operations research phd programs us

Operations Research Center

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Phd in operations research.

MIT’s doctoral degree (PhD) program in operations research (OR) provides you with thorough understanding of the theory of OR while teaching you to how to develop and apply OR methods in practice.

We offer a general degree track as well as three optional degree tracks in operations management , networked systems , and analytics . All doctoral students must complete the general degree track requirements; those who choose an optional degree track will have additional, specialized requirements to fulfill. 

General Degree Track

In addition to the writing competency requirements, our rigorous curriculum includes challenging coursework, action learning, and innovative research.

You’ll take eight graduate-level classes that have been approved by the ORC co-directors, including at least two courses in optimization, at least three in applied probability and statistics, and at least one in OR modeling.

You’ll put OR theory into practice through valuable, hands-on learning experiences, completing one of the following:

• Option 1: Participate in a summer internship, during which you’ll create OR models that address a real-world problem.
• Option 2: Undertake a project with an ORC faculty member, either as part of a supervised research activity or as an extra part of a regular course offering.
• Option 3: Take part in a class, for which you’ll build and implement OR models that have practical applications.

And, you’ll conduct in-depth research on a topic that complements your academic interests and career goals. You’ll write a thesis based on the independent research you conduct under the guidance of our expert faculty.

Qualifying Process and General Examination

All students enrolled in an ORC doctoral program must complete the Qualifying Process and receive a passing score on the General Examination.

• Students must choose one approved course from the three different categories (Optimization, Probability, and Machine Learning/Statistics). 
• Students must satisfactorily complete these three courses with a minimum of 2 As and 1 B or a combined GPA of 4.6 or higher by the end of their third semester at MIT.
• Students are required to register and take for credit the software tools course 15.S60 offered during IAP (January) led by current ORC students.
• During the student’s first summer at MIT (month of August), doctoral students will engage in a Common Experience project where students will work in teams to address an important problem for an organization.   
• General Examination : Students are required to take the General Examination once they have passed the Qualifying Process.  The General Exam is comprised of a research-oriented (RO) paper and an oral presentation of the RO paper and a discussion on a research paper selected by the General Exam Committee.

Upon completion of our doctoral program, you’ll have the specialized knowledge and technical skills to have a positive impact in a variety of fields, including business, education, and research. Many of our graduates have gone on to careers in academia, in the U.S. and abroad, while others have found success in business and industry as researchers and consultants.

  Analytics Track

In addition to the general PhD degree requirements, you will also:

• complete a summer internship with an organization related to analytics for your hands-on learning experience.
• take two specialized courses in analytics; these classes may count toward your eight required graduate-level classes.
• serve as a teaching assistant in courses related to analytics, or an approved equivalent.
• write a thesis on a topic related to analytics; one member of your thesis committee should be among the ORC faculty who specialize in analytics.

Networked Systems Track

• complete a summer internship with an organization related to networked systems for your hands-on learning experience.
• take two specialized courses in networked systems; these classes may count toward your eight required graduate-level classes.
• serve as a teaching assistant in courses related to networked systems, or an approved equivalent.
• write a thesis on a topic related to networked systems; one member of your thesis committee should be among the ORC faculty who specialize in networked systems.

Operations Management Track

• complete a summer internship with an organization related to operations management for your hands-on learning experience.
• take two specialized courses in operations management; these classes may count toward your eight required graduate-level classes. 
• serve as a teaching assistant in two MBA courses related to operations management or assist in one and take another one for credit. At least one of the classes for which you’re a teaching assistant must include recitation.
• write a thesis on a topic related to operations management; one member of your thesis committee should be among the ORC faculty who specialize in operations management.

For more information about our PhD program, please see our General Exam Syllabus .

For more information about ORC course offerings, please go here .

What is Operations Research?

Operations research (OR) is the discipline of applying advanced analytical methods—such as optimization, statistics, machine learning, and probability — to  make better decisions that impact society and the world positively.

The mission of the PhD program is intimately linked to the mission of the ORC.

Phone:  617-253-3601 Email:   [email protected]

Tepper School of Business

Ph.D. Program in Operations Research

The ph.d. program in operations research stresses optimization techniques leading to decision-making algorithms and the development of new models for management science applications..

The Tepper School's doctoral program in operations research (OR) is designed to encourage students to make contributions toward basic scientific knowledge in the area. This knowledge can take several forms including:

• The derivations of fundamental results of an analytical or mathematical nature that lead to the development of algorithms for aiding decision-making
• The development of new analytical models appropriate for management science applications in areas such as Marketing, Operations, and Finance
• Controlled experimentation that leads to empirical results that make efficiency comparisons possible among algorithms

A major goal of the program is to train students to recognize operations research problems in real-world situations, and to give them the opportunity to learn about the deployment of operations research models in one or more of these substantive areas. Towards this goal, the program provides the opportunity to develop knowledge of functional areas of business to which optimization can be applied such as Marketing, Operations and Finance. There is a rich tradition of graduates from the program going on to successful careers in these areas both in academia (in business schools, engineering schools in IE and OR departments as well as in Math and Computer Science departments) and industry. 

Course of Study

The basic operations research courses offered include: linear, nonlinear, integer and dynamic programming; graph theory and network optimization; convex optimization and convex analysis; and stochastic models. Each course is taught by a faculty member who is actively pursuing research in the subject area. Since classes are usually small, students frequently meet informally with their instructors. The third semester competence examination is based on the areas covered in these courses.

The research papers assigned for the first and second summers of graduate study are designed to give students an early introduction to research work. The paper may be done individually or jointly with other students or faculty members. Easy interaction in the Tepper School with researchers in the other areas of business and economics and in such related areas as computer science, machine learning, and statistics encourages the application of operations research in imaginative new directions.

In many cases, work on these papers leads to the work on the Ph.D. dissertation, which can begin as soon as the student has passed the third-semester qualifying examination.

Almost invariably, by the end of their second year, if not earlier, students have already worked on professional problems with some of the faculty. For this reason, student working papers written in collaboration with a faculty member are common.

Our History

Carnegie Mellon has pioneered several important developments in both theoretical and applied operations research. Geometric programming, chance constrained programming, and the applications of linear programming to capital budgeting and cost management were among the accomplishments of the '50s and early '60s. Since 1968, when the doctoral program in operations research was started, the Tepper School has initiated several new developments in integer and nonconvex programming, enumerative methods, cutting plane theory, disjunctive programming, constraint programming, network design, algorithm design, machine learning, data mining, and scheduling models.  

Recently, the group has pioneered advances in Approximation Algorithms for Network Design, as well as theory and applications of Modern Convex Optimization. Examples on the Selected Research Topics page illustrate the basic research currently in progress, and examples of new operations research applications can be found elsewhere on the Doctoral Program website.

Research Topics

• Mixed-Integer Programming
• Convex Optimization
• Benders Decomposition
• Branch and Price
• Approximation and Online Algorithms
• Network Design
• Analytical Models in Marketing and Operations
• Connections with Artificial Intelligence
• Interplay between Estimation and Optimization
• Bayesian Optimization
• Massively Distributed and Parallel Algorithm Design
• Machine Learning
• Cultural Factors
• Ethics of Artificial Intelligence

Many of our students are very active in the Carnegie Mellon INFORMS Student Chapter . To learn about the joint PhD program in Algorithms, Combinatorics and Optimization, please visit the webpage http://aco.math.cmu.edu/

P lease visit our Ph.D. Student Profiles page t o view the profiles of our current doctoral candidates.

Program Details

• Requirements

New Research Interest – Ethics of Artificial Intelligence

Ethics and AI is an emerging research interest among faculty members in Operations Research and Ethics. Research topics include algorithmic bias, models of equity and efficiency, machine ethics, and OR/AI for the common good. Given the importance and timeliness of this topic, Tepper faculty members have submitted a grant proposal to the National Science Foundation to support research in this domain.

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H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering

College of engineering, ph.d. in operations research.

The core strength comprising the discipline of Operations Research (OR) at Georgia Tech resides in the Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE). One of the largest programs in the country, approximately half of the entire ISyE faculty is directly responsible for the OR program through teaching and research activities that span virtually every topic and sub-discipline related to the field's basic methodologies of optimization, stochastics/applied probability and simulation. Most important, the OR faculty in the School currently counts among its members some of the most important figures in their respective concentrations, also making the program one of the strongest anywhere.

Students pursuing a degree in Operations Research (OR) are exposed to a host of research activities in the School. As one would expect from a program as large as ours, the range and depth of these activities are substantial. Depending upon your taste, your background, or your career intentions, you can engage in research that spans from the most fundamental/theoretical to work that places greater emphasis on applications. No matter your inclination, as an OR student, you can generally find several faculty doing work in your chosen concentration.

Students are attracted to our OR degree from a variety of academic disciplines and specializations. Most prominent are applicants from mathematics/mathematical sciences, theoretical computer science, and various engineering majors such as electrical and industrial engineering. However, it is not uncommon to also find qualified students from fields such as physics, economics, and statistics.

New Ph.D. students are admitted for each Fall semester only, and the admissions process is coordinated by the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies. Decisions on applicants to our various Ph.D. programs are determined jointly by a committee of faculty members, potential faculty research advisors, and the Associate Chair. All applicants must select and apply to a specific degree program, although it is possible in some cases to switch programs after enrollment.

A prior Master's degree is not a requirement for admission into our Ph.D. programs, and students can earn an M.S. degree typically within the first two years of Ph.D. study. For those unsure about applying to a Master's program versus a Ph.D. program, please note that students in our Master's programs are not guaranteed admission into a Ph.D. program here; we do offer a simplified application scheme. If you are interested in research and a Ph.D. degree, you should apply to a Ph.D. program directly.

Application Requirements

• Transcripts : Transcripts of prior academic work are required, as is evidence of an earned Bachelor's degree. Applicant transcripts should demonstrate strong academic preparation and capability, especially in advanced mathematics and computing coursework. Those with less preparation in mathematics and engineering are expected to use coursework at Georgia Tech to quickly establish proficiency. 
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) : Scores from the general test are required, and strong performance on the quantitative section is expected. Scores from the Mathematics Subject Test are not required, but can help a student demonstrate proficiency in advanced mathematics.  **The GRE is optional for the 2024 admissions cycle for Ph.D. applicants.**   However, if you decide not to submit GRE scores, the rest of your academic record should make up for the lack of the test score. If you have GRE test scores and wish to submit them for Fall 2023, they will be accepted and considered.  
• Statement of Purpose : The written statement of purpose should describe clearly why the applicant wishes to pursue the Ph.D., including research and career goals. While the statement should describe past experiences, it should also identify clearly the research area of interest to the applicant and the members of our faculty that might serve as research advisor(s).
• Resume: A resume outlining academic experience, research experience and accomplishments, industry experience, specific skills, and outside interests of the applicant is required.
• Letters of Reference:   Three (3) credible letters of reference are required that attest to the preparation of the applicant and the likelihood for success in a Ph.D. program. At least two (2) letters should be from faculty members.  

Each year, we receive many more applications from qualified students than we have the capacity to admit into our programs. To help admitted students learn more about our programs and meet potential research advisors, we hold an invitation-only Ph.D. Applicant Visit Day annually in early March.  

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Career Paths

ISyE produces well-rounded graduates who go on to make an extraordinary mark on the world through their leadership in engineering and technology. With broad skill sets and innovative minds molded by the number one school of industrial engineering in the country, our graduates are out changing the world and paving the way for future generations..

A sample of companies our Ph.D. graduates launched their careers with

• BHP Billiton
• Norfolk Southern
• Descartes Associates
• GE Global Research
• JP Morgan Chase
• Suntrust Bank
• Delta Technologies
• Capital One
• United Airlines

A sample of academic institutions our Ph.D. graduates launched their careers with

• MIT (Sloan/ORC)
• Carnegie Mellon (Business, Statistics)
• Purdue (Industrial Engineering)
• Harvard (Statistics)
• Iowa (Business)
• Arkansas (Industrial Engineering)
• Texas-Austin (Operations Research)
• Northwestern (IEMS, Business)
• Lehigh (Industrial Engineering)
• Florida (Industrial Engineering)
• North Carolina-Chapel Hill (Operations Research, Business)
• Middle East Technical University [Turkey] (Industrial Engineering)
• Duke (Business)
• Chicago (Business)
• Minnesota (Industrial Engineering)
• University of Chile (Industrial Engineering)
• Texas A&M (Industrial Engineering)
• Virginia Tech (Industrial Engineering)

Prospective Student Resources

New student checklist, graduate orientation resources, graduate handbook, financial aid.

Yes, the IELTS exam is accepted. See here for score requirements:  https://www.grad.gatech.edu/english-proficiency  

Transfer credit is accepted only in rare cases, and must be approved by the Associate Chair of Graduate Studies, ISyE. The review and approval process typically takes place during a student’s first semester in the program. A maximum of six total credit hours are transferrable. 

You may begin your application here: http://www.grad.gatech.edu/apply-now

Applicants should track their status through the CollegeNet online status check found here: https://www.grad.gatech.edu/status-checking

All ISyE Ph.D. students receive some type of funding and this is typically via a graduate assistantship (GRA or GTA). Sometimes students are supported by external fellowships. Please see here for more information on support: https://www.isye.gatech.edu/academics/doctoral/current-students/financial-support  

It is common for Ph.D. students to earn a Master’s degree as they progress through their Ph.D. program of study. That is, appropriate courses taken as part of their Ph.D. program are often applied to satisfy relevant degree requirements for a single Master’s degree. The review and approval process must go through the Associate chair for Graduate Studies.  Ph.D. students will not however be granted multiple Master’s degrees from ISyE. 

No. All Ph.D. students studying in ISyE receive financial support in the form of a graduate assistantship. There is no separate application required.  https://www.isye.gatech.edu/academics/doctoral/prospective-students/financial-support

Yes. ISyE Ph.D. students must be enrolled in the Atlanta campus.

Exceptions are given to applicants from countries where English is the SOLE OFFICIAL language of instruction. An applicant is also exempt if they have studied for at least one academic year at a U.S. college or university. Please visit https://grad.gatech.edu/english-proficiency for further information on the English Proficiency requirements for international students.

Applicants are required to submit a Statement of Purpose describing his or her motivation for pursuing the Ph.D. in ISyE, including a description of current research interests. Additionally, all applicants are required to submit transcripts of prior academic coursework, official GRE exam scores, and three recommendation letters.  

Please review the Georgia Tech English Proficiency Requirements here: https://grad.gatech.edu/english-proficiency .

The best preparation for a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering or Operations Research at Georgia Tech is a technical program in mathematics, industrial engineering, operations research, statistics, or computer science. Students are expected to have strong understanding of calculus, applied probability, statistics, linear algebra, and computing. Also desirable are proof-based mathematics courses.  

Please see our admissions page here for additional information:  https://www.isye.gatech.edu/academics/doctoral/phd-industrial-engineering/admissions

The application deadline for our Ph.D. program is December 15. We offer fall admission only and classes begin in August.

Copies of your transcripts should be uploaded with your online application. If you are admitted to the program and decide to enroll, you will be required to have official transcripts sent to the Office of Graduate Studies.

Graduate Studies Georgia Institute of Technology 631 Cherry St., Room 318 Atlanta, GA 30332-0321

Our goal is to have all Ph.D. applications reviewed and official admissions decisions out by the end of February. 

Please refer to our ISyE Graduate Handbook .

Please visit our website for information related to: Admissions, Curriculum, Specializations, Financial Support, Research Faculty, Placement, etc.  https://www.isye.gatech.edu/academics/doctoral/industrial-engineering

Academic recommendations are strongly preferred. We require a total of three and they should be very strong. 

Academic recommendation letters are strongly preferred.  We ask for three letters of recommendations and they should be very strong.    

Department of Technology, Operations, and Statistics | Doctoral Program in Operations Management

Doctoral program in operations management.

Overview of the OM Doctoral Program

• Program Requirements
• S ample 5-year Schedule
• Recent Doctoral Courses Offered

Mission To educate and train scholars capable of producing high quality operations management research and to place our graduates as faculty members in top-tier universities. Admissions and performance We enroll an average of two students per year out of many highly qualified applicants. Students admitted typically have GRE scores over 310 with scores in the quantitative section of the GRE exam in the 90th percentile or higher. International students typically have TOEFL scores of 600 or higher. Our students are highly competitive with their peers globally and give talks and invited presentations at national and international conferences. Advising and evaluation The operations management doctoral program coordinator advises all first-year doctoral students. During their first year, students have many opportunities to learn the research interests of departmental faculty by taking classes, attending seminars and enrolling in research practica.  By the beginning of their second year, students will typically have selected an advisor who begins to introduce them to potential research topics. By the middle of their third year, students will have selected a thesis advisor. Each year, every student’s academic progress is reviewed and plans for the following year are considered.  This review includes a formal letter to the student assessing the previous year's work and offering guidance for the following year's work.  All students take a comprehensive written and oral exam during their second year in the program.  Students are expected to defend their thesis proposal by March of their fourth year and students typically defend their completed dissertation at the end of their fourth year or during their fifth year. Research and interaction with faculty Stern's operations management group has historically included faculty with strong operations management and operations research backgrounds. These two disciplines, along with statistics, data science, economics and computer science, continue to have a significant influence on the teaching and research directions of the operations management faculty. In today's business environment, there is a strong interest in using operations to provide a competitive advantage to organizations. Doctoral students in operations management take core courses in optimization theory, stochastic processes, and data science. A wide range of electives based on faculty expertise are offered including inventory theory, game theory, service operations, assortment optimization, supply chain finance and more. Students are also encouraged either to assist faculty members who are actively working with firms or to develop first-hand expertise through individual contacts with industrial organizations. The faculty members focus their research on current and emerging themes in managing operations in today's fast changing economy. They use a combination of analytical, empirical and theory building methodologies to understand: how to design operating systems, contracts and quality systems for the management of decentralized supply chains; best practices in retailing; vehicle routing; call center management; task and workforce scheduling; internet business models and strategies; and how to forecast new product sales. Faculty members hold editorial positions on numerous journals and are active in the major societies such as the Institute for Operations Research and Management Science. As a result of Stern's New York City location, the school and its operations management faculty have strong ties with the world's technology and financial organizations as well as chemical, computer, consumer goods and pharmaceutical companies in the tri-state area. Click on the links on the right to learn how to apply, to attend an information session, and to contact the Stern School Doctoral Office. Wenqiang Xiao Coordinator, Operations Management Doctoral Program TOPS Department

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Program Requirements Doctoral students in operations management are expected to achieve expertise in the areas of operations management and operations research. All students in the NYU Stern doctoral program must demonstrate competence in probability, statistics and microeconomics either through courses taken in a prior degree program or by taking a similar course offered at NYU. As part of the operations management doctoral curriculum, students must also take 3 methodological core courses in the areas of optimization, stochastic processes and data science.  After completing their course requirements, students may enroll in elective courses relevant to their chosen field of research. Recent PhD electives offered by the operations management group include

• Pricing in the Sharing Economy
• Stochastic Inventory Theory
• Supply Chain Finance
• Service Operations Management
• Game Theory
• Choice Models in Operations
• Applied Game Theory

In addition to required coursework, doctoral students must complete 5 research practica prior to graduation. Each research practicum is a 1 credit course graded Pass or Fail in which students work closely with a faculty member to conduct joint research. By working closely with faculty members, students are expected to develop their own independent research skills. After their core coursework is complete, students are required to take written and oral comprehensive exams before October 1st of their third year. Students must also complete a teaching practicum in their third year of studies during which they assist a faculty member in their class preparation. Students are expected to complete their thesis proposal by March of their 4th year and the doctoral program concludes with the proposal, writing and defense of a dissertation. All students are required to complete the doctoral program within six years, however most students graduate within 5 years. A sample 5-year schedule is given below.

Sample 5-year Schedule

Recent Doctoral Courses Offered OPMG-GB.3321.P1 Stochastic Processes OPMG-GB.3392.P1 Pricing in the Sharing Economy OPMG-GB.4317.01 Stochastic Inventory Theory OPMG-GB.4334.01 Convex Optimization OPMG-GB.4313.20 Supply Chain Finance OPMG-GB.4331.20 Service Operations Management OPMG-GB.4306.01 Dynamic Programming OPMG-GB.4321.20 Choice Models in Operations OPMG-GB.4330.01 Linear Programming OPMG-GB.4340.02 Applied Game Theory

Questions about the PhD Program in Operations Management?

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Technology & Operations Management

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Technology & Operations Management

Curriculum & coursework.

Our programs are full-time degree programs which officially begin in August. Students are expected to complete their program in five years. Students typically spend their first two years on course work, at the end of which they take a field exam, and then another three years on dissertation research and writing.

The program requires a minimum of 13 semester long doctoral courses. Students in the Technology & Operations Management program complete courses in the areas of business management theory, economic theory, quantitative research methods, academic field seminars, and two MBA elective curriculum courses. In addition to HBS courses, students may take courses at other Harvard Schools and MIT.

Research & Dissertation

Students in TOM often begin research in the summer preceding their first year by working with a TOM faculty member. Over the first two years in the program, students are encouraged to explore their research interests as they complete relevant coursework. During their third year, students begin working on their dissertation research, typically developing three publishable papers by the end of the program.

Examples of doctoral thesis topics include: Examining how employee non-compete agreements affect entrepreneurship and job mobility; Improving retailers' sales forecasting using cost-of-sales, inventory levels, and gross margins; How familiarity among team members fosters organizational capabilities among teams; The implications of operations management for investors; and How firms influence service quality, and how service quality affects performance.

Omar Olivarez

“ My professors are incredibly generous with their time, and the other members of my cohort are consistently engaged and curious. ”

Current HBS Faculty

• Elizabeth J. Altman
• Omar I. Asensio
• Iavor I. Bojinov
• Ryan W. Buell
• Prithwiraj Choudhury
• Thomas R. Eisenmann
• Chiara Farronato
• Kris Johnson Ferreira
• Frances X. Frei
• Carolyn J. Fu
• Shane M. Greenstein
• Janice H. Hammond
• Robert S. Huckman
• Marco Iansiti
• Rebecca A. Karp
• Michelle A. Kinch
• Karim R. Lakhani
• Himabindu Lakkaraju
• Jacqueline Ng Lane
• Josh Lerner
• Michael Lingzhi Li
• Alan D. MacCormack
• Rory M. McDonald
• Edward McFowland III
• Antonio Moreno
• Kyle R. Myers
• Frank Nagle
• Elisabeth C. Paulson
• Gary P. Pisano
• Ananth Raman
• Maria P. Roche
• William A. Sahlman
• Willy C. Shih
• Ariel D. Stern
• Stefan H. Thomke
• Michael W. Toffel
• Sara M. Torti
• Peter Tufano

Current Technology & Operations Management Students

• Maya Balakrishnan
• Justine Boudou
• Bonnie Cao
• Matthew DosSantos DiSorbo
• Natalie Epstein
• Jeffrey Fossett
• Paul Hamilton
• 'Leke Jegede
• Caleb Kwon
• Omar Olivarez
• Paige Tsai
• Daniel Yue
• Miaomiao Zhang

Current HBS Faculty & Students by Interest

Recent placement, ryan allen, 2023, raha imanirad, 2020, karthik balasubramanian, 2018, tommy pan fang, 2022, michelle shell, 2020, maria ibanez, 2018, grace gu, 2020, ohchan kwon, 2019.

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Operations research (OR) is the discipline of applying advanced analytical methods to help make better decisions. It uses mathematical modeling, analysis, and optimization in a holistic approach to improving our knowledge of systems and designing useful, efficient systems. Its applications range from engineering to management, and from industry to the public sector.

Operations research has helped advance the mathematics of optimization, applied probability, and statistics. OR researchers, collaborating with colleagues in related fields, have created innovative methods for pricing goods and services, and for marketing them. They have contributed to improving transportation, developing new financial instruments and auctions, and analyzing biological and medical information, as well as many more areas. In today's complex and interconnected world, the rigorous techniques and methodologies of operations research have become especially important aids to informed decision making.

The Operations Research Center (ORC) coordinates a PhD degree and SM degree in operations research, providing a strong background in OR theory as well as the practical techniques used in building models for a wide variety of applications.  In addition, the ORC, in collaboration with the Sloan School of Management, offers a specialized one-year Master of Business Analytics (MBAn) .

Founded as an interdepartmental program, the Operations Research Center has maintained its interdisciplinary roots. Its faculty comes from nine different departments at MIT, including the Sloan School of Management, five of the engineering departments, the Department of Mathematics, the Department of Economics, and the Department of Urban Studies and Planning.

For more information about the Operations Research Center and its degree programs, visit the website or contact Laura Rose , Room E40-107, 617-253-9303. Request information on the MBAn program via email .

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Preparing for Ph.D. Programs in Operations Research

Pursuing a Ph.D. in Operations Research is an exciting, rewarding, and challenging experience. The Operations Research and Engineering (OR&E) major at Cornell can be tailored to prepare students for rigorous Ph.D. programs in Operations Research.

Beyond classes, our department offers many opportunities to prepare for a Ph.D. program and to become a more competitive applicant. We encourage students to start by discussing their interest in graduate programs with their advisor and other faculty in the department. OR&E alumni who are now in Ph.D. programs have given the following advice:

• Talk to your advisor early and often: Talk to your academic advisor about your aspirations as early as possible, and work with them to choose electives that will prepare you for Ph.D. programs. They will also be able to provide advice about other opportunities, including research experiences.
• Build relationships with faculty: In addition to your advisor, other faculty in the department are a great resource for getting advice. One way to start building relationships is to attend their office hours and discuss material from their classes that you find interesting.
• Choose electives that build mathematical maturity: Ph.D. programs in OR are mathematically rigorous. The Mathematics of Operations Research track suggests courses in ORIE, CS, and Math that will help build the requisite skills. It is important to become comfortable writing and reading proofs; Math 4130 (Honors Introduction to Analysis I) and 4330 (Honors Linear Algebra) are strongly recommended courses for doing so. To prepare for these courses, consider taking Math 3040 (Prove It!) and/or CS 2800 (Discrete Structures), both of which can count towards the fourth Engineering Core mathematics requirement or can be taken in place of Physics 2214. You might also consider minoring in mathematics.
• Get experience with research: Talk to your advisor and other professors about summer research programs off campus or within the department. To broaden your exposure to leading research, consider attending ORIE colloquium or conferences such as the INFORMS Annual Meeting.
• Develop depth in an area of OR: Use electives to gain a better understanding of an area of Operations Research that you find especially compelling. You might consider taking M.Eng. or Ph.D. courses in that area. ORIE 6300, 6500, and 6700 form the basis of Cornell ORIE’s Ph.D. course requirements, and you might consider trying one during your senior year.
• Get involved with the INFORMS student chapter: The Institute for Operations Research and Management Science (INFORMS) is the professional association for OR professionals. Getting involved with INFORMS and attending an INFORMS conference is a great way to see how OR is used in practice, and see what OR research is like.

Operations Research Graduate Programs in America

1-25 of 26 results

MIT Sloan School of Management

Cambridge, MA •

Massachusetts Institute of Technology •

Graduate School

• • Rating 4.9 out of 5   10 reviews

Master's Student: I am an incoming MBA student to MIT Sloan. The application and enrollment process has been incredibly informative. I’ve been able to network with numerous current students and have worked on mapping out my future career post-MBA. I am excited for my 2 years at MIT Sloan! ... Read 10 reviews

Massachusetts Institute of Technology ,

Graduate School ,

CAMBRIDGE, MA ,

10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.9 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I am an incoming MBA student to MIT Sloan. The application and enrollment process has been incredibly informative. I’ve been able to network with numerous current students and have worked on mapping... .

Read 10 reviews.

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ •

• • Rating 4.33 out of 5   3 reviews

Master's Student: The best part of the Princeton University mechanical engineering graduate degree is the excellent faculty that teach the courses. They are incredibly knowledgeable and also very willing to help students in office hours or in sponsorship of projects. The worst part of the Princeton University mechanical engineering graduate degree is the lack of structure for the graduate research program which can leave you feeling unsure on the direction of your research. ... Read 3 reviews

PRINCETON, NJ ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The best part of the Princeton University mechanical engineering graduate degree is the excellent faculty that teach the courses. They are incredibly knowledgeable and also very willing to help... .

Read 3 reviews.

Viterbi School of Engineering

Los Angeles, CA •

University of Southern California •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: Best experience is that I have the ability to engage with other students and my professors in real time. My worst experience would have to be; moments of not being able to hear what is being talked about during a lecture due to classroom audio issues. ... Read 2 reviews

University of Southern California ,

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Best experience is that I have the ability to engage with other students and my professors in real time. My worst experience would have to be; moments of not being able to hear what is being talked about during a lecture due to classroom audio issues. .

Read 2 reviews.

Cornell Tech

New York, NY •

Cornell University •

• • Rating 4.25 out of 5   4 reviews

Current Master's student: Cornell Tech has a fantastic campus, the programs here are very industry-friendly and the professors are very experienced. ... Read 4 reviews

Cornell University ,

NEW YORK, NY ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says Cornell Tech has a fantastic campus, the programs here are very industry-friendly and the professors are very experienced. .

Read 4 reviews.

College of Engineering - Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA •

Carnegie Mellon University •

• • Rating 4.8 out of 5   5 reviews

Alum: If you are interested in research, CMU Engineering is an excellent option with newly built state of the art laboratories. There isn't much individual attention though, so be prepared to find opportunities yourself. ... Read 5 reviews

Blue checkmark.

Carnegie Mellon University ,

PITTSBURGH, PA ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says If you are interested in research, CMU Engineering is an excellent option with newly built state of the art laboratories. There isn't much individual attention though, so be prepared to find... .

Read 5 reviews.

Georgia Tech College of Engineering

Atlanta, GA •

Georgia Institute of Technology •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   1 review

Master's Student: The best part is sitting through top professors of the world’s lecture! The worst part is the time of classes! They are offered in the middle of the day! ... Read 1 review

Georgia Institute of Technology ,

ATLANTA, GA ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The best part is sitting through top professors of the world’s lecture! The worst part is the time of classes! They are offered in the middle of the day! .

Read 1 reviews.

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UC Berkeley College of Engineering

Berkeley, CA •

University of California - Berkeley •

Master's Student: It seems like a really cool program. I hope to recive some financial aid so that I can attend. The staff has been kind and helpful. ... Read 1 review

University of California - Berkeley ,

BERKELEY, CA ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says It seems like a really cool program. I hope to recive some financial aid so that I can attend. The staff has been kind and helpful. .

Northeastern University College of Engineering

Boston, MA •

Northeastern University •

Master's Student: BEST PARTS OF THIS PROGRAM OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN DATA ANALYTICS ENGINEERING IN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING FROM NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY IS THAT, THIS PROGRAM IS ONLINE, AND FLEXIBLE AND TIME RESTRICTION FOR STUDY, AND HAVE WORLD RENOWNED EDUCATION FACILITY FOR STUDENTS FROM ALL ROUND THE GLOBE TO ENHANCE THE CAPABILITIES OF STUDENTS, MANAGERS, DIRECTORS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CHAIRMEN AS WELL. THIS PROGRAM ACTUALLY IS BASED ON ONLINE PLATFORM TO EDUCATE MORE AND MORE STUDENTS TO ENROLLED AROUND THE GLOBE. DATA ANALYTICS ENGINEERING IN MASTER OF SCIENCE PROGRAM CAN BUILT ABILITIES / CAPABILITIES OF STUDENTS TO MAKE AND TAKE DECISIONS ABOUT BUSINESS PROCESS PREDICTIONS AND FORECASTING ABOUT COMPANY HEALTH AND REGULARIZATION. THIS PROGRAM ENHANCE THE CAPABILITIES OF STUDENTS ABOUT COMPANY PROFILE, FINANCE, HUMAN RESOURCES, PRODUCTION, SALES & MARKETING AND ALL THE PROCESS. ... Read 1 review

Northeastern University ,

BOSTON, MA ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says BEST PARTS OF THIS PROGRAM OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN DATA ANALYTICS ENGINEERING IN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING FROM NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY IS THAT, THIS PROGRAM IS ONLINE, AND FLEXIBLE AND TIME RESTRICTION... .

Grainger College of Engineering

Urbana, IL •

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign •

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ,

URBANA, IL ,

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute School of Science

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute •

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ,

Lyle School of Engineering

Dallas, TX •

Southern Methodist University •

Southern Methodist University ,

DALLAS, TX ,

Weatherhead School of Management

Cleveland, OH •

Case Western Reserve University •

• • Rating 2.8 out of 5   5 reviews

Current Master's student: My time so far at the Weatherhead School of Management has been challenging, yet it has also been extremely rewarding and has opened up so many doors for me in terms of networking and expanding my intellectual world. I would highly recommend the Weatherhead School's online MBA in Healthcare Management because it is giving me the tools to succeed both through a traditional MBA curriculum and through courses that will help me to be successful in Healthcare Management simultaneously. ... Read 5 reviews

Case Western Reserve University ,

CLEVELAND, OH ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 2.8 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says My time so far at the Weatherhead School of Management has been challenging, yet it has also been extremely rewarding and has opened up so many doors for me in terms of networking and expanding my... .

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Colorado School of Mines

Golden, CO •

• • Rating 4.3 out of 5   10 reviews

Master's Student: Some classes were better than others. There were many professors that wanted to see you succeed and were willing to work with you, and then there were some that would not work with you. Overall, I did enjoy my time here at Mines, but not because of the school, but because of the relationships I made with those around me. This school is hard and requires a tough mindset to keep pushing through. ... Read 10 reviews

GOLDEN, CO ,

10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Some classes were better than others. There were many professors that wanted to see you succeed and were willing to work with you, and then there were some that would not work with you. Overall, I... .

NC State College of Sciences

Raleigh, NC •

North Carolina State University •

North Carolina State University ,

RALEIGH, NC ,

Rutgers Business School - New Brunswick

Piscataway, NJ •

Rutgers University–New Brunswick •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   3 reviews

Master's Student: Rutgers University is an outstanding school who are truly invested in the success of their students. They are present in their students' academic journeys. ... Read 3 reviews

Rutgers University–New Brunswick ,

PISCATAWAY, NJ ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Rutgers University is an outstanding school who are truly invested in the success of their students. They are present in their students' academic journeys. .

Kansas State University College of Arts and Sciences

Manhattan, KS •

Kansas State University •

Kansas State University ,

MANHATTAN, KS ,

Marxe School of Public and International Affairs

CUNY Baruch College •

• • Rating 4.25 out of 5   8 reviews

Master's Student: Baruch's MPA program is a thoughtful series of courses that help individuals discover the world of public administration. Students are able to learn the fundamentals in the sector and also have the opportunity to choose your concentration. Each course teaches you ways that you can impact companies and organizations through policy, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, diversity and inclusion tactics and many more. Overall, its a great Master's program. ... Read 8 reviews

CUNY Baruch College ,

8 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Baruch's MPA program is a thoughtful series of courses that help individuals discover the world of public administration. Students are able to learn the fundamentals in the sector and also have the... .

Read 8 reviews.

Stuart School of Business

Chicago, IL •

Illinois Institute of Technology •

Master's Student: The program heavily emphasizes quantitative methods, equipping you with the skills to analyze complex financial data and make data-driven decisions. Courses in financial modeling, econometrics, and machine learning for finance provided a solid foundation in quantitative analysis. Recognizing the growing influence of technology in finance, the program offers courses in financial technology. IIT's career services department is dedicated to helping students achieve their career goals. They offered personalized career coaching, resume and cover letter workshops, and mock interviews, refining my job search skills. Additionally, the program hosts industry networking events and connects students with alumni working in various financial sectors. The program is demanding and requires a significant time commitment. Be prepared to manage your time effectively and dedicate yourself to your studies. The program comes with a significant financial investment. ... Read 3 reviews

Illinois Institute of Technology ,

CHICAGO, IL ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says The program heavily emphasizes quantitative methods, equipping you with the skills to analyze complex financial data and make data-driven decisions. Courses in financial modeling, econometrics, and... .

College of Engineering and Science - Florida Institute of Technology

Melbourne, FL •

Florida Institute of Technology •

Florida Institute of Technology ,

MELBOURNE, FL ,

Jon M. Huntsman School of Business

Logan, UT •

Utah State University •

Graduate Student: Utah State University has an excellent Business School. Logan is a beautiful place to live and the campus is really nice and safe. ... Read 1 review

Utah State University ,

LOGAN, UT ,

Featured Review: Graduate Student says Utah State University has an excellent Business School. Logan is a beautiful place to live and the campus is really nice and safe. .

College of Arts and Sciences - Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI •

Western Michigan University •

Western Michigan University ,

KALAMAZOO, MI ,

College of Arts and Sciences - Georgia State University

Georgia State University •

Georgia State University ,

Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management

Baltimore, MD •

Morgan State University •

Alum: I had an overall great experience at Earl Graves School of Business. Set me up on the right path towards my career goals. ... Read 1 review

Morgan State University ,

BALTIMORE, MD ,

Featured Review: Alum says I had an overall great experience at Earl Graves School of Business. Set me up on the right path towards my career goals. .

The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science

Columbia University •

• • Rating 4.71 out of 5   7 reviews

Master's Student: I visited the Mechanical Engineering department on campus during an Admitted Student event. The whole experience was wonderful as I was able to learn more about the program from current professors. They offered valuable information about the academic program. ... Read 7 reviews

Columbia University ,

7 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I visited the Mechanical Engineering department on campus during an Admitted Student event. The whole experience was wonderful as I was able to learn more about the program from current professors.... .

Read 7 reviews.

Air Force Institute of Technology - Graduate School of Engineering & Management

Wright-patterson Air Force Base, OH •

Graduate Student: because I like engines and working with planes and aircraft also I like the physics a how it makes things work and the military things and things thats is related to it ... Read 1 review

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OH ,

Featured Review: Graduate Student says because I like engines and working with planes and aircraft also I like the physics a how it makes things work and the military things and things thats is related to it .

Showing results 1 through 25 of 26

PhD Program

Fellowships for year one, guaranteed funding until completion..

Ranked Industrial Engineering Graduate Program by the U.S. News & World Report (2023)

Ranked Public University by the Wall Street Journal (2022)

University of Michigan Industrial and Operations Engineering (U-M IOE) PhD students have fellowships for year one, guaranteed funding until completion and can access more than a dozen graduate student certificate programs across campus.

Our PhD students have extensive interdisciplinary opportunities available on campus. Take classes and work with faculty from different engineering departments, Michigan Medicine, and U-M schools and colleges such as the Stephen M. Ross School of Business and the School of Public Health.

Sign-up for our virtual grad school webinar on Nov. 10, 2023 to learn more about our program before you apply.

PHD STUDENT NEWS

Celebrating the IOE graduate class of 2024

This spring 58 students graduated from the U-M IOE PhD and master’s program. Many of whom were honored with awards. 

University of Michigan IOE PhD Student Yifan Li honored with teaching awards

Yifan Li has been honored with the 2024 Richard and Eleanor Towner Prize for Distinguished Academic Achievement, the Distinguished Leadership Award from the College of Engineering and the Rackham Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) Award

IOE PhD student Jianhao Ma awarded a Rackham Predoctoral Fellowship

The Rackham Predoctoral Fellowship supports PhD students who have achieved candidacy and are actively working on dissertation research and writing

Students celebrated at U-M IOE Graduation Reception

On Thursday, April 7, 2023 students, faculty, and staff from the Univerisity of Michigan Industrial and Operations Engineering (U-M IOE) Department came together to celebrate the accomplishments of their graduating graduate students at the Michigan League. This spring 67 students graduated from the U-M IOE PhD and master’s program. Many of whom were honored with awards. 

Jacqueline Hannan awarded an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship to further neonatal ventilation research

U-M IOE PhD student Jacqueline Hannan has been awarded a Graduate Research Fellowship from the NSF. The purpose of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is to ensure the quality, vitality, and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States.

U-M IOE hosts its second annual Graduate School Workshop

The workshop is part of a multi-year diversity, equity and inclusion initiative to broaden participation in the field of industrial engineering.

University of Michigan Student Chapter selected as a winner of the INFORMS 2021 Student Chapter Annual Award (Summa cum laude)

The purpose of these awards is to recognize the achievements of student chapters. Please join us in congratulating our students on this well-deserved recognition!

New workshop promotes graduate school in industrial engineering for underrepresented groups in STEM fields

The IOE department started a new initiative to broaden participation in industrial engineering by underrepresented groups, including traditionally underrepresented minorities, women, and first-generation students. A recent IOE graduate school workshop offered by the department was part of the launch of this new multi-year diversity, equity and inclusion initiative.

Kati Moug receives 2021 Generation Google Scholarship

U-M IOE PhD student, Kati Moug, has received a 2021 Generation Google Scholarship in recognition of academic performance, leadership, and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

IOE graduate students receive NSF Graduate Research Fellowships

U-M IOE graduate students, Lauren Czerniak and Leena Ghrayeb honored as recipients of the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (NSF GRFP).

Nadine Sarter receives FAA funding for research on pilots’ role in risk mitigation

U-M IOE professor, Nadine Sarter has received funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for research on the role flight crews play in aviation safety.

U-M INFORMS Student Chapter and Wesley J. Marrero awarded at INFORMS Annual Meeting

At the recent INFORMS Annual Meeting, the U-M INFORMS student chapter and U-M IOE PhD student, Wesley J. Marrero, were recognized for their work in operations research and the management sciences.

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The Ohio State University

• BuckeyeLink
• Search Ohio State

Graduate-Programs-MS and PhD Operations Research

Operations research.

Operations Research (OR) applies advanced analytical methods to help make better decisions. Employing techniques such as:

• mathematical modeling,
• statistical analysis, and
• mathematical optimization

Operations research arrives at optimal or near-optimal solutions to complex decision-making problems.

The ISE Department at the Ohio State University has a premier graduate program in operations research. The research focus is both on:

• methodology (data analytics, optimization, and stochastic processes)
• applications (cloud computing, cyber and homeland security, energy systems, logistics and supply chain, social networks, sustainable mobility, water resources management)

Up to 3 University and College Scholarships and Fellowships are available for first-year PhD students. To be considered, please complete your application by November 30th .

To be considered for Department Teaching and Research Assistantships and Scholarships , please complete your application by January 1st.

Operations Research Degree Programs

The ISE department at the Ohio State University offers two degree programs (MS and PhD) in OR:

• Master of Science (MS) in OR builds fundamental OR skills with an emphasis on the application of these skills in practice
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in OR is academically rigorous with an emphasis on scholarly research and achievement. PhD students are prepared for academic placements and research-oriented positions in government and industry

Graduates of the OR PhD program at the Ohio State University lead successful careers in:

• Academia: Air Force Institute of Technology, Bowling Green State, Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, National University of Singapore, University of Alabama, University of Ghana Business School

Why Study Operations Research?

• One of the Best Business Jobs: Operations Research Analyst Ranked #2 Best Business Job. Source: U.S. News and World Report
• Increasing Job Opportunities: Operations Research Analyst (increase 22% by 2018) Management analyst (increase 24%) Computer systems analyst (increase 20%). Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Graduates of the OR MS and PhD programs at the Ohio State University lead successful careers in:

• Industry : American Woodmark Co., Bell Labs, Flexis North America, General Motors, Goodyear, Honda, J.P. Morgan Chase, Lightning Bolt Solutions, Pacific Gas and Electric, Qualcomm, SABRE, Samsung
• Government : Battelle Memorial Institute, Center for Naval Research, the Coast Guard

INFORMS Student Chapter at OSU

The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) is the largest society in the world for professionals in the field OR, Management Science, and Analytics.

The INFORMS Student Chapter at OSU serves as a forum to forge intellectual connections with faculty, students, alumni, and professionals that lead to publications, job opportunities, consulting relationships, and internships.

INFORMS Student Chapter at OSU activities include:

• OSU INFORMS Lecture Series
• Volunteering in regional workshops and conferences
• Tutorials on software (e.g., LaTeX, MATLAB, Cplex)
• Social events (e.g., monthly happy hours, potlucks)

Student Demographics : Female: 28% PhD: 45% MS: 55% (2018)

Operations Research Graduate Curriculum

• Optimization:  ISE 5200 Linear Optimization, ISE 7250 Operations Research Models and Methods
• Stochastic Processes:  ISE 6300 Simulation for System Analytics and Decision-Making
• Statistics:  ISE 5110 Forecasting, Regression, and Design of Engineering Experiments
• Optimization:  ISE 7200 Advanced Nonlinear Optimization
• Stochastic Processes:  ISE 7300 Stochastic Processes 
• Optimization:  ISE 5220 Complementarity Modeling and Applications (in Spring 2015, this course was offered as ISE 5194 (32873 and 32874)), ISE 6220 Network Optimization, ISE 6290 Stochastic Optimization, ISE 7210 Large-Scale Optimization, ISE 7230 Integer Optimization, ISE 7420 Sequencing and Scheduling
• Stochastic Processes:  ISE 5350 Probabilistic Models and Methods in Operations Research (in Spring 2015, this course was offered as ISE 5194 (32871 and 32872)), ISE 7100 Advanced Simulation 
• Optimization:  ISE 8299 Special Topics in Optimization. Topics can include: Heuristics and Global Optimization, Graphs and Networks 
• Stochastic Processes:  ISE 8399 Special Topics in Stochastic Processes. Topics can include: Queuing Networks ,Stochastic Control, Electricity Markets, Energy Systems , Water Management 
• ISE 5410 Quantitative Methods in Production and Distribution Logistics, ISE 5830 Decision Analysis, ISE 5840 Market Engineering

Prior to admission, students intent on graduate studies in operations research should be proficient in the following areas (Students without evidence of this material on their transcripts will have to demonstrate proficiency with the subject matter. This can be accomplished via appropriate coursework, at either the undergraduate or graduate level, to be determined in consultation with the academic adviser.):

• Vector calculus
• Optimization
• Calculus-based probability
• Probability-based statistics
• Linear algebra
• Computer programming (e.g., C, C++, Java)

All OR Graduate Students must satisfy degree requirements defined in the Industrial and Systems Engineering Graduate Student Handbook. Specific requirements for OR students include “OR Fundamentals,” “Non-OR ISE Fundamentals,” and a course sequence in an application area, as indicated below:

• OR Fundamentals: 5110, 5200, 6300, 7250, 7883 (2 semesters)
• Non-OR ISE Fundamentals: One 5000-level or higher ISE course in human factors or manufacturing engineering, subject to approval of the advisory committee
• Application Area: At least 3 units in an application, subject to approval of the advisory committee
• M.S. thesis
• pass the OR M.S. exit exam
• earn a B or higher in a 6000 or higherlevel course in operations research (in addition to OR fundamentals for MS students) that is at least 3 units and has a project requirement (more details are shown later)
• OR Fundamentals: 5110, 5200, 6300, 7200, 7250, 7300, 7883 (3 semesters)
• Application Area: At least 6 units in an application, subject to approval of the advisory committee
• Special Topics: Dedicated OR Ph.D. students are expected to take as many elective and special topics courses as their schedules permit

During the first three semesters, Ph.D. students are expected to identify a potential research topic of interest and a faculty adviser. Undertaking independent study (ISE 6193 or ISE 7193) is the recommended method of accomplishing this.

2.1 M.S. Exit Examination for ISE M.S. students studying operations research

• The M.S. Exit Examination is administered annually during the week after Spring final complete. Any ISE graduate student who achieves an overall GPA (including all courses taken at OSU) of 3.00 is eligible to take the exam. Those students who are planning to graduate in Fall should take the exam in the preceding Spring semester. The process to sign-up for the exam will be announced during Spring semester. Students intending to take the exam must sign-up before the announced deadline, so there is sufficient time to check that the grade eligibility requirement is satisfied.
• Optimization : Integer and Linear Programming Formulations and Solution Methods; Linear Programming Theory and Duality; Complexity Theory; Convexity
• Stochastic Processes : Random Variables; Probability Distributions; Conditional Probability and Expectations; Markov Chains; Random Number Generation; Simulation Theory
• Statistics : Parametric and Non-Parametric Hypothesis Testing; Distribution Fitting; Regression
• After the exams have been completed, the OR Faculty meet to discuss each student’s performance on the exam and performance in classes taken. Based on this, the faculty determine whether each student has “passed” or “failed” the examination.
• A student who has failed the examination, may be deemed eligible to retake it. Students who are deemed eligible to retake the exam must do so the next time that it is offered. No student will be eligible to take the exam more than twice.

2.2 A project-based operations research course with at least a B grade

• Student must earn a B or higher in a 6000 or higher-level course in operations research. This course must have a project requirement, and it must be at least 3 units.
• This course cannot be any of the OR fundamentals for M.S. students (ISE 6300, 7250).
• This course cannot be counted toward any of the other minimal degree requirements. For instance, this course cannot be the same as the only 3-unit course that is counted toward an application course. It cannot be a non-OR ISE course as well; observe that such a course is a non-OR course.
• The project must be done as an individual.
• ISE 6220 Network Optimization
• ISE 6290 Stochastic Optimization
• ISE 7100 Advanced Simulation
• ISE 7210 Large-Scale Optimization
• ISE 7230 Integer Optimization
• ISE 7420 Sequencing and Scheduling
• ISE 7300 Stochastic Processes
• An independent study with a report at the end.
• You may be asked to bring a copy of your project topic and report to make sure this requirement is fulfilled.

Both options 2.1 and 2.2 require a two-member committee for graduation by the graduate school. The first member of the committee should be the M.S. adviser. The second committee member is typically the professor who taught the project-based course in option 2.2, and the faculty coordinator for the OR M.S. Exit exam in option 2.1

Qualifying Examination for ISE Ph.D. students studying operations research

• Successful completion of the Ph.D. Qualifying Examination is a prerequisite for taking the Candidacy examination. Thus, students who do not pass the Qualifying Examination are not able pursue a Ph.D. in operations research.
• The OR Ph.D. Qualifying Examination is administered annually during the week after Spring finals complete.
• Any ISE graduate student who achieves a GPA of 3.30 or higher in the OR Fundamentals (ISE 5110, ISE 5200, ISE 6300, ISE 7200, ISE 7250, and ISE 7300) is eligible to take the exam. This GPA requirement pertains solely to courses taken at OSU. Students who have taken their “fundamentals” elsewhere are eligible to take the exam, provided that their OSU GPA in any remaining fundamentals courses taken at OSU is at least 3.30.
• Optimization : Integer, Linear, and Non-Linear Programming Formulations and Solution Methods; Linear and Non-Linear Programming Theory and Duality; Complexity Theory; Convexity
• Stochastic Processes : Random Variables; Probability Distributions; Conditional Probability and Expectations; Poisson Processes; Markov Chains; Random Number Generation; Simulation Theory; Basic Queuing Theory
• After the exams have been completed the OR Faculty meet to discuss each student’s performance on the exam, performance in classes taken, and academic and research interests and goals. Based on this, the faculty determine whether or not each student has “passed” or “failed” the examination.

Minor degree requirements

PhD students are required to complete 2 minors. Popular minors include:

• Computer Science
• Mathematics

PhD in Operations Research

The PhD in Operations Research program at Weatherhead School of Management is designed to verse scholars in the intrinsic complexity of supply chain organizations and the coordination of operational and financial decisions throughout the supply chain.

We are not admitting students to the PhD in Operations Research program. For more information, please contact the department assistant at 216.368.2040 .

An Innovative History

Since granting one of the world’s first doctorates in operations research, the Department of Operations at Weatherhead School of Management has trained candidates through a unique combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer-modeling to assist in decision making for complex organizational problems.

Learn About the Operations Department

PhD in Business program track Operations Research

The Operations Research (OR) group aims at conducting cutting-edge research in deterministic OR research, stochastic OR, and game theory. The focus of the program is on fundamental theoretical research for improving the quality of decision making in business.

The members of the OR-research group have been educated in disciplines such operations research, mathematics, computer science, data science and machine learning, and econometrics. They apply their methods to a wide range of areas: logistics and transport, energy transition, environmental issues, information systems, finance and accounting, healthcare, and network structures. Another important application field are the research topics investigated by the Zero Hunger Lab (ZHL).

Research field

Deterministic or.

The research area of deterministic OR includes research on polynomial optimization, semidefinite programming, graph theory, discrete and continuous optimization and optimal control. It includes the development of fast algorithms and procedures in a wide range of optimization problems. Applications include travelling salesman problems, food supply chain optimization, healthcare treatment, network design, and scheduling problems.

Stochastic OR

A common feature in stochastic OR is the presence of uncertainty. Research methods in this field originate from probability theory, Markov chains, simulation, stochastic control theory, and real options.

Robust optimization is a specialized technique to find optimal solutions that are robust against uncertainties in the underlying data. Applications include big data, food supply optimization, radiotherapy optimization and dike height optimization.

Game Theory

Solutions of optimization problems typically involve coordinated behavior and cooperation between several actors or players. To establish and maintain stable cooperation, game theoretic techniques construct adequate strategic incentives and/or allocation mechanisms to share the jointly generated revenues or cost savings. Applications include scheduling and vehicle routing problems, network congestion problems, financial networks, joint investment decisions, and energy transition.

PhD research projects can take place within any of these research fields.

First year PhD development program for a PhD in Operations Research

For each PhD student in Operations Research a tailor-made PhD Development Plan (DP) will be composed at the start of the 4-year PhD period by the PhD student and the OR Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC).

A DP will consist of three parts: coursework (36 ECTS), soft skills development like scientific integrity, academic writing, or teaching skills (3 ECTS), and a research proposal or first paper, as part of the research training by the supervisors (9 ECTS). The coursework will typically contain the following elements:

• The 6 ECTS course Orientation Research Topics in OR (230326-M-6).
• A selection of PhD courses offered by the Dutch Network on the Mathematics of OR (LNMB). For more information, see: www.lnmb.nl .
• A selection of at most 15 ECTS of Master courses offered by the LNMB or the Master courses offered by the joint program in Mathematics of the Dutch universities (Mastermath). For more information, see www.lnmb.nl and https://elo.mastermath.nl .
• A selection of Master courses offered by the Tilburg University MSc program in Business Analytics and Operations Research (BAOR). For more information on these courses, please visit the  Master's program Business Analytics and Operations Research .
• In individual cases, a selection of Master or Research Master courses from programs at Tilburg University.  

All DPs should be approved by the GPC and by the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) as integral part of the individual Training and Supervision Plan (TSP) within the PhD tracking system Hora Finita.

After the first year, there is a formal GO/NO GO decision.

Placement records

During the past ten years, on average 3 PhD students started the PhD program each year. They all successfully defended their PhD thesis. About 50% of these students came from outside the Netherlands. Two out three remained with academia, mainly in postdoc positions, assistant professorships or lecturer positions at institutes like CWI, Maastricht University and Eindhoven University within the Netherlands, and Harvard Medical School, Clemson University, and Technion Israel Institute of Technology outside the Netherlands.  About one out of three has chosen for a professional position as for example scientific analyst or consultant at TNO or CQM. 

To get some further impression, please have a look at the personal websites of three former PhD students:

• Hao Hu : Hao defended his PhD thesis on semidefinite programming and combinatorial optimization in 2019 and currently is an assistant professor at Clemson University, United States of America after  a two-year postdoc position at Waterloo University, Canada:  personal website Hao Hu
•  Bas Dietzenbacher : Bas defended his PhD thesis on game theory in 2018 and currently is an assistant professor at Maastricht University after a two-year postdoc position at HSE University in Saint Petersburg, Russia:  personal website Bas Dietzenbacher
• Frans de Ruiter : Frans defended his PhD thesis on robust optimization cum laude in 2018 and currently is a decision scientist at CQM (Consultants in Quantitative Methods) in Eindhoven:  personal website Frans de Ruiter

Key publications

View recent publications of the operations research group

Meet the faculty of the operations research group and their research interests

Graduate Program Coordinator PhD in Business – track Operations Research

Prof. dr. peter borm.

Full Professor

TiSEM: Tilburg School of Economics and Management TiSEM: Department of Econometrics and Operations Research

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Best Operations Research colleges in the U.S. 2024

Best operations research colleges in the u.s. for 2024.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers 2 Operations Research degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 23 Operations Research students graduated with students earning 17 Doctoral degrees, and 6 Master's degrees.

Cornell University offers 3 Operations Research degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 228 Operations Research students graduated with students earning 144 Master's degrees, 80 Bachelor's degrees, and 4 Doctoral degrees.

Northwestern University offers 2 Operations Research degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 5 Operations Research students graduated with students earning 4 Doctoral degrees, and 1 Master's degree.

University of California-Berkeley offers 3 Operations Research degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 261 Operations Research students graduated with students earning 186 Master's degrees, 71 Bachelor's degrees, and 4 Doctoral degrees.

Columbia University in the City of New York offers 4 Operations Research degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 376 Operations Research students graduated with students earning 281 Master's degrees, 73 Bachelor's degrees, 12 Doctoral degrees, and 10 Certificates.

Rice University offers 2 Operations Research degree programs. It's a medium sized, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 10 Operations Research students graduated with students earning 9 Master's degrees, and 1 Bachelor's degree.

Carnegie Mellon University offers 3 Operations Research degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 9 Operations Research students graduated with students earning 8 Doctoral degrees, and 1 Master's degree.

University of Southern California offers 1 Operations Research degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 10 Operations Research students graduated with students earning 10 Master's degrees.

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus offers 2 Operations Research degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 51 Operations Research students graduated with students earning 33 Master's degrees, and 18 Doctoral degrees.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers 1 Operations Research degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 22 Operations Research students graduated with students earning 22 Master's degrees.

Find local colleges with Operations Research majors in the U.S.

List of all operations research colleges in the u.s..

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Operations Research, Ph.D.

Download the Curriculum for Operations Research, Ph.D.

Find out what courses you'll be taking

The Ph.D. in Operations Research

Careers in operations research can be found in every part of an organization. Operations research experts help managers make important decisions on issues such as allocating resources, developing production schedules, managing supply chains, and setting prices. With the help of computer software, databases, statistical programs, and modeling packages, operations research analysts work daily to study and solve the challenges associated with integrated corporate operations.

Florida Tech offers a doctoral program for individuals to develop advanced subject matter expertise and earn a PhD in operations research. Graduates of this interdisciplinary program can find careers in many sectors of the economy including finance, insurance, computer systems design, manufacturing, state and local government, education, healthcare, and the military.

Expert Training Develops Subject Matter Experts

Employers demand leaders who can craft solutions for complex business issues, and they rely on trained graduates who possess a high level of subject matter expertise. As one of just a few universities offering a PhD in operations research, graduates from Florida Tech develop unique skills that employers seek for their management teams.

Professors Bring Years of Experience to the Classroom

Bringing their lifetime of experience to the classroom, professors in the PhD in operations research department give students valuable insights that can be applied in the real world. Small class sizes allow for individualized attention, mentorship, and collaborative research opportunities, not only with fellow graduate students, but also with undergrads, faculty, and local experts. The program provides a high-quality curriculum, extensive research opportunities, internships, and teaching assistantships.

Florida Tech professors are involved in various research projects in the field, collaborating with professionals in medicine, computer science, engineering, and life sciences. Candidates for a PhD in operations research participate in many research experiences, including final course projects and interdisciplinary team projects that involve:

• Optimization and optimal control
• Stochastic models
• Inverse problems in modeling
• Image processing
• Data mining
• Game theory
• Financial mathematics and statistics

Students seeking a PhD in operations research are also encouraged to participate in consulting projects and, when applicable, funded research assistant positions.

Florida Tech's research university status ensures that students in the PhD in operations research program have the tools and facilities they need to conduct research in their preferred area of interest. The university's advanced research centers and laboratories are home to essential equipment and software such as Xpress Optimization Suite, Mathematica, MATLAB, Sage Mathematics Software, and NIH-Image.

Excellent Career Preparation

Florida Tech challenges students earning a PhD in operations research to become thought leaders who pave the way to success for the organizations they lead. Graduates from Florida Tech are working for government organizations and corporations such as Harris Corp., Piper, Federal Aviation Administration, and Northrop Grumman.

According to the US Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for operations research analysts is projected to grow 27% through 2022, much faster than other occupations. As technology advances and companies seek efficiency and cost savings, demand for operations research analysts should continue to grow.

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PhD Program

Perform high-impact research with faculty in application areas such as energy, sustainability, hazards, mathematical biology, and health care delivery.

About the Program

PhD students in computational applied mathematics at Rice University gain knowledge in understanding of physical phenomena and in making complex decisions. The experience involves intensive course study in small classes, close interaction with professors and immediate opportunities to participate in seminars and to engage in research projects.

Research & Faculty

PhD students work closely with Rice CMOR faculty across a broad spectrum of mathematical fields and computational methods, including Numerical analysis; Operations research; Optimization; Differential equations; Scientific computation.

Living in Houston

Rice University's location in Houston helps provide faculty and students with endless opportunities for collaboration outside the campus. It is the center of the oil and gas industry, the home of the Texas Medical Center, and NASA’s Johnson Space Center is just down the road. Living in Houston means employment opportunities throughout the region, parks, professional sports teams, world-class dining, and other attractions make it a great place to call home.

Learn more about Life in Houston .

Helpful Links

Operations Research

Welcome - operations research.

The mission of the Operations Research Department is to provide premier graduate education in military operations research and to produce high-quality, objective, academically rigorous research and professional advice in support of military- and security-related operations.

Explore the Department

  please join us on june 24-27, 2024 for the mors symposium register at  mors.org ..

Now available to resident students: Certificate in Operational Data Science and Statistical Machine Learning !

Research Centers OR Seminars (internal users only) The OR Department is hiring! -->

Applications

A message from the chair, dr. matt carlyle.

The NPS OR Department is one of the largest OR departments in the United States. Tenured or tenure-track faculty members hold Ph.D. degrees in operations research or a related discipline (e.g., mathematics, statistics, computer science). Most of those without Ph.D. degrees are current or former military officers who have deep military operations and applied operations research experience. 

Departmental News

Alumni spotlight.

My OR degree from NPS has been amazingly useful in every Navy position I've held since, both at sea and ashore, and in acquisition. OR really turbo-charges your personal toolkit for real-life problem solving. And how to be a smart consumer of all the data that gets thrown at you. Invaluable!

Visit us on Social Media!

Naval Postgraduate School

Naval Postgraduate School 

Higher Education 1001-5000 employees

The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) provided post-baccalaureate education to military officers and other members of the United States defense and national security community. The mission of NPS is to provide high-quality, relevant and unique advanced education and research programs that increase the combat effectiveness of the Naval Services, other Armed Forces of the U.S. and our partners, to enhance our national security. 

View more on  https://www.linkedin.com/school/nps-monterey/

nps_monterey

Official Instagram page of NPS, a graduate research university offering advanced degrees to the U.S. Armed Forces, DOD civilians and int'l partners.  https://www.instagram.com/nps_monterey/

10 Best Operational Research Master Degrees

Ready to find your ideal master's program.

www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Like a lot of areas of study, “operations research” is a term that’s a bit confusing to decode. Despite sounding vague, operational research is hugely important for modern-day life.

So what is operations research? It uses advanced analytical methods to help businesses make smarter decisions. Getting a Master of Science in Operations Research is a smart choice. Both for you and for your career, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a major with a high salary and excellent job growth.

Just about every industry and every sector relies on operations research. That’s one reason why earning an operations research masters is a great choice. An operations research master’s degree will provide you with the skills you need to work in a variety of industries. From air travel to telecommunications. Banking to manufacturing. Government agencies. Consulting. Whatever it is, you’ll have the skills you need. The list goes on and on! Businesses need skilled people like you to crunch data and make smart decisions.

Are you looking for a Master of Science in a growing career field?

Operations research is just about everywhere, and its reach will only expand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , there were 109,700 operations research analyst jobs in the U.S. in 2018. There will likely be about 28,100 more by 2028. That’s a job growth rate of 26% ! This is more than five times the national average for all occupations.

The bulk of these jobs are in California, Texas, and Virginia. Virginia has the most operations research analysts. This is not surprising, considering its proximity to Washington, DC). 

What will you learn in an operations research graduate program? The curriculum of the many operation research programs in the United States varies by school. There is a strong tradition of success. MIT’s operations research masters degree goes back 60 years, as does Carnegie Mellon’s.

Operations research masters programs today take advantage of new technology. This is technology that’s essential for solving complex problems. Coursework builds upon highly technical fields like:

• mathematics
• probability

Often, you’ll take courses with long, intimidating names, such as:

• Discrete Probability and Stochastic Processes (MIT)
• Integer Programming and Combinatorial Optimization (Kansas State)
• Algorithmic Methods in Nonlinear Programming (North Carolina State)
• Optimization Theory and Algorithms: Numerical Optimization (USC)

See Also: 10 Best Master’s in Industrial Engineering

OUR RANKING CRITERIA 

What are the best master’s degrees in operations research .

We know that you have educational goals that you’re itching to pursue, but you may not know where to start. The editors of Master’s Programs Guide utilize a unique ranking  methodology  based on the following five aspects:

25% Overall Degree Affordability:  Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per school

25% Graduation Rate:  Number of students who start at the university and actually finish there

20% Earnings Potential:  Average mid-career salary of school alumni

20% Selectivity:  The number of students who apply versus the number who actually get accepted

10% Online Graduate Offerings:  The number of programs offered online in each department

At Master’s Programs Guide, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals.

Check out our operations research graduate programs rankings to get started!

See Also: 50 Best Online Masters of Engineering Management

#1. PURDUE UNIVERSITY

Master of engineering with a specialization in operations research.

West Lafayette, IN is about 70 miles northwest of Indianapolis. It is here that you will find Purdue University. This school is one of the Midwest’s most esteemed universities. U.S. News & World Report ranks it at No. 57 among National Universities. More specific to its operations research program, it is also ranked No. 8 in Best Engineering Schools for graduate studies. You’ll also find one of the best master’s degrees in operations research here.

Purdue’s College of Engineering has 14 individual departments. These range from Aeronautics and Astronautics to Nuclear Engineering. The masters degree operations research is found in the School of Industrial Engineering. Operations research is one of the four specializations offered in the school. You can choose from a long list of graduate courses . Classes include:

• Stochastic Models in Operations Research I
• Nonlinear Optimization Algorithms and Models

Almost as long is a list of Purdue’s research in operations research with 16 research faculty. This research underscores the rigor of Purdue’s program.

Students are encouraged to apply with backgrounds in:

• engineering

There’s no set GPA or specific undergraduate major listed on the program website. A GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale is recommended. Some “recommended” prerequisites include mathematics through:

• Multivariate calculus
• Differential equations
• Linear algebra

Applicants with skills in computer programming are also preferred.

Don’t have those courses on your transcript? That’s okay. You can take most of them at Purdue as part of the masters degree operations research curriculum. Only some graduate-level courses can be taken at the same time as the prerequisites. They also won’t count toward the master’s degree. The graduate-level classes aren’t offered every year, either. You will need to plan accordingly.

Prospective students need to submit GRE scores, a statement of purpose, and recommendation letters. You’ll also need a résumé, an optional “ diversity essay ,” and transcripts. The operations research program offers both thesis and non-thesis options. Each of these requires 30 graduate credit hours with21 credit hours of coursework. You will be able to customize your plan of study. You must maintain a 3.0 to earn a degree.

At $11,693, Purdue’s program is the least expensive of the schools on this list, making it extra attractive for that No. 1 spot. 

See Also: Best Online Cybersecurity Master’s Degree

#2. KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Master of science in operations research.

The Master of Science in Operations Research is available online. It is one of the best master’s degrees in operations research. It’s offered by the Kansas State Global Campus. This is an interdisciplinary program at heart. It focuses on applied mathematics and business decision-making.

In this program, you will develop a mathematical model of a real-world problem. Over the course of your studies, you’ll work to solve that problem.

You must have a bachelor’s with a 3.0 GPA for this graduate degree. Bachelor’s degrees must be in majors like:

• Industrial Engineering
• Engineering
• Mathematics

You must also have an advanced mathematical background. You may also need to have some experience in computer programming.

You will need at least a 159 on the GRE, a statement of objectives, three professional/academic references. Of course, you’ll also need unofficial transcripts from each college attended. You will need 30 credit hours to complete the graduate degree.

This is a coursework program, so there’s no thesis. Timing is everything. That’s because the eight-core courses are offered once every two years. Master’s students only need to take three of them to earn their nine hours of core credits. The school encourages prospective students to take all six core classes. The core courses are divided into three sections:

• continuous optimization
• discrete optimization
• stochastic processes

Sounds easy enough! You will work with a team of advisors to plan out your courses. You’ll culminate your experience with a master’s presentation to test how well you grasped the information you learned in your courses. This presentation will also help you to get a jump start on your career!

The program is entirely online. Prospective students who live within 250 miles of Manhattan, KS will need to travel to the campus for the final experience. Everyone else can request a conference call. Online class formats vary. They generally include:

• Chat discussions

You will need to find a proctor via a local library or university for your exams.

At $18,002, Kansas State offers one of the least expensive programs. It also offers scholarships just for distance learners. All of that makes K State tough to beat.

See Also: Top 50 Best Masters Degree Programs

#3. NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY

Operations research goes back more than 60 years at NC State. This is when it began as an introductory course. After that, it became a minor for statistics and electrical engineering majors. By 1970, it was an independent major. Today, operations research remains an interdisciplinary major. NC State’s College of Engineering and College of Sciences share it.

That makes sense. The program’s website notes that operations research is, by its nature, interdisciplinary. The Master of Science pulls from:

• Mathematical Sciences
• The Physical Sciences

Because it draws from those worlds, operations research is also quite versatile. NC State aims to make its graduates just as versatile as their field of study.

Don’t come to Raleigh – home to the university – without some serious math in your background, though. To get into NC State’s MS in operations research program, prospective students need an undergraduate degree in a related field. The school doesn’t specify a base GPA or GRE score for admission to the graduate degree. Applicants also need an official transcript from all colleges they have attended.

The school is one of the cheapest on this list, coming in at $14,771 per year. Students must complete 31 credit hours. 15 should be in core courses, three to six from a master’s research thesis, and a one-credit seminar. You can earn another nine credits by choosing three courses in a “minor field of study.” Need more to reach the 31-credit threshold? You can draw from a long list of OR coursework.

NC State’s demanding program produces strong results. The site lists 39 publications from its students and faculty in 2016. These are centered around hot-button topics. These include Augmented Immersed Finite Element Methods for Some Elliptic Partial Differential Equations.

NC State also has a dedicated Military operations research group. This helps prospective students prepare for a career in the military. They do this by studying real-world issues. Examples of issues include veterans’ health care and expeditionary military logistics and risk analysis. People interested in military OR won’t have to go far to practice it, either. Seventy miles south of Raleigh is Fort Bragg. This is the largest military base in the world.

#4. GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Operations research is an interdisciplinary field with a wide variety of applications. No two students will have the same career goals. Georgia Tech makes it easy by designing its curriculum around one common goal. This goal is to help students use their advanced skills to make an immediate impact in industry and government. Headquartered in Atlanta, the school dates to 1885. This is when it opened to help industrialize and modernize the post-Civil War South. 

Thinking ahead has long been part of Georgia Tech’s mission. The Master of Science in Operations Research program follows suit. This is one reason why it’s one of the best master’s degrees around. The curriculum focuses on deterministic and stochastic operations research. The goal of the program is to provide a training in the basics and technical applications of operational research. They can go out and make an immediate impact. It may be surprising that Georgia Tech isn’t especially rigorous with its admissions prerequisites. A background in operations research is not required. Applicants should have a bachelor’s in either:

Applicants need to take the GRE, but the specifics end there – no degree rules, no set scores. You will need a personal statement and some letters of reference. At $16,950 per academic year, Georgia Tech falls below the average costs of other programs on this list. The program lasts around 12-15 months. Low-key requirements + cheapish tuition = yes. Also yes: not having to write a thesis or complete a final project.

Georgia Tech describes its coursework as “ rigorous ,” so it won’t be a cakewalk. The school generally limits the program to 20 students, so admission is competitive. Thirty credit hours are required for a master’s. Students can focus on specific applications. These include:

• Optimization
• Stochastics
• Computational Science
• Other Electives

If this all sounds great except for the “living in Atlanta” part, don’t fret. Georgia Tech’s MS in operations research program can be taken online . 

#5. CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Master of engineering in operations research and information engineering.

Cornell University is an Ivy League school in Ithaca, NY. Its Cornell Tech campus lies on Roosevelt Island, near Manhattan. (It’s the place with the c o ol tram .) The difference between the locales speaks to their differing missions. Cornell’s campus in Ithaca is home to a storied university full of tradition that dates back to 1865.

Cornell Tech’s sleek and energy-efficient campus is part of NYC’s tech hub. The school has a year-long ME ORIE program. The Master of Science provides students with skills in data analytics and mathematical modeling. Their skills help them to turn data into effective business decisions. It’s ideal for students who want to work at major tech companies or startup ventures.

To be eligible for admission, you must have a passion for data, business, and analytics. You’ll also need courses in:

• Probability and statistics
• Programming

You may have to complete a test to gauge your skills in programming and advanced mathematics. Otherwise, no specific academic background is needed. You will also need to provide a resume and GRE scores. You may have to record an interview, too.

This program has a number of merit-based scholarships for the top students. An example is the WiTNY fellowship for women.

The most interesting part of Cornell’s operations research program? The Studio courses. Students take these each semester. These courses allow you to take real-world classes in other departments. In the Product Studio, students develop a new tech product or service based on a challenge. These are organized with tech companies like Uber or Robin Hood. You will graduate with real, marketable experience. You will also have a portfolio of completed projects that will help you land jobs.

You will take courses over a period of two semesters. You will be able to choose from two concentrations. These include operations analytics or data science. You can use those choices to guide your course selections. After the two semesters, you can travel to the main campus in Ithaca if you’d like to take more classes. Here, you can continue to build skills in engineering and operations research math.

The entire program costs around $28,890. This is expensive, but not the most expensive on this list. This is surprising, especially given that Cornell is an Ivy League Institution. It’s one of the best master’s degrees you’ll find.

See Also: 10 Online Master’s in Computer Engineering

#6. CARNEGIE MELLON

Master of business administration with operations research concentration.

You’ll find another top operations research graduate program at Carnegie Mellon. The Tepper School of Business plays host to the operations research Master of Science. It’s one of the best master’s degrees around. Carnegie Mellon’s business school debuted in Pittsburgh. The Tepper School of Business does not play by the rules. It offers a revolutionary, one-of-a-kind curriculum.

Tepper’s OR program draws from that history. You’ll tackle complex business problems and develop unique solutions for them. The operations research program is an area of concentration within the MBA program. Carnegie Mellon offers four operations research-specific courses. These include Applications of Operations Research and The Art and Science of Predictions. It also has a project credit in business analytics.

Though you will take fewer courses in mathematics in this Master of Science, it’s still quite rigorous. Analytics plays a big part in Carnegie Mellon’s curriculum. The school’s devotion to analytics and leadership sets its MBA program apart from all others. You’ll graduate with an understanding of analytics that goes beyond mathematical modeling. You’ll also receive a well-rounded business education here.

The school operates on what it calls a “mini-semester” system or the quarter system. The academic year includes four quarters that last 6.5 weeks each. This doubles the number of courses in a semester so you can graduate faster. The program lasts two years for full-time students.

Tepper also offers part-time and hybrid programs. These are half online, half on-campus. They are meant for working professionals. Students need 192 units to graduate. The coursework allows for a lot of electives and immersion workshops. There are also plenty of built-in networking opportunities. These can help fuel your job growth. It finishes up with a capstone project. This comes in three forms. There is a Study Abroad option. This is a four-week trip to Germany, Hong Kong, or Mainland China. It concludes with a summary presentation. You can also do a Management Game. This is a computer simulation of a multinational company. There is also Strategic Management of the Enterprise. This consists of consulting for real companies.

The program costs $14,760 per academic year. Carnegie Mellon has flexible admissions prerequisites that make it easy to apply. No piece of the application is more important than others. You’ll need to submit a resume and GMAT or GRE scores. You’ll also need an essay and a professional letter of recommendation. Unofficial transcripts and an on-campus interview are also required. Carnegie Mellon accepts students from any educational background.

#7. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Master of science in operations research engineering.

The University of Southern California has racked up plenty of awards. U.S. News & World Report ranks it No. 22 among National Universities and No. 9 in Best Engineering Schools (where its operations research program lives). It takes first place for Best Online Graduate Computer Information Technology Programs. It’s located near downtown Los Angeles in beautiful Southern California. You will be able to enjoy beautiful weather year-round. There are also plenty of local recreational activities. USC’s campus is close to LA’s large Exposition Park. This is home to many attractions. These include the city’s natural history museum and the LA Memorial Coliseum. You can even visit the brand new Banc of California Stadium. None of that will help you in your studies, but they’re things to consider nonetheless!

The Operations Research Engineering Master of Science at USC is one of the best. It trains students to solve key business problems with mathematics and computers.You will need to complete 21 credits in those required courses. You’ll also take six credit hours of electives. You’ll also take three computer science electives. This will help you earn the 30 credits needed for a master’s. There’s no thesis or capstone project. You’ll move toward job growth in other ways, like networking.

To apply, you will need an undergraduate degree in engineering, mathematics, or science. You should also submit GRE scores and a resume. Submit a personal statement and three letters of recommendation, too.

This program is one of the most expensive on this list. That said, private universities aren’t known for their low prices. You don’t have to battle Los Angeles traffic. You can still benefit from this top-notch (albeit expensive) program. There’s an online version of the program via DEN@Viterbi, the online learning portal. You can also choose a hybrid online/on-campus degree if you can’t decide which fits you best.

See Also: 10 Affordable Online Master’s in Material Science & Engineering

#8. SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY

Master of science with a major in operations research.

Located in Dallas, TX, SMU offers a master of science in operations research. This program has plenty of opportunities for individualization. You can pursue pathways in areas like:

• management consulting
• telecommunications

If price connotes quality, then SMU is the best. At $38,562, it is the most expensive program on our list. It’s well above the average cost of the other schools. Fortunately, there are plenty of financial aid opportunities available. Students should have bachelor’s degrees in:

• Computer science
• A similar technical field

You also need to take six credit hours of calculus and three of linear algebra. You will also need three credits of computer programming e.

The Lyle School of Engineering is home to the operations research program. This degree requires 30 credit hours of study. These credits include core courses like Analytics for Decision Support and Optimization Models for Decision Support. You’ll also be able to take nine hours of a concentration. As mentioned earlier, SMU offers countless options for concentrations. You’ll need advisor approval before studies begin. Options include:

• Engineering management
• Telecommunications
• Another engineering discipline

Not sure what that would entail? The operations research page has sample course schedules for these disciplines. Each of them includes five courses. Expect a fairly small class size. The Lyle School of Engineering’s website notes that it has an 11:1 student to faculty ratio.

Faculty here stay busy outside of the classroom, too. The school receives some of the largest research awards in the nation on a “per faculty basis.” You could study areas like network design or network management. These are two areas that directly impact day-to-day life. Life on campus at SMU is also pretty nice. The campus spreads across a couple of hundred acres in north-central Dallas. This offers a good mix of urban space with greenery. One word of caution. The summers are hot! You can beat the heat by checking out the famous George W. Bush Presidential Library. This is located on SMU’s campus.

#9. JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

Master of science in engineering management.

Founded in 1876, Johns Hopkins University was the nation’s first research university. It is in Baltimore, MD. At first, it only offered graduate programs. Undergraduate degrees didn’t arrive until later. The school has been prestigious since its very beginning. In U.S. News & World Report ’s 2020 rankings, Johns Hopkins placed No. 10 for National Universities and No. 23 for Most Innovative Schools. It’s ranked No. 19 for Best Value Schools. It has a cost of $27,868 per academic year for its OR program. It costs more than the average for this list. It still is affordable for a private school. The graduate program in engineering took No. 17 for Best Engineering Schools. As you can see, Johns Hopkins has always offered quality programs – and that probably won’t change any time soon. 

The Master of Science in Engineering Management is offered by the Whiting School of Engineering. You’ll take five advanced courses along with a suite of management classes that you’ll take with a cohort. The cohort model is a major feature of Whiting’s approach. You’ll start building a professional network rights away in this graduate degree. You’ll also take many courses in entrepreneurship.

This is a flexible program. It allows for lots of electives and course substitutions. You can even join the Home2Homewood program. This allows you to take several online courses before you have to head to Baltimore to complete the rest of your classes.

This program even includes an Immersion Experience. Also known as the Practice of Consulting, this project will allow you to head abroad. You may visit sites like Israel, Honduras, Panama, and New Zealand. You’ll work with a team to solve a client problem. This experience occurs during the fall and spring semesters. It provides students with an excellent real-world look at the work they’ve tackled in class.

To apply, students should have bachelor’s degrees in science or engineering. Plan on submitting the GRE. You will also need:

• Letters of recommendation
• A statement of purpose
• Unofficial transcripts

#10. MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Master of operations research.

Some schools offer operations research as a specialization of a larger degree. Others bump it up to degree status, usually as part of the engineering department. MIT took things one step further. It constructed a massive building just for that purpose. It’s fittingly called the Operations Research Center . The Operations Research Center started in 1953 and developed the first-of-its-kind OR curriculum. This was back when applying scientific methods to decision-making and business problems was a revolutionary idea. The primary goal of this program is collaborative investigation.

Students don’t have to have bachelor’s degrees in specific fields to apply. That said, MIT is known for having a competitive admissions process. You will need to submit the GRE a statement of objectives and three letters of recommendation. Transcripts are required. The operations research program only accepts around 40 students each year. This is from a large pool of hundreds of applicants.

The silver lining is that the school only costs $18,971 per academic year. This is a bargain when compared to other prestigious schools of this caliber. U.S. News & World Report ranks it No. 4 in Best Value Schools. That’s low for MIT. It ranks No. 3 in national universities, and No. 1 for Best Engineering Schools for graduate degrees. 

MIT’s vaunted graduate degree emphasizes practical applications of operations research. This is done through coursework and research. The two-year program requires 66 credit units for completion. 42 of these must come from advanced subjects . You’ll take classes in topics such as optimization techniques and probabilistic modeling. You will also take classes that relate to your individual interests.

The coursework is separated into eight groups. These groups include:

• Machine Learning
• Operations Management

You’ll complete a final thesis based on independent research before you graduate.

See Also: 10 Affordable Online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a master’s in operations research.

An operations research masters degree is a program that will teach you how to use mathematical and analytical methods. These methods can help businesses develop better management techniques. You’ll be able to help organizations improve their efficiency and make more money.

This program usually comes with optional concentrations. These might include fields like:

• supply chain management
• stochastic models

What can you do with a masters operations research degree?

Businesses have more data than ever before at their fingertips. Knowing how to use it is where the operation research analyst comes in. This is the most common job enjoyed by a person with a Master of Science in operations research. This is a growing field. It is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the fourth Best Business Job in the country.

Operations research emerged as a major discipline during World War II. There was a need for analysts who could plan efficient supply routes and processes. The military continues to use the work of operations research analysts to this day. People with degrees in operations research now work in a variety of diverse fields. You could find work in logistics, manufacturing, and more.

No matter where you find work, you will likely be a high-level decision maker. Getting a master’s degree will only make this process easier. You’ll know how to use statistics and data tools. Your skills can help businesses draw conclusions from available information. You’ll also have the leadership skills necessary to manage a team.

Are operations research masters programs worth it?

Bachelor’s degree is the typical education needed to get an entry-level job in this field. Many employers prefer to hire applicants with master’s degrees. This is especially true now, in our increasingly competitive work environment.

A Master of Science in Operations Research will provide you with the necessary prerequisite training. You’ll also gain access to industry certifications and on-the-job experience. These can help you move in a more specialized or leadership-focused direction.

How can I get financial aid and scholarships for a master’s in operations research? 

Earning a master’s degree is expensive. There’s no question about it! The good news is that there are ways you can make your degree more affordable. You don’t have to be an analyst to figure them out! One of the best ways to find an affordable program is to take a look at these operations research masters programs rankings next. Consider which is the most affordable for you and go from there.

Look to government scholarships and grants first. Although many of these awards tend to be reserved for undergraduate students there is a select amount of aid set aside for graduate students.

Check with your university. Your department may have funds set aside for top students. You can also check with private organizations and institutes. from the Department of Defense are all excellent places to look. Excellent places to look are:

• The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences
• SMART Program
• The Information Assurance Scholarship Program from the Department of Defense

As a very last resort, you can always lean on student loans to help pay for the difference. Keep in mind that you will have to pay these back – plus interest.

How much can I make with a master’s in operations research?

You’ll earn a respectable salary with a master’s in operations research. The average salary is around $86,200 per year. Workers in the federal government earn the highest wages overall. A master’s degree will qualify you for the top wages.

The future looks bright for individuals with master’s in operations research. These fields are expected to grow by about 25% through the next decade. That’s according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is due in part to the fact that jobs for operations research analysts are available in countless industries. You could work in:

• finance and insurance
• manufacturing
• professional services
• federal government

IF YOU ENJOYED THAT THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE BEST ONLINE MASTER’S PROGRAMS IN ECONOMICS & 35 BEST ONLINE MASTER OF MATHEMATICS DEGREE PROGRAMS !

Michael Templeton Managing Editor

Kacey Reynolds Schedler Contributing Editor

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