Program Overview

Introduction to Operations Research with Engineering

Operations Research (OR) involves mathematically modeling physical systems with a view to determining a course of action for the system to either improve or optimize its functionality. Examples of such systems include manufacturing systems, chemical processes, socio-economic systems, mechanical systems, and mining systems.

Program Description

The Operations Research with Engineering program offers two degrees: Master of Science in Operations Research with Engineering (Non-Thesis) and Doctor of Philosophy in Operations Research with Engineering.

Master of Science in Operations Research with Engineering (Non-Thesis)

• The program requires 30 hours of coursework, including 18 hours of core courses and 12 hours of elective courses.
• Core courses include:
  • MATH 530: Statistical Methods I
  • MATH 531: Statistical Methods II
  • ORWE 586: Linear Optimization
  • ORWE 585: Network Models
  • MATH 438/538: Stochastic Models
• Elective courses can be chosen from any ORWE-labeled course not taken as core, or from specialty tracks such as operations research methodology, systems engineering, computer science, finance and economics, or an existing engineering discipline.

Doctor of Philosophy in Operations Research with Engineering

• The PhD program allows students to complete an interdisciplinary doctoral degree in Operations Research with Engineering by taking courses and conducting research in eight departments/divisions.
• The degree requires a minimum of 72 graduate credit hours, including coursework and a thesis.
• Core courses include:
  • CSCI/MATH 406: Algorithms
  • MEGN 502: Advanced Engineering Analysis
  • ORWE 586: Linear Optimization
  • MATH 530: Statistical Methods I
  • MATH 438: Stochastic Models
  • ORWE 585: Network Models
  • ORWE 588: Integer Optimization
  • ORWE 587: Nonlinear Optimization
• Students must also complete at least 24 hours of research credits and pass Qualifying Exams I and II to become a candidate for the PhD.

Specialty Tracks

The program offers various specialty tracks, including:

• Energy Systems within Mechanical Engineering
• Additive Manufacturing
• Applied Mathematics and Statistics
• Economics
• Business
• Computer Science
• Civil Engineering - Geotechnics
• Civil Engineering - Structures
• Nuclear Engineering
• Electrical Engineering - Antennas and Wireless Communications
• Electrical Engineering - Energy Systems and Power Electronics
• Electrical Engineering - Information and Systems Sciences
• Mining and Earth Systems

Research Areas

Research areas include operations research methodology, systems engineering, computer science, finance and economics, and various engineering disciplines.

Admission Criteria

Students must complete undergraduate prerequisite courses with a grade of B or better, including:

• CSCI 261: Programming Concepts
• CSCI 262: Data Structures

Transfer Credits

Students may transfer up to 24 hours of graduate-level coursework from other institutions toward the PhD degree, subject to approval by the student's doctoral thesis committee and the Director of the ORwE program.

Unsatisfactory Progress

Unsatisfactory progress will be assigned to any full-time student who does not pass prerequisite and core courses in the first three semesters of study. Part-time students must develop an approved course plan with their advisor.

Combined Undergraduate/Graduate Degree Program

Students enrolled in the combined undergraduate/graduate program may double count up to six hours of credits used in fulfilling the requirements of their undergraduate degree at Mines towards their graduate program.