OPERATIONS INITIATIVE
The BYU Operations Initiative helps BYU students majoring in quantitative disciplines such as applied math, computer science, and economics to pursue graduate degrees in Operations Research (OR) and Operations Management (OM). Both graduate paths involve academic research.
Research in OR and OM both examine complex operational problems, but from different home departments and with different emphases. OR (typically housed in engineering/math) focuses on mathematical optimization, algorithms, and stochastic models to find optimal solutions. OR is very deep, often on the cutting edge of developing new optimization methods. Conversely, OM (typically housed in business schools) is quite broad, emphasizing how firms and employees actually make operational decisions. Methods often include econometric, behavioral, and mathematical modeling to study operational behavior and to understand how such behavior informs the underlying optimization problem.
Interested in learning more?
The right fit depends partly on your quantitative interests and partly on your work style and personality. If you're a BYU student, take a look at the videos and chart below to get started. Then email me with your initial thoughts on which path fits you — and any questions you'd like help with.
MASTER'S IN OPERATIONS RESEARCH
Aspects:
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🧮 Build models that save millions (UPS routing, Amazon inventory)
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💻 Code daily — Python, R, Julia, optimization solvers
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📈 Typical Fields — tech, logistics, finance
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🎓 No PhD needed — master's alone opens industry doors
Best For:
Students who want to enter industry rather than academia. They have a strong math background, enjoy coding, and are looking for a clear return on investment.
Typical Backgrounds:
Applied math, statistics, computer science, engineering, physics
More details: [Video]
PhD IN OPERATIONS RESEARCH
Aspects:
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🔬 Invent new algorithms and/or publish in top journals
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🎓 Full funding + stipend — no tuition, you get paid
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🏛️ Two career paths: professor (OR, OM, Industrial Engineering, Math, Economics) or industry (Amazon, Google, MITRE)
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🌍 Solve open problems in healthcare, logistics, climate, finance
Best for:
Students who love theoretical math and are excited by unsolved problems. Graduates are trained to become researchers in academia, industry, or government.
Typical backgrounds:
Math, applied math, statistics, computer science, industrial engineering, physics
More details: [Video]
PhD IN OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
Aspects:
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📊 Methods: econometrics, empirical data, lab experiments, some optimization (less proof-heavy than OR)
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🎓 Full funding + stipend
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🏫 Placement: almost exclusively tenure-track faculty at business schools
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🔍 Research questions: Why do supply chains fail? How should hospitals schedule surgeries? Do managers over-respond to demand spikes?
Best for:
Students who want to study business problems using some combination of math, data and empirical research. The degree is designed primarily for those seeking academic careers at business schools.
Typical backgrounds:
Applied math, cconomics, industrial engineering, business (with strong quant minor), statistics, supply chain management
More details: [VIDEO]
