Future Students | NC State OR
Future Students and Parents
Last Updated: 06/03/2022 and all information on this page is accurate and up-to-date
Welcome future students – and parents – to NC State’s Operations Research Program (OR). Unlike many universities, OR is a joint graduate program shared by NC State’s Colleges of Engineering, Sciences and the Poole College of Management.
Our faculty who teach OR courses, supervise OR students, and administer the program come from engineering and sciences and the colleges of management, forestry, and textiles.
The goal here is to help you:
- Explore the world of operations research
- Give you the answers to many frequently asked questions
- Discover the different degrees we offer
- See why Raleigh, NC is a great place to live and work
- Meet our current Ph.D. students and see their research
- Find resources available to both of you, students and parents
and finally,
- How to apply to NC State
About Our Program
Operations Research activities began at NC State in 1963, first in the form of a couple of courses, then as a minor.
The OR Program as we know it now became “official” on January 16, 1970. Since that date, OR has stood as a separate degree-granting graduate program, admitting its own students, establishing its own academic requirements and awarding its own degrees.
What is Operations Research?
Operations Research and Management Sciences (OR) uses scientific methodology to study systems whose design or operation requires human decision-making.
OR is interdisciplinary, drawing on and contributing to the techniques from many fields, including mathematics and mathematical sciences, engineering, economics and the physical sciences.
Got Questions? (FAQ)
We are sure that you have many, many questions and we are here to help. Find the answers to many of the most common questions.
Degrees
We prepare you for employment in industry, service, consulting and government organizations. You will also be ready for advanced study at leading engineering, business and management universities.
- Master of Operations Research (MOR)
- Master of Science in Operations Research (MSOR)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Operations Research (Ph.D.)
Online Degree
Living in Raleigh
Year after year, Raleigh, NC, ranks among the five best places in the country to live and work. With moderate weather (71°F avg temp), it’s only two hours from the beach and three hours from the mountains. Raleigh is welcoming to families and individuals alike and is proud of its well-educated workforce and multi-cultural environment.
Campus Life
As an operations research student at NC State, you will get the best in academics and campus life. The University is a great place to make new friends, join clubs, and participate in all kinds of activities while getting a top-quality education.
The hub for student activities is the new Talley Student Union, a state-of-the-art foundation for student life. Whether you’re a fan in the stands, a player on the field, or a student looking for a good workout, NC State has you covered. With hundreds of year-round arts programs, you have the tools and facilities to bring your ideas to life, as well as a supportive community of fellow creators.
NC State offers students housing options that range from traditional residence hall living to campus-based village communities to on- and off-campus apartment complexes for upperclassmen and graduate student residents.
NC State Dining has options to fit every appetite and palate, from quick-service eateries, all-you-can-eat dining halls, familiar fast-food chains, specialty cafes, coffee bars, and even food trucks.
Current Ph.D. Students
Our Ph.D. students and our research are changing the world of operations research and management sciences. Our graduate program produces students with outstanding abilities and strong research interests and is designed to prepare them for careers as research scientists in government, industry or academia.
Admissions
So are you ready to become a member of Wolfpack Nation? Great!
Discover what you need to apply to our program and the answer to the question, “Can I afford it?“
Accepted?
Congratulations! NC State has a New Student Checklist to help you become a new member of the Wolfpack family
Parent and Family Services
NC State’s Office of Parents and Families Services works to nurture relationships between parents, families, and their NC State students. They offer various events, programs and discounts only to the parents and families of NC State students.