M.Eng. in Operations Research and Information Engineering

Students must maintain good academic standing throughout the program:

The Applied Operations Research concentration is the most general of the concentrations and allows the most flexibility with respect to elective courses. The concentration is most appropriate for students with undergraduate degrees in Operations Research and Information Engineering who want to increase the depth and breadth of their exposure to operations research and its applications, and for those with undergraduate degrees in other fields who want to gain a solid foundation in the theory and practice of operations research.

The Data Analytics concentration focuses on the theory and tools needed to make fact-based, data-driven decisions associated with the development, pricing, promotion, and distribution of ideas, goods, and services. Data Analytics students complete additional work in the Data Science/Statistical Modeling core category, and complete elective work relevant to the application of the skills built by the core. This structure is designed to ensure that students gain a solid foundation that spans statistical theory, data technology, and data-driven analysis and strategy.

The Financial Engineering concentration prepares students for careers that involve the quantitative analysis and management of financial instruments and risk. Such jobs frequently involve:
(1) mathematical modeling and analysis of stocks, bonds, options, currency exchange rates, and other structured products
(2) developing quantitative models to help corporations understand and manage their exposure to risk, and/or
(3) implementing algorithms to monitor, price, and/or trade financial instruments. Unlike other concentrations, Financial Engineering is specifically designed to be a three-semester program (Fall-Spring-Fall), with the third (i.e., second fall) semester taking place at Cornell Financial Engineering Manhattan (CFEM) in New York City.

Financial Engineering concentrators interested in data science may complement their studies with additional coursework to receive the Financial Data Science (FDS) certificate. The certificate enables students to add value to an organization immediately by cultivating critical skills in big data collection, manipulation, storage and access, machine learning theory, and algorithm implementation and evaluation.

The Information Technology concentration prepares students to participate in the development, acquisition, and integration of information systems (particularly those embodying operation research approaches) to ensure that strategic business needs are satisfied. Students will complete elective coursework in technology and infrastructure, information economics and strategy, and managing the implementation of information systems.

The Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering concentration, which is delivered in coordination with the Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, prepares students to use their operations research skills to improve manufacturing environments and associated processes across the supply chain network. This concentration covers aspects of design, production, distribution of goods and services, as well as fundamentals of modern manufacturing technology. Relevant coursework includes application of computer-aided engineering tools for system analysis, and management and improvement of manufacturing processes. Industrial experience is advantageous but not required.

The Strategic Operations concentration provides a comprehensive look at how business and operations strategies are aligned and executed for success, including corporate structure, marketing, product development, manufacturing, quality management, human capital strategies, and globalization issues. Students in this concentration follow a program of ORIE applications courses and Johnson business courses. The keystone of the concentration is the Strategic Operations Practicum offered by the Johnson School. The practicum integrates classroom material and guest lectures with company site visits and team-based project work with industry partners.  The Strategic Operations project complements, but does not replace, the ORIE M.Eng. project. Graduate students from the College of Engineering, the Johnson School, and the School of Industrial and Labor Relations participate in the practicum.