NYU Launches the Courant Institute School: New Era of Mathematics, Computing and Data Science

New York University (NYU) has taken a significant step in advancing STEM education by announcing the establishment of the Courant School of Mathematics, Computing, and Data Science. This new school marks a strategic evolution in NYU’s approach to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, combining multiple disciplines into a unified academic and research powerhouse. The move reflects the university’s commitment to preparing students for the future of technology-driven industries and research.

A New Era for STEM at NYU

The creation of this new school integrates NYU’s mathematics department, computer science units, data science programs, and engineering-related fields. By bringing these areas together, NYU aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. This integration will provide students with a broader academic platform and access to cutting-edge research opportunities.

Currently, prospective students applying for Fall 2026 cannot select this new school on the Common Application. However, the establishment of this school signals a future where NYU students will benefit from a more cohesive and forward-looking STEM education.

Technology innovation has long been a priority for NYU. The new school consolidates the university’s strengths in mathematics, applied mathematics, data science, computer science, and engineering. This consolidation will enhance NYU’s influence in emerging fields and improve its ability to train students with the skills needed for careers in computing and data-driven industries.

NYU’s president, Andrew Hamilton, highlighted that the school’s formation represents a major leap in the university’s technology strategy. It builds on a decade of impressive research achievements and positions NYU to remain a leader in scientific discovery and engineering education.

NYU’s Research Growth and Ambitions

Over the past ten years, NYU’s research funding and output have grown dramatically. According to the National Science Foundation’s 2024 Higher Education Research and Development Survey, NYU now ranks first in research funding within New York State and has climbed to 12th nationally. This rapid rise places NYU among the fastest-growing research universities in the United States.

Under the leadership of Vice President for Research, Dr. Maria DePablo, NYU plans to launch new research initiatives, recruit top scientists, host international conferences, and expand laboratory facilities. The new school will be central to these efforts, embodying the idea that combining strengths across disciplines creates a whole greater than the sum of its parts.

The Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences has a storied history dating back to the 1940s. Founded by Richard Courant, it has been a beacon of excellence in applied mathematics and interdisciplinary research. The institute has produced numerous distinguished scholars, including:

• 3 Turing Award winners

• 3 Fields Medal recipients

• 6 Abel Prize laureates

• 11 National Medal of Science recipients

  
  

One of the institute’s current members, Professor Hong Wang, recently gained international recognition for proving the “Hodge Conjecture,” underscoring the ongoing academic vitality of the Courant tradition.

Collaborative Formation of the Courant Institute School

The new school emerged from months of collaboration among faculty from the Courant Institute, the Center for Data Science, and the Computer Science and Engineering Department at the Tandon School of Engineering. Together, they crafted a vision for a high-caliber academic institution that emphasizes interdisciplinary research and innovation.

The school will include:

• The Mathematics Department, building on Courant’s pure and applied math expertise

• The Data Science Center

• An expanded Computer Science Department that merges strengths from Courant and Tandon

  
  

Faculty will hold joint appointments across departments, breaking down traditional barriers and encouraging resource sharing and collaboration.

The new school will maintain the Courant tradition of selective admissions. For example, the existing computer science master’s program requires strong academic backgrounds and research experience, with core courses in algorithms, operating systems, and machine learning. The new school will likely place even greater emphasis on interdisciplinary potential and creativity.

Students aiming to apply should focus on:

• Participating in mathematical modeling competitions to develop abstract problem-solving skills

• Engaging in machine learning projects to gain hands-on experience with algorithms and engineering

• Pursuing cross-disciplinary research, such as bioinformatics or climate data analysis, to demonstrate innovative thinking

  
  

These experiences will help applicants stand out in a competitive admissions environment.

From its origins as a small research group in 1935, the Courant system has evolved into a flagship academic institution. The launch of the new School of Mathematics, Computing, and Data Science reflects broader shifts in global STEM education, where integration and collaboration across disciplines are key.

This new school combines a rich academic heritage with a clear vision for the future. It promises to be a vital training ground for the next generation of leaders in technology and science, helping NYU maintain its position as a national center for research and innovation.