PhD in Decision Sciences and Engineering Systems

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is a renowned technological research university known for its cutting-edge programs and commitment to innovation. RPI has a rich history of advancing science and engineering education. The institute places a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging students to explore a spectrum of fields and engage in hands-on research. At RPI, students benefit from a dynamic learning environment that integrates classroom education with real-world applications. The institute is home to state-of-the-art facilities and research centers, fostering a culture of creativity and discovery. RPI's contributions to science and technology, as well as its focus on entrepreneurship, position it as a leader in preparing students for impactful careers and contributions to society.

The ISE doctoral program prepares students with the ability to create and apply new mathematical, computational, and statistical approaches to novel, cutting-edge applications of ISE. This fact allows our Ph.D. graduates to pursue successful careers within academia, industry, and government. Graduates of the ISE doctoral program receive a Ph.D. degree in Decision Sciences and Engineering Systems (DSES) - a name that can be attributed to the department's history in interdisciplinary approaches to solving critical, practically-motivated problems. In fact, the department itself was founded in 1987 under the DSES name and brought together faculty from mathematics, engineering, and management. The interdisciplinary nature of ISE research is a strong theme within the department and ISE faculty are examining problems in a broad set of application areas including disaster response, adaptive supply chains, homeland security, and team decision-making. Our Ph.D. program offers both unique research and educational experiences for our students. The research pursued by our students fits into an important theme of RPI: "Why not change the world?" Our Ph.D. students are applying the intellectual strengths of ISE to critical challenges faced by the world over the next century, especially in the areas of disaster response and adaptive supply chains. We invite you to learn more about our research here. The educational experiences offered to our Ph.D. students, especially those interested in a career in academia, help to prepare them to educate 21st century students. These experiences include the potential to create "virtual office hours" that can be blended into the traditional classroom experiences for our undergraduate students.