Empowering Society With Better Decision-Making
Through mathematical modeling we develop essential decision-making tools for a wide range of industries. Whether devising more effective transportation systems, improving healthcare outcomes, or streamlining business operations, we play a crucial role in shaping our world for the better.
Our Degree Programs
- Minor
- B.S.
- M.Eng.On Campus
- M.Eng.Distance Learning
- M.S.
- Ph.D.
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Operations Research and Information Engineering
Optimizes complex systems using data and mathematical models. Ideal for those interested in logistics, decision-making, and improving processes.
Strategic Research Areas
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Algorithms
The engine at the core of the computerized solution of any mathematical model.
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Applied Probability
The application of probability theory to other scientific and engineering domains.
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Data Science
Statistics and computation combined to make sense of data so that it can be used to make better decisions.
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Financial Engineering
Financial engineering is a process that utilizes existing financial instruments to create a new and enhanced product of some type.
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Information Technology Modeling
Managing the exchange of information between devices and systems.
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![City skyline at night with a glowing orb of zeros and ones superimposed.]()
Networks
Analysis of flows and relationships between different components within a system.
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![lettered nodes connected by lines with values next to each line.]()
Optimization
The finding of minima and maxima of functions, subject to so-called constraints.
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![Digital representation supply chains showing curved lines and many zeroes and ones.]()
Supply Chain
The network involved in getting a product from its raw materials to the final customer.
News Highlights
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Cornell alum returns to share crime-solving algorithm in University Lecture
Cornell alumnus Lawrence M. Wein, a Stanford professor and leading operations researcher, will return to campus Oct. 7 to present his new algorithm for accelerating forensic genealogy, capable of identifying suspects up to 25 times faster than standard methods.
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![The software Frazier’s team is developing can enable optimal transportation to meet a diverse range of needs: food, water, fuel, shelter, munitions, medical supplies and soldiers with special skillsets.]()
Research at risk: fast delivery of blood transfusions, supplies for troops
Cornell researchers have been building decision-support tools, optimization methods and artificial intelligence approaches to help the U.S. Navy and Marines quickly and effectively transport people and supplies – including blood for transfusions – in the event of an overseas conflict or humanitarian disaster.
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MDpanel CEO Jason Erdell ’95 talks AI, adaptability in Cheng Lecture
Jason Erdell ’95, chairman and CEO of MDpanel, offered students a candid look at how to thrive in a time of rapid technological change as part of the Mei-Mei Wei and Amy Cheng Distinguished Lecture Series.
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EPICC Awards honor engineering faculty, staff for embodying values
Cornell Engineering celebrated its fourth annual EPICC Awards on Oct. 21, recognizing faculty and staff whose work exemplifies the college’s core values of excellence, purpose, innovation, community, and collaboration.
Alumni Profiles
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![Sean Sinclair]()
Math with a purpose – using probability and statistics for the greater good
Updated on December 3, 2024: Sean Sinclair earned his Ph.D. in Operations Research from Cornell in 2023. He is now an assistant professor of industrial engineering and management sciences in the McCormick School of Engineering at Northwestern University in…
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![Irene Poh]()
M.Eng. alum asks “What can I learn next?”
Operations Research and Information Engineering M.Eng. alum Irene Poh ’01 M.Eng. ’02 believes that one key to a successful and satisfying career is to avoid defining your job as simply what you do. “It’s so much better to always ask…
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![Jamie Hintlian ORIE alumni]()
All roads seem to lead Jamie Hintlian back to Cornell
“Originally, I was thinking I might major in mechanical engineering, but then I saw how OR involved applying math, which had a lot of appeal. And I learned about modeling and simulations and game theory from Professor David Heath and it all resonated with me deeply,” Hintlian said. He declared his major and never looked back.
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![Radhika Kulkarni]()
A life and a career spent finding the right solutions
“The kindness of Cornell has made a real difference in my life,” Kulkarni said. “They were willing to waive the application fee and then when I switched departments, Mathematics was willing to fund my second year, even though by then I was in OR. And then they made it possible for me to complete the final year of my doctoral program after I had moved to Georgia with my husband.”
