Program Overview

Program Overview

The Computational Decision Science and Operations Research (M.S.) program is designed to equip students with the best decision-making methods within a problem's constraints and identify efficiencies to operate more effectively. This program meets the growing demand for computationally proficient decision scientists and operations researchers.

Program Details

• Program Type: Master's
• Degree: M.S.
• Department: Applied Mathematics Computer Science
• College: College of Computing
• Program Location: On Campus
• STEM Designated: Yes
• Meets F-1 Visa Requirements: Yes

Curriculum

The program is research-focused and offers hands-on experience with real-world problems and ties to industry. Students learn diverse techniques used by decision scientists and analysts to improve decision-making, including simulations, mathematical optimization, data analysis, statistics, neural networks, expert systems, and decision analysis. Courses in applied mathematics, computer science, business, and engineering maximize students' ability to help organizations improve decision-making.

Career Opportunities

Decision scientists and analysts use diverse techniques to improve decision-making in a broad range of areas. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a much faster than average growth in operations analysts jobs from 2018–2028. Potential career paths include:

• Operations research analyst
• Logistician
• Management analyst
• Market research analyst
• Economist

Admission Requirements

Students with bachelor of science degrees in mathematics, computer science, industrial engineering, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and business, or related areas, with a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.0/4.0, will be considered. Prospective students should have knowledge of linear algebra, discrete mathematics, probability and statistics, and programming. Additional requirements include:

• A statement of objectives
• A curriculum vitae
• Two letters of recommendation Strong applicants with holes in their academic background might be admitted with a requirement to take additional prerequisite courses.

Additional Information

The program focuses on computational decision science and operations research, with faculty research and projects in areas such as network design challenge and rising expert. The program is designed to meet the growing need for computationally sophisticated decision scientists and operations research professionals.