We offer the Ph.D. in Decision Sciences and Engineering Systems (DSES). The program allows qualified students to pursue advanced study within the department's core intellectual area of industrial and information systems engineering. IISE involves the application of mathematical, computational, statistical and information science methods to model, analyze and solve complex decision problems in engineering, business and social systems. It employs methods of mathematical programming, queuing theory, computational optimization, decision analysis, applied statistics, database systems, soft computing, and discrete event simulation for solving problems related to the design, planning, and operation of complex systems where intelligent coordination and collaboration is necessary to achieve optimal performance. It applies results from operations research, statistics and information systems to design, rationalize, and control large-scale enterprise systems. It is distinctive from management and economics in the use of an engineering approach to design and analyze enterprise processes to optimize performance. It is distinctive from computer science in its focus on the design of data and knowledge systems as the organizational center where operations and enterprise systems are integrated. Graduates of our doctoral program have accepted positions in academia, private industry and government.

Program Requirements

Students holding a bachelor's degree upon entering the program complete a minimum 72 credit-hour plan of study; those holding a master's degree complete a minimum 42 credit-hour plan of study. As part of the doctoral qualifying exam requirements, students must complete a special seminar course in which they are introduced to faculty research and to research methods, identify a research advisor and then submit a research proposal for their dissertation.

After passing the Doctoral Qualifying Exam requirements, each doctoral student forms a dissertation committee in consultation with the faculty advisor. The committee administers a candidacy exam at which the student presents the proposed dissertation topic and obtains the committee's agreement that the topic is worthy of the Ph.D. and that the student possesses the necessary background to complete the proposed research successfully. The doctoral program culminates in the public defense of the dissertation.

The complete description of the program's requirements is available from the department.

Financial Aid

Financial aid for qualified students is available in the form of teaching assistantships, research assistantships and scholarships. Outstanding students may qualify for institute-supported Rensselaer Scholar Fellowships. Low-interest, deferred-payment graduate loans are also available for U.S. citizens with demonstrated need.

For more information...

For information about the requirements for completing the plan of study, see the online RPI catalogue.