What Are the Courses in a Master's Degree in Operations Management?
A master's degree program in operations management may help prepare students for a successful career in a variety of managerial and operational settings. Read on to find out more about the core courses of such a degree program.
Master's Degree in Operations Management
People working in the field of operations management are responsible for effectively managing a variety of resources. Operations managers may be in charge of allocating financial resources or personnel. A master's degree in the field is generally designed for students with prior education in the field or working professionals who wish to increase their theoretical and practical operations management knowledge through the pursuit of an advanced degree.
Important Facts About Master's Degrees in Operations Management
| Prerequisites | Undergraduate degree |
| Online Availability | Yes |
| Continuing Education | PhD in Operations Management |
| Possible Careers | Quality assurance manager, project director, purchasing manager |
| Median Salary (2021) | $97,970 (for general and operations managers) |
| Job Growth (2021-2031) | 7% (for general and operations managers) |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Common Courses
Below are some of the possible core courses of a master's degree program in operations management:
Managing People and Technology
Students in this class are introduced to the many issues associated with the management of advanced technology staff at high-tech and manufacturing organizations. Systems and change management are discussed, and students explore a wide range of human resources and communication issues.
Inventory Management
This course introduces students to the many tools available to ensure that inventory is properly managed. Students explore techniques for controlling large-scale inventory and examine the benefits and limitations of a variety of models.
Supply Chain Modeling and Analysis
In this class, students learn to effectively design and manage a corporation's supply chain. Various supply chain structure types are examined, and students learn to evaluate a variety of examples. Real-life case studies are discussed and give students the opportunity to analyze supply chain efficiency.
Strategy
This course is designed as an introduction to the organizational policy and strategy that an operations manager may implement. Information technology and global operations and the way in which they relate to a corporation's overall business strategy are considered.
Operations Management
This class serves as an overview of the basic tools, processes and concepts associated with operations management. Students explore ways in which the operations management team may add long-term value to a particular product. The course emphasizes the importance of the integration of all areas of operation of a company.