyber-physical systems and digital health.
“Stevens has always been at the intersection of technology and innovation,” Jianmin Qu, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, said. “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 advances the vision outlined in the university’s strategic plan, Stevens 2032: Inspired by Humanity, Powered by Technology, to make Stevens a national and global leader in technology-centric education and research, as well as enhancing student experience and success while empowering students to participate in the technological transformation taking place.
Stevens has launched a national search for a founding dean who will serve as an entrepreneurial leader, with the goal of attracting visionary talent to build something new rather than retrofit existing models. The school will also recruit a cluster of faculty in high-demand computing-related areas including AI, machine learning, cybersecurity as well as in areas on the interface between computing and other disciplines such as finance, healthcare, robotics, etc., to strengthen our educational offerings and expand research capabilities in area of national significance.
