phd operations research

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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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]

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.

• Doctoral Programs

The Yale SOM Operations doctoral program is designed to prepare individuals for faculty positions in operations research or operations management at research-oriented business, engineering and policy schools. 

The program also prepares students for research-oriented operations careers in public, private, or not-for-profit organizations. Yale’s Operations doctoral program is unique in its focus on identifying and modeling operational processes wherever they are found with the goal of improving operations and making better decisions. Program participants apply the methods of operations research and management to model important problems, some easily recognized as operational in nature (e.g. supply chains and service systems), but others less so (e.g. improving public health, sustainability, and homeland security). Framing such problems requires sophistication in characterizing/recognizing operational settings wherever they may be, while modeling and solving these problems requires the mathematical methods of operations research and management. The Yale Operations doctoral program develops expertise in both. 

As customary in business schools, a Ph.D. student in our program will receive a 5-year fellowship (subject to satisfactory performance) and has the freedom to work on a wide range of topics with faculty in Operations and other parts of the campus. The program is small, ensuring that each student receives ample faculty attention, and is highly flexible, allowing the program to be tailored to each student’s interests. Even though young, this Operations Ph.D. program has already trained successful students who have received faculty position offers from top schools and succeeded at various student INFORMS competitions. For more details, see Course of Study  and  Recent Graduates and Students . 

See also the Yale Operations Seminar Series .

Primary faculty

Edward H. Kaplan ∙ Sang Kim ∙  Zhen Lian  ∙   Vahideh Manshadi ∙ Lesley Meng ∙  Faidra Monachou  ∙  Edieal Pinker ∙ Nils Rudi ∙ Tauhid Zaman  

Affiliated faculty

Peter Aronow ∙ Forrest Crawford ∙ A. David Paltiel ∙ Sekhar Tatikonda

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Our Ph.D. program is a rigorous and academically-demanding program that involves independent investigation of open problems with the purpose of creating original scholarly work of the highest caliber. Doctoral graduates are prepared for academic teaching and research positions and placement in the private sector.

Operations Research field-faculty in Ithaca Campus, as well as in Cornell Tech New York City, advise Ph.D. students. All Ph.D. students complete their foundational course work in Ithaca during the first one or two years. Ph.D. students that would like to work with advisors located at Cornell Tech move to New York City after finishing their foundational course work. There is no separate application process for the students that would like to work with advisors in Cornell Tech.  The same course requirements apply to all students. Specific information about pursuing an ORIE Ph.D. in Cornell Tech is available through Cornell Tech’s Ph.D. programs website .

For the Fall 2024 admissions cycle, we do not require (nor will we accept) GRE scores. The deadline for applying to the Ph.D. program for fall admission is January 5, 2024 . We do not accept applications for spring admission.

We are one of the world’s preeminent Schools of Operations Research and Information Engineering—highly respected for the research and academic investigation conducted here and the role our work plays in influencing and seeding ideas in the academic community to reach new understanding. A leader in advancing and influencing the decision and management sciences, the School provides an unparalleled educational and research environment. The School’s core strength is our faculty, distinguished teachers and researchers, who build breadth and depth in fundamental science and methodological research.

One of the most remarkable aspects about Cornell is the extent of inter-departmental relations. The ties between our School and the departments of computer science and mathematics are particularly strong, as are our links with the Centers for Statistics and Applied Mathematics and with the Johnson School of Management. Our students often take courses offered by other units, in engineering and across the university. In particular, our Ph.D. students benefit from the strengths in the Operations Management and Finance groups in the Johnson School, in the practice and theory of computational mathematics, and in the study of probability and statistics throughout Cornell.

Furthermore, one of the unique aspects of Cornell is the “field system”. The faculty in the “Field of Operations Research” represent a broad range of areas, and have faculty appointments within departments spanning several colleges within Cornell. As such, our students are able to engage in a wide variety of projects, spanning from purely theoretical research such as mathematical probability, to practical applications of machine learning techniques on data sets provided by companies that consult with Cornell.

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PhD Program Overview

Wharton’s program in Operations, Information and Decisions emphasizes research on real management problems and maintains a balance between theory and practice. The faculty trains scholars in decision making, information systems, and operations management.

Our faculty leads in the development and application of an innovative blend of analytical and empirical approaches to important problems facing the private and public sectors, including the design, development, and evaluation of:

• behavioral approaches to individual and managerial decision making;
• information systems as a means of commerce and of decision making; and
• operations for the fulfillment of demand and broader economic and social needs.

Our PhD program provides a unique mix of behavioral, economic, statistical and analytical training to its students, and its strength is reflected in our students’ record of placement and achievement.

Three Areas of Specialization

Decision processes (dp).

What factors influence human judgment and decision-making? Why and when are people prone to judgement errors and biases? What kinds of interventions will help people make better decisions or improve human welfare? Our interdisciplinary Decision-Making PhD program focuses on training students to conduct and publish academic research that helps to answer these important questions. Along the way, students receive rigorous quantitative/statistical training and acquire a deep understanding of the literature on judgment and decision-making, significant exposure to the fields of psychology, economics, organizational behavior, and marketing.

Information Systems (IS)

The Information Systems PhD Program covers a broad range of research interests, from the development of detailed analytical and information-technology-based methods for managing complex organizations to the broader economic evaluation of the impact of organizational and market-based use of information systems and information-based strategies.

Operations Management (OM)

The Operations Management PhD Program focuses on the processes that define an organization’s outputs, as well as the methods commonly used to analyze these processes. Students specializing in OM are interested in a wide range of functions, including operations strategy, product and process design, technology management, capacity planning, and supply chain management.  Their work similarly covers a wide range of organizations and industries, including education, health care, hospitality, manufacturing, distribution, and retailing.

PhD Program

• Program of Study
• Course Requirements
• Details on Program Milestones
• Learning, Research, and Working at Wharton
• Financial Aid and Stipends
• Living in Philadelphia
• Post-Wharton

Course Information

• Course Descriptions
• Course Schedule

Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Operations Research

The Doctor of Philosophy in Operations Research has the following principal objectives:

1.) To train students who are able to advance the state of knowledge and practice in operations research through innovative research contributions.

2.) To train students who are able to integrate and apply principles from optimization, stochastic processes, simulations, and machine learning to innovate, and create operations research models and apply them to solve important real-world problems.

3.) To train students who are able to participate in multidisciplinary teams that include individuals whose primary background is in statistics, optimization, engineering, mathematics and science.

4.) To provide a high quality education that prepares individuals for careers in industry, government (e.g., national laboratories), and academia, both in terms of knowledge, computational (e.g., software development) skills, and mathematical modeling skills.

All PhD programs must incorporate a standard set of Requirements for the Doctoral Degree .

Students in the Ph.D. in Operations Research program choose a single track from Optimization, Stochastics, or Applications that guides the program of study as given below.

Comprehensive exam

The comprehensive examination for the Ph.D. in Operations Research is based on content of the courses in the Domain Core. Students must complete exams in ISYE 6661 and 6761, and one other Domain Core course.

Second year paper requirement

Students in the Ph.D. in Operations Research program are required to submit a second year paper no later than the end of Spring semester of their second full program year.  This paper at a minimum:

• defines a research problem;
• provides a literature review;
• describes progress towards solving the research problem;
•  identifies additional research questions to be answered and steps to be taken.

The advisor needs to certify that the document meets the above requirements, that it was written primarily by the student, and that the student is making good progress on research and should stay in the OR program. Should a student fail to complete the paper on time, they will be asked to leave the program.

Dissertation Research Proposal

The first step toward completing a final dissertation is to receive formal approval of a dissertation research topic.  This is accomplished via the Dissertation Research Proposal.  Students must present their dissertation research proposal to the Thesis Advisory Committee no later than the end of Spring semester of the student’s third full year in the program.

Each Ph.D. student must prepare a cogent, self-contained written research proposal that should describe the research to be addressed, demonstrate an understanding of existing work, describe intended research approaches, and present initial and anticipated results.  The student must deliver this proposal, along with an oral presentation, to his/her committee.  The content expected in the written research proposal should be discussed with the research advisor and committee members.

If judged to be satisfactory, the Thesis Advisory Committee members must sign the appropriate section of the Request for Admission to Ph.D. Candidacy form approving the thesis topic.  Each member of the committee must also complete the Dissertation Proposal

Assessment Form, available on the ISyE website.  The student should bring copies of all forms to the proposal presentation and is responsible for returning all forms to the Academic Programs Office. A student must present the thesis proposal at least one semester prior to the Final Doctoral Examination.

A student who fails to obtain approval of his/her thesis proposal must modify the existing proposal, and if required by the Thesis Advisory Committee, must defend the modified proposal in a subsequent oral presentation.  If this second thesis proposal is not successful, the student will have not more than 6 months to identify a new research topic and if necessary a new research advisor, and to report this information to the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies. Failing to do so will prevent a student from continuing in the program.

Dissertation

The primary requirement of a Ph.D. program is the completion of a dissertation, a written work documenting the research findings of a searching and authoritative investigation of a topic in the chosen primary field of study. The dissertation must either extend the boundaries of fundamental knowledge in a field or provide a new and better understanding or interpretation of facts already known. It should demonstrate that the candidate possesses powers of original thought, a talent for scholarship and research, and an ability to organize and present his/her findings.

Georgia Tech Graduate Studies maintains a website that discusses policies and requirements for Ph.D. dissertations at Georgia Tech.

The minor will follow the standard Georgia Tech requirement: 6 hours outside the student’s home unit with a letter grade of 'C' or higher. The courses for the minor should form a cohesive program of study that is approved by the ACGS. Courses selected from the breadth requirements can be used to count toward the Minor.

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PhD Program

Program overview.

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Rigorous, discipline-based research is the hallmark of the MIT Sloan PhD Program. The program is committed to educating scholars who will lead in their fields of research—those with outstanding intellectual skills who will carry forward productive research on the complex organizational, financial, and technological issues that characterize an increasingly competitive and challenging business world.

Start here.

Learn more about the program, how to apply, and find answers to common questions.

Admissions Events

Check out our event schedule, and learn when you can chat with us in person or online.

Start Your Application

Visit this section to find important admissions deadlines, along with a link to our application.

Click here for answers to many of the most frequently asked questions.

PhD studies at MIT Sloan are intense and individual in nature, demanding a great deal of time, initiative, and discipline from every candidate. But the rewards of such rigor are tremendous:  MIT Sloan PhD graduates go on to teach and conduct research at the world's most prestigious universities.

PhD Program curriculum at MIT Sloan is organized under the following three academic areas: Behavior & Policy Sciences; Economics, Finance & Accounting; and Management Science. Our nine research groups correspond with one of the academic areas, as noted below.

MIT Sloan PhD Research Groups

Behavioral & policy sciences.

Economic Sociology

Institute for Work & Employment Research

Organization Studies

Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Strategic Management

Economics, Finance & Accounting

Accounting  

Management Science

Information Technology

System Dynamics  

Those interested in a PhD in Operations Research should visit the Operations Research Center .  

PhD Program Structure

Additional information including coursework and thesis requirements.

MIT Sloan Predoctoral Opportunities

MIT Sloan is eager to provide a diverse group of talented students with early-career exposure to research techniques as well as support in considering research career paths.

Rising Scholars Conference

The fourth annual Rising Scholars Conference on October 25 and 26 gathers diverse PhD students from across the country to present their research.

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The goal of the MIT Sloan PhD Program's admissions process is to select a small number of people who are most likely to successfully complete our rigorous and demanding program and then thrive in academic research careers. The admission selection process is highly competitive; we aim for a class size of nineteen students, admitted from a pool of hundreds of applicants.

What We Seek

• Outstanding intellectual ability
• Excellent academic records
• Previous work in disciplines related to the intended area of concentration
• Strong commitment to a career in research

MIT Sloan PhD Program Admissions Requirements Common Questions

Dates and Deadlines

Admissions for 2024 is closed. The next opportunity to apply will be for 2025 admission. The 2025 application will open in September 2024. 

More information on program requirements and application components

Students in good academic standing in our program receive a funding package that includes tuition, medical insurance, and a fellowship stipend and/or TA/RA salary. We also provide a new laptop computer and a conference travel/research budget.

Funding Information

Throughout the year, we organize events that give you a chance to learn more about the program and determine if a PhD in Management is right for you.

PhD Program Events

May phd program overview.

During this webinar, you will hear from the PhD Program team and have the chance to ask questions about the application and admissions process.

June PhD Program Overview

July phd program overview, august phd program overview.

Complete PhD Admissions Event Calendar

Unlike formulaic approaches to training scholars, the PhD Program at MIT Sloan allows students to choose their own adventure and develop a unique scholarly identity. This can be daunting, but students are given a wide range of support along the way - most notably having access to world class faculty and coursework both at MIT and in the broader academic community around Boston.

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Profiles of our current students

MIT Sloan produces top-notch PhDs in management. Immersed in MIT Sloan's distinctive culture, upcoming graduates are poised to innovate in management research and education.

Academic Job Market

Doctoral candidates on the current academic market

Academic Placements

Graduates of the MIT Sloan PhD Program are researching and teaching at top schools around the world.

view recent placements 

MIT Sloan Experience

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The PhD Program is integral to the research of MIT Sloan's world-class faculty. With a reputation as risk-takers who are unafraid to embrace the unconventional, they are engaged in exciting disciplinary and interdisciplinary research that often includes PhD students as key team members.

Research centers across MIT Sloan and MIT provide a rich setting for collaboration and exploration. In addition to exposure to the faculty, PhD students also learn from one another in a creative, supportive research community.

Throughout MIT Sloan's history, our professors have devised theories and fields of study that have had a profound impact on management theory and practice.

From Douglas McGregor's Theory X/Theory Y distinction to Nobel-recognized breakthroughs in finance by Franco Modigliani and in option pricing by Robert Merton and Myron Scholes, MIT Sloan's faculty have been unmatched innovators.

This legacy of innovative thinking and dedication to research impacts every faculty member and filters down to the students who work beside them.

Faculty Links

• Accounting Faculty
• Economic Sociology Faculty
• Finance Faculty
• Information Technology Faculty
• Institute for Work and Employment Research (IWER) Faculty
• Marketing Faculty
• Organization Studies Faculty
• System Dynamics Faculty
• Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Management (TIES) Faculty

Student Research

“MIT Sloan PhD training is a transformative experience. The heart of the process is the student’s transition from being a consumer of knowledge to being a producer of knowledge. This involves learning to ask precise, tractable questions and addressing them with creativity and rigor. Hard work is required, but the reward is the incomparable exhilaration one feels from having solved a puzzle that had bedeviled the sharpest minds in the world!” -Ezra Zuckerman Sivan Alvin J. Siteman (1948) Professor of Entrepreneurship

Sample Dissertation Abstracts - These sample Dissertation Abstracts provide examples of the work that our students have chosen to study while in the MIT Sloan PhD Program.

We believe that our doctoral program is the heart of MIT Sloan's research community and that it develops some of the best management researchers in the world. At our annual Doctoral Research Forum, we celebrate the great research that our doctoral students do, and the research community that supports that development process.

The videos of their presentations below showcase the work of our students and will give you insight into the topics they choose to research in the program.

How Should We Measure the Digital Economy?

2020 PhD Doctoral Research Forum Winner - Avinash Collis

Watch more MIT Sloan PhD Program  Doctoral Forum Videos

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Faculty Directory

Meet our faculty.

Operations Research (Ph.D.)

Focus: advancing knowledge and research in areas such as mathematical optimization; stochastic and probabilistic methods; statistical modeling and analysis; design and analysis of algorithms; and computational and numerical methods.

• Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering >
• PhD Program >
• PhD in Industrial Engineering >

Operations Research

Degree concentration for phd, industrial engineering.

Operations Research (OR) is the application of scientific and especially mathematical methods to the study and analysis of problems involving complex systems. 

PhD students interested in OR apply methods such as mathematical programming, stochastic modeling, and discrete-event simulation to the solution of problems in complex systems such as logistics, supply chain optimization, long-range planning, energy and environmental systems, urban and health systems, and manufacturing.

We have an active student body - in fact, UB hosts one of the founding chapters of Omega Rho, the National Operations Research Honor Society. Students are also active participants in the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS).

Our faculty and students conduct OR research funded by such agencies as the National Science Foundation, the Office of Naval Research, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Transportation and the National Institute of Justice, as well as national and local corporations and foundations such as United Airlines, Praxair, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and the Fire Protection Research Foundation. We often work in teams with faculty and students with research interests in manufacturing, production systems and human factors to solve problems beyond the expertise of any single discipline.

Graduating students take positions in national and international corporations, academic institutions and research laboratories. 

Required Core Courses

ISE PhD students who concentrate in OR complete at a minimum:

• IE 572 Linear Programming
• IE 573 Discrete Optimization
• IE 575 Stochastic Methods
• IE 576 Applied Stochastic Processes
• IE 5xx/6xx Operations Research/IE Elective
• IE 555 Programming for Analytics (Must be completed within the first two years of the program) 

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 Program

Ranked no. 3 in the nation.

The application period for Fall 2024 admissions to MS and PhD programs has closed. Fall 2025 admissions information will be available in Summer 2024.

• Master of Analytics
• Master of Science
• Master of Engineering

Program Overview

• How to Apply
• Recent PhD Placements
• Student Profiles

Our PhD program will prepare you with the latest theory, computational tools, and research methods for a career of discovery in academia or industry. You will learn to innovate in a wide range of domains, such as artificial intelligence, high-tech, healthcare, energy, finance, consulting, data science, management, robotics, logistics, and human factors.

Dear Future Students

In my eyes,  UC Berkeley  is a dynamic campus filled with energy and ideas. It's a place where brilliant concepts and radical opinions coexist, fostering a level of inclusion and diversity that sets it apart from other institutions. The IEOR department stands out within this vibrant environment, offering an experience beyond the ordinary.

Whether it's  Professor Adler's  interludes about the life of George B. Dantzig (a former Berkeley IEOR Professor and one of the creators of the Simplex Algorithm) or  Professor Rhonda Righter’s  eye-opening insights into queueing techniques (which engraves “conditioning” into my thinking patterns), every moment in class is a valuable learning experience. IEOR faculty always go above and beyond to support students. For example, most recently,  Professor Candace Yano  responded to my email at 11:57 pm on a Friday just to address my seemingly trivial questions about a presentation slide.

Looking ahead, after my graduation (still a few years away), I envision taking a role as a research scientist in an industry where I can make a meaningful impact. While I haven't pinpointed the specific industry I'll dive into, the flexibility and wealth of choices at Berkeley IEOR make that uncertainty perfectly okay. The ability to customize minor courses (and even set your own titles) showcases a high degree of flexibility, offering many options tailored to individual preferences and goals.

Addressing the question of why choose Berkeley IEOR over other grad schools, I offer a broader perspective: "A PhD is not just a degree; it is a lifestyle." Berkeley IEOR has become the ideal environment for me to live the life I envisioned, with its supportive atmosphere, an exceptional cohort, supportive mentors, and all the advantages of being part of UC Berkeley and the Bay Area.

Sincerely, Ricky Huang Current IEOR PhD Student

Info Session Video Recordings

Join Innovative Researchers

As a PhD student in IEOR at Berkeley, you work with faculty that are leading experts in their field and become part of a determined cohort of researchers shaping a sustainable, safe, and inclusive future for our world.

Become Leading Academics

With a PhD in IEOR from Berkeley, you are well poised for successful careers in academia, serving as researchers and professors in various technical departments at some of the finest universities across the world.

Explore Exciting Careers

As a Berkeley IEOR PhD student, you gain theoretical and computational expertise to become an ideal candidate for innovative firms in domains like finance, healthcare, energy, services, and many more.

Contact us if you have any questions or concerns:

IEOR Graduate Admissions [email protected]

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

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.

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/

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 .

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Sciences, Mathematics and Biotechnology

Steeped in Clinical Trial Design Know-How

Certificate graduate vivian dao-tong parlays skills to advance into clinical trial manager role.

For Vivian Dao-Tong, the importance of clinical research and its positive effects on health are personal.

One of her family members participated in a clinical trial for diabetes research and Vivian was taken aback at how much care and attention they received from the trial staff during each monthly visit. “The research team was very knowledgeable and resourceful. They spent a lot of time explaining to us what diabetes was and how to modify lifestyle habits to help improve quality of life,” Vivian explains.

“When the clinical trial was over and the drug went to market, it was neat to see how my family member’s participation in the clinical trial played a huge role in helping other patients have access to a new therapy to help manage their diabetes.”

This experience stuck with her. It’s what led her to earn a B.S. in biological sciences (with a minor in psychology) from Sacramento State and then to continue her education in the field with an M.S. in pharmaceutical sciences from Touro University.

In the field, Vivian has held clinical research coordinator and clinical research associate roles at various biotech companies in the Bay Area. It was during these experiences when Vivian realized that in order to succeed and help others improve their quality of life, she would need the technical know-how to effectively oversee a clinical trial from start to finish.

“The Bay Area is home to a lot of biotech companies and unfortunately not all companies will teach their employees on how to lead and manage a clinical trial,” Vivian explains.

“It was important for me to find a program that would prepare me to be knowledgeable in FDA and ICH Good Clinical Practices regulations and understand best practices on how to start, maintain and close out a clinical trial.”

So Vivian turned to some coworkers for advice, many of whom had excelled in their careers after completing our Certificate Program in Clinical Research Conduct and Management . With those recommendations in mind, Vivian knew that our certificate would be the perfect path toward career success .

“I was also drawn to UC Berkeley Extension’s reputation of upholding rigorous academic standards that would prepare me for my career in clinical trials.”

In August 2019, Vivian took her first step in investing in her future: Enrolling in the Introduction to Clinical Research: Clinical Trial Phases and Design course .

It was important for me to find a program that would prepare me to be knowledgeable in FDA and ICH Good Clinical Practices regulations and understand best practices on how to start, maintain and close out a clinical trial. I was also drawn to UC Berkeley Extension’s reputation of upholding rigorous academic standards that would prepare me for my career in clinical trials.

You took all of the classes online. Tell me about your experience going through the certificate.

I really enjoyed meeting other students and instructors virtually . The teachers really cared for their students and shared their industry experiences with us.

Assignments were applicable to day-to-day operations in the field. I remember we had an assignment where we had to write out what to prepare prior to conducting a monitoring visit .

I really enjoyed the flexibility of taking online classes because I was also working full time as a clinical trials specialist at Exelixis .

The curriculum was very logical. The first course was very high-level and challenging, but as I navigated through the program, it started to get easier. I enjoyed learning about the different life cycles of a clinical trial—such as startup, maintenance , close-out , post-market—different phases of a clinical trial and inspection readiness.

I really enjoyed the flexibility of taking online classes because I was also working full time as a clinical trials specialist at Exelixis.

Since completing the certificate, you’ve moved up from a clinical trials specialist to a clinical trials manager.

Yes, I am working at Alector , a biotechnology company in South San Francisco that focuses on neurodegenerative and immuno-neurology therapies.

Some of my day-to-day responsibilities include:

Ensuring sponsor oversight by managing contract research organizations (CROs) and study vendors

Overseeing regional site management activities

Performing data listing reconciliations and protocol-deviation reviews.

Managing CTA and budget negotiations

Leading study document reviews with cross-functional team members

Overseeing Trial Master File (TMF) as part of inspection readiness

Identifying risks and performing mitigation

Working on clinical-development operations, process, initiatives and improvement

That’s quite a lot of responsibilities! Are you incorporating lessons learned from the certificate to your work?

Absolutely! There was one company that I worked for that was a pre-IPO biotech company. At the time, the company wanted to start a clinical trial but did not know how or what guidelines to follow. I was able to explain what processes must be in place before starting a clinical trial —such as site feasibility, site qualification, site selection, et cetera—and worked very closely with the project manager to set realistic timelines.

This program provided me with a lot of knowledge and gave me the tools to be resourceful so that I can help lead my team to manage a clinical trial successfully.

What does earning this certificate mean to you personally and professionally?

With the constant changes in the world, there are so many new and undiscovered illnesses out there. Being able to research these emerging illnesses and investing the time, effort and money to run these clinical trials is very rewarding. Not everyone can say that they can put a drug out on the market , and for me it is an ultimate career goal to be a part of a team that is able to do this.

What advice would you give to a student who is starting the certificate?

Stay organized and stay disciplined ! Don't be afraid to ask questions if you do not understand the material at first.

Stay up to date with courses and trends in Clinical Research Conduct and Management

Deepen your skills, clinical research conduct and management, related posts.

Sticking to Her Roots

Making a Difference in the Lab

February 20 Online Event: Careers in Biotech

View the discussion thread.