College of Science

Operations Research

Master's : Boston
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The Master of Science in Operations Research teaches students how to develop and solve mathematical and computer models of systems using optimization and statistical methods.

Boston
Location
Full-Time
Part-Time
Commitment
2 Years
Duration
Classroom
Program Format
Overview

This program seeks to train students in the basic techniques and theory of operations research and their applications to real-world problems. Graduates should have developed their analytical skills to attack complex, large-scale optimization problems of both a deterministic and stochastic nature.

Eight 4-semester-hour graduate courses are required for this degree. Previous course work will be evaluated to determine proficiency in certain content areas and degree plan may be tailored accordingly. In some cases, a student may be required to take an assessment exam to determine content and knowledge proficiency. No course can be used to satisfy both a requirement and an elective. To qualify for degree conferral, a minimum cumulative average of 3.000, equivalent to a grade of B, must be obtained. Some courses listed for this program are offered in the College of Engineering or the College of Computer and Information Science.

More Details

Unique Features

  • Offered jointly by the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (MIE) and the Department of Mathematics, thus achieving a unique balance of theory and application
  • Optional participation in Northeastern's Co-op program
  • Students can choose a Course-Only track or complete a Thesis or Project option

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Admissions

Admissions Dates

February 1 priority deadline for Fall term (international applicants cannot apply after May 1).

October 1 deadline for international applicants and December 1 deadline for domestic applicants for Spring term.

Applications received after these dates will be reviewed on a rolling admissions basis, depending on space availability.

Program Costs

$46.2K *
Tuition
$12.2K
Avg Institutional Aid
16%
% Receiving Aid
How To Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.
Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

Requirements

  • Online application
  • Application fee
  • Unofficial transcripts for all institutions attended
    (Official transcripts required upon acceptance of admission offer)
  • Personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • GRE scores
  • Proof of English Proficiency for all applicants (from one of the following):
    • Degree earned or in progress at a U.S. institution
    • Degree earned or in progress at an institution where English is the only medium of instruction
  • Official exam scores from either the TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or PTE exam
Are You an International Student?
Find out what additional documents are required to apply.
Global Engagement
Learn how our teaching and research benefit from a worldwide network of students, faculty and industry partners.
Curriculum

General Requirements

Master of Science in Operations Research General Requirements

Probability

Choose one of the following:

MATH 7241 - Probability 1 
4.00 
MATH 7341 - Probability 2 
4.00 
OR 7230 - Probabilistic Operation Research 
4.00 

Statistics

Choose one of the following:

MATH 7342 - Mathematical Statistics 
4.00 
MATH 7343 - Applied Statistics 
4.00 

Operations Research

OR 6205 - Deterministic Operations Research 
4.00 

Optimization and Complexity

MATH 7234 - Optimization and Complexity 
4.00 

Approved Electives

Complete 16 hours from the following

CS 5800 - Algorithms 
4.00 
CS 6140 - Machine Learning 
4.00 
CS 7805 - Theory of Computation 
4.00 
CSYE 6200 - Concepts of Object-Oriented Design 
4.00 
CSYE 6205 - Concepts of Object-Oriented Design with C++ 
4.00 
CSYE 6210 - Component Software Development 
4.00 
EECE 7313 - Pattern Recognition 
4.00 
EECE 7360 - Combinatorial Optimization 
4.00 
EMGT 5220 - Engineering Project Management 
4.00 
EMGT 6225 - Economic Decision Making 
4.00 
EMGT 6305 - Financial Management for Engineers 
4.00 
GE 5010 - Customer-Driven Technical Innovation for Engineers 
4.00 
GE 5100 - Product Development for Engineers 
4.00 
IE 5400 - Healthcare Systems Modeling and Analysis 
4.00 
IE 5500 - Systems Engineering in Public Programs 
4.00 
IE 5617 - Lean Concepts and Applications 
4.00 
IE 5620 - Mass Customization 
4.00 
IE 5630 - Biosensor and Human Behavior Measurement 
4.00 
IE 6300 - Manufacturing Methods and Processes 
4.00 
IE 7200 - Supply Chain Engineering 
4.00 
IE 7215 - Simulation Analysis 
4.00 
IE 7275 - Data Mining in Engineering 
4.00 
IE 7280 - Statistical Methods in Engineering 
4.00 
IE 7285 - Statistical Quality Control 
4.00 
IE 7290 - Reliability Analysis and Risk Assessment 
4.00 
IE 7315 - Human Factors Engineering 
4.00 
IE 7615 - Neural Networks in Engineering 
4.00 
MATH 7232 - Combinatorial Analysis 
4.00 
MATH 7233 - Graph Theory 
4.00 
MATH 7346 - Time Series 
4.00 
MATH 7347 - Statistical Decision Theory 
4.00 
MATH 7349 - Stochastic Calculus and Introduction to No-Arbitrage Finance 
4.00 
OR 7235 - Inventory Theory 
4.00 
OR 7240 - Integer and Nonlinear Optimization 
4.00 
OR 7250 - Multi-Criteria Decision Making 
4.00 
OR 7260 - Constraint Programming 
4.00 
OR 7310 - Logistics, Warehousing, and Scheduling 
4.00 
Experiential Learning

Northeastern's signature experiential learning model combines academics with professional practice to help students acquire relevant, real-world skills they can apply to their desired industry. Each program offers its own unique experiential learning opportunities, but they might include:

  • Full-Time Co-op Opportunities — Students on co-op work in a paid position in their field of study for three to six months.
  • In-Class Case Studies — Professors integrate case studies and exercises into the classroom to bring a real-world perspective and relevance to what they’re teaching.
  • Research — Students collaborate with faculty in our more than 30 federally funded research centers, tackling some of the most pressing challenges in health, security, and sustainability.

 

Faculty

Our Faculty

Our faculty represents a wide cross-section of professional practices and in fields ranging from finance to education to biomedical science to management to the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors, and collaborate alongside students to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Muhammad Noor E Alam

Assistant Professor, Mechanical & Industrial Engineering

Emanuel Melachrinoudis

Associate Professor, Associate Chair and Director, Industrial Engineering

Christopher King

Professor and MSAM/MSOR Coordinator
Students

By enrolling in Northeastern, you gain access to a network of more than 245,000 alumni and 3,200+ employer partners, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and global NGOs. Our current students and faculty across strategically located regional campuses further foster that lifelong global community of learning and mentoring.

Below is a look at where our Science & Mathematics alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.

 

  • Where They Work

    • State Street
    • IBM
    • Raytheon
    • Liberty Mutual Insurance
    • Amazon

  • What They Do

    • Engineering
    • Education
    • Business Development
    • Research
    • Information Technology

  • What They're Skilled At

    • Matlab
    • Research
    • C++
    • Project Management
    • Data Analysis

 

Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.

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