phd from stanford

Welcome to Graduate Admissions

Learn about university-wide admission requirements and processes for MA, MS, PhD, and other non-professional graduate programs.

Your Starting Point for Graduate Study at Stanford

Browse this website to learn about university-wide requirements and processes for admission to MA, MS, PhD, and other non-professional graduate programs in the following Stanford schools:

Graduate School of Education | School of Engineering | School of Humanities & Sciences | School of Medicine | Doerr School of Sustainability

Explore Graduate Programs

Applying to a Professional School?

The professional schools have separate admissions offices and applications. Visit their websites below for information about applying to their graduate programs.

• Graduate School of Business: MBA | MSx | PhD
• School of Law: JD | Advanced Degrees
• School of Medicine: MD | MS in Physician Assistant Studies

Why Stanford?

Consider joining Stanford’s globally diverse graduate community of 9,300 students.

• Watch Playlist: The Stanford Grad Experience and Advice to Prospective Students
• Visit Stanford’s Seven Schools
• See How Diversity Works at Stanford
• Fund Your Graduate Study
• Explore Campus Resources
• Pursue Leadership Development and Funding with Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Email forwarding for @cs.stanford.edu is changing. Updates and details here . CS Commencement Ceremony June 16, 2024.  Learn More .

PhD Admissions

Main navigation.

The Computer Science Department PhD program is a top-ranked research-oriented program, typically completed in 5-6 years. There are very few course requirements and the emphasis is on preparation for a career in Computer Science research. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for admission in a Stanford graduate program, applicants must meet:

• Applicants from institutions outside of the United States must hold the equivalent of a United States Bachelor's degree from a college or University of recognized good standing. See detailed information by region on  Stanford Graduate Admissions website. 
• Area of undergraduate study . While we do not require a specific undergraduate coursework, it is important that applicants have strong quantitative and analytical skills; a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science is not required.

Any questions about the admissions eligibility should be directed to  [email protected] .

Application Checklist

An completed online application must be submitted by the CS Department application deadline and can be found  here .

Application Deadlines

The online application can be found here  and we will only one admissions cycle for the PhD program per respective academic term.

PhD Program

Professor Wender discusses chemistry with his graduate students.

Doctoral study in chemistry at Stanford University prepares students for research and teaching careers with diverse emphases in basic, life, medical, physical, energy, materials, and environmental sciences.

The Department of Chemistry offers opportunities for graduate study spanning contemporary subfields, including theoretical, organic, inorganic, physical, biophysical and biomedical chemistry and more. Much of the research defies easy classification along traditional divisions; cross-disciplinary collaborations with Stanford's many vibrant research departments and institutes is among factors distinguishing this world-class graduate program.

The Department of Chemistry is committed to providing academic advising in support of graduate student scholarly and professional development.  This advising relationship entails collaborative and sustained engagement with mutual respect by both the adviser and advisee.

• The adviser is expected to meet at least monthly with the graduate student to discuss on-going research.
• There should be a yearly independent development plan (IDP) meeting between the graduate student and adviser. Topics include research progress, expectations for completion of PhD, areas for both the student and adviser to improve in their joint research effort.
• A research adviser should provide timely feedback on manuscripts and thesis chapters.
• Graduate students are active contributors to the advising relationship, proactively seeking academic and professional guidance and taking responsibility for informing themselves of policies and degree requirements for their graduate program.
• If there is a significant issue concerning the graduate student’s progress in research, the adviser must communicate this to the student and to the Graduate Studies Committee in writing.  This feedback should include the issues, what needs to be done to overcome these issues and by when.

Academic advising by Stanford faculty is a critical component of all graduate students' education and additional resources can be found in the  Policies and Best Practices for Advising Relationships at Stanford  and the  Guidelines for Faculty-Student Advising at Stanford .

Learn more about the program through the links below, and by exploring the research interests of the  Chemistry Faculty  and  Courtesy Faculty .

PhD Admissions

The PhD program in Psychology trains students for careers in research and teaching. In addition to a wide range of courses, the PhD program is characterized by close collaboration between students and their faculty advisors. 

General Information

The Department of Psychology holistically reviews each candidate's complete application to assess the promise of a career in teaching and research. Consideration is based on various factors, including courses taken, grade point average, letters of recommendation, and the statement of purpose. Additionally, the Department of Psychology places considerable emphasis on research training, and admitted students have often been involved in independent research as undergraduate students or post-baccalaureate settings. Although there are no course requirements for admission, all applicants should have sufficient foundational knowledge and research experience to engage in graduate-level coursework and research.

We accept students with undergraduate degrees and those with both undergraduate and master's degrees. An undergraduate psychology major is not required; the Department welcomes applicants from other academic backgrounds.

Our application portal is now closed for the AY24-25 admissions cycle.  Please consider applying during next year's AY25-26 admissions cycle, which opens on September 15, 2024.

How to Apply

Application and deadline.

Our 2025-26 Admissions application will open on September 15, 2024.

Applications will be due on November 30, 2024

The deadline for letters of recommendation will be  November 30, 2024 . 

Once an applicant submits the recommenders' information, the recommenders will receive an automated email with instructions for submitting the letter. Late letters should be sent directly to psych-admissions [at] stanford.edu (psych-admissions[at]stanford[dot]edu) . Staff will add them to the application file if the review process is still underway. Still, the faculty reviewers are not obligated to re-review files for materials submitted after the deadline.

The status of submitted applications can be viewed by logging in to the   application portal . 

The deadline to apply for the Stanford Psychology Ph.D. program is  November 30, 2024 . 

Applicants who are admitted to the program will matriculate in autumn 2025. 

In addition to the information below, please review the  Graduate Admissions  website prior to starting your application. The Department of Psychology does not have rolling admissions. We admit for the Autumn term only.

Requirements

• U.S. Bachelor's degree or its  foreign equivalent
• Statement of Purpose (submitted electronically as part of the graduate application). You will be able to specify three  Psychology Department faculty members , in order of preference, with whom you would like to work. 
• Three  Letters of Recommendation  (submitted electronically). A maximum of six letters will be accepted.
• Unofficial transcripts from all universities and colleges you have attended for at least one year must be uploaded to the graduate application. Applicants who reach the interview stage will be asked to provide official transcripts as well; Department staff will reach out to these applicants with instructions for submitting official transcripts. Please do  not  submit official transcripts with your initial application.
• Required for non-native English speakers: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores, submitted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) electronically to Stanford. 

Application Fee

The fee to apply for graduate study at Stanford is $125. Fee waivers are available for some applicants. Please visit Graduate Admissions for information on applying for an  Application Fee Waiver .

Application Review & Status Check

The Department of Psychology welcomes graduate applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. The review of applications is holistic and individualized, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, and admissions essays to understand how an applicant’s life experiences have shaped their past and potential contributions to their field.

To check the status or activity of your application, please log into your  application account . You can also send reminders to recommenders who have not yet submitted their letter of recommendation.

Due to limited bandwidth, the Department of Psychology staff will not answer any phone or email queries about application status, including requests to confirm the receipt of official transcripts.

Our faculty will interview prospective students before making final admission decisions. Candidates who progress to the interview round will be informed in January. Interviews are generally conducted in February.

The Department of Psychology recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

• Diversity and Engagement in Psychology PhD Programs 
• Vice Provost for Graduate Education
• Stanford IDEAL
• Graduate Application Fee Waiver Information

For More Information

Please see our  list of Frequently Asked Questions  and  psych-admissions [at] stanford.edu (contact us)  should you have additional questions.

Doctoral Program

Program summary.

Students are required to

• master the material in the prerequisite courses ;
• pass the first-year core program;
• attempt all three parts of the qualifying examinations and show acceptable performance in at least two of them (end of 1st year);
• satisfy the depth and breadth requirements (2nd/3rd/4th year);
• successfully complete the thesis proposal meeting (winter quarter of the 3rd year);
• present a draft of their dissertation and pass the university oral examination (4th/5th year).

The PhD requires a minimum of 135 units. Students are required to take a minimum of nine units of advanced topics courses (for depth) offered by the department (not including literature, research, consulting or Year 1 coursework), and a minimum of nine units outside of the Statistics Department (for breadth). Courses for the depth and breadth requirements must equal a combined minimum of 24 units. In addition, students must enroll in STATS 390 Statistical Consulting, taking it at least twice.

All students who have passed the qualifying exams but have not yet passed the Thesis Proposal Meeting must take STATS 319 at least once each year. For example, a student taking the qualifying exams in the summer after Year 1 and having the dissertation proposal meeting in Year 3, would take 319 in Years 2 and 3. Students in their second year are strongly encouraged to take STATS 399 with at least one faculty member. All details of program requirements can be found in our PhD handbook (available to Stanford affiliates only, using Stanford authentication. Requests for access from non-affiliates will not be approved).

Statistics Department PhD Handbook

All students are expected to abide by the Honor Code and the Fundamental Standard .

Doctoral and Research Advisors

During the first two years of the program, students' academic progress is monitored by the department's Graduate Director. Each student should meet at least once a quarter with the Graduate Director to discuss their academic plans and their progress towards choosing a thesis advisor (before the final study list deadline of spring of the second year). From the third year onward students are advised by their selected advisor.

Qualifying Examinations

Qualifying examinations are part of most PhD programs in the United States. At Stanford these exams are intended to test the student's level of knowledge when the first-year program, common to all students, has been completed. There are separate examinations in the three core subjects of statistical theory and methods, applied statistics, and probability theory, which are typically taken during the summer at the end of the student's first year. Students are expected to attempt all three examinations and show acceptable performance in at least two of them. Letter grades are not given. Qualifying exams may be taken only once. After passing the qualifying exams, students must file for Ph.D. Candidacy, a university milestone, by the end of spring quarter of their second year.

While nearly all students pass the qualifying examinations, those who do not can arrange to have their financial support continued for up to three quarters while alternative plans are made. Usually students are able to complete the requirements for the M.S. degree in Statistics in two years or less, whether or not they have passed the PhD qualifying exams.

Thesis Proposal Meeting and Dissertation Reading Committee 

The thesis proposal meeting is intended to demonstrate a student's depth in some areas of statistics, and to examine the general plan for their research. In the meeting the student gives a 60-minute presentation involving ideas developed to date and plans for completing a PhD dissertation, and for another 60 minutes answers questions posed by the committee. which consists of their advisor and two other members. The meeting must be successfully completed by the end of winter quarter of the third year. If a student does not pass, the exam must be repeated. Repeated failure can lead to a loss of financial support.

The Dissertation Reading Committee consists of the student’s advisor plus two faculty readers, all of whom are responsible for reading the full dissertation. Of these three, at least two must be members of the Statistics Department (faculty with a full or joint appointment in Statistics but excluding for this purpose those with only a courtesy or adjunct appointment). Normally, all committee members are members of the Stanford University Academic Council or are emeritus Academic Council members; the principal dissertation advisor must be an Academic Council member. 

The Doctoral Dissertation Reading Committee form should be completed and signed at the Dissertation Proposal Meeting. The form must be submitted before approval of TGR status or before scheduling a University Oral Examination.

 For further information on the Dissertation Reading Committee, please see the Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures (GAP) Handbook section 4.8.

University Oral Examinations

The oral examination consists of a public, approximately 60-minute, presentation on the thesis topic, followed by a 60 minute question and answer period attended only by members of the examining committee. The questions relate to the student's presentation and also explore the student's familiarity with broader statistical topics related to the thesis research. The oral examination is normally completed during the last few months of the student's PhD period. The examining committee typically consists of four faculty members from the Statistics Department and a fifth faculty member from outside the department serving as the committee chair. Four out of five passing votes are required and no grades are given. Nearly all students can expect to pass this examination, although it is common for specific recommendations to be made regarding completion of the thesis.

The Dissertation Reading Committee must also read and approve the thesis.

For further information on university oral examinations and committees, please see the Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures (GAP) Handbook section 4.7 .

Dissertation

The dissertation is the capstone of the PhD degree. It is expected to be an original piece of work of publishable quality. The research advisor and two additional faculty members constitute the student's dissertation reading committee.

PhD Program Overview

Main navigation, academic and departmental matters.

We have orientations and academic advising sessions for all new graduate students before you select your courses and start your first classes. Furthermore, you'll get ongoing support and advising from faculty and staff throughout your graduate career.

PhD Frequently Asked Questions

Where do i find information.

• Go to Stanford's Graduate Admissions site .
• Explore all the information available on our Chemical Engineering site, (including the faculty pages and and the multiple pages under the PhD and admissions tabs). If these resources do not address any remaining questions, please send an email to the department at [email protected] . Use your email subject line: Admissions - [family name] - [topic of your inquiry]

When may admitted PhD applicants visit Stanford?

March 2-5 2023, is the Chemical Engineering Virtual Visit Weekend. If you are seriously considering Stanford's Chemical Engineering's PhD program for your doctoral work, please reserve these dates for your virtual Stanford visit, as we will be unable to accommodate a request to visit at another time.

How long does it take to get the PhD degree?

The average time to earn a PhD degree is between 5 and 6 years. Some students finish a little earlier and some a bit later.

If I have a master's degree from another university, do I need to get a MS from Stanford before pursuing a PhD?

No. In Chemical Engineering, having an MS degree is not a requirement for conferral of a PhD degree. PhD students without a master's may petition for conferral of a Stanford master's in the course of fulfilling their PhD requirements. Matriculated PhD students with a MS earned elsewhere either may petition for conferral of a Stanford MS or may petition for approval of transfer units, to be applied toward the total unit requirements for a PhD degree. Any student contemplating petitioning for approval of transfer units should consult first with departmental student services.

How many faculty members do you have and how long have they been teaching?

See the faculty pages. Our faculty is well-distributed in terms of experience and areas of emphasis.

What are the course requirements, and how long do they generally take to complete?

PhD students take 10 units per quarter.

PhD students take three 3-unit courses and one 1-unit colloquium (seminar) per quarter in the first two quarters and the majority of their lecture courses during the first two academic years. Then they finish the coursework requirements by taking a class here and there until they have a total of 42 units for lecture courses in science and engineering, plus 3 units of colloquia (seminar). Because of the importance faculty place on honing communication skills while pursuing a doctorate, all candidates are also required to assist in the teaching of two chemical engineering courses.

What are PhD research rotations?

Each first-year PhD student rotates with two different faculty research groups before choosing an advisor and lab in which to develop his or her own research projects. The rotations enable students to gain a better understanding of a given faculty member’s research program and to determine if that lab is a good fit for their future research. Furthermore, during the first six months, there are multiple opportunities to talk with a wide range of faculty members about their research.

How do PhD qualifying examinations work? What is the usual pass rate?

To be admitted to PhD candidacy, students must pass a qualifying examination, taken at the end of the summer quarter of the first year, respectively. The PhD Qualifying Examination has three parts: 

• A one-page written summary of their research project
• A 20-minute presentation about the research project before research advisors and other faculty examiners
• A 20-minute question-and-answer session with faculty

This exam focuses on the student’s progress report on original research performed during the previous half-year, e.g. from April until the time of the exam in late September. A progress report may have no conclusions, but the talk should demonstrate a depth of thinking about the research strategy and the fundamental chemical, physical and biological concepts that govern the molecular behavior of the system being studied.  The focus is on the ability to think critically and to communicate understanding the fundamental concepts, techniques and questions within the field. The faculty are looking for the student's understanding of how one's research relates to the field as a whole and how he or she demonstrates an understanding of where the project will lead.

Most years, all rising second-year PhD students pass their PhD candidacy examination. The format of this examination is designed to test for the essential skills of the successful researcher — the abilities involved in approaching new problems from a perspective grounded in scientific fundamentals. The focus is not on having the right answers, but in formulating approaches rooted in the scientific method. The faculty do their utmost to select applicants who will thrive as doctoral researchers, with the objective that the selection process should take place at the time of admission. The faculty, other students and staff are all motivated by the ultimate success of each year’s PhD students with their examinations. This culture fosters a uniquely positive environment of collaboration and teamwork among all students, rather than competition based on a "survival of the fittest" mentality.

How does PhD advisor selection work?

All during the first two quarters, first-year PhD students have many ways to become familiar with individual faculty, their research projects, students in their research groups, and how a research group functions. Toward the end of the second quarter each student-faculty dyad formalize their advisee-advisor relationship and then PhD students join their advisors’ research groups at the beginning of spring quarter, and start on their own projects.

Can I work with faculty outside of the department?

Yes. Some past examples have been with faculty in physics, chemistry, materials sciences, mechanical engineering, environmental microbiology, bioengineering and biochemistry.  These students also have a Chemical Engineering faculty co-advisor who helps ensure good degree progress and sits on the reading committee formed in the second year.

What sort of job opportunities does a PhD degree in chemical engineering from Stanford usually enable?

Graduates of our department are extremely versatile with regards to their post-doctorate careers. Over the last few years, many of the graduates from various research groups have chosen to spend a couple of years as a post-doc in another research lab (usually not at Stanford) either in preparation for a research/academic job or in profiting from further research experience before entering industry. Stanford grads are now current professors at many top universities (MIT, Harvard, etc.) or members of prestigious research centers (IBM, national labs, etc.). A significant number of students decide to enter industrial positions upon graduation, as engineers, consultants, etc. You will find companies from all sectors actively recruiting Stanford chemical engineers, including companies in the local biotech and nanotechnology industries.

What kinds of jobs do PhDs get and where?

There is a saying that a chemical engineer can do anything, and the range of employment and career options available to our students demonstrates this. Approximately two-thirds of our PhD students find challenging jobs in fundamental or applied research either in industry or national laboratories. Further generalization is not possible — graduates find careers in areas as diverse as the information technology companies, biotechnology, the oil industry, the chemical process industry, renewable resources and private consulting. (Approximately one-third go into teaching and research as a profession).

Student Life

Housing and living.

Stanford has a strong residential character. Over half of all graduate students live in university-operated apartments. The university’s residence system is among the largest and most diverse.

How does on-campus housing work?

There is a lottery and when you enter it, you list your choice of housing options in preferential order. Housing is guaranteed for first-year graduate students, but this means that you must apply on time and select the option that you are willing to accept any living arrangement (studio, two people in a two-bedroom, three people in a two-bedroom, etc.). If you submit your choices by the deadline, usually you obtain your top housing choices.

Students can renew the same housing assignment for the following year without entering a lottery. Thus, if you are happy with whatever assignment you get in the fall of your first year (and you live in a residence that is open year-round), in the spring of your first year you now can just check "renew" on your housing application for the next year and keep your assignment for the following year.

Pets are not allowed in campus housing.

How much does on-campus housing cost per month?

The cost of housing varies. The general rule of thumb is that the more room/suite-mates you have, the lower the rent. If you would like to have a room to yourself (double-occupancy two-bedroom, etc.) then you should expect to pay more. If you do not mind sharing a room, then the cost drops some. 

What is included in on-campus housing costs?

In addition to the rent, the cost of housing covers basic utilities (electricity and water). Laundry is free to students living on campus. Also, most on-campus apartments are furnished so you don't have to worry about the cost of furniture. Additional charges will apply for an internet connection, cable TV, etc. (These facilities are easily available and are relatively inexpensive). If you have a car, you will need to purchase a campus parking permit, but they are inexpensive for students.

What are the off-campus housing options?

A popular way to find off-campus housing is to use Craigslist . You can perform specific searches of price ranges or towns or places that accept pets. The places listed include condos, homes for rent, individual cottages, or apartments. If you do a search on Craigslist, go to "apts/housing" and then click on "Peninsula" at the top of the screen (S.F. Bay Area prompt). Depending upon the specific location, the following towns are within bikeable distance from Stanford: Menlo Park, Atherton and Palo Alto. Redwood City, Los Altos and Mountain View are a minimum of a ~30 min bike ride.

How much do off-campus apartments costs per month?

Depending upon how many roommates you have, monthly rent can range from $900-$1,700/per person.

How can I find a roommate?

Most incoming students do not know people at Stanford and so do not choose their roommates. However, if you do find/choose someone you would like to room with in university housing, then you can request that Housing Assignments Office assign both of you to the same housing location. There is also a roommate-finding website.

What about housing for couples or families?

There are several options for on-campus couples housing-furnished or unfurnished. Please see the Housing Options page for information about housing for couples without children and students with children.

What's the bottom line? Is it comfortable to live on the graduate stipend?

Yes. People can live comfortably and still afford to travel both nationally and internationally. Several students have hobbies such as skiing or cycling that they can afford on the graduate student stipend/salary. (English PhD students get by on ~10K less!)

Activities in the local and surrounding areas

How do i get involved in departmental social events.

All ChemE grad students are welcome to participate on the social subcommittees of the graduate student-run ACTION Committee, as well as staff-student planned events such as the annual Holiday Party in December.

What do people do for fun?

The  Office of Student Engagement supports over 600 university-recognized, incredibly diverse student groups on campus.

There are various gyms on campus, along with many intramural sports and club sports. There are also athletic classes you can take for credit (kickboxing, Pilates, boot camp, yoga, etc) or simply for fun at the residence complexes. Other than sports, there are a plethora of cultural events in the arts, dance, music and other live performances on and off campus. San Jose is ~20 minutes away while San Francisco is ~45 minutes away by car. Both are also accessible by public transportation. If you prefer outdoor activities, hiking trails and extensive bicycle routes are minutes away and a few hours of driving can take you to Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, the northern California Redwoods, etc. while Santa Cruz and Monterrey are closer attractions.

What are the common attractions in the area surrounding the San Francisco Bay?

San Francisco has abundant theaters and cultural events, SFMOMA, Civic Center, Asian Museum, China Town, Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Park (de Young Museum) and Golden Gate Bridge. Further north, you can visit Muir Woods redwood park, various marinas, Point Reyes National Seashore, etc., while further south you can visit Monterey Bay Aquarium, stroll beaches along the Pacific Ocean, go rock climbing and tour wineries in the Santa Cruz mountains.

How is the transportation system? How do you get around?

There are on-campus shuttles that also access the local train stations, local bus lines, CalTrain, BART and Muni. Many students have cars. Many do not. The majority of students also have bikes to get around on campus.

Are there intramural sports and sports clubs?

Yes to both. Intramural sports range from volleyball to soccer to billiards, and club sports range from triathlon to sailing to martial arts. This department fields several teams.

How are the gym facilities?

The Arrillaga Family Sports and Recreation Center is the primary gym for students. The facility is on Campus Drive right across from the track. At Arrillaga, you'll find squash courts, a climbing wall, basketball courts and a weight room with cardio-machines (ellipticals, treadmills, stationary bikes, etc.). Students also can take classes for physical activities such as martial arts (Arrillaga has a training room), fencing, yoga, etc.

Also, the recently opened Arrillaga Outdoor Education and Recreation Center (AOERC) is the newest recreational facility on campus. It's on Santa Teresa Street right next to Roble Field. AOERC features a fitness center, outdoor recreational pool, three indoor courts, academic classrooms, a climbing wall and an outdoor recreation center.

Stanford also has a great outdoor pool center and has several tennis courts spread across campus. It is not unusual for Stanford to host national track-and-field or ATP tour events, so you shouldn't be surprised to see some big names in sports strolling about on campus.

Ph.D. Admissions

Apply here . 

Preparing to Apply

Before starting the application process please read the information about the graduate program requirements  and read our  Frequently Asked Questions . You may also find the Guide to Getting Into Grad School helpful. 

The Political Science department recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

All questions regarding graduate admissions should be directed to politicalscience [at] stanford.edu (subject: Admissions%20Enquiry) ( politicalscience[at]stanford[dot]edu ) .

The principal goal of the Stanford Ph.D. program in political science is the training of scholars. Most students who receive doctorates in the program do research and teach at colleges or universities. We offer courses and research opportunities in a wide variety of fields in the discipline, including American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, and Political Methodology. The program is built around small seminars that analyze critically the literature of a field or focus on a research problem. These courses prepare students for the Ph.D. comprehensive exam requirement within a two-year period and for work on the doctoral dissertation.  

Admission to the graduate program in political science is highly selective. About twelve to fifteen students, chosen from a large pool of applicants, enter the program each year. The small size of our student body allows more individual work with members of the faculty than most graduate programs. It also makes possible financial assistance in one form or another to most students admitted to the Ph.D. program. 

Graduate Admissions FAQ

Please visit our list of  frequently asked questions.

You may also find the following links useful if you have general questions about student life and graduate study at Stanford University:  

Vice Provost of Graduate Education (VPGE)

• Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures Handbook (GAP)
• Graduate Life Office
• Stanford Bulletin
• Explore Courses

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Join dozens of Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences students who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS). KHS admits up to 100 select applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a distinguished cohort, participate in up to three years of leadership programming, and receive full funding for up to three years of your PhD studies at Stanford. Candidates of any country may apply. KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years, and must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS. Stanford PhD students may also apply to KHS during their first year of PhD enrollment. If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply. The KHS application deadline is October 11, 2023. Learn more about KHS admission .

Ph.D. Program

The training for a Ph.D. in Biology is focused on helping students achieve their goals of being a successful research scientist and teacher, at the highest level. Students work closely with an established advisor and meet regularly with a committee of faculty members to facilitate their progress. The Biology Ph.D. program is part of the larger Biosciences community at Stanford, which includes doctorate programs in the basic science departments at Stanford Medical School. 

There are two tracks within the Biology Ph.D. program:

• Cell, Molecular and Organismal Biology
• Ecology and Evolution

(Previously a part of the Department of Biology Hopkins Marine Station is now a part of the Oceans Department within  Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability )

All  tracks are focused on excellence in research and teaching in their respective areas; where there are differences between the tracks, they are indicated in the links below. 

Requirements & Forms

Dissertation defense, cellular and molecular biology training program, stanford biology ph.d. preview program, career development resources.

Frequently Asked Questions for PhD Applicants

If you have questions about the application process, please consult the Application FAQ

Program FAQ

• When is the application deadline?  December 7, 2023 11:59 PM PST is the application deadline for Autumn 2024-2025.
• I will have just earned my bachelor’s degree before starting graduate study at Stanford. Should I apply to the MS or the PhD program?  You should apply to the degree program that can fulfill your ultimate degree goal. For example, if obtaining a PhD is your ultimate goal, you should apply directly to the PhD program.
• Do I need to have a master’s degree before applying to the PhD program?  No; the minimum degree requirement is a bachelor’s degree. Students who enter the PhD program may opt to pursue the master’s degree along the way to earning the PhD.
• If I apply to the PhD program but do not get admitted, will I be considered for the MS program?   The Electrical Engineering Department does not consider PhD applicants not admitted into the PhD program for the MS program. 
• If I am admitted and enrolled in the MS program, may I enter the PhD program later?  Admission to the PhD program is possible only through the  annual general admissions process . Current MS students must reapply through this process to be considered for the PhD program.
• May I apply for a start term other than autumn? No; applications are reviewed on an annual basis for autumn quarter start only.
• How long does it take to complete the PhD?  Typical completion time for the PhD program is 5-7 years.
• How important is it to contact faculty before I apply?  Contact with faculty members is not a required part of the application process nor does it guarantee admission to our graduate program. Admissions decisions are made by the Admissions Committee, not by individual faculty members.
• Is financial assistance available for PhD students?  Yes; all PhD students who maintain satisfactory academic progress receive full financial support for the duration of the doctoral program. For more information, please see  Financial Assistance for PhD Students .
• What are the minimum GPA requirements for admission?  Applicants do not need to meet any minimum grade point average (GPA) to secure admission, and we do not release information about average GPAs of admitted students. As a guideline, successful applicants typically earn undergraduate cumulative GPAs among the top of their class. However, please keep in mind that admission to our graduate programs depends on a combination of factors, and all areas of a student’s application are weighed when applications are reviewed.
• Am I eligible to apply if my undergraduate major is not Electrical Engineering?  Yes; students who meet the minimum degree requirements with a strong technical background in engineering, physical sciences, or mathematics are welcome to apply. A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering is not strictly required.
• Are specific prerequisite courses required for admission?  No; we advise prospective applicants to review the  EE Graduate Handbook  and the  Stanford Course Catalog  to evaluate what prerequisites are needed for graduate-level courses in your area(s) of interest.
• What is the minimum level of study required of international applicants from an academic institution outside of the U.S.?  Please refer to  Stanford Graduate Admissions | International Applicants  for eligibility guidelines related to study outside of the U.S.
• What is the process for transferring to the PhD program from another institution?  Students who wish to transfer to our PhD program from another institution must complete the same application procedure as new applicants. If you are admitted and enrolled, you may request to transfer up to 45 units of coursework from your previous institution toward the PhD degree requirements at Stanford, by following the procedures for  Graduate Residency Credit . Students must complete one quarter at Stanford before requesting to transfer units, and all transferred units are subject to approval by the Registrar’s Office.
• If I am admitted to a EE graduate program, can my admission be deferred?  The Department greatly discourages deferral of matriculation dates.  Deferrals are granted only to PhD applicants, and only in exceptional circumstances such as for US military service or visa issues for students arriving from designated countries.  Admitted students wishing to defer admission must send a written request (along with documentation if possible) to  [email protected] . Requests will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. MS and Coterm applicants cannot defer admission dates.

Return to Program Overview:

Doctoral Program

The Ph.D. program is a full time program leading to a Doctoral Degree in Economics.  Students specialize in various fields within Economics by enrolling in field courses and attending field specific lunches and seminars.  Students gain economic breadth by taking additional distribution courses outside of their selected fields of interest.

General requirements

Students  are required to complete 1 quarter of teaching experience. Teaching experience includes teaching assistantships within the Economics department or another department .

University's residency requirement

135 units of full-tuition residency are required for PhD students. After that, a student should have completed all course work and must request Terminal Graduate Registration (TGR) status.

Department degree requirements and student checklist

1. core course requirement.

Required: Core Microeconomics (202-203-204) Core Macroeconomics (210-211-212) Econometrics (270-271-272).  The Business School graduate microeconomics class series may be substituted for the Econ Micro Core.  Students wishing to waive out of any of the first year core, based on previous coverage of at least 90% of the material,  must submit a waiver request to the DGS at least two weeks prior to the start of the quarter.  A separate waiver request must be submitted for each course you are requesting to waive.  The waiver request must include a transcript and a syllabus from the prior course(s) taken.  

2.  Field Requirements

Required:  Two of the Following Fields Chosen as Major Fields (click on link for specific field requirements).  Field sequences must be passed with an overall grade average of B or better.  Individual courses require a letter grade of B- or better to pass unless otherwise noted.

Research fields and field requirements :

• Behavioral & Experimental
• Development Economics
• Econometric Methods with Causal Inference
• Econometrics
• Economic History
• Environmental, Resource and Energy Economics
• Industrial Organization
• International Trade & Finance
• Labor Economics
• Market Design
• Microeconomic Theory
• Macroeconomics
• Political Economy
• Public Economics

3.  Distribution

Required:  Four other graduate-level courses must be completed. One of these must be from the area of economic history (unless that field has already been selected above). These courses must be distributed in such a way that at least two fields not selected above are represented.  Distribution courses must be passed with a grade of B or better.

4.  Field Seminars/Workshops

Required:  Three quarters of two different field seminars or six quarters of the same field seminar from the list below.   

Doctoral Program

Main navigation.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is intended primarily for students who desire a career in research, advanced development, or teaching. Students in the PhD program obtain a broad education in the core areas of Aeronautics and Astronautics through coursework, while also engaging in intensive research in a specialized area, culminating in a doctoral thesis.

Minor in Aero/Astro

A student who wishes to obtain a PhD minor in Aero/Astro should consult with the Aero/Astro Student Services Office for designation of a minor advisor. A PhD minor in Aeronautics and Astronautics may be obtained by completing 20 units of graded, graduate-level courses in the Aero/Astro Department, following a program (and performance) approved by the department’s Director of Graduate Studies. Seminars and independent study (research) units do not count toward the required 20 units. A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on these courses is required to fulfill the Ph.D. minor. The student’s PhD Reading Committee and University Oral Committee must each include at least one faculty member from Aero/Astro.

Ph.D. IN AERONAUTICS AND ASTRONAUTICS

Department requirements are stated below for students admitted for Autumn 2021-22. Students admitted prior to Autumn 2021-22 should refer to the section “Ph.D. Aeronautics and Astronautics for Students Admitted Prior to Autumn 2021-22” (at the bottom of this page) for Qualifying Examination procedures.

Aero/Astro Doctoral Study

Students admitted to our Ph.D. program who do not already have an M.S. in a related discipline conferred when they begin the Ph.D. program must complete the Aeronautics and Astronautics M.S. degree requirements prior to receiving the Ph.D. This requires submission of the Graduate Program Authorization Petition in Axess ($125 fee) to add the M.S. program to a student’s record, and submission of the Master’s Program Proposal with advisor’s signature to the Aero/Astro Student Services Office. This must be completed at, or before, the beginning of year three of the Ph.D. program.

All Ph.D. students must complete the department qualifying procedures and apply for candidacy by the end of their second year of graduate study to remain in good standing in the Ph.D. program. Requirements for remaining in good standing for the duration of the program are described in the “Ph.D. Requirements for Good Standing”, below. The Qualifying Examination is given once in the Autumn Quarter and once in the Spring Quarter. The application must have the signed approval of the student's Ph.D. advisor.

Ph.D. Requirements and Good Standing

Ph.D. students maintain good standing by:

• Meeting the university requirements for graduate enrollment and minimum progress (see below).
• Receiving official commitment of one faculty member to advise their Ph.D. program by the end of quarter four. This is recorded on the Ph.D. Advisor Commitment form and submitted to the Aero/Astro Student Services Office.
• Passing the Qualification Examination. Ph.D. students must complete this in the second year of graduate study. (Students admitted from the Stanford M.S. program must take the examination in Spring Quarter of year two of their graduate studies.)
• Submitting the Application to Candidacy before the end of the quarter when they pass the Qualification Exam. Once achieved, candidacy is granted through year seven of graduate study for students completing the M.S degree, or through year six of graduate study for students admitted with an M.S. degree in a related discipline, unless terminated by the department (e.g., for unsatisfactory progress).
• Participate in research, retain advisor, and sustain satisfactory research progress as determined by advisor.
• Satisfy coursework requirements.
• Secure advisor approval for any internship or leave of absence .
• Form a Dissertation Reading Committee .
• Pass the Oral Examination , in which dissertation results are presented and defended.
• Submit the final dissertation to the university. (See Doctoral Dissertation below)
• Apply to Graduate in AXESS during your final quarter in the program.
• Complete all these requirements for the Ph.D. within the candidacy period, or receive department approval for an extension of candidacy (for up to one year) and complete the requirements during that period.

Dissertation Advisor, Research Topic and Progress

Students are expected to participate in research with a faculty member each quarter until the student identifies a Ph.D. advisor, and the first quarter rotation must be with an Aero/Astro faculty member. Research activity is evaluated by the faculty advisor each quarter for all Ph.D. students and the result is recorded using at least one unit of research credit. Before the start of the quarter, expectations for research will be set at an initial meeting between the student and the research advisor. The Student Services Office will monitor your research rotation participation each quarter. If you do not participate in research, you may no longer be in good standing in your Ph.D. program and risk losing funding support. Funding for new students supports up to four quarters in a rotation program. The arrangement between the student and the faculty member supervising your research may be for the entire academic year or for a shorter period. The latter would enable a student to work with different faculty members exploring different areas of research until the student identifies a Ph.D. advisor. This provides you with the opportunity to find the group that is best suited to your research interests.

Students must receive an official commitment from a Ph.D. Advisor by the end of quarter four of the Ph.D. program. This is recorded on the Ph.D. Advisor Commitment form and submitted to the Aero/Astro Student Services Office. By signing the form, a faculty member indicates a commitment to supervise the student, and work toward securing funding. The principal dissertation advisor must be a member of the Academic Council. Former Academic Council members, emeritus Academic Council members, or non-Academic Council members may serve as co-advisor with the appointment of a principal dissertation advisor who is currently on the Academic Council.

Faculty research advisors guide students in key areas such as selecting courses; designing and conducting research; developing of teaching pedagogy; navigating policies and degree requirements; and exploring academic opportunities and professional pathways. The primary responsibilities for monitoring the research progress of a Ph.D. student lies with the Ph.D. research advisor. An acceptable research dissertation must be presented for the Ph.D. degree. Because development of a dissertation is usually an intense and personal process involving you and your research advisor, it is not possible to abstractly define an acceptable dissertation. You should be very careful to reach a clear understanding of your advisor’s expectations and standards before embarking too far into the research project. Switching your research topic without the consent of the research advisor will affect the status of good standing.

When the research advisor is from outside the Aero/Astro department, the student must also identify a primary faculty co-advisor from within the department to provide guidance on departmental requirements and opportunities. The co-advisor must be a member of the student’s Reading Committee and Oral Exam Committee.

Students and advisors should be aware of the University’s policies regarding minimum progress requirements for graduate students described in the Stanford Bulletin in the section titled "Graduate Degree”, including the quarterly grading expectations for research units and for the TGR course. If these are not met, the advisor and department will follow the University’s guidance, as explained in the “ Guidelines for Dismissal of Graduate Students for Academic or Professional Reasons ” section of the Stanford Bulletin.

Occasionally, a student's research may diverge from the area of competence of the adviser, or irreconcilable differences may occur between the student and the faculty adviser. In such cases, the student or the faculty adviser may request a change in assignment. If the department decides to grant the request, every reasonable effort must be made to pair the student with another suitable adviser. This may entail some modification of the student's research project. In the rare case where a student's dissertation research on an approved project is in an advanced stage and the dissertation adviser is no longer available, every reasonable effort must be made to appoint a new adviser, usually from the student's reading committee. This may also require that a new member be added to the reading committee before the draft dissertation is evaluated in order to keep the reconstituted committee in compliance with the University requirements for its composition. Please see the Aero/Astro Student Services Office immediately if you have any questions or concerns about this.

Ph.D. Qualifying Procedures in Aero/Astro

The Aero/Astro Qualifying Examination entails two components: (1) Field Examinations (components can be waived, more details provided below) and (2) Research Examinations. All Ph.D. students must attempt the department qualifying procedures before the end of their second year of graduate study to remain in good standing in the Ph.D. program. The Aero/Astro Ph.D. Qualifying Examination is given once in the Autumn Quarter and once in the Spring Quarter, usually in the second week of November and May. The exact dates are announced several weeks before the exam. The Application for the Aero/Astro Ph.D. Qualifying Examination is made available early each examination quarter, with the application deadlines early in April and October. The application must have the signed approval of the student's proposed Ph.D. advisor. Students must be enrolled in the quarter they attempt the Qualifying Examination.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Aero/Astro Qualifying Examination, a student must meet the following conditions by the appropriate deadline.

• The candidate should have the official commitment of one faculty to advise them. There is no explicit requirement regarding having taken one or more AA290 classes with the advisor.
• The student’s overall average GPA must be greater than or equal to 3.5.

Application for the Aero/Astro Qualifying Examination

The application form is made available early each Quals quarter and is due approximately two weeks later. The application must have the signed approval of the student's Ph.D. advisor.

All petitions (to waive specific Quals conditions or to defer the exams) are due prior to the start of the Quals quarter (deadline announced); they must include a justification of exception circumstances, advisor signature, and appropriate documentation. Submitting any such petition is not guaranteed to be approved.

Field Examination Procedures

• Students can waive one or more of these classes by following a two-step process: (step 1) showing that they have taken a sufficiently related class at a prior institution (which needs to be certified by the AA Director of Graduate Studies) and (step 2) taking an exam for each of the classes the student desires to waive and achieving a grade of A or higher (the instructor can handle the exam in the form of their choosing, e.g., through an oral exam or a written exam). The exam will be offered once per year (synchronously with the regular exam for the related course). If the student does not achieve a grade of an A or higher on the waiver exam, then the student is required to take the course.
• Students who do not meet the 3.7 core course GPA requirements will be required to take a field exam in each corearea where the GPA is lower than 3.7. Field Exams will be scheduled for the same week as QualifyingExaminations. Each Field Exam is a 45-minute oral examination of knowledge and understanding on topics fromone core area, and is conducted by a committee of three examiners made up of AA faculty (the advisor, or co-advisor, may be included). In consultation with their advisor, the student will submit a list of suggested examiners(at least four, ranked in order of preference). The AA Director of Student and Academic Services will determine the final list of examiners based on the provided list and faculty availability. One faculty member will be assigned as the Point of Contact (POC) in charge of sending examination feedback and results to the Director of Student and Academic Services.

Field Exam Decision

• Once compiled, the Director of Student and Academic Services will disseminate the feedback and results to the student’s Ph.D. advisor(s).

Following the Field Exams, the results will be discussed by the department faculty in a closed meeting. A student who fails to pass a field exam, or exams, the first time will be eligible to retake the exam(s) with advisor approval. A student approved to retake a field exam must pass the next available Field Exams. A student who does not receive advisor approval for a retake option or fails the field exam(s) for a second time will be removed from the Ph.D. program. The student’s Ph.D. advisor will relay final decisions to the student.

Core courses per area for gaining Qualifying Examination eligibility:

• ENGR 205: Introduction to Control Design Techniques
• AA 242A: Classical Dynamics
• AA 200: Applied Aerodynamics
• AA 210A: Fundamentals of Compressible Flow
• AA 240: Analysis of Structures
• AA 256: Mechanics of Composites
• AA 203: Optimal and Learning-based Control
• AA 214: Numerical Methods for Compressible Flows
• AA 222: Engineering Design Optimization (CS 361)
• AA 228: Decision Making under Uncertainty (CS 238)

Research Examination

• The candidate student will be examined by 3 faculty (advisor, and co-advisor, not included; the advisor(s) mayattend the exam session as a “silent observer”, but will leave for the discussion regarding the decision). At least 2 ofthe faculty should be AA faculty (no courtesy). In consultation with their advisor, the student will submit a list of suggested examiners (at least five, ranked in order of preference). If the student is proposing faculty from outside of AA, it is highly recommended the Ph.D. advisor and student consult with the outside faculty member(s) to assist with availability, scheduling, and guidelines. The AA Director of Student and Academic Services will determine the final list of examiners based on the provided list and faculty availability. One faculty member will be assigned as the Point of Contact (POC) in charge of sending examination feedback and results to the Director of Student and Academic Services.
• The advisor submits a one-paragraph recommendation of the student to the examiners. The recommendation will inform the discussion and evaluation of the student at the end of their exam.
• What is the research problem? Why is it hard? Who does it impact?
• What is the state of knowledge in the field today? What are the limits of current practice?
• What is the new technical idea? Why can we succeed now?
• Are there others dedicated to finding a solution to the problem?
• What is the impact if successful?
• The student supplies to each examiner a 1-page report summarizing the student’s research project and a plan for the Ph.D. The report is due to the examiners two weeks before the exam. The role of the report is to give some time to the examiners to familiarize themselves with the student’s research project.
• During the first half hour the student presents the research project. 
• The second half hour comprises a 30-minute QA session related to the research project. During this session the examiners can ask questions related to the fundamental concepts covered during the presentation. This gives the opportunity to the examiners to assess general mastery of the area the student is working on, beyond the traditional confines of coursework. The examiners should make sure that there is enough diversity in the questions asked.

Research Examination Decision

• Pass, with a list of classes the student should take to strengthen their background (at most three); the student should receive a grade of at least B in these classes in order to defend their thesis
• Fail, with retake option (if first time) or removal of the student from the PhD program (if second time)

Following the Research Exams, the results will be discussed by the department faculty in a closed meeting. If there is no consensus on an exam outcome, the Department Chair will lead a discussion regarding the case until a consensus is reached. A student who fails the research examination the first time will be eligible to retake the exam with advisor approval. A student approved to retake the research exam must pass the next available Research Exams. A student who does not receive advisor approval for a retake option or fails the exam for a second time will be removed from the Ph.D. program. The student’s Ph.D. advisor will relay final decisions to the student.

After the Exams

A student who passes the Qualifying Examination must file for candidacy before the end of the quarter. 

A student can take field exams and/or research exams at most twice (with advisor approval). The first time should be either in the Fall or Spring of the second year; the second time, if applicable, should be the next available Qualifying Examination. A student who fails to qualify after two attempts may remain in the AA-Ph.D. program for one additional quarter. After this additional quarter, a student will be formally dismissed from the Ph.D. program by the Aero/Astro Faculty Committee. In this quarter, the department will not approve a leave of absence or reduced tuition requests.

If a student elects to formally enter the Engineer degree, they must discontinue the Ph.D. at the same time they add the Engineer degree via the Graduate Program Authorization Petition in Axess.

There are two requirements for admission to Ph.D. candidacy in Aeronautics and Astronautics: students must first pass the departmental qualifying exam and must then submit an application for candidacy. The Application for Candidacy for Doctoral Degree  (PDF) must be submitted to the Aero/Astro Student Services Office before the end of the quarter in which a student passes the Qualifying Examination. The candidacy form lists the courses the student will take to fulfill the requirements for the degree. The form must include the 90 non-MS units required for the Ph.D.; it should be signed by the advisor and submitted to the Aero/Astro Student Services Office for the Director of Graduate Studies’ approval signature. Aero/Astro uses a department-specific candidacy form, which may be obtained in the Aero/Astro Student Services Office. It is incumbent upon Ph.D. students to request letter grades in all courses listed on the Application for Candidacy form. 

Students must receive a passing grade, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, on all courses listed on the Candidacy form. Changes can be filed at any time by submitting a revised Candidacy form with advisor's signature, and submitting the form to the Aero/Astro Student Services Office for the Director of Graduate Studies’ approval. In order to graduate or go TGR, you must have completed all units listed on your current Candidacy form including any units for a Ph.D minor.

Once achieved, candidacy is granted through year seven of graduate study for students completing the M.S degree, or through year six of graduate study for students admitted with an M.S. degree in a related discipline, unless terminated by the department (e.g., for unsatisfactory progress). This term is not affected by leaves of absence. The candidacy end date is listed on the student’s record in AXESS. Students who are unable to graduate before their candidacy expires may submit an extension request for up to one additional year of candidacy.

Candidacy extensions requests require review of a dissertation progress report, a dissertation draft, timetable for completion of the dissertation, and any other factors regarded as relevant by the department. Students must submit the candidacy extension request before the end of their program's time limit. Once candidacy has expired, registration privileges are terminated and the student will need to apply for reinstatement into the Ph.D. program. Extension requests should be submitted to the Aero/Astro Student Services Office. Note, the department is not obligated to grant an extension, and all requests are subject to final approval by the Aero/Astro Department Chair.

Ph.D. Funding

AA-PhD students who are in good standing relative to program requirements are funded to the department’s 50% academic year post-quals research assistantship level. Arranging for this funding is the responsibility of the faculty Ph.D. advisor and the department, and can include fellowships, research assistantships, training grants and teaching assistantships.

Students receiving summer funds, including RAs and fellowships, must be registered. If there is a reasonable expectation for a student to be making progress toward the degree in the summer or during a graduation quarter, and the student is in good standing, the student should be funded at minimum to the 50% post-quals research assistantship level. However, arrangements may be made during the summer for a research assistantship percentage increase/decrease depending on the expectations of research progress agreed upon by the student and advisor. When students near the end of their degree program, the student and advisor may agree to end the graduate funding; it’s necessary, for instance, if students begin their new employment before Ph.D. conferral.

Course requirements

Each individual Ph.D. program, designed by the student in consultation with the advisor, should represent a strong and cohesive program reflecting the student's major field of interest. Ph.D. candidates must complete a minimum of 135 units. Ph.D. candidates who received their M.S. from Stanford may count up to 45 units towards the 135-unit total. Students who received an M.S. degree at another institution may petition (through the university Registrar’s Office) to transfer up to 45 units toward the 135-unit requirement.

Of the 90 units required beyond the M.S., a student must complete a minimum of 27 units (including 9 units of mathematics) of approved courses in advanced study in engineering, science, and mathematics (excluding research, directed study, and seminars) beyond the MS degree. These units must be taken for a letter grade, and all courses must be numbered 200 and above. Note: One math course may be taken at the 100 level if approved by the advisor. The remainder of the 90 units may be in the form of either Ph.D. dissertation units or free electives, these remaining units must be in courses at or above the 100 level. Units which were applied toward the M.S. degree cannot be used again. An advisor approved Ph.D. course proposal must be submitted when applying for Ph.D. candidacy.

Ph.D. students in Aeronautics and Astronautics must take 3 mathematics courses (a minimum of 9 units), with at least 6 units from courses numbered above 200. The Aero/Astro Department and the other engineering departments offer many courses that have sufficient mathematical content that they may be used to satisfy the mathematics requirement; a pre-approved list of mathematics requirements  (PDF) is included in the department's handbook, but there are many others which may be acceptable. Please consult with your advisor and the Aero/Astro Student Services Office before assuming that a particular course will be accepted in your own program.

Ph.D. Minor

If choosing to take a Ph.D. minor, or minors, in other departments, a maximum of 9 units total from the minor program(s) may be included in the 27 units of formal coursework; the remaining minor units may be considered free electives, and included within the 90-unit total (beyond the MS) required for the Aero/Astro Ph.D.

Dissertation Reading Committee

Each Ph.D. candidate is required to establish a reading committee for the doctoral dissertation within six months after passing the department's Ph.D. Qualifying Examination. Thereafter, the student should consult frequently with all members of the committee about the direction and progress of the dissertation research. The student’s principal advisor and dissertation reading committee have the responsibility of supervising the research work and insuring that high standards of performance are maintained. Conversely, it is the student’s responsibility to keep their reading committee members informed about their research progress. The signatures on your dissertation represent the final certification of its adequacy.

A Dissertation Reading Committee consists of the principal dissertation advisor and at least two other readers. If the principal advisor is not within the Aero/Astro Department, there should be an Aero/Astro co-advisor. It is expected that at least two members of the Aero/Astro faculty will be on the reading committee. Although all readers are usually members of the Stanford Academic Council, the Department Chair may approve in special circumstances that must be justifiable, one non-Academic Council reader if the person brings unusual and necessary expertise to the dissertation research, and has no conflict of interest (for example, this person should not be part of the research project or directly associated with the funding authority). Generally, this non-Academic Council reader will be a fourth reader, in addition to three Academic Council members. It is the student’s and the advisor’s responsibility to justify to the Chair why this non-Academic Council member is proposed as a fourth reader.

The student must submit a Doctoral Dissertation Reading Committee form , signed by each of the readers, to the Aero/Astro Student Services Office for approval by the Department Chair. Approval of a non-Academic Council reader requires submission of a Petition for Non-Academic Council Doctoral Committee Members . Any changes to the committee must be submitted to the Aero/Astro Student Services Office for approval by the Department Chair prior to submission of the dissertation. The Change of Advisor or Reading Committee Form requires the signature of anyone who is added to the committee; advisors/readers who signed the original form do not need to sign again.

University Oral Examination

Each Ph.D. candidate is required to take the University Oral Examination after the dissertation is substantially completed but before final approval of the dissertation. The dissertation draft must be in writing, with the expectation the final dissertation will be ready to submit within one quarter of the examination. The student should make available the draft copy of the dissertation to members of the examination committee prior to the exam. The examination itself is intended to verify that the research represents the student’s own contribution to knowledge and to test their understanding of the research. Candidacy must be valid and the student must be registered in the quarter in which the University Oral Examination is taken. The coordination of this exam is the responsibility of the department (primarily the student and advisor). The Registrar reviews but does not participate in the examination. The examination normally begins with a presentation by the Ph.D. candidate during which clarifying questions may be asked. This part of the examination is typically open to the public. After a brief recess, the examination continues in private session, with only the candidate and members of the examining committee in attendance.

This Committee is comprised of four faculty examiners plus a chairman. The examination should be conducted according to the major department’s stated practice, although it should not exceed three hours in length. A typical exam in Aero/Astro is expected to take three hours. At the conclusion of the examination the candidate should be asked to leave so that the committee can confer in private. A vote is taken and the chair tallies the votes of the members. The Orals Chair should submit the results of the examination to the Student Services Office immediately following the exam. The student’s advisor will notify the student of the outcome.

The University Oral Examination Form can be found on the Registrar’s Office website. The form must be submitted with a thesis draft to the Aero/Astro Student Services Office at least three weeks prior to the date arranged for the oral examination. The department will provide a (red) folder which includes the exam schedule, ballots, and department and university guidelines for the exam. Note: Students must be enrolled during the quarter when they take their University Oral Examination. If the orals take place during the break time between quarters, the student must be enrolled in the prior quarter. Once the oral examination has been passed, the student finalizes the thesis for reading committee review and final approval.

Procedures for Scheduling University Oral Examinations

• Register for the quarter in which you will be taking your Orals.
• Verify your Reading Committee in Axess : If the committee who signed on the form when you submitted your Doctoral Dissertation Reading Committee form is no longer appropriate, complete the Change of Advisor or Reading Committee Form and submit to the Aero/Astro Student Services Office.
• Four examiners: normally your reading committee plus one other faculty member, although readers are not required to be members (for instance, in case of scheduling conflicts). At least one examiner must be from your major department; Aero/Astro expects that two or, more likely, three members will be Aero/Astro faculty. Check with your minor department for their rules for representation. At least three examiners must be members of the Academic Council (i.e., a Stanford Professor, Associate Professor, or Assistant Professor - not Adjunct or Visiting). A non-Academic Council member requires a Petition for Doctoral Committee Members.
• Committee chair: must be a member of the Academic Council or an emeritus member. May not hold an appointment in the same department as you or your advisor (this includes joint appointments, but does not include courtesy appointments). May not be a member of the reading committee. The chair is an "impartial representative of the University" in the exam; although the chair does vote, the chair need not be expert in your field. If you are having difficulty identifying a chair, ask your advisor or fellow students for suggestions. If you decide on a chair from a distant field (e.g., History or Music), make sure your advisor is aware of your plan before the exam
• Schedule a room: for participation in a public seminar, ask the Aero Astro Office (Durand 202), email: [email protected]
• University Oral Examination Schedule Form (if you have a minor, obtain minor department chair signature)
• Dissertation abstract (for the committee chair)
• Dissertation draft (for the department chair, and full committee as requested)
• Petition for Non-Academic Council Doctoral Committee Members, if required (with curriculum vitae if they are not visiting faculty or on the Stanford academic staff.)
• Remind your Committee – Approximately three days before the oral, send reminders to your full committee about the exam date and location.

Doctoral Dissertation

Please refer to the Directions for Preparing Doctoral Dissertations , which outlines the University guidelines for preparing a Ph.D. dissertation. When the final draft of your dissertation has been completed, make an appointment to consult with the Graduate Degree Progress (GDP) officer in the Registrar’s Office to go over a review of the completion of your Ph.D. program and the strict formatting requirements for the dissertation. Submit the final version of your dissertation to the GDP no later than the dissertation deadline of your submission quarter. Note: All members of the Reading Committee must sign the dissertation before the filing deadline.

The date of degree conferral is early in the following quarter. Diplomas are mailed following degree conferral. Students who have no outstanding Stanford obligations (financial or academic) may obtain an official "certificate of completion" from the Graduate Degree Progress Office after degree conferral. Prior to requesting a Statement of Completion, the submission must first be approved by both the Final Reader and Registrar's Office. Note: students will receive email confirmation once the submission is approved by the Registrar's Office. This email confirmation will provide instructions for obtaining the letter by essentially logging on to AXESS, and going to the eDissertation/eThesis Center, where it should be ready and available as a link to the student.

Note: Students may be eligible to petition for a Graduation Quarter during the quarter they plan to submit the dissertation. For details, contact the Aero/Astro Student Services Office . International students should consult carefully with the International Center before selecting specialized registration status because their visas may prohibit it.

PhD Pathways 2024

PhD Pathways returns on March 14, 2024!

PhD Pathways is an all-day career exploration experience for Stanford PhD students and postdocs. At Pathways, you will have the opportunity to explore careers beyond academia in community with other PhD students and postdocs from across the university by attending panels, workshops, and more. Pathways is your opportunity to connect with PhD alums and your classmates, discover how the skills you’ve gained in graduate school translate to non-faculty careers, learn how to navigate the career exploration process, and devise advance your journey at Stanford and beyond!

By attending PhD Pathways, you will be able to:

• Identify 1-3 career fields available to PhDs outside academia
• Articulate 1-3 ways that your skills can translate to careers beyond academia
• Identify 1-3 next steps to develop your skills and refine your interests to advance towards your career goals
• Build confidence in your ability to approach people to discuss their careers 

PhD Pathways will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2024, from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at the Arrillaga Alumni Center. Please note that attendees are expected to commit to attending the full day of events.

Registration Information

Registration for PhD Pathways 2024 is now closed. Pre-registration for PhD Pathways is required. If you did not register for the event, you are not permitted to attend.

If you have any questions about registration, or if you have already registered and have questions about your registration and deposit, please contact Sal Cipriano at [email protected] . 

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Program Schedule

Check back regularly as more detailed information, including panelist and presenter info, is added!

PhD Pathways includes several plenary activities and four concurrent sessions scheduled throughout the day. Choose from a range of opportunities to explore different industries and job roles, learn how to apply your skills to careers beyond academia, and gain insight into career topics to help you navigate your career journey. 

9:00-9:15 a.m. | Opening Remarks Speaker :  Yi-Ching Ong, PhD ‘10, Microbiology and Immunology - Executive Director, Haas Center for Public Service

9:15-10:00 a.m. | Prime Your Mind Opening Plenary Activity Pathways will open with an interactive and reflective session to help you identify your professional curiosities, meet fellow attendees, and make a starting plan for the day.

• Urmila Venkatesh, Lecturer and Fellow, Stanford Life Design Lab
• Dustin Liu, Lecturer and Fellow, Stanford Life Design Lab

10:10-11:10 a.m. | Session 1

• Leslie Koyoma, PhD ‘19, Developmental Biology - Confocal Sales Specialist, Leica Microsystems
• Alaina Strickler, PhD ‘19, Chemical Engineering - Staff Materials Engineer, Tesla
• Joanna Lee, PhD ‘12, Biological Sciences - Principal Scientist, Genentech
• Anjali Shastri, PhD ‘14, Immunology - Senior Program Manager II, 23andMe
• Weiwei Wu, PhD ‘18, Chemistry - Senior Manager, Bain and Company
• Imran Ozer, PhD ‘21 (Duke), Biomedical Engineering - Project Leader, BCG
• Alicia Levey, PhD ‘08, Cancer Biology - Venture Partner, Versant Ventures
• Ming Cheah, PhD ‘14, Immunology and Oncology - Vice President - Life Sciences Investing, Goldman Sachs
• Alessandra Aquilanti, PhD ‘15, Italian Literature - Development Director, Music@Menlo
• Jenny Roxas - Associate Director, Belonging, Access, and Career Equity, Stanford Career Education
• Miguel Jimenez - Assistant Director, Belonging, Access, and Career Equity, Stanford Career Education
• Luca Vendraminelli, PhD ‘21 (Padova), Management Science and Engineering - Research Fellow, Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence
• Christina Langer, PhD ‘23 (KU Eichstätt-Ingolstadt), Economics - Postdoctoral Fellow, Stanford Digital Economy Lab
• Xiaotang Huang - Director, Employer Relations and Outcomes, Stanford Career Education

11:20 a.m.-12:20 p.m. | Session 2

• Monica Bhole, PhD ‘17, Economics - Research Scientist, Facebook
• Whitney Trump, PhD ‘15, English and American Literature - Director, Head of Content Design, WhatsApp
• Lindsay Oishi, PhD ‘12, Educational Psychology - Senior Product Manager, Indeed
• Toby Sachs-Quintana, PhD ‘14, Materials Science and Engineering - Software Engineer, NVIDIA
• Melissa Ko, PhD ‘18, Cancer Biology - Assessment and Curriculum Specialist, UC Berkeley
• Karen Rapp, PhD ‘09, Art History - Deputy Director, San José Museum of Art
• Kaneez Munjee, PhD ‘11, Musicology - Managing Director, Young Women’s Choral Projects
• Joanne Tien, PhD ‘19, Education - Director, RAISE Doctoral Program, Stanford VPGE
• Jen Wang, PhD ‘18, E-IPER - Chief Product Officer, Frame.work
• Brandon Reynante, PhD ‘23, Learning Sciences and Technology Design - Director of Community Engaged Learning, Haas Center for Public Service
• Cody Chun, PhD ‘22, English - Content Strategist, Meta
• Robert Hennessy, PhD ‘12, Electrical Engineering - Director, MEMS Design, TDK-InvenSense
• Joey Nelson, PhD ‘17, Geological and Environmental Sciences - Manager, Research Sciences, Heirloom
• Chiara Bertipaglia, PhD ‘15 (Heidelberg), Biochemistry - Associate Director of Programs and Training, Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute
• Jess Ross, PhD ‘17 (Cincinnati), Anesthesiology - Senior Government Affairs Lead, Unlearn.AI
• Eric Daza, DrPH ‘15 (UNC), Biostatistics - Lead Biostatistician (Data Science), Evidation

12:30-1:30 p.m. | Networking Lunch Connect, network, and learn from alums, professionals, and staff in informal conversations over lunch.

1:30-2:00 p.m. | Afternoon Plenary Activity After lunch, we will reconvene as a group to reflect on what you learned in the first half of the day, identify new questions and ideas, and chart a path for the second half of the day.

2:10-3:10 p.m. | Session 3

• Tanvi Chheda, PhD ‘20, Geology - Data Scientist, Google
• Joshua Yim, PhD ‘20, Chemical and Systems Biology - Data Science External Innovation, J&J Innovative Medicine
• Jae Yeon Kim, PhD ‘21 (UC Berkeley), Political Science - Senior Data Scientist, Safety Net Innovations Program, Code for America
• Glenn Davis, PhD ‘22, Learning Sciences and Technology Design - Senior Data Scientist, Walmart
• Neil Tangri, PhD ‘18, Climate Science - Science and Policy Director, GAIA
• Rachel Wright, PhD ‘15, Sociology - Major Gifts Officer, Jewish Family and Children's Services
• George Wang, PhD ‘09, Biology - Co-Founder and Director, SIRUM
• Elsa Billings, PhD ‘04, Education - Senior Program Associate, WestEd
• Pushpinder Lubana, PhD ‘99 (UMass), Anthropology - Executive Director, JP Morgan Chase
• Gabriela Badica, PhD ‘20, Iberian and Latin American Culture - Associate Director, Communications, Stanford GSB
• Fengjiao Lyu, PhD ‘19, Mechanical Engineering - Senior Data Scientist, Doordash
• Mufan Luo, PhD ‘21, Communication - Sr. UX Researcher, Amazon Web Services
• Jeremy Feaster, PhD ‘17, Chemical Engineering - Research Staff Scientist, Principal Investigator, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
• Rachel Gillum, PhD ‘14, Political Science - Vice President, Ethical and Humane Use of Technology, Salesforce
• Julie Huang, PhD ‘16, Microbiology and Immunology - Staff Scientist, Alector

3:20-4:20 p.m. | Session 4

• Charlotte Stanton, PhD ‘14, Sustainability - Public and Environmental Health, Google
• Rachel Engstrand, PhD ‘21, E-IPER - Applied Science Team Lead, Pachama
• Ekin Gozen, PhD ‘13, Energy Resource Engineering - Portfolio Strategy Manager, Savion
• Andrew Peterman, PhD ‘06, Civil and Environmental Engineering - Director, Renewable Energy, Rivian
• Danielle Green, PhD ‘23, Education - People Operations, Coactive AI
• Lauren Vallez, PhD ‘23, Mechanical Engineering - Senior Mechanical Engineer, Fourier
• Soren Rosier, PhD ‘20, Learning Science and Technology Design - Founder and CEO, PeerTeach
• Shailendra Rao, PhD ‘10, Communication - Head of Product & Design, Codex Health
• Derek Chang, PhD ‘14, Electrical Engineering - Founding Partner, Stratus Data
• Charles Pensig - Founding Partner, Stratus Data
• Rachel Grant, PhD ‘22, Biology - Data Scientist, Stratus Data
• Donnovan Yisrael - Senior Health Educator, Mental Health and Well Being, Vaden Health Services
• Angela Estrella - Wellbeing Coach, Graduate Life Office

4:30-5:00 p.m. | Closing Reflection and Next Steps The day will end with a chance to reflect on the day’s activities and identify actionable next steps that will allow you to maintain momentum in your exploration and advance your career journey.

PhD Pathways Panel Recordings

Between 2020 and 2022, we recorded virtual panels featuring PhD alums who have forged careers beyond academia, in sectors from entrepreneurship, to government, to data science, to writing, and more. Go to the PhD Pathways Panel Recordings .

Past PhD Pathways Programs

Follow the links below to view the programs for the previous Pathways events.

PhD Pathways 2023

PhD Pathways 2019

PhD Pathways 2018

PhD Pathways 2017

PhD Pathways 2016

2024 cohort of Stanford Science Fellows named

Stanford’s School of Humanities and Sciences has awarded five scholars from top research programs the distinguished Stanford Science Fellowship for 2024.

Five award-winning scholars have been selected as the  2024 cohort of Stanford Science Fellows .

Launched as part of Stanford’s  Long-Range Vision  in 2020, the highly competitive SSF program for postdoctoral researchers aims to support scholars while advancing foundational science and fostering effective interdisciplinary approaches to fundamental questions through research. Providing top postdoctoral scholars access to critical resources is a key part of ensuring their success.

“One thing that is very special about this program is that it encompasses the entire spectrum of natural sciences, from biology, to physics, to chemistry, to astronomy, ecology, and mathematics,” said Christine-Jacobs Wagner , the Dennis Cunningham Professor at the Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences. “We really encourage our fellows to take full advantage of all the amazing resources and expertise that exist at Stanford across schools and across facilities.”

Stanford Science Fellows frequently pursue research projects that are interdisciplinary, explained Jacobs-Wagner who, as a professor of biology in H&S and of microbiology and immunology at Stanford School of Medicine, is an interdisciplinary researcher herself.

“For example, a fellow might combine research that spans disciplines and research facilities at Stanford using the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory , where there is state-of-the-art cryo-electron microscopy, to examine image samples collected at Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve or at Hopkins Marine Station ,” Jacobs-Wagner said. “Or they might use advanced AI to study host–pathogen interactions, collaborating with research mentors at the School of Engineering and the School of Medicine . In fact, it's very common for our fellows to have more than one research mentor in different schools.”

Deepening our understanding of foundational science and fostering interdisciplinary approaches to research are central tenets of the program.

“The focus of the Stanford Science Fellows Program is on the fundamental research that leads to other discoveries, not on the applications of research,” said  Peter Michelson , the Luke Blossom Professor in H&S and faculty director of the SSF program. “Although in many cases the results do lead to important applications.”

These blue-sky ideas come from the fellows themselves, who are given the freedom to pursue their own research interests with the support of a faculty host.

“When researchers apply to the program, they are encouraged to propose their own vision for the project they want to pursue,” Michelson said. “It's not a top-down thing. The projects are really driven by the vision of the fellows.”

2024 Stanford Science Fellows

Mojgan Asadi researches the relationship between the structure and function of enzymes using quantum mechanics and molecular mechanics simulations. She will work with faculty host Steven Boxer , the Camille Dreyfus Professor of Chemistry in H&S, to investigate the use of vibrational Stark effect probes to study the catalytic activity and covalent inhibition of enzymes that are important targets of drug development.

Veronica Frans  is a quantitative ecologist who speaks six languages and emphasizes the use of local knowledge and community outreach in her work. She combines statistical modeling, ecological theory, and synthesis research to build accessible tools for conservation. She will work with faculty host  Fiorenza Micheli,  the David and Lucile Packard Professor of Marine Science in the Doerr School of Sustainability, to develop a new framework for predicting human–wildlife relationships under global change.

Yuanwei Li studies nanoparticles and their optical and mechanical properties. Her interdisciplinary work spans the fields of chemistry, nanophotonics, and materials science. She will work with faculty host Jennifer Dionne , associate professor of materials science and engineering in the School of Engineering, to develop new optical nanomaterials and molecular probes for biosensing and detection with applications in medical diagnostics and therapeutics.

Rafael Rivera-Lugo studies how bacterial diseases develop and progress (pathogenesis), host immune responses, and the importance of bacterial metabolism to pathogenesis. He will work with faculty host Christine Jacobs-Wagner to investigate how the microbiome influences Borrelia burgdorferi infection, the pathogen that causes Lyme disease. As a Puerto Rican and first-generation student, he cares deeply about promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in science.

Adam Shaw studies quantum computing at the scale of atoms. He uses lasers to trap and control individual atoms to study how we can exploit their quantum properties to perform simulations faster than any classical computer. He will work with faculty host Jon Simon , associate professor of physics and applied physics in H&S, to improve upon the platform used in his previous research to make it process information up to a million times faster.

This year’s cohort is the fifth since the program began in 2020, and it brings the total number of fellows to 39, representing the Schools of Humanities and Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, and  Sustainability . The researchers in the 2024 cohort are hosted by Stanford’s departments of  Bioengineering ,  Chemistry ,  Earth System Science ,  Mathematics , and  Physics .

Acknowledgements

Michelson is also a professor of physics; Boxer is also a faculty fellow at Sarafan ChEM-H  and is a member of Stanford Bio-X and of the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute ; Micheli is also a professor, by courtesy, of biology and a senior fellow at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment ; Dionne is also an associate professor, by courtesy, of radiology, a senior fellow of the  Precourt Institute for Energy , and a member of Stanford Bio-X, the Cardiovascular Institute , and the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute; Jacobs-Wagner is an institute scholar at Sarafan ChEM-H and is also a member of Stanford Bio-X.

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Richard Meyer receives 2023 Dedalus Foundation Exhibition Catalogue Award

Rachel Jean-Baptiste awarded 2024 David H. Pinkney Prize

Joel Cabrita receives National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences book award

Students will explore Taylor Swift’s lyrics as literature in new course

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Graduate Student Council debates legacy admissions

Diego Kagurabadza ’25, incumbent Undergraduate Senate (UGS) Chair and Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU) Executive President-elect, presented the Graduate Student Council (GSC) with two bills concerning legacy admissions and ethical spending at their Tuesday meeting. 

Kagurabadza first presented the “Joint Resolution on the Status of Admissions Preferences” bill, which reaffirms the October of Affirmative Action resolution that called for the elimination of legacy preferences in the admissions process.

Kagurabadza noted that it allows Stanford to be a part of the national conversation alongside other elite institutions and shows support for the State movement. The California State Assembly is currently considering the prohibition of legacy and donor admissions. 

“I think we hear a lot about Stanford as being innovative and as being a first mover. On an issue that’s of such national and state importance, I think it’d be nice for the university to commit to that tradition,” Kagurabadza said. 

According to Kagurabadza, Class Action , a national organization devoted to ending legacy admissions, approached him, asking that Stanford be a part of their national campaign. He noted that of eighty higher education institutions in California, Stanford University is one of seven that practices legacy and donor admissions. 

Graduate School of Business representative Chris West raised concerns on the recent Supreme Court decision that removed race from affirmative action considerations, while other factors like gender and sexual orientation remain. He suggested that those who no longer benefit from affirmative action as it currently exists could still benefit from legacy admissions. 

Kagurabadza empathized with those concerns regarding students from minority backgrounds but noted that affirmative action is not connected to legacy and donor admissions. He reiterated the ongoing influence of other identity-conscious admissions, despite the Supreme Court ruling. 

He underscored that when considering racial demographics, the proportion of legacy students from minority groups is small. Citing National Bureau of Economic Research data from, 70% of those who benefitted from legacy and donor preference were White or European. 

“I don’t think you ‘would need the end of race-conscious admissions’ to also demand the end to this practice,” Kagurabadza said. 

Kagurabadza said the hope is that the resolution sparks more action and puts some pressure on the Faculty Senate to review and agree to the initial demands made in the fall. 

Kagurabadza also presented the “Joint Bill to establish a Committee on Ethical Spending.” This bill proposes the formation of a predominantly student-run committee tasked with identifying and recommending against purchases or investments from unethical vendors to VSOs, ASSU funding committees and the Stanford Student Enterprise (SSE). 

The committee would also investigate allegations made by students or anyone in the broader Stanford community about where ASSU funding is spent. He said any recommendations made are purely advisory and will be publicly available on the ASSU website which VSOs can ultimately reject. 

West questioned the feasibility of monitoring and enforcement from an investment perspective where there are many layers and intermediaries involved. However, he suggested that financial incentives would possibly increase adherence to the recommendations despite the added difficulty. 

Perry Nielsen Jr., a second-year master’s student in health policy and the Cabinet Director for Graduate Student Affairs, suggested that any recommendations made by the proposed committee should not be too complicated. 

Kagurabadza reiterated that this bill does not suggest that considerations of ethical financial practices do not exist, but would now allow students a channel to voice their concerns and provide input. 

Additionally, the GSC will certify election results on May 7. The last official meeting of the current GSC and transition meeting for the newly elected members will be held on May 21. 

Leon de Souza, the Assistant Elections Commissioner, said that voter turnout was about 37%, almost doubled from the previous year. All annual grants passed and the Statement on Divestment was approved. 

There were two write-ins on the ballot – Laurel Kim J.D. ‘24 and Natali Barakat M.D. ‘28 of the Law School and Medical School respectively. They must now confirm if they choose to join the GSC.

There were five different funding requests to the GSC, including the Stanford Law School Drama Society’s request for their MuSLSical afterparty and the Women In Mathematics, Statistics, and Computational Engineering’s job panel. The Black Engineering Graduate Student Association’s recommended amount for their Happy Hour was initially lower than their request, but the councilors motioned to allow the full amount. All five requests were approved in full upon voting. 

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Stanford faculty elected to National Academy of Sciences

Seven Stanford researchers join the scholarly society.

The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) announced 124 newly elected members, including seven Stanford University researchers. Scientists are elected to the NAS by their peers “in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research.” The NAS provides advice to the United States government on matters related to science and technology.

The new members from Stanford are:

Zhenan Bao : the K. K. Lee Professor in the School of Engineering and professor of chemical engineering and, by courtesy, of materials science and engineering and of chemistry. Bao is a member of  Stanford Bio-X , the  Stanford Cardiovascular Institute , the  Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance , the  Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute , and the  Maternal & Child Health Research Institute ; a senior fellow of the Precourt Institute for Energy ; an affiliate of the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment ; and a faculty fellow of  Sarafan ChEM-H .

Arthur Grossman : visiting professor, by courtesy, of biology in the School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S). Grossman is a senior staff scientist at the Carnegie Institution for Science , which has a facility on the Stanford campus. He is also an affiliate of the Precourt Institute.

Harold Hwang : professor of applied physics in H&S and of photon science at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory . Hwang is also director of the Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences (SIMES) and senior fellow at the Precourt Insitute

Tony Heinz : professor of applied physics in H&S and of photon science at SLAC and a professor, by courtesy, of electrical engineering in Stanford Engineering. Heinz is also a principal investigator at SIMES; a member of the Stanford PULSE Institute ; and an affiliate of the Precourt Institute.

Suzanne Pfeffer : the Emma Pfeiffer Merner Professor of Medical Sciences at Stanford Medicine and professor of biochemistry. Pfeffer is also a member of Bio-X, the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance, the Stanford Cancer Institute , and the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, and a faculty fellow of Sarafan ChEM-H.

Jennifer Raymond : the Berthold and Belle N. Guggenhime Professor at Stanford Medicine and professor of neurobiology. Raymond is also a member of Bio-X and the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute.

Joanna Wysocka : the Lorry Lokey Professor at Stanford Medicine and professor of chemical and systems biology and of developmental biology. Wysocka is a member of Bio-X, the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, the Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine , the Stanford Cancer Institute, and the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute.

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Manik Aima, PhD promoted to Clinical Assistant Professor

Congratulations to Manik Aima, PhD for being promoted to Clinical Assistant Professor, effective February 1st.

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The field of finance covers the economics of claims on resources. Financial economists study the valuation of these claims, the markets in which they are traded, and their use by individuals, corporations, and the society at large.

At Stanford GSB, finance faculty and doctoral students study a wide spectrum of financial topics, including the pricing and valuation of assets, the behavior of financial markets, and the structure and financial decision-making of firms and financial intermediaries.

Investigation of issues arising in these areas is pursued both through the development of theoretical models and through the empirical testing of those models. The PhD Program is designed to give students a good understanding of the methods used in theoretical modeling and empirical testing.

Preparation and Qualifications

All students are required to have, or to obtain during their first year, mathematical skills at the level of one year of calculus and one course each in linear algebra and matrix theory, theory of probability, and statistical inference.

Students are expected to have familiarity with programming and data analysis using tools and software such as MATLAB, Stata, R, Python, or Julia, or to correct any deficiencies before enrolling at Stanford.

The PhD program in finance involves a great deal of very hard work, and there is keen competition for admission. For both these reasons, the faculty is selective in offering admission. Prospective applicants must have an aptitude for quantitative work and be at ease in handling formal models. A strong background in economics and college-level mathematics is desirable.

It is particularly important to realize that a PhD in finance is not a higher-level MBA, but an advanced, academically oriented degree in financial economics, with a reflective and analytical, rather than operational, viewpoint.

Faculty in Finance

Anat r. admati, juliane begenau, jonathan b. berk, greg buchak, antonio coppola, peter m. demarzo, darrell duffie, steven grenadier, benjamin hébert, arvind krishnamurthy, hanno lustig, matteo maggiori, paul pfleiderer, joshua d. rauh, claudia robles-garcia, ilya a. strebulaev, vikrant vig, jeffrey zwiebel, emeriti faculty, robert l. joss, george g.c. parker, myron s. scholes, william f. sharpe, kenneth j. singleton, james c. van horne, recent publications in finance, make decisions with a vc mindset, behavioral responses to state income taxation of high earners: evidence from california, beyond the balance sheet model of banking: implications for bank regulation and monetary policy, recent insights by stanford business, cashless: is digital currency the future of finance, nine stories to get you through tax season, “geoeconomics” explains how countries flex their financial muscles.

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