PhD in Operations Research and Financial Engineering (ORFE PhD)
A research doctorate spanning probability, statistics, optimisation and their applications. Students can pursue mathematical finance or financial econometrics within a broader programme of methodological research.
What you’ll study
Core
- Probability (doctoral core area)
- Statistics (doctoral core area)
- Optimisation (doctoral core area)
- Directed Research
- Doctoral Dissertation
Source: orfe.princeton.edu ↗
Before you apply
- Background
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science or mathematics normally required
- Maths
- Strong mathematical preparation
- Tests
- GRE optional specifically for Fall 2026; later intake policy not established
- English
- TOEFL, IELTS or DET required unless an exemption applies
Source: orfe.princeton.edu ↗
After graduation
The programme doesn’t publish an employment report.
Want to see what employers ask for? Browse open quant roles.
What students and graduates say
Threads from QuantNet and other forums where applicants, students and graduates discuss this programme. They’re personal views and may be out of date.
- PhD in ORFE advice (Reddit)
- Would Princeton ORFE PhD give me a chance if I didn't meet core course grading requirements as a masters student? (Other)
The programme page describes six first-year core courses plus qualifying/general examinations. No dated programme employment-rate statistic was established.
Checked 6 November 2026 against the sources linked on this page. Fees, units and requirements change each year, so confirm them on the programme’s website before applying.