Operations Research

Operations research is a scientific approach that applies quantitative methods 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.

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.

The major offers an honors option.

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.

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.

Student Outcomes

The student outcomes of the operations research major include:    

1. 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
2. Argue and inquire soundly and rigorously; become independent questioners and learners
3. 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
4. Communicate effectively - orally and in writing
5. Use technology to model, visualize, and solve complex problems
6. Develop attitudes – habits of mind:
   • Creative and curious
   • Experimental disposition
   • Critical thinking and reasoning
   • Commitment to life-long learning
7. Understand the role of operations research in interdisciplinary problem solving

To learn more about this area of study, visit the Department of Mathematical Sciences.