Operations research analysts use math and computers to design decision-making systems for business managers. These analysts need a good deal of formal education to get a job in this high-salary business industry.
Operations research analysts occupied 62,210 jobs in May of 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This job pays a high average salary, with the median income coming in at $70,960 at that time. For a job with such an excellent career potential, it is no surprise that employer are looking for a high degree of education even for entry-level research analysts.
The minimum for some jobs is a bachelor’s degree in operations management or a related field. Many employers will also be looking for a master’s degree. Use of computers is extensive in the field of operations research. Thus, additional courses or degrees in computer science can be helpful in getting a job.
Of course, operations research analysts are also working closely with management. Thus, additional classes or degrees in business management could also be good for employment purposes. Some analysts will have more than one master’s degree. For example, a graduate degree in operations research plus an MBA would be great assets for both a career in operations research plus a career focusing more on the management side of business administration.
Note: Many MBA programs contain individual classes in operations research. This would not generally make someone an expert operations research analyst. Rather, it would provide some education on the purposes of such research, how it is performed, and how to incorporate research results into the decision-making process. While it is true that many MBA holders without an operations research degree could get a job as an analyst, it is not clear that they would be the most qualified. With that said, obviously a graduate with a Stanford MBA or other prestigious degree can often write his own ticket.
There are 162 graduate degree programs related to operations research in the GradSchools database, as of September 2011. Check out individual schools for admission requirements. Of course, there is no shortage of undergraduate degrees in this field.
Resources:
GradSchools: Master’s and Doctoral Graduate Degree Programs in Operations Research
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Jobs and Salary for Operations Research Analysts