Operations Management (M.S.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus, Online

Student listening in a classroom.

Program Coordinator/Contact

Ekaterina Koromyslova, Professor and Graduate Coordinator (M.S. Operations Management and MSOM Supply Chain Management Specialization)
David Davis, Professor and Graduate Coordinator (M.S. Economics and MSOM Business Analytics Specialization)
Ness School of Management and Economics
Harding Hall 116, Box 2223
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.

The MSOM thesis track is designed for professionals seeking advanced expertise in managing technical and operational functions within organizations. The curriculum emphasizes analytical decision-making and leadership in operational contexts. Core coursework includes operations management, project management, and leadership, complemented by elective coursework in three subject areas, namely resources, operations, and analysis. Students in this track complete a research thesis that integrates theory and applied problem-solving.

The MSOM program also offers two non-thesis specializations that build upon the MSOM core curriculum and emphasize applied, professionally oriented learning. Students complete either program with an integrative, strategic capstone course.

The Business Analytics specialization focuses on data-driven decision-making and managerial analysis. Coursework includes advanced managerial economics, financial management, and marketing strategy and analytics. Graduates are prepared for roles in business analytics, consulting, management, and related fields.
The Supply Chain Management specialization emphasizes supply chain design and coordination. Coursework includes supply chain management, transportation and logistics, and warehouse management. The specialization prepares graduates for careers in supply chain operations, logistics management, procurement, and distribution across diverse industries.

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 Thesis Defense or capstone course.

Accreditation

The Ness School of Management and Economics is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB).

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science

Thesis: 30 Credit Hours

Core Requirements

ECON 707 - Research Methodology in Empirical Economics and Management Credits: 1-3 (3 credits required)
GE 685 - Management and Leadership in Technical Organizations Credits: 3
OM 660 - Operations Management Credits: 3
OM 669 - Project Management Credits: 3
OM 798 - Thesis (COM) Credits: 1-7 (5-7 credits required)
Electives Credits: 2-4

Select three credits from each topic area:

Total Required Credits: 30 (Thesis)

Additional Admissions Requirements

GRE: Not required
TOEFL iBT: 4.5
TOEFL Essentials: 8.0
IELTS: 6.5
Duolingo: 115

Two letters of reference and a letter of intent are required. In the letter of intent, the applicant should identify their interests in the graduate program, address how their skills - including those the applicant attained in their undergraduate program - align with our graduate program, and address any undergraduate coursework in which the applicant earned below a B. The letter of intent should be roughly 500 to 750 words long.

Accelerated Master’s Program

The program offers an accelerated master’s degree to eligible undergraduate SDSU students who maintain an overall undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. These students may begin their graduate studies while they complete their undergraduate degree. Up to twelve (12) graduate level credits may apply to both the undergraduate degree and the graduate degree as major requirements or electives with approval from the student’s academic advisor, department head/school director, and college dean. Students may apply for admission to the accelerated master’s degree program once they have completed 60 undergraduate credits. Students interested in the accelerated master’s degree should contact the Ness School of Management and Economics Graduate Coordinator to obtain application requirements. Application and admission to the Graduate School is required. Students must follow SDSU Policy 2:22 Use of Graduate Credit for Undergraduate Degree Requirements.

General Requirements

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework. For additional information, refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .