Program Director:

Dr. Yvonne Yaz
Office: L321
Phone: (414) 277-7423
Email: yaz@msoe.edu

Operations Research is a mathematical discipline devoted to the study of complex systems using mathematical models. Operations research analysts help the executives make better decisions and they make recommendations for improvements that help to save time and money. They use simulation to test various scenarios and how they might impact the organization; optimization to narrow choices down to the best one; probability and statistics to measure risk.

Operations Research is one of the fastest growing professions in the United States according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Operations research analysts work for almost every industry: airline industry for scheduling, package delivery companies to maximize their overnight delivery networks; trucking companies to design the most efficient delivery routes, to select the best fuel and equipment; auto industry to optimize the way they design and test vehicle prototypes, just to name a few.

MSOE’s Operations Research degree program is a combination of traditional mathematics and statistics courses, with a strong business foundation. This also gives the students the opportunity to double major in Business.

Program Educational Objectives

Graduates of the BS in Operations Research program will:

• demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and skills in applied mathematics.
• demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and skills in computer programming and computer applications such as: spreadsheets, presentation software, statistical analysis programs, database management, programming languages and linear/nonlinear/dynamic programming.
• display an understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities.
• display appropriate in-depth communications, management and teamwork skills, associated with the practical and professional aspects of operations research.
• be well prepared to be accepted and successfully complete an MS program in operations research at a university in the United States.

Student Outcomes

Upon graduation, students of the BS in Operations Research program should have:

• obtained general applied mathematics knowledge: single and multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations.
• obtained general mathematical modeling and strong probability and statistics knowledge: statistics, probability, mathematical modeling, applied probability models, game theory, linear and non-linear programming.
• have obtained general computational knowledge by completing courses such as: Visual Basic, Java, Computational Methods and Applications
• have completed business courses: Micro and Macro Economics, Principles of Accounting, Production Management, Applied Operations Management, Advanced Operations Management, and Quantitative Management Techniques
• have completed the course: Ethics for Professional Managers and Engineers
• have completed communication courses: Composition, Technical Composition, Business Communication and Speech.