Our graduates have skills that include computation and simulation, probability and statistics, decision analysis, mathematical programming, and most importantly, the ability to effectively communicate with clients and managers. An applicant for the master's program in operations research should have an undergraduate major in a physical science, engineering, or business. The non thesis option requires a comprehensive examination. Courses taken to satisfy admission prerequisites cannot be counted toward the degree requirements. Curriculum The program's core requirements are designed to provide breadth with some flexibility to accommodate the diversity of backgrounds typically found in an operations research program.
Greater flexibility is provided for the elective courses beyond the core.
A student has the choice of developing greater depth in one area of specialization, aiming at eventual research in that area, or continuing to develop breadth across more than one area. By choosing courses in a related field of application, students can prepare for careers in specialty areas such as management science, actuarial science, or economic modeling in addition to conventional areas of operations research. Each student will complete a program plan that satisfies the requirements listed below, subject to approval of the advisor and program chair. Substitutions are sometimes permitted. Three courses in area of interest to the student as approved in the student's program plan.