by our College Data Analytics TeamA degree in General Operations Research involves the study of Operations Research. A Program That Focuses On The Development And Application Of Complex Mathematical Or Simulation Models To Solve Problems Involving Operational Systems, Where The System Concerned Is Subject To Human Intervention. Includes Instruction In Advanced Multivariate Analysis, Application Of Judgment And Statistical Tests, Optimization Theory And Techniques, Resource Allocation Theory, Mathematical Modeling, Control Theory, Statistical Analysis, And Applications To Specific Research Problems. Examples: [Decision Support Systems], [Decision Analysis], [Operations Analysis], [Simulation], [Operational Sciences]. Read on to learn the important information every general operations research major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering general operations research programs.
Nationwide, general operations research is a widely-pursued major, with 1,910 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best General Operations Research Schools ranking analyzes these 34 schools to determine the best overall colleges for general operations research students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of general operations research programs later in this article.
Programs in General Operations Research develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations general operations research graduates commonly enter.
The skill set emphasized by a general operations research program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a general operations research major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several general 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 general 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 general operations research careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in general operations research can lead to numerous career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to general operations research.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to general 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% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of general 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 general operations research graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers general 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 general operations research programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased general operations research school rankings to help you.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
