Operations research is interdisciplinary and draws heavily from the mathematics program. It also uses courses from computer science, engineering management and other engineering programs. The Master of Science in Operations Research offers concentrations that emphasize those areas of application most in demand in today's job market. Graduates have skills that include probability and statistics, deterministic and stochastic models, optimization methods, computation and simulation, decision analysis and the ability to effectively communicate with clients and managers. In addition, graduates have a breadth of knowledge that allows them to work in teams, interacting with people who bring different expertise to a problem.
All areas involve expertise with standard computer software packages.
An applicant for the master's program in operations research should have an undergraduate major in a science or engineering discipline that requires a significant amount of mathematics. Business majors with strong quantitative backgrounds are also encouraged to apply. General admission requirements and the process for applying are presented in the Graduate Information and Regulations section of this catalog. Under the thesis option, up to six credit hours of thesis may be granted in place of electives toward the required 33 hours and an oral defense is required. The nonthesis option requires a comprehensive examination.