Computational Decision Science and Operations Research (M.S.)

Students with bachelor of science degrees in mathematics, computer science, industrial engineering, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and business, or related areas, with a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.0/4.0, will be considered.

Prospective students should have knowledge of linear algebra, discrete mathematics, probability and statistics, and programming.

A statement of objectives and a curriculum vitae must be submitted.

Two letters of recommendation are required.

GRE scores must meet Illinois Techs institutional requirements.

Strong applicants with holes in their academic background might be admitted with a requirement to take additional prerequisite courses.

International students who fit into any of the following categories will be considered to have met the requirement:

• Residents of a country where English is the only official language and who is a native English speaker
• Graduates of U.S. high schools
• Completed the equivalent of Iowa State’s English 150 or 250 with a grade of B or better at an accredited U.S. 2 year or 4 year college or university.
  

CONDITIONAL ADMISSION

If you meet all admission requirements but do not meet our English proficiency requirements, Iowa State offers conditional admission to attend our Intensive English and Orientation Program (IEOP). If you would like to enroll in IEOP, on the application choose "I would like to enroll in Iowa State’s IEOP program before I begin the academic study.”

Decision scientists and analysts use diverse techniques to improve decision-making, including simulations, mathematical optimization, data analysis, statistics, neural networks, expert systems, and decision analysis in a broad range of areas. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a much faster than average growth in operations analysts jobs from 2018–2028.

• Operations research analyst
• Logistician
• Management analyst
• Market research analyst
• Economist