Operations Research Major
Operations Research is a scientific approach to decision making with a focus on how best to design and operate systems, usually under conditions requiring the allocation of scarce resources. However, whether one means the term to be a professional designation, a label for a body of methods, or an approach to problem solving, operations research is today inextricably linked to the direction and management of large systems of people, machines, materials, and money in government, industry, business, and defense. Since its inception during WWII, the interdisciplinary field of operations research has set itself apart as an applied mathematical science and engineering discipline with a diverse range of applications. Because of the increased demand for operations research analyses within the Army, the operations research specialty continues to enjoy steady growth in membership, and is associated with superb educational and promotion opportunities throughout an officer's military career. West Point remains the single largest source of operations research officers for the Army. Graduates of the operations research program at USMA are well prepared to tackle some of the Army's most challenging problems and to pursue graduate study in support of the operations research career field.
Military Applications of Operations Research
The military specifically uses Operations Research at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels. The applications cover a full spectrum of military activities including national policy analysis, resource allocation, force composition and modernization, logistics, human resources, battle planning, and maintenance and replenishment.
Student Outcomes
The student outcomes of the operations research major include:
- Demonstrate competence in modeling processes and systems by:
- Identifying and articulating assumptions, metrics and constraints
- Applying appropriate solutions techniques
- Interpreting results within the appropriate context
- Argue and inquire soundly and rigorously; become independent questioners and learners
- Achieve proficiency in operations research – in breadth and depth
- Understand and apply probabilistic and statistical models and methods
- Understand and apply simulation methods
- Understand and apply optimization methods
- Communicate effectively - orally and in writing
- Use technology to model, visualize, and solve complex problems
- Develop attitudes – habits of mind:
- Creative and curious
- Experimental disposition
- Critical thinking and reasoning
- Commitment to life-long learning
- Understand the role of operations research in interdisciplinary problem solving
Program of Study
Operations Research applies quantitative methods to decision-making. The Operations Research curriculum offers a combination of mathematical optimization, statistics, systems engineering, engineering management, computer science, and economics. This broad foundation of problem-solving skills and knowledge afford an adept perspective when confronting the challenging and complex problems that face military, government, and industry leaders.
Cadets interested in studying operations research can pursue a degree in Operations Research, Operations Research Studies, or Operations Research with Honors. All cadets must complete 26 core courses.
The Operations Research Major requires an additional 16 courses (12 required and 4 elective) for a total of 42 academic courses.
The Operations Research Studies Major requires an additional 14 courses in the major (11 required and 3 electives) for a total of 40 academic courses. SE402 and SE403 are not required. Instead, the Studies Major requires SM401 Systems Management Capstone.
Honors Program
Operations Research offers an honors program. In order to receive an Operations Research Major with Honors a cadet must:
Required Courses (11 of 11)
| Course No. |
Course Title |
| MA371 |
Linear Algebra |
| MA376 |
Applied Statistics |
| MA381 |
Nonlinear Optimization |
| MA476 |
Mathematical Statistics |
| MA481 |
Linear Programming |
| SE301 |
Fundamental Engineering Design and Systems Management |
| SE385 |
Decision Analysis |
| SE387 |
Deterministic Models |
| SE388 |
Probabilistic Models |
| SE402 |
Systems Design |
| SE403 |
Systems Design and Engineering Management |
IT Course (1 of 2)
| Course No. |
Course Title |
| IT305 |
Theory and Practice of Military IT Systems |
| IT355 |
Advanced Theory of Military IT Systems |
Simulation Elective (1 of 2)
| Course No. |
Course Title |
| EM481 |
Systems Simulation |
| SE485 |
Combat Modeling |
Operations Research Elective (2 of 19)
| Course No. |
Course Title |
| EM381 |
Engineering Economy |
| EM411 |
Project Management |
| EM420 |
Production Operations & Systems |
| EM481 |
Systems Simulation |
| EM482 |
Supply Chain ENG and IM |
| MA372 |
Introduction to Discrete Math |
| MA383 |
Foundations of Math |
| MA386 |
Introduction to Numerical Analysis |
| MA387 |
Mathematical Analysis I |
| MA391 |
Mathematical Modeling |
| MA461 |
Graph Theory and Networks |
| MA462 |
Combinatorics |
| MA488 |
Special Topics in Mathematics |
| MA489 |
Advanced Individual Studies in Math |
| MA491 |
Research Seminar in Applied Mathematics |
| SE370 |
Computer Aided Systems Engineering |
| SE485 |
Combat Modeling |
| SM421 |
Systems Acquisition Management |
| SM484 |
System Dynamic Simulation |
General Elective (1 of 17)
| Course No. |
Course Title |
| CS384 |
Data Structures |
| CS486 |
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence |
| EM420 |
Production Operations & Systems |
| EM481 |
Systems Simulation |
| MA386 |
Introduction to Numerical Analysis |
| MA391 |
Mathematical Modeling |
| MA461 |
Graph Theory and Networks |
| MA488 |
Special Topics in Mathematics |
| MA489 |
Advanced Individual Studies in Math |
| SE385 |
Combat Modeling |
| SE489 |
Advanced Individual Study in Systems Engineering |
| SE490 |
Special Topics in Mathematics |
| SE491 |
Applied Research Project in Systems Engineering |
| SM484 |
Dynamic Systems Analysis |
| SE382 |
Microeconomics |
| SS388 |
Macroeconomics |
| SS469 |
Econometrics II |