Operations Research

Operations Research

College of Arts & Science >> Division of Mathematical Sciences

The Operations Research major is designed to prepare the student with a thorough understanding of mathematics with a special emphasis on those areas of mathematics used by business or industry in operations research. The program is broad enough to allow the student to continue on with graduate studies in mathematics or operations research. A minor in business would also allow the student to pursue an MBA degree. While the student should first consider graduate school, the program will allow the student to seek an entry-level position in industry. The program requires 36 hours in the major and 18-25 hours in a selected minor study concentration.

The job market is strong for Operations Research majors in terms of job satisfaction, advancement opportunities, and salary. You may check job opportunities out on the following internet site: http://www.informs.org/Resources/Job_Information/

Curriculum Highlights

  • Freshman
  • Transcendental Functions
  • Calculus I
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  • Sophomore
  • Calculus II & III
  • Elementary Statistics
  • Principles of Microeconomics
  • Principles of Accounting I & II
  • Principles of Macroeconomics
  • Elementary & Linear Algebra
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  • Junior
  • Calculus IV
  • Operations Research I & II
  • Principles of Management
  • Discrete Math
  • Introduction to Logistics Management
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  • Senior
  • Probability & Statistics I & II
  • Mathematics Seminar
  • Differential Equations
  • Production/Operations Management

For further details see complete major information: Operations Research Personal Opportunity Profile PDF

You may also contact Admissions (1.800.BJ.AND.ME) to receive a printed copy of this information.

Key Courses

Calculus A 4-semester sequence of courses which is the heart of the math program. You will study tools that enable one to approximate functions with polynomials, calculate volumes and area of irregular shaped objects, and find maxima and minima of functions. These tools are essential in any successful operations research career.

Production/Operations Management, Introduction to Logistics Management and Quantitative Production Methods These are several of the required business and management classes necessary for the implementation of the techniques of operations research in real-life business.

Operations Research I and II These classes lay the foundation for your professional operations management study.

Probability and Statistics I and II In these calculus-based classes you cover the mathematical base for univariate and multivariate probability and statistics.

Career Opportunities

As an Operations Research major, you will have the opportunity to go into industry or to graduate school before entering your career. Our graduates not only are readily accepted in most graduate schools, but also are eagerly recruited. Many graduates place at the top of their respective graduate classes.

The following are some opportunities available to you:

  • Operations Research—use your skills in industry
  • College teaching—several of our graduates have Ph.D. degrees and are teaching at major universities
  • Statistician—used in quantitative management
  • Government and Industry
  • Computer science
  • Law