Program Overview

Introduction to the Ph.D. in Operations Research

The Ph.D. in Operations Research is a doctoral program designed for individuals to develop advanced subject matter expertise in operations research. This interdisciplinary program prepares graduates for careers in various sectors of the economy, including finance, insurance, computer systems design, manufacturing, state and local government, education, healthcare, and the military.

Program Overview

The Ph.D. in Operations Research program at Florida Tech is research-driven, high-tech, and hands-on, allowing students to gain knowledge and apply it in real-world settings. The program provides a high-quality curriculum, extensive research opportunities, internships, and teaching assistantships. Professors in the department bring their lifetime of experience to the classroom, giving students valuable insights that can be applied in the real world.

Expert Training Develops Subject Matter Experts

Employers demand leaders who can craft solutions for complex business issues, and they rely on trained graduates who possess a high level of subject matter expertise. As one of just a few universities offering a Ph.D. in operations research, graduates from Florida Tech develop unique skills that employers seek for their management teams.

Research Areas

Candidates for a Ph.D. in operations research participate in many research experiences, including final course projects and interdisciplinary team projects that involve:

• Optimization and optimal control
• Stochastic models
• Inverse problems in modeling
• Image processing
• Data mining
• Game theory
• Financial mathematics and statistics

Facilities

Florida Tech's research university status ensures that students in the Ph.D. in operations research program have the tools and facilities they need to conduct research in their preferred area of interest. The university's advanced research centers and laboratories are home to essential equipment and software such as Xpress Optimization Suite, Mathematica, MATLAB, Sage Mathematics Software, and NIH-Image.

Career Preparation

Florida Tech challenges students earning a Ph.D. in operations research to become thought leaders who pave the way to success for the organizations they lead. Graduates from Florida Tech are working for government organizations and corporations such as Harris Corp., Piper, Federal Aviation Administration, and Northrop Grumman. According to the US Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for operations research analysts is projected to grow 27% through 2022, much faster than other occupations. As technology advances and companies seek efficiency and cost savings, demand for operations research analysts should continue to grow.