by our College Data Analytics TeamEver wonder how airlines keep track of the hundreds on flights coming in and out? Or how online stores ensure the right shipments go out to customers? Operations Research professionals analyze data and systems to ensure business operations in a variety of industries run properly and efficiently.
Students studying Operations Research learn the skills to pinpoint problems in logistics, sales, and production in order to create solutions and allow business to operate at maximum productivity. Classes in fields such as engineering, mathematics, quantitative analysis, computer science, software, and business will prepare students for a successful career collaborating with managers to improve business operations.
Studying Operations Research involves the study of Operations Research. Read on to learn the essential details every operations research major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering operations research programs.
Across the country, operations research draws strong interest, with 1,910 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Operations Research Schools ranking analyzes these 34 schools to determine the best overall colleges for operations research students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of operations research programs later in this article.
Coursework for Operations Research develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations operations research graduates commonly enter.
A strong background in math, especially statistics and calculus, is necessary for those interested in going into Operations Research. Professionals use different models that require an understanding of applied mathematic principles. Critical and analytical thinking skills will help professionals interpret data and determine solutions to operational dilemmas. Students must also be creative in developing solutions that aren't immediately obvious.
Operations Research professionals work fulltime in an office setting. Since they often work on projects that are of high importance, this career can be stressful as analysts work to meet deadlines. This can also cause professionals to work overtime. You will often be collaborating with others to meet goals, making communication and teamwork skills important.
A bachelor's degree will allow graduates to get an entry-level position, but most employers prefer to hire those with a master's degree. It is also common for operations research analysts to hold degrees in other areas, such as computer science, engineering, or advanced mathematics.
Skills developed in a operations research program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a operations research major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several operations research degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 441 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 1,384 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 85 |
People currently working in careers related to operations research tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 36.1% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 21.2% |
| Master’s degree | 11.7% |
| Post-doctoral training | 11.7% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 9.8% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 2.4% |
| Some college courses | 1.9% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 1.8% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.8% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 1.5% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in operations research careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Operations Research graduates work in a variety of occupations. Since they have the skills to analyze many different types of data pertaining to business operations, they can easily find jobs in finance, engineering, and manufacturing. Those who decide to work for the government often find jobs in the U.S. Department of Defense.
Advancing technology and the desire to become more efficient in business operations may open more jobs for Operations Research graduates in varying industries.
Majoring in operations research prepares you for many career paths. These are some of the most common occupations related to operations research.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to operations research.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,297,204 | -2.0% |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | 542,888 | 10.4% |
| Operations Research Analysts | 285,136 | 3.1% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 179,495 | 8.7% |
| Water Resource Specialists | 78,994 | -0.4% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of operations research graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $85,170 |
| 4 years | $126,482 |
| 5 years | $163,394 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for operations research graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers operations research grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Water Resource Specialists | $179,716 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $132,227 |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | $110,931 |
| Operations Research Analysts | $83,596 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | $79,889 |
With 34 different operations research programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased operations research school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in operations research, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Operations Research | 1,910 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 42,939 |
| Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering | 26,760 |
| Civil Engineering | 20,005 |
| Computer Engineering | 19,986 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | 13,914 |
| Engineering, General | 13,411 |
| Chemical Engineering | 10,939 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | 9,596 |
| Industrial Engineering | 8,533 |
| Systems Engineering | 3,956 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
