Operations Research
Graduate Badge
Grand Rapids • Face to face • Hybrid • 9-10 Credits
Operations Research (OR) employs quantitative techniques to optimize decision-making under constraints, balancing objectives like cost, time, and resource allocation across industries.
Overview
Grand Valley's Operations Research Graduate Badge teaches students to leverage statistical models for enabling efficiency improvements in logistics, supply chains, manufacturing processes, finance, and beyond. Students need to have a background in statistics and an understanding of linear algebra and differential equations. The badge consists of three courses and can be completed in two semesters.
This course sequence focuses on developing skills in experimental design, production operations, and the professional and economic aspects of engineering. Students explore how to design and analyze engineering experiments using statistical methods, examine models that represent production and operational systems, and consider the broader context of engineering practice, including sustainability, global competitiveness, and economic decision-making. Upon completion, students will be equipped to make strategic decisions in manufacturing environments, analyze production systems through modeling techniques, and apply statistical tools to interpret experimental data effectively.
Evening and hybrid class options are available for working professionals. Information for this badge can be found in the catalog.
A digital badge, or badge, is a record of achievement that recognizes a student's completion of a coherent and meaningful academic experience. GVSU offers both credit and non-credit bearing badges as digital credentials. Credit-bearing badges include anywhere from 0.5 to 15 academic credits and may include additional noncredit criteria. Credit-bearing badges are also posted to the academic transcript.
Admission Information
Students taking this badge will need to have background in statistics (STA 513 or STA 312 or STA 314 or equivalent). They will also need to have an understanding of linear algebra and differential equations (MTH 302 or equivalent).
Padnos College of Engineering
(616) 331-6750
[email protected]
Graduate Program Director, M.S.E.
Samhita Rhodes
[email protected]
(616) 331-6267
Application Deadline
The application deadline for this program is August 16.
Career Opportunities
Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.
Top skills- Mathematics
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Complex Problem Solving
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 63,129.84 | 10% |
| $ 77,444.50 | 25% |
| $ 95,870.10 | 50% |
| $122,236.83 | 75% |
| $149,593.67 | 90% |
Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement. May repair and maintain equipment in addition to other duties.
Top skills- Operation and Control
- Operations Monitoring
- Equipment Maintenance
- Monitoring
- Troubleshooting
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 45,168.77 | 10% |
| $ 51,390.80 | 25% |
| $ 61,530.36 | 50% |
| $ 79,007.82 | 75% |
| $ 93,374.46 | 90% |
Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.
Top skills- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Coordination
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 48,628.48 | 10% |
| $ 67,704.93 | 25% |
| $ 99,242.65 | 50% |
| $154,479.02 | 75% |
| $220,791.69 | 90% |
Design, integrate, or improve manufacturing systems or related processes. May work with commercial or industrial designers to refine product designs to increase producibility and decrease costs.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Mathematics
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Monitoring
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 66,047.58 | 10% |
| $ 80,597.99 | 25% |
| $ 99,606.59 | 50% |
| $123,771.17 | 75% |
| $138,216.06 | 90% |
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