Focus in
Operations Research
Operations research is the application of scientific and especially mathematical methods to the study and analysis of problems involving complex systems.
PhD and MS students interested in Operations Research apply methods such as mathematical programming, stochastic modeling, and discrete-event simulation to the solution of problems in complex systems such as logistics, supply chain optimization, long-range planning, energy and environmental systems, urban and health systems, and manufacturing.
ISE faculty and students conduct OR funded by such agencies as the National Science Foundation, the Office of Naval Research, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the Department of Homeland Security , the Department of Transportation and the National Institute of Justice, as well as national and local corporations and foundations such as United Airlines, Praxair, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and the Fire Protection Research Foundation. We often work in teams with faculty and students with research interests in manufacturing, production systems and human factors to solve problems beyond the expertise of any single discipline.
We have an active student body - in fact, UB hosts one of the founding chapters of Omega Rho, the National Operations Research Honor Society. Students are also active participants in the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS).
Graduating students regularly take positions in national and international corporations, academic institutions and research laboratories.
ISE PhD students who wish to conduct dissertation research in the area of Operations Research should complete (at a minimum) the following courses:
- IE 572 Linear Programming
- IE 573 Discrete Optimization
- IE 575 Stochastic Methods
- IE 576 Applied Stochastic Processes
- IE 5xx/6xx Operations Research/IE Elective
- IE 555 Programming for Analytics (Must be completed within the first two years of the program)
The Operations Research core qualifying exam questions are the following:
- IE 572
- IE 573
- IE575
- IE576
- IE 5xx or 6xx Operations Research/IE Elective
ISE MS students who wish to conduct thesis research in the area of Operations Research should complete the following courses:
- IE 572 Linear Programming
- IE 573 Discrete Optimization
- IE 575 Stochastic Methods
- IE 576 Applied Stochastic Processes.
- In addition, students are required to take two additional IE courses in Operations Research, as approved by the faculty.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Fall Admission
- February 15: Full consideration
- We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Spring Admission
- October 1: Full consideration
- We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year.
One of the Nation's Top ISE Graduate Programs
Our ISE graduate program ranks 14th across public universities, according to the 2023 U.S. News & World Report graduate program rankings.
