2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Operations Research, MS


Banner Code: VS-MS-OPRS

School:  Volgenau School of Engineering 

Department:  Systems Engineering and Operations Research 

This program prepares students for research and professional practice associated with the formulation and analysis of mathematical models for decision making and their computer implementation. Major components include optimization, queuing and network modeling, computer simulation and modeling, applied and computational probability, and application of these components to realistic and relevant operational analysis problems. Students are expected to become proficient in these areas, as well as in supporting areas of information technology necessary to implement operations research methods.

The program includes core courses and electives selected by the student with the aid of a faculty advisor. To obtain the MS degree, students complete an approved plan of study that contains a minimum of 30 graduate credits. Students may take courses through the Commonwealth Graduate Engineering Program. Appropriate courses may be transferred, with advisor approval, into this Mason degree program.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the program, students must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution in engineering, mathematics, computer science, physical sciences, economics, or a related field. They also must have completed courses in calculus (MATH 113, 114, and 213), matrix algebra (MATH 203), differential equations (MATH 214), applied probability and statistics (STAT 346), and a scientific programming language (CS 112).

Other requirements are as follows:

  • Provide evidence of satisfactory educational achievement in at least one of the following forms: a GPA of at least 3.00 as an undergraduate or an acceptable GPA in graduate courses. International students must also achieve satisfactory scores on the GRE. Nonnative English speakers must have a satisfactory score on the TOEFL.
  • Provide three letters of recommendation submitted by former professors or supervisors.

The department offers SYST 500 as an intensive review of undergraduate engineering mathematics, including matrix algebra, transforms, differential equations, probability, and statistics. On acceptance, students will be required to take a foundation qualification test a week or two before school starts, unless waived by the department chair or graduate coordinator. Students who fail the test will be required to take SYST 500. A sample test is available from the department.

Students with minor deficiencies in preparation may be accepted conditionally pending removal of the deficiencies. Courses taken to remove admission deficiencies (including SYST 500) extend minimum requirements for the degree. Students whose undergraduate training was in the quantitative social sciences or quantitatively oriented business administration may be allowed to complete a portion of the mathematics prerequisite by taking SYST 500.

Degree Requirements


The program consists of 30 credits. Students must complete four core courses and the project (15 credits).  The remaining 15 credits are electives subject to the requirements below, and can be taken in one of four concentration areas or in an individual plan approved by the student’s advisor.

Project (3 credits):


Methods Courses (6 credits):


Students should take at least one deterministic methods and one stochastic methods course.

Additional Electives (9 credits):


Up to three additional elective courses may be chosen with written concurrence of the advisor, one of which must be OR 600-level or higher. These courses should be taken in an area appropriate to the student’s interests, such as operations research, statistics, computer science, information systems, systems engineering, electrical and computer engineering, economics, mathematics or supply chain management. At least one of these electives must be taken from SEOR’s course offerings.

With the chair’s permission, a qualified student may elect to write a thesis in place of 3 credits of course work from the methodological or applications area.

Concentrations


Students may construct concentration areas by choosing electives from among special groupings. The four concentrations available are decision analysis, military operations research, optimization, and stochastic modeling. In addition to the required core courses (12 credits) and project course (3 credits), the remaining 15 credit hours consist of methods and elective courses associated with the concentration areas as outlined below. Students can also devise their own grouping of electives subject to prior approval of their advisor.

▲ Concentration in Decision Analysis (DA)


Students concentrating in decision analysis must complete the following.

▲ Concentration in Military Operations Research (MOR)


Students concentrating in military operations research must complete the following.

▲ Concentration in Optimization (OPT)


Students concentrating in optimization must complete three courses from the following.

▲ Concentration in Stochastic Modeling (STM)


Students concentrating in stochastic modeling must complete two courses from the following:

Total: 30 credits


Dual-Degree MS in Operations Research and Statistical Science


The program allows students to earn an MS in operations research and an MS in statistical science by completing 48 credits of course work in both areas instead of the 60 that would be required if the degrees were sought independently. See the corresponding catalog entry.