Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's Ph.D. in Management with a specialization in Operations Research is an online program designed for management professionals who are interested in expanding their knowledge of decision and operations science through research and analysis. As a student in this program, you will have the opportunity to explore in-depth either stochastic or deterministic operations research methods. The program examines the ways that operations research interfaces with organizational and social structures, professional applications of human development, the impact of social change, and the decision-making process. Walden University's Ph.D. in Management program with a specialization in Operations Research is offered in a flexible, self-directed format and focuses on advanced research courses and papers known as Knowledge Area Modules (KAMs).

What Are the Prerequisites?

The program is designed for current business or administrative professionals. Experience in corporate research, management, or teaching is helpful. Most of Walden University's doctoral programs require a master's degree or higher and three years of related academic or professional experience. Applicants may need to complete additional requirements.

What Are the Program Requirements?

Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change, and you should contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program. The Walden University Ph.D. in Management program with a specialization in Operations Research incorporates online study as well as four residency periods (for a minimum of 16 units) and culminates in a dissertation. The required courses are listed below.

Foundation Course, Core KAMs, and Research Courses

• Foundations for Doctoral Study
• KAM I: Principles of Societal Development
  • Breadth: Theories of Societal and Cultural Development
  • Depth: Current Research in Societal and Cultural Development (Operations Research)
  • Application: Professional Practice and Societal and Cultural Development (Operations Research)
• KAM II: Principles of Human Development
  • Breadth: Theories of Human Development
  • Depth: Current Research in Human Development - Decision Analysis (Operations Research)
  • Application: Professional Practice and Human Development Applied Decision Analysis (Operations Research)
• KAM III: Principles of Organizational and Social Systems
  • Breadth: Theories of Organizational and Social Systems
  • Depth: Current Research in Organizational and Social Systems - Systems Engineering (Operations Research)
  • Application: Professional Practice and Organizational and Social Systems - Applications of Systems Engineering and Analysis (Operations Research)
• Foundation Research Sequence
  • Research Theory, Design, and Methods
  • Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Advanced Research Course:Students choose one.
  • Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Mixed-Methods Reasoning and Analysis

Specialized KAMs: Students choose KAM V or KAM VI. KAM VII is required.

• KAM V: Deterministic Operations Research Techniques
  • Breadth: Theory of Deterministic Methods
  • Depth: Current Research in Deterministic Methods
  • Application: Professional Practice: Application of Deterministic Methods
• KAM VI: Stochastic Operations Research Techniques
  • Breadth: Theory of Stochastic Methods
  • Depth: Current Research in Stochastic Methods
  • Application: Professional Practice: Application of Stochastic Methods
• KAM VII: Research
  • Breadth: Research Methods
  • Depth: Selected Research Methods
  • Application: Research Design

Dissertation

• Dissertation

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

Graduates of Walden University's Ph.D. in Management program with a specialization in Operations Research have the opportunity to pursue careers in corporate consulting, systems analysis, or operations research. Operations specialists often work with corporate leaders and managers to implement successful performance strategies or solve inventory issues. Graduates may wish to work in research, teaching, or consulting.

Positions that graduates may seek include:

• Professor
• Business development manager
• Operations research analyst
• Intel analyst
• Director of research operations