Overview
Operations research (OR) applies mathematical optimization and statistical modeling to make better decisions in complex systems. OR professionals work on problems like airline scheduling, supply chain optimization, hospital staffing, and logistics routing. The field draws on linear programming, combinatorics, graph theory, simulation, and game theory.
A Day in the Life
Model new warehouse routing constraints in Python
Team sync on last-mile delivery optimization project
Run sensitivity analysis on linear program solver output
Build discrete event simulation for supply chain scenario
Present optimization findings to operations leadership
Review journal paper on vehicle routing problem algorithms
∞ Growth Outlook
Strong — BLS projects operations research analyst employment to grow 21% from 2024 to 2034 as organizations use optimization and analytics to improve decisions.
Source: BLS 2024-34 projectionRecommended Courses
Required Skills
Top Employers
- Amazon
- UPS
- Delta Airlines
- McKinsey
- RAND Corporation
- US Military