The Ph.D. in Operations Research

Careers in operations research can be found in every part of an organization. Operations research experts help managers make important decisions on issues such as allocating resources, developing production schedules, managing supply chains, and setting prices. With the help of computer software, databases, statistical programs, and modeling packages, operations research analysts work daily to study and solve the challenges associated with integrated corporate operations.

Florida Tech offers a doctoral program for individuals to develop advanced subject matter expertise and earn a PhD in operations research. Graduates of this interdisciplinary program can find careers in many sectors of the economy including finance, insurance, computer systems design, manufacturing, state and local government, education, healthcare, and the military.

Expert Training Develops Subject Matter Experts

Employers demand leaders who can craft solutions for complex business issues, and they rely on trained graduates who possess a high level of subject matter expertise. As one of just a few universities offering a PhD in operations research, graduates from Florida Tech develop unique skills that employers seek for their management teams.

Professors Bring Years of Experience to the Classroom

Bringing their lifetime of experience to the classroom, professors in the PhD in operations research department give students valuable insights that can be applied in the real world. Small class sizes allow for individualized attention, mentorship, and collaborative research opportunities, not only with fellow graduate students, but also with undergrads, faculty, and local experts. The program provides a high-quality curriculum, extensive research opportunities, internships, and teaching assistantships.

Research

Florida Tech professors are involved in various research projects in the field, collaborating with professionals in medicine, computer science, engineering, and life sciences. Candidates for a PhD in operations research participate in many research experiences, including final course projects and interdisciplinary team projects that involve:

• Optimization and optimal control
• Stochastic models
• Inverse problems in modeling
• Image processing
• Data mining
• Game theory
• Financial mathematics and statistics

Students seeking a PhD in operations research are also encouraged to participate in consulting projects and, when applicable, funded research assistant positions.

Facilities

Florida Tech's research university status ensures that students in the PhD in operations research program have the tools and facilities they need to conduct research in their preferred area of interest. The university's advanced research centers and laboratories are home to essential equipment and software such as Xpress Optimization Suite, Mathematica, MATLAB, Sage Mathematics Software, and NIH-Image.

Excellent Career Preparation

Florida Tech challenges students earning a PhD in operations research to become thought leaders who pave the way to success for the organizations they lead. Graduates from Florida Tech are working for government organizations and corporations such as Harris Corp., Piper, Federal Aviation Administration, and Northrop Grumman.

According to the US Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for operations research analysts is projected to grow 27% through 2022, much faster than other occupations. As technology advances and companies seek efficiency and cost savings, demand for operations research analysts should continue to grow.