Professional Studies, Operations Research Concentration, M.P.S.

The Operations Research concentration of the Master of Professional Studies degree (MPS) is an interdisciplinary graduate degree program for working professionals who wish to earn a graduate degree and excel in their careers.

Program Description

This program is designed for the working adult, available completely online, and provides a flexible schedule. It does not require a GRE. The MPS Operations Research Concentration is for those interested in data visualization, survey techniques and implementation strategies, and operational needs assessment, which are the basis of conducting and presenting the findings of organizational survey-based research that is fundamental in organizational decision-making and advancement. The program culminates with a professional project.

Careers

Operations research analysts are involved in all aspects of an organization. They help managers decide how to allocate resources, develop production schedules, manage the supply chain, and set prices. Career options include:

• Economist
• Logistician
• Market Research Analyst
• Quality Assurance Analyst
• Statisticians
• Software Developer

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Master of Professional Studies program requires:

1. An earned bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college;
2. An acceptable grade point average (GPA) in all college work taken (at least 3.0 for unconditional admission). Applicants with GPA less than 3.0 will submit a portfolio of works to include a resume and essay to be considered for admission;
3. Competency in word processing, library retrieval systems, presentation graphics, spreadsheets, and databases. Students must be computer literate (using email, posting discussions, using chat, web page navigation, uploading attachments, etc.) as well as have excellent time management skills in order to be successful in the online course environment;
4. Regular access to a computer and reliable Internet connection.

Application Procedures

All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.

1. Applicant must submit application with the appropriate application fee.
2. Submit official transcripts from all collegiate institutions attended;
3. Submit a portfolio of works for those with a 2.75 GPA or higher and five (5) years of full-time work experience OR those with a 3.25 GPA with less than five (5) years of full-time work experience.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Professional Studies with a concentration in Operations Research requires completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours.

• Complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate credit.
• Complete a professional project during the final semester of the program.

Curriculum

Core Courses (12 hours)

• PRST 6000 - Leading Organizational Transformation
• PRST 6100 - Professional Environment: Issues and Ethics
• PRST 6300 - Research Methods
• PRST 6600 - Statistical Analysis

Operations Research Concentration (9 hours)

• BIA 6905 - Applied Business Analytics
• HSC 6530 - Effective Program Management
• PRST 6320 - Effective Techniques in Survey Design and Implementation

Specialization Electives (6 hours)

• BCED 5660 - Corporate Communication
• BIA 6910 - Business Intelligence
• COMM 6650 - Conflict Management and Resolution
• PRST 6770 - Computer-based Decision Modeling

Professional Project (3 or 4 hours)

• PRST 6998 - Professional Project

Faculty

The program is taught by experienced faculty, including:

• Dr. Brielle Retha Campos
• Dr. Amy Harris
• Dr. Scott McDaniel
• Dr. Vickie Montgomery
• Dr. Dianna Zeh Rust
• Stephanie Totty

Information

Additional information about the program, including scholarships and online student resources, is available.

Outline:

• Core Courses (12 hours):
• PRST 6000 - Leading Organizational Transformation
• PRST 6100 - Professional Environment: Issues and Ethics
• PRST 6300 - Research Methods
• PRST 6600 - Statistical Analysis
• Operations Research Concentration (9 hours):
• BIA 6905 - Applied Business Analytics
• HSC 6530 - Effective Program Management
• PRST 6320 - Effective Techniques in Survey Design and Implementation
• Specialization Electives (6 hours):
• BCED 5660 - Corporate Communication
• BIA 6910 - Business Intelligence
• COMM 6650 - Conflict Management and Resolution
• PRST 6770 - Computer-based Decision Modeling
• Professional Project (3 or 4 hours):

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Careers:

• Operations research analysts are involved in all aspects of an organization.
They help managers decide how to allocate resources, develop production schedules, manage the supply chain, and set prices.
• Potential career paths include:
• Economist
• Logistician
• Market Research Analyst
• Quality Assurance Analyst
• Statisticians
• Software Developer

Middle Tennessee State University

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Overview:

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is a large university with a small-town feel, located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It is known for its affordability, strong academic programs, and vibrant campus life. MTSU is a public university with a diverse student body, including a significant number of first-generation students.

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Services Offered:

MTSU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Financial Aid:

83% of students receive financial aid, with over $230 million in assistance available.

Campus Improvements:

The university has invested $1.5 billion in recent campus improvements and renovations.

Academic Support:

MTSU provides academic advising, tutoring, and other support services to help students succeed.

Student Life:

The university offers a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities to enhance the campus experience.

Career Services:

MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

MTSU boasts a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can enjoy:

Large Campus with Small-Town Feel:

MTSU's 515-acre campus offers a scenic, park-like setting while maintaining a close-knit atmosphere.

Active Student Organizations:

Students can join over 200 student organizations and clubs, catering to diverse interests.

Athletics:

MTSU has 17 Division I sports teams, providing opportunities for both participation and spectator enjoyment.

Campus Events:

The university hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and sporting events.

Student Union:

The Student Union serves as a central hub for students, offering dining, a bookstore, a game room, a theater, and more.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordability:

MTSU offers the lowest tuition among Tennessee's three largest universities, making it a highly affordable option.

Strong Academic Programs:

MTSU offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate majors and concentrations, including highly ranked programs in areas like Industrial and Organizational Psychology and Audio Engineering.

Diverse Student Body:

MTSU is home to a diverse student population, including a significant number of first-generation students.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university offers a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, fostering a strong sense of community.

Career Opportunities:

MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities to help students prepare for their future careers.

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Academic Programs:

MTSU offers a wide range of academic programs across eight colleges, including:

Arts and Sciences:

Offers majors in fields like biology, chemistry, English, history, and mathematics.

Business:

Offers majors in accounting, finance, marketing, and management.

Education:

Offers majors in elementary education, secondary education, and special education.

Engineering and Technology:

Offers majors in computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.

Fine Arts:

Offers majors in music, theater, and art.

Health and Human Sciences:

Offers majors in nursing, health sciences, and human development.

Liberal Arts:

Offers majors in communication, journalism, and political science.

University College:

Offers a variety of general studies programs and interdisciplinary majors.

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Other:

• MTSU is the number 1 producer of college graduates in the greater Nashville area.
• MTSU is home to the first public Honors College in Tennessee.
• MTSU has more than two dozen Fulbright scholars.
• MTSU students, alumni, faculty, and staff have won 47 Grammy Awards since 2001.
• MTSU is known for its flexible programs that emphasize real-world projects and soft skills development.