Operations Research: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Operations Research is a quantitative discipline dedicated to enhancing decision-making in complex, real-world systems through advanced analytical methods. It integrates mathematics, statistics, and computational modeling to optimize performance, efficiency, and resource use across industries such as logistics, healthcare, manufacturing, and public policy.
- Advanced multivariate analysis: Techniques for examining multiple variables simultaneously to uncover patterns, relationships, and trends within large datasets.
- Optimization theory and techniques: Methods for identifying the best possible solution under given constraints, including linear, nonlinear, and integer programming.
- Resource allocation theory: Frameworks for distributing limited resources—such as time, money, or personnel—across competing demands to maximize effectiveness.
- Mathematical modeling: The process of creating abstract representations of real systems using equations and algorithms to simulate behavior and predict outcomes.
- Statistical analysis: Systematic methods for collecting, interpreting, and drawing conclusions from data to support evidence-based decisions.
- Control theory: Principles governing the behavior of dynamic systems, used to design mechanisms that maintain desired performance levels over time.
- Application of judgment and statistical tests: The integration of expert insight with rigorous hypothesis testing to validate models and guide strategic choices.
- Simulation modeling: Techniques for replicating real-world processes through computer-based experiments to evaluate scenarios without operational risk.
Operations Research Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Operations Research Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Operations Research degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary and Operations Research Analysts. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 248,540 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1032 | $106,120 | $59,790 - $200,650 | 39,910 | N/A |
| Operations Research Analysts 15-2031 | $91,290 | $53,910 - $159,280 | 107,760 | $43.89 |
Operations Research Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $78,297 in Florida to $143,387 in California—a 83% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 248,540 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Operations Research by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 34 institutions offering Operations Research programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Operations Research is found at Columbia University in the City of New York (388 graduates), University of California (UCB), Berkeley (282 graduates), Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) (277 graduates), Cornell University (230 graduates), and Princeton University (105 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,910 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia University in the City of New York |
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
388 | New York, New York | Private | columbia.edu |
| University of California (UCB) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
282 | Berkeley, California | Public | berkeley.edu |
| Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
277 | Monterey, California | Public | nps.edu |
| Cornell University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
230 | Ithaca, New York | Private | cornell.edu |
| Princeton University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
105 | Princeton, New Jersey | Private | princeton.edu |
| United States Naval Academy (USNA) |
Bachelor's
|
101 | Annapolis, Maryland | Public | usna.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Other Award
|
100 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
86 | Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio | Public | afit.edu |
| Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
42 | Atlanta, Georgia | Public | gatech.edu |
| United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) |
Bachelor's
|
35 | USAF Academy, Colorado | Public | usafa.edu |
| Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) |
Master's
|
29 | Cleveland, Ohio | Private | case.edu |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) |
Master's
|
28 | Champaign, Illinois | Public | illinois.edu |
| Southern Methodist University (SMU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
26 | Dallas, Texas | Private | smu.edu |
| CUNY Bernard M Baruch College |
Master's
|
20 | New York, New York | Public | baruch.cuny.edu |
| Rice University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
19 | Houston, Texas | Private | rice.edu |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
16 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | web.mit.edu |
| North Carolina State University (NC State) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
16 | Raleigh, North Carolina | Public | ncsu.edu |
| Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
15 | Melbourne, Florida | Private | fit.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Master's
|
14 | Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) |
Bachelor's
|
13 | New London, Connecticut | Public | uscga.edu |
| United States Military Academy (USMA) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | West Point, New York | Public | westpoint.edu |
| Georgia State University |
Master's
|
9 | Atlanta, Georgia | Public | gsu.edu |
| Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
9 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | cmu.edu |
| Northeastern University (NU) |
Master's
|
8 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | northeastern.edu |
| University of Dayton (UD) |
Postbac Cert.
|
7 | Dayton, Ohio | Private | udayton.edu |
| Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) |
Master's
|
6 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | iit.edu |
| Northwestern University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Evanston, Illinois | Private | northwestern.edu |
| Harvard University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| University of Arkansas (U of A) |
Master's
|
2 | Fayetteville, Arkansas | Public | uark.edu |
| Kansas State University (K‑State) |
Master's
|
2 | Manhattan, Kansas | Public | k-state.edu |
| Saint Louis University (SLU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | slu.edu |
| Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) |
Other Award
|
2 | Manchester, New Hampshire | Private | snhu.edu |
| New York University (NYU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | New York, New York | Private | nyu.edu |
| Villanova University |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Villanova, Pennsylvania | Private | villanova.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Operations Research programs
How much can I earn with a Operations Research degree?
Salaries for Operations Research graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $106,120. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $143,387 compared to $78,297 in Florida. Approximately 248,540 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Operations Research programs?
Currently 34 accredited institutions offer Operations Research degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Columbia University in the City of New York (388 graduates), University of California (UCB), Berkeley (282 graduates), and Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) (277 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Operations Research growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 1,062 in 2010 to 1,910 in 2023-24. This represents a 80% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Operations Research degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary, and Operations Research Analysts. Related occupations employ approximately 248,540 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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