Operations Research, Ph.D.

At Florida Tech, small class sizes create a personalized learning environment where doctoral students collaborate closely with faculty on research-driven projects.

Operations research professors bring deep expertise and a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach, connecting advanced theory with real-world applications in finance, healthcare, engineering, computer science and the life sciences.

Students graduate with the technical mastery and practical insight needed to lead in research, industry and government roles.

The Ph.D. curriculum provides a rigorous foundation in operations research, emphasizing both theory and advanced methods.

Students develop expertise in areas such as optimization, stochastic processes, statistical modeling, machine learning and data-driven decision making.

These skills support research and applications in complex systems, risk management and real-world problem solving across finance, healthcare, engineering and technology.

Florida Tech provides outstanding resources for operations research doctoral students. In addition to access to engineering and science labs, students can utilize advanced software such as Xpress Optimization Suite, Mathematica, MATLAB, Sage and tools for image and data analysis.

For computationally intensive projects, students also have access to Florida Tech’s high-performance computing cluster, supporting large-scale simulations, complex analyses and interdisciplinary research.

These resources give students the tools needed to develop new methods, design algorithms and apply operations research techniques to real-world challenges.

Academic units at Florida Tech may offer graduate student assistantships to full-time, degree-seeking graduate students on a competitive basis.

Teaching Assistants (TAs) support faculty in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, including tasks such as grading, tutoring and conducting office hours. First-time TAs attend a teaching assistant seminar to prepare for their responsibilities.

Research Assistants (RAs) collaborate with faculty on projects funded by government agencies, private sponsors and university research funds.

For information regarding available assistantships, please contact the Department of Mathematics and Systems Engineering.

Florida Tech’s location on Florida’s Space Coast provides a unique environment for research and professional growth. The region is home to one of the largest high-tech workforces in the country, with opportunities in aerospace, engineering, technology and government research.

Our 130-acre Melbourne campus places students near industry leaders, research centers and national laboratories, offering access to collaborations and potential employment. This dynamic setting allows doctoral students to connect advanced operations research theory with real-world applications.

Florida Tech offers a safe and welcoming campus environment that supports advanced research alongside personal well-being. The campus includes extensive green spaces, such as the Joy and Gordon Patterson Botanical Garden, along with facilities like the Holzer Health Center and Clemente Center for health, fitness and stress management.

Located minutes from the Indian River Lagoon and 72 miles of Atlantic beaches, the university combines access to outdoor recreation with proximity to industry and government organizations that contribute to research collaboration and career development.

Graduate students from around the world come together at Florida Tech in a campus community that fosters international collaboration and innovation. This environment encourages students to work across cultures and perspectives, preparing them for research and professional settings around the globe.

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) supports international students throughout their academic journey, providing guidance on immigration matters, serving as a liaison with sponsoring agencies and foreign governments, and sharing information about campus and community resources.

Applicants to the doctoral program in operations research typically hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in mathematics or a closely related discipline. Applicants are encouraged to contact faculty in the department to identify a prospective advisor whose research aligns with their interests.

For additional admission information, please see our graduate admission requirements.