Operations Management (M.S.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus, Online

Student listening in a classroom.

Program Coordinator/Contact

Ekaterina Koromyslova, Program Coordinator
Ness School of Management and Economics
Solberg Hall 116, Box 2223
605-688-6417

David Davis, Professor and Graduate Coordinator
Ness School of Management and Economics
Harding Hall
605-688-4141

Program Information

The Master of Science degree in Operations Management (MSOM) is a program for professionals interested in expanding their ability to manage technical functions in an organization as the next logical step in their career path.

Students may elect to pursue the traditional thesis route under Option A: this is valuable for individuals who anticipate future graduate work toward achieving the terminal degree in a related field. Most students select the research/design paper route under Option B: this requirement generally takes the form of a project in collaboration with local or regional industry to solve a problem or to improve a system or process. A third option, Option C, is a non-thesis program that provides more coursework in lieu of the research component. Option C requires approval of the faculty advisor.

Regardless of the option selected, the student works with his/her Major Advisor to develop the program of study plan, make consistent progress toward completion of the degree, and to show proficiency in integrating and applying management concepts through the Final Oral Exam.

Course Delivery Format

Program coursework is delivered on campus, with limited coursework offered online.

Student Learning Outcomes

Able to analyze information & make appropriate decisions.
Project management skills: Demonstrate competence in developing, managing and closing out a project (simulated, case study, or practical application).
Effective communication: Effective use of professional communication skills including interpersonal, written, and in presentations.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science	Option A - Thesis	30 Credit Hours
	Option B - Research/Design Paper	32 Credit Hours
	Option C - Coursework Only	36 Credit Hours

Core Requirements

GE / OM 569 - Project Management Credits: 2-3
GE 685 - Management and Leadership in Technical Organizations Credits: 3
OM 660 - Operations Management Credits: 3
OM 690 - Seminar (COM) Credits: 1

Select one (1) course from each topic area:

Resources

CHRD 716 - Human Resources Management in Business and Industry Credits: 3
CSC 740 - Management Information Systems Credits: 3
OM 603 - Designing the Work Place for Production Credits: 3
OM 563 - Supply Chain Management Credits: 3
or approved CSC, ECON, GE, OM elective

Operations

OM 650 - Manufacturing Systems Management Credits: 3
OM / ME 760 - Quality Control Credits: 3
ME 761 - Operations Research Credits: 3
or approved GE or ME elective

Analysis

OM / ME 767 - Decision Theory Credits: 3
STAT 541 - Statistical Methods II Credits: 3
or approved ECON, OM or STAT elective

Select one of the following options

Option A - Thesis

GE 798 - Thesis (COM) Credits: 1-7 (5-7 credits required)
OM 670 - Research Methods in Management Credits: 3
Electives Credits: 3-4

Option B - Research/Design Paper

GE 788 - Research Problems/Projects (COM) Credits: 1-2 (2-3 credits required)
OM 670 - Research Methods in Management Credits: 3
Electives Credits: 10-11

Option C - Coursework Only

Electives Credits: 18-19

Total Required Credits: 30 (Option A), 32 (Option B), 36 (Option C)

Additional Admissions Requirements

GRE: Not required (recommended)
TOEFL: 79-93 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: 8.5-9.5
IELTS: 6.5
Duolingo: 110-120

Application must include a written statement of how the MSOM program is aligned with your professional development plans (1000 word limit).

Refer to the Ness School of Management and Economics Graduate Program page information for specific details.

General Requirements

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework.

For additional information refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .