GOVERNMENT

Stanford University's Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering (ICME) is offering the degree of master of science in computational and mathematical engineering (CME) to industry students completely at a distance beginning in autumn 2005. The Stanford Center for Professional Development will deliver courses online worldwide and via television broadcast within the San Francisco Bay Area. All courses are taught by Stanford faculty and posted online within two hours of live delivery. "Originally, scientists' research methodologies were theory and experiment," explains Parviz Moin, ICME Director and the Franklin P. and Caroline M. Johnson Professor in the School of Engineering. "Computing now forms the third leg of a stool for scientific discovery, allowing the performance and behavior of physical systems to be predicted and studied. Advancements in super-computing have led to the development of sophisticated multi-scale simulation tools, increasing the need for computational engineers in almost every industry." ICME faculty members have joint appointments with other departments in the School of Engineering. "To do mathematics and mathematical applications requires the breadth and strength of a top-rated university like Stanford," Moin says. Stanford researchers currently use computer simulation tools to explore a broad range of real-world challenges, including: more efficient jet engines, surgical strategies with better outcomes, improved understanding of protein folding in health and disease, and optimized Internet traffic. The CME master's degree curriculum reflects this interdisciplinary focus. It includes new courses specifically developed for the graduate program, as well as an expanding selection of electives that draw from all these areas of research. Admissions to the program and graduation requirements are the same for distance learners and fulltime students. Deadlines for applications to the CME MS program are March 1st for autumn admission, July 31st for winter, and October 31st for spring. Industry students may pursue degrees on a part-time basis while continuing employment. The Stanford Center for Professional Development offers graduate degrees, credit courses, certificates and professional development short courses to meet the career-long learning needs of engineers, scientists, technology professionals and managers. Twenty-three Stanford master of science degree concentrations are available online in: biomedical informatics, computer science, computational mathematics and engineering, electrical engineering, management science and engineering, and mechanical engineering. http://scpd.stanford.edu/content?cme