Is an MS in Operations research worth it?

[homeylova223]

I am going to start doing this degree MS Operations research https://www.isye.gatech.edu/academics/masters/ms-operations-research/curriculum.

But I am wondering if you can actually get a job with a degree in operations research, I been doing research and people say operations research is more for academic and I want to go into the industry.

I was looking at the classes deterministic optimization,probability models, statistical simulation, and chi squares and hypothesis testing.Is it worth learning this topic from what I been reading it is not some much the math that is important as knowing how to code in python and c++. So would I do better to get go for a MS in computer science degree?

 

[S.G. Janssens]

Is it worth learning this topic from what I been reading it is not some much the math that is important as knowing how to code in python and c++.

How are you going to make a good program if you do not understand the underlying mathematics? Of course, you could be content with using and combining pre-existing toolboxes, but I would be more ambitious if I were you. Even if you end up working mostly with existing software, you will still be able to better appreciate its capabilities and limitations if you understand the mathematics.

So, I would stick with the OR degree, learn a lot and develop yourself on both fronts.

I believe @FactChecker has industry experience in this field. Would be nice to hear what he thinks.

P.S. Regarding CS degrees: At least here, the CS curriculum is about a lot more than just learning how to program in certain languages.

 

[FactChecker]

My experience was that OR was a good mixture of applied subjects. It includes statistics, computer science, optimization, etc. It may be unlikely that you use all of those in a particular job, but they do cover a lot of applied territory. Actually, my official degree was in Industrial Engineering. I think that the word "Engineering" helps a lot in a job search. I felt that I got more respect from potential employers for subjects that I took in an engineering department than for the fact that I had taught those same subjects earlier in a math department.
In any case, do not neglect your computer science learning. That is critical.

 

[homeylova223]

I see so I think it would be better to see if I can transfer from MS in operations research to MS in Industrial Engineer I mean they are the same department. Because I think its true engineer sounds like someone who is out there in the field in the warehouse not simply reading textbooks. For marketing purposes.

 

[FactChecker]

I see so I think it would be better to see if I can transfer from MS in operations research to MS in Industrial Engineer I mean they are the same department. Because I think its true engineer sounds like someone who is out there in the field in the warehouse not simply reading textbooks. For marketing purposes.

Consider that decision carefully. Are the subjects the same? Discuss it with the professors. There can be great benefits from working on a project in a company, which is often included in an engineering curriculum. In any company, the ability to work with others on a team is very important.

 

[homeylova223]

I am not sure what to do. I have to take out student loans to do this MS degree and I feel unsure about college.To speak honestly I have a negative view of universities they seems like scams to me to a great degree. They graduate tons of student and but there not enough jobs. and they take your money.

I don't know what to do. I think I would rather major in something more concrete like civil or software engineer in contrast to this OR thing. At least I know that a software engineer does. I just hear stories of people with degrees and working crappy jobs and having student loans and I am disappointed. What is the point you work hard for a degree and then no employer values it its like a piece of toilet paper.

The good thing about going back to college is you might network. I don't know I don't want to pay for something and take risk when companies don't want to take a risk on you, "oh nice degree you got experience buddy no well to bad bud take a hike"

I just don't want to do it or pay for it.

 

[Dr. Courtney]

Job markets are local. Have you looked at the help wanted ads in the geography of interest? Are there job postings for an MS in OR?

 

[Vanadium 50]

I have to take out student loans to do this MS degree

If you don't know where you are going, any road will take you there. So why pick toll roads?

I have a negative view of universities they seems like scams to me to a great degree. They graduate tons of student and but there not enough jobs. and they take your money.

And how exactly do you propose Georgia Tech creates jobs at Boeing or Coca-Cola for their graduates?

 

[homeylova223]

If you don't know where you are going, any road will take you there. So why pick toll roads?
And how exactly do you propose Georgia Tech creates jobs at Boeing or Coca-Cola for their graduates?

I mean Georgia Tech cannot create jobs at these companies. I know they do have connections with some of the companies in Atlanta like Delta and Coca Cola but they cannot guarantee you a job or an internship. I do not know where I am going to be honest.
Like I I cannot really think of anything that I would like to do for a career. I am not career oriented I am more of a hobby oriented. My hobbies are video games, general learning like history, walking, hiking things like that. Some people can turn their hobbies into careers like someone who is passionate about fixing things like electronics but my hobbies are more of leisure. I majored in math because I had a scholarship so it was free and I simply liked the subject and thought a stem degree would be enough to get me a job.
I been reading that industry does not know really know how to employ people who study OR and this makes me nervous.
To be honest the real reason I am considering returning to college is not so much for the education but to see if I can network and make some connections which will give me a job.

I really do not know a part of me would rather do a cs degree because it seems like software developer is something more widespread while operations research is niche. Very few people even know what an OR is.

 

[StatGuy2000]

To @homeylova223 ,

One advantage of Georgia Tech's Operations Research (OR) program is that it is highly regarded as among the best programs in the US for that field (OR being part of the School of Engineering, which itself is highly regarded).

What that means is that you will likely receive a quality education in the field of operations research -- a highly applicable field which should provide you with key skills in statistics, computer science, and optimization, all areas that are employable skills today (even taking into account the current pandemic).

In addition, Georgia Tech's reputation in OR means that it is highly likely that employers will pay attention to the degree earned. Which is helpful for networking, as well as in applying to various job areas.

So at least in my humble opinion, I feel that a MS in OR is worth it. But ultimately the choice is yours.

[Aside: it is worth pointing out that OR jobs may not necessarily be advertised as such in job boards. Pay any attention to jobs that involve analytics, data science, or similar terms. Companies or organizations that offer these types of positions often hire OR graduates, as well as those with similar degrees like statistics.]