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Courses

The MOR Degree requires a minimum of 30 credit hours. To earn the Master’s of Operations Research, the student must:

1. Successfully complete five Core courses from the following list. Exceptions to this list may be made on a case-by-case basis.

Units: 3

Operations Research [OR] is a discipline that involves the development and application of advanced analytical methods to aid complex decisions. This course will provide students with the skills to be able to apply a variety of analytical methods to a diverse set of applications. Methods considered include linear and mixed-integer programming, nonlinear and combinatorial optimization, network models, and machine learning. Focus will be on how to translate real-world problems into appropriate models and then how to apply computational procedures and data so that the models can be used as aids in making decisions. Applications will include improving the operation of a variety of different production and service systems, including healthcare delivery and transportation systems, and also how OR can be used to make better decisions in areas like sports, marketing, and project management. Prerequisites include undergraduate courses in single variable differential and integral calculus and an introductory course in probability.

Offered in Fall Spring Summer


Units: 3

Basic concepts of linear, nonlinear and dynamic programming theory. Not for majors in OR at Ph.D. level.

Offered in Fall Only


Units: 3

Algorithm design techniques: use of data structures, divide and conquer, dynamic programming, greedy techniques, local and global search. Complexity and analysis of algorithms: asymptotic analysis, worst case and average case, recurrences, lower bounds, NP-completeness. Algorithms for classical problems including sorting, searching and graph problems [connectivity, shortest paths, minimum spanning trees].

Offered in Fall Spring Summer


Units: 3

Introduction to methods for obtaining approximate solutions to unconstrained and constrained minimization problems of moderate size. Emphasis on geometrical interpretation and actual coordinate descent, steepest descent, Newton and quasi-Newton methods, conjugate gradient search, gradient projection and penalty function methods for constrained problems. Specialized problems and algorithms treated as time permits.

Offered in Fall Only


Units: 3

Covariance, multiple regression, curvilinear regression, concepts of experimental design, factorial experiments, confounded factorials, individual degrees of freedom and split-plot experiments. Computing laboratory addressing computational issues and use of statistical software.

Offered in Fall Spring Summer


Units: 3

General statistical concepts and techniques useful to research workers in engineering, textiles, wood technology, etc. Probability distributions, measurement of precision, simple and multiple regression, tests of significance, analysis of variance, enumeration data and experimental designs.

Offered in Fall and Spring


Units: 3

In this course, graduate students will learn basic data science methodologies. Examples of the methodologies include linear regression, generalized linear models, regularization and variable selection, and dimensionality reduction. In addition, students will also learn how to use these methods to solve real-world Industrial Engineering-related problems by analyzing industrial datasets and projects.

Offered in Spring Only


Units: 1 - 6

Special developments in some phase of industrial engineering using traditional course format. Identification of various specific topics and prerequisites for each section from term to term.


Units: 3

ISE/OR 560 will introduce mathematical modeling, analysis, and solution procedures applicable to uncertain [stochastic] production and service systems. Methodologies covered include probability theory and stochastic processes including discrete and continuous Markov processes. Applications relate to design and analysis of problems, capacity planning, inventory control, waiting lines, and service systems.

Offered in Fall Only


Units: 3

This course concentrates on design, construction, and use of discrete/continuous simulation object-based models employing the SIMIO software, with application to manufacturing, service, and healthcare. The focus is on methods for modeling and analyzing complex problems using simulation objects. Analysis includes data-based modeling, process design, input modeling, output analysis, and the use of 3D animation with other graphical displays. Object-oriented modeling is used to extend models and enhance re-usability.

Offered in Spring Only

  • Full core list
  • Restriction 1: At least one of 505, 506, 709 MUST be chosen.
  • Restriction 2: 504 and 505 cannot BOTH be used to satisfy this five course requirement.

2. Electives: Five additional courses should come from mathematics, engineering, statistics, computer science, or other STEM disciplines (e.g., econometrics, data science, etc.). Some business courses are also acceptable as electives. Questions regarding electives should be directed to the OR Director or the student’s faculty advisor.

3. Seminar: Enroll in OR 601 (OR Seminar) for one credit hour during residence. Students are expected to attend the seminar throughout their program.