Program Overview

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Operations Management (PhD)

Overview

The Operations Management (OM) group at Stern works on problems in managing operations in today’s economy. OM research at Stern uses a combination of analytical, empirical, and theory-building methodologies to understand how to design contracts and quality systems for the management of decentralized supply chains; best practices in retailing; revenue management applications; health care operations; call center management; task and workforce scheduling; Internet business models and strategies; and how to forecast new product sales. Research topics are drawn from several disciplines, including operations research, management and organizational behavior, economics and information systems, and banking and finance.

Program Description

Stern's Operations Management (OM) group works on problems in managing operations in today’s economy. OM research at Stern uses a combination of analytical, empirical, and theory-building methodologies to understand how to design contracts and quality systems for the management of decentralized supply chains; best practices in retailing; revenue management applications; health care operations; call center management; task and workforce scheduling; Internet business models and strategies; and how to forecast new product sales. Research topics are drawn from several disciplines, including operations research, management and organizational behavior, economics and information systems, and banking and finance.

Admissions

All applicants to the NYU Stern School of Business PhD program are required to submit a complete application for admission. A complete application includes the online application, statement of purpose, optional essay, educational history and resume or CV, letters of recommendation, test scores, academic transcripts, and an application fee.

Program Requirements

The program requires the completion of at least 36-54 credits, comprised of the following:

• Major Requirements:
  • OPMG-GB 4334: Convex Optimization (3 credits)
  • OPMG-GB 4337: Theoretical Foundations of Machine Learning and Sequential Decision Making (3 credits)
  • OPMG-GB 3321: Stochastic Processes (3 credits)
• Required Practica:
  • OPMG-GB 4101: Research Practicum-Ops I (1 credit)
  • OPMG-GB 4102: Research Practicum-Ops 2 (1 credit)
  • OPMG-GB 4103: Research Practicum-OM (1 credit)
  • OPMG-GB 4104: Research Practicum-Ops 4 (1 credit)
  • OPMG-GB 4105: Research Practicum-Ops 5 (1 credit)
  • OPMG-GB 4150: Teaching Practicum-Ops (1 credit)
• Electives: Other Elective Credits (21-39 credits)
• Total Credits: 36-54 credits

Curriculum Details

Although every doctoral student must satisfy general requirements, each student designs and completes an individual program of study. Each new doctoral student begins a program of study, which requires approval from the Area Coordinator and the Doctoral Office. Any unusual features or revisions of an approved program of study requires permission from both the department Area Coordinator and the Doctoral Office. Unless specifically approved in advance by the Area Coordinator and the Doctoral Office, MBA courses will not be eligible for tuition remission.

Additional Program Requirements

• Prerequisites: Every student must satisfy the prerequisites in calculus, linear algebra, basic probability and statistics, and economics before starting doctoral study. This can be accomplished by taking courses in these subjects for a grade.
• Basic Research Skills Methodology Courses: Every student must complete four research methodology courses, including three courses in probability and statistics, and one course in microeconomics.
• Major Specialization & Elective Courses: Every student must complete the prescribed program of courses in their major specialization, as well as elective courses.

Program of Study

Successfully complete a program of study, including completion of prerequisite coursework, basic research skills methodology courses, and major field of study and elective courses.

Comprehensive Examination

Successfully pass the comprehensive examination(s) required in the student’s area of study.

Teaching Workshop

Attend the Teaching Workshop and receive certification to teach an undergraduate course.

Teaching Preparations

Successful completion of the teaching practica as described in the PhD Handbook.

Teach an Undergraduate Course

Teach one undergraduate course or the equivalent during the 4th year of study.

Dissertation Proposal

Initiate a major piece of original research and present it for faculty approval.

Dissertation Defense

Complete a satisfactory dissertation and defend it successfully at the defense presentation. The research is the extension and completion of the research presented at the dissertation proposal.

Sample Plan of Study

Plan of Study Grid: 1st Semester/Term:

• OPMG-GB 4334: Convex Optimization (3 credits)
• OPMG-GB 4101: Research Practicum-Ops I (1 credit)
• Electives (9 credits)
• Total Credits: 13 2nd Semester/Term:
• OPMG-GB 4321: Choice Models in Operations (3 credits)
• OPMG-GB 4333: Advanced Topics in Data-Driven Decision Making (3 credits)
• Elective (3 credits)
• OPMG-GB 4101: Research Practicum-Ops I (continued from Fall) (1 credit)
• Total Credits: 9 3rd Semester/Term:
• OPMG-GB 4337: Theoretical Foundations of Machine Learning and Sequential Decision Making (3 credits)
• OPMG-GB 3321: Stochastic Processes (3 credits)
• OPMG-GB 4102: Research Practicum-Ops 2 (1 credit)
• OPMG-GB 4103: Research Practicum-OM (1 credit)
• Total Credits: 8 4th Semester/Term:
• Electives (6 credits)
• OPMG-GB 4102: Research Practicum-Ops 2 (continued from Fall) (1 credit)
• OPMG-GB 4103: Research Practicum-OM (continued from Fall) (1 credit)
• Total Credits: 6 5th Semester/Term:
• OPMG-GB 4104: Research Practicum-Ops 4 (1 credit)
• OPMG-GB 4105: Research Practicum-Ops 5 (1 credit)
• Elective (3 credits)
• Total Credits: 5 6th Semester/Term:
• OPMG-GB 4104: Research Practicum-Ops 4 (continued from Fall) (1 credit)
• OPMG-GB 4105: Research Practicum-Ops 5 (continued from Fall) (1 credit)
• Electives (6 credits)
• Total Credits: 6 7th Semester/Term:
• OPMG-GB 4150: Teaching Practicum-Ops (1 credit)
• Electives (6 credits)
• Total Credits: 7
• Total Credits: 54

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:

1. Acquire a broad working knowledge of their field of study.
2. Acquire advanced knowledge in a specific field of research.
3. Conduct independent research.
4. Be skilled presenters of academic research.
5. Be skilled teachers.

Policies

• NYU Policies: University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.
• Stern Policies: Additional academic policies can be found on the Stern Graduate Academic Policies page.