Stevens School of Computing to Lead the Next Era in AI and Technology Education

On Jan 29, 2026

The board of trustees at Stevens Institute of Technology has approved the establishment of a School of Computing, supported through an initial $36 million in philanthropic support, and has announced that the search for a new dean has commenced.

The new school, targeted to launch in fall 2026, 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, according to Stevens.  The School of Computing is expected to 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.

“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.”

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,” 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 establishment of the School of Computing is made possible by the aforementioned philanthropic support with more anticipated in the future, demonstrating community confidence in this vision. 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. 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.

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