Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Science in Operations Management

The Master of Science in Operations Management (MSOM) is a vital component of running a business, focusing on the creation of goods and services through converting inputs to outputs. This program teaches principle functions as they relate to managing people, processes, and efficiencies.

Core Functions of an Organization

All organizations perform three core functions for their survival:

• Marketing – which creates demand
  • This function is essential for generating interest in the organization's products or services.
• Operations / Production– which creates the product or service
  • This involves the management of resources and processes to produce goods or services.
• Finance – which tracks the health of the organization and keeps the lights on
  • Financial management ensures the organization's sustainability by monitoring income, expenses, and investments.

Operations Management

Operations Management (OM) is one of the three main functions of an organization and is integral to all other business functions. Central topics in OM include:

• Determining what goods and services to offer
• Quality management
• Designing processes and facilities to effectively create products
• How to manage a workforce
• Supply chain management
• Inventory management
• Scheduling
• Building reliability into processes

Career Opportunities with a Degree in Operations Management

MSOM graduates can work as:

• Project Managers
• Operations Managers
• Supply Chain Managers
• Operations Researchers
• Purchasing or Materials Managers Many students report gaining a promotion in their current career or obtaining a new job as a result of this degree. The flexibility of the program allows students to tailor elective courses to fit their own personal career goals.

Class Structure

• Online courses are conducted in Blackboard, the University's online learning platform, and include video lectures, group projects, discussion boards, quizzes, etc.
• Most courses will also include a midterm exam and a final exam, and all online exams are proctored using ProctorU.
• Courses are offered in eight-week sessions offered five times a year.
• Live courses are also available on the Fayetteville campus and remote locations.

Transfer of Previous Graduate Credits

Graduate students can transfer up to six graduate credit hours to the MSOM program (two classes). To transfer, the courses would have to be an exact match in that they covered the exact same material learning objectives as the course you are requesting transfer credit for.

Prerequisites

The program accepts students from all undergraduate majors. To ensure student success, the program is transitioning to a new model that replaces multiple prerequisite courses with a single integrated foundations course, depending on the student's start term.

Enrollment and Course Access

Students not admitted to OMGT / EMGT programs are allowed to take OMGT classes if they meet the enrollment deadlines, program criteria, and space is available in the section designated for non-admitted students. Students must be at least a junior or senior to enroll in OMGT 43103.

Cost

• The cost for one 3-credit-hour class would be $1089 ($313 per credit hour tuition + the $150 online course fee) – price does not include textbooks.
• The entire cost of the ten graduate classes required for the program (tuition and fees) would be $10,890. This price does not include textbook costs or the cost for the prerequisite courses.

Eligibility to Apply

To be admitted, you must have a conferred bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution (any major) with a 2.5 GPA or higher (either cumulative GPA or the last 60 credit hours). You do not need to have the prerequisite courses completed to be admitted, but you must complete them early in the program.

Application Process

Refer to the Application Process page for complete information on how to apply, including deadlines and required documents such as official transcripts and GRE/GMAT scores (if needed).

Duration of the Program

After fulfilling the prerequisites, the MSOM program can be completed in about one calendar year (5 sessions), but you have up to six years to complete the degree. The duration depends on the number of classes taken each session.

For Current Students

Withdrawal and Enrollment Changes

If you are only enrolled in one class, you must complete the official withdrawal instead of dropping a class. If you do not take classes for an entire fall or spring semester, you will need to reapply for admission to the graduate school.

Financial Aid

Changes in enrollment can affect financial aid. It is the student's responsibility to know the rules regarding enrollment and financial aid. Undergraduate prerequisite courses may not count toward graduate enrollment for financial aid.

Comprehensive Exam

Registering for the comprehensive exam requires applying for the exam, uploading exam materials through Blackboard, and then scheduling the exam after the department has accepted your submission. Exam dates are given on a first come, first served basis.

Graduation Application

You should apply for graduation as soon as you know when you plan to graduate. Commencement ceremonies are held in the fall and spring semesters. Summer graduates will participate in the December commencement ceremony.

Participation in Commencement

Yes, students can participate in Commencement if they will complete the last course in the following term. Yes, you can participate in Commencement if you don't attend classes in Fayetteville; visit the Registrar's Commencement page for details.

Technical Support and Resources

For issues with ProctorU, contact your instructor immediately. For other technical issues or questions, refer to the appropriate support pages or contact University IT Services.

Textbooks and Equipment

Required textbooks are listed on the Textbooks page. Yes, E-Texts are available, but International or Flexible textbooks are not acceptable for class. You must order the correct textbook with the exact ISBN. For equipment requirements, any reasonably modern computer (made in the past three years) running Windows or Mac OS X, with a camera and broadband Internet connection should be sufficient for coursework.