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What is Operations Management?

Operations management is the area of study and employment that deals with the production side of business, specifically overseeing the use of materials to produce goods and ensuring production lines are cost effective and efficient. Individuals in this field work in the manufacturing side of business, applying business theory and methodology to ensure that production goals are met, costs remain low, and that machines and facets of production are maintained.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$125,470

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

70.46%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

1,693,430

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Operations Management Degree

University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) is recognized as a great institution of higher learning and research. The university has a long list of highly-recognized academic programs. Penn also offers continuing education, distance learning, summer programs, and international programs. The Wharton School is Penn’s business school offering an Ivy League quality of education for its undergraduate and graduate studies. The school has interdisciplinary programs for operations management. It has an Operations Management degree and Management Science track for undergraduate and a cross-functional major in Marketing and OM leading to a master’s degree. Both programs are designed to prepare students to be professionals in the business arena. 

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) is a private research university that has built a great reputation for academic excellence. The university has all levels of academic degrees, as well as certification and diploma courses. Kellogg School of Management houses a wide range of graduate programs focused on leadership and management in the business setting. The top ranked Operations Management degree program provides theoretical and date-driven coursework. Students are trained on how to evaluate and respond to strategic and tactical issues on executing processes. There is a small graduate student population allowing apprenticeship opportunities. 

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN) is a private university with a very high research activity. Undergraduate students can choose from a wide variety of majors across four schools and colleges. The university has very active research programs too. Vanderbilt offers both online and on-campus learning modes. Strategy and Operations is a course under the Business Management certification program under the Owen Graduate School of Management. The graduate school also offers a two-year fellowship program focused on Operations Management and Quantitative Methods. This program is focused on research and scholarly work.

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD) is a public university notable for its quality education, active research and world-class medical healthcare programs. Students can enroll as part-time or full-time students. JHU offers undergraduate majors leading to the BA and BS and various majors for graduate studies. Carey Business School houses a wide range of business-related programs. It offers master’s degree programs, dual-degree programs, and certificate programs. Several programs are also delivered online.

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Boston College (Chestnut, MA) offers several undergraduate programs that are ranked among the best in the United States. BC also fosters an active research culture. The institution embraces a tradition of excellence in education based on Jesuit origins. Carroll School of Management offers a variety of business and management related programs. Students can take undergraduate and graduate studies. The school also has a minor program in Management & Leadership offered across other schools in BC. All programs are designed to provide experiential learning through a multidisciplinary approach.

Acceptance Rate

27.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA) is a private higher education institution. The university is divided into seven colleges and independent schools and all are offering interdisciplinary programs. Carnegie Mellon is considered as an international university, extending its academic excellence around the world. It has campuses in Qatar and Silicon Valley, and more than 20 research partnerships. Tepper School of Business offers undergraduate programs and graduate programs including doctoral programs.  The Operations Management degree program is designed to train students to create and develop scientific solutions addressing operation management-related programs. This program leads to a Ph.D. degree. 

Acceptance Rate

15.44

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

New York University (New York, NY) is a private research university recognized across the country and around the globe. Programs are organized across 16 colleges, institutions, and schools. Stern School of Business has a wide range of notable academic programs for undergraduate and graduate students. It also offers certification programs and executive education. Operations Management major is a Ph.D. program that gives focus on research. Courses are designed to train students through analytical, empirical, and theory-building methodologies that can be beneficial in a variety of industry settings. Operations Management is also a course offered at NYU’s Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.  

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of Maryland - College Park (College Park, MA) is a public institution and Maryland’s flagship university. The school is said to be one of the “Public Ivies”. The school offers competitive academic programs that are consistently ranking among the best in the country. The University of Maryland also offers summer and winter short-term programs which include study abroad opportunities. Operations Management major is offered as an undergraduate and a post-graduate major. Operations Management & Business Analytics major is a five year comprehensive program that leads to a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. Operations Management/Management Science leads to a Ph.D. degree and is focused on analytical and empirical research. Graduates of these programs assume roles in a wide range of industries. 

Acceptance Rate

44.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Ohio State University (Columbus, OH) is a public university originally founded as Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College. OSU initially offered agricultural and mechanical disciplines but today, the university has a long list of academic programs for students to choose from. It also has an active research culture. The degree in Operations Management is an undergraduate major that leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. Students are required to finish sets of coursework and the requirements from either operations or purchasing track. Students can also apply for study abroad or internship programs to further their undergraduate education.

Acceptance Rate

53.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Clemson University (Clemson, SC) is a public university that was first established as a scientific agricultural and mechanical arts institution. The university offers both undergraduate and graduate programs across a large variety of academic disciplines. Clemson offers an undergraduate degree in Management. It leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. The program offers seven different areas of study including Operations. This focus allows students to understand strategy, design, planning and control in both manufacturing and service organizations.

Acceptance Rate

51.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (Minneapolis, MN) is a recognized public university with an active research program. UMN is considered as a Public Ivy. The university is the oldest and largest university under the public system and it is organized into 19 colleges, schools, and other major academic units. Supply Chain and Operations Management degrees are undergraduate programs leading to a bachelor’s degree. The program prepares students to be competent and skilled professionals that contribute to every organization and in every industry. Students can choose from a variety of curriculum tracks including opportunities to study abroad. 

Acceptance Rate

56.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL) is a public university recognized as the largest and oldest campus under the University of Illinois system. UIUC offers a long list of undergraduate and graduate programs including professional degrees. Gies College of Business offers an undergraduate degree in Operations Management. The program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. Students are prepared to be well-rounded professionals through courses that focus on management, business processing, and leadership. The college also offers Supply Chain Management on the graduate level. 

Acceptance Rate

59.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Texas A & M University (College Station, TX) is a public research university that focuses on agriculture, environmental and marine sciences, and alike. The university has a long list of undergraduate programs and over 130 graduate programs. The Department of Information and Operations Management offers several undergraduate and graduate programs for interested students. Students can choose between Management Information Systems or Supply Chain Management for undergraduate majors. A & M is also highly recognized for being a highly active research university boasting world-class research facilities and strong student and faculty researchers. For graduate studies, it grants a Ph.D. degree in Operations and Supply Chain Management. The program is focused on research and effective decision making. Texas A & M also manages campuses in Galveston and Qatar.

Acceptance Rate

57.79

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT) is a public research university. It is also the flagship university under the Utah System of Higher Education. The university offers undergraduate and graduate levels of education. Operations Management & Supply Chain is just one of the nine business majors offered under the David Eccles School of Business. Students are trained to run businesses efficiently and profitably with essential soft and hard skills. Students can also build their network and get hands-on experience through exclusive organization for this program. 

Acceptance Rate

62.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Loyola University-Chicago (Chicago, IL) is a private university that has a Roman Catholic affiliation. The university has a long list of undergraduate programs and graduate or professional programs. LUC has several campuses across Chicago and one in Rome. It also offers guest programs in Beijing and Ho Chi Minh City. Management is a major under the undergraduate Business Administration program. Students are provided with theoretical and practical coursework. It teaches effective and responsible leadership across different business settings. Students can also opt to earn a BBA degree major in Supply Chain and Operations Management. It also teaches students essential managerial skills and decision making. 

Acceptance Rate

67.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI) is a public research university and served as a model for future land grant schools in the United States. MSU has expanded from being an agricultural college and now offers a wide range of academic programs. It is also offering top notch graduate programs. The Broad College of Business offers a variety of graduate programs focused on Operations and Supply Chain Management leading to master’s and Ph.D. degrees. The Department of Operations Management offers programs that provide students a competitive edge before assuming roles in different industries like procurement, manufacturing, logistics and transportation. The Department also grants master’s programs delivered online.

Acceptance Rate

71.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

University of Dayton (Dayton, OH) is a private Catholic university. The university is the second-largest university in the state. UD offers 80 academic programs that explore a wide range of academic disciplines. The university has bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Operations Management is an undergraduate major that leads to a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree. Students are trained through comprehensive coursework and capstone consulting projects for hands-on experience. UD also has international exposure. It offers study abroad programs and intercultural service-learning opportunities for students. 

Acceptance Rate

72.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

University of Delaware (Newark, DE) is considered as a private-public research university. It is organized into eight colleges offering bachelor's, master’s, and associate’s degrees. The university is highly active on its research programs. UD has a notable history being the first American university to offer a study-abroad program. Operations Management degree is a major leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. Before graduation, students will be equipped with analytical and decision making skills that will be beneficial across different industry settings. The curriculum also includes capstone coursework and site visits for more hands-on experience. 

Acceptance Rate

71.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

DePaul University (Chicago, IL) is among the largest private universities across the United States. It offers a long list of highly recognized academic programs. Management is offered in both undergraduate and graduate levels. The degree in Operations Management is one of six track options for the undergraduate program. The program prepares students to assume roles across a variety of industries including service-delivery, manufacturing, consulting, non-profit and digital business environments. The university used to offer a master's program in Operations Management, it was replaced by an MBA program focused on Management. DePaul embraces a diverse student population encouraging multiple viewpoints on academics and student life.

Acceptance Rate

68.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Saint Vincent College (Latrobe, PA) is a private Catholic college providing academic programs following a liberal arts curriculum. The college is focused on providing undergraduate education but it also offers several graduate programs including specialized programs. Management is a Business Administration minor as well as Operational Excellence. Management Department offers an in-depth and comprehensive training on Operational Excellence. It prepares students to develop efficient and beneficial management strategies and tactics. The McKenna School Management Major also offers a five-year program granting a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree on Operational Excellence. 

Acceptance Rate

67.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Wentworth Institute of Technology (Boston, MA) is a private university that offers career-focused education. It grants bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Undergraduate majors are focused on engineering, technology, design and management. The institute also aims to develop a culture of innovation and entrepreneurial thinking among students. Business Management is an undergraduate program that covers different business disciplines - finance, marketing, operations, and others. Students who take this program have the option to take a minor track, either Project Management or Entrepreneurship. Graduates are equipped with analytical and management skills essential in every organization. 

Acceptance Rate

68.55

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Charlotte, NC) is a public research university and is among the fastest-growing public universities in the state. UNC Charlotte is considered one of the best because of its academic quality, affordability, diversity, social engagement, and international presence. UNCC offers a minor in Operations and Supply Chain Management. It is designed for both business and non-business students who want to know more about the disciplines. The Department of Business Information Systems and Operations Management also offers other related academic programs. Aside from the wide range of academic programs for both graduate and undergraduate, UNC Charlotte is also active in research.  

Acceptance Rate

65.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Avila University (Kansas City, MO) is a private Roman Catholic university. It offers a wide range of academic programs for students to choose from. Undergraduate operations management programs lead to a B.S.B.A. degree. Students will take a comprehensive curriculum and will have a chance to have hands-on experience through training and exposure to the modern workplace. Avila’s Business Management graduates can assume roles in a variety of business settings. Masters in Management is also offered in the university. 

Acceptance Rate

41.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Southern Wesleyan University (Central, SC) is a private Christian university offering a wide range of undergraduate majors and graduate programs focused on business and education. Majority of the programs under the Benson School of Business are offered online. The top rated Operations Management degree is one of the majors under the Business Administration program. Non-business students can also take Management as a minor. The program concentration trains students to be leaders in different organizational settings. Graduates can assume various levels of management positions.

Acceptance Rate

35.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Mount Mercy University (Cedar Rapids, IA) is a private Catholic liberal arts college providing a wide range of comprehensive programs. The university also has several programs open for online learning. The university has an active Campus Ministry supporting students’ faith development and spiritual life. Management is an undergraduate major offering several tracks for students to take including Operations Management. All tracks prepare students to be frontrunners in the competitive and fast-paced business settings. Management major is designed with flexibility allowing students to take a double-major degree. Minor courses are also offered to be taken alongside this major. 

Acceptance Rate

65.99

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Top Operations Management Degrees

Business students looking to grow a career in operations management will need to understand their college degree options.  Overlaying your personal priorities, career goals, and educational objectives with the proper degree is critical to your success.

Graduates with a degree or certificate in operations management will be equipped to launch a career or continue within a leadership role as a team leader, supervisor, quality assurance, operations planning, inventory management, human resources, and materials management.

Below you can find a summary of each degree program along with the online degree equivalent from qualifying colleges and universities.  Degree programs include undergraduate and graduate programs along with certificate options.

Certificate Programs in Operations Management

Online certificate programs and on-campus certificates can be earned in the operations management track.  Undergraduate certificate programs are designed to provide students with entry-level skills in business management to help administer processes in an organization.

Students should be able to apply key business concepts such as inventory control, logistics, quality control, procurement, storage, and work cell management.  Certificate programs are a tight clustering of classes that can take students a few weeks to a year to complete.  Individual colleges and universities will establish the curricular design of each program so make sure to understand the program requirements when requesting school information.

Operations Management Associate's Degree

The online associate’s degree in operations management is a 2-year program for full-time students.  Associate degrees blend general education courses with core classes in business.  Liberal arts classes are intermingled into the curriculum to help provide a balanced learning approach.

Classes typically include statistics, English, philosophy, creative writing, communications, and history.  Core classes in operations management will generally include introductory classes to marketing, materials management, computers, workplace safety, logistics, law, financial accounting, quality management, production planning, economics, and operations management. Associate degree programs are conferred as an Associate of Arts (AA) in most instances.

Operations Management Bachelor's Degree

Online bachelor’s degrees in operations management can be conferred as either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) as a function of the program’s design.  Bachelor degrees are 4-year programs for full-time students with part-time students taking longer to complete.

Both the BA and BS degrees mix general education courses with core business curriculum.  Blending both types of programs provides students with a well-rounded education and a set of holistic thinking skills.  Curriculum in bachelor degree tracks for BA and BS degrees will effectively differ from school to school.

However, most schools will include the following type of classes in the core program: principles of management, supply chain management, management science, project management, Six Sigma quality management, production management, and management of service organizations.  The bulk of bachelor degree programs will require students to take a capstone course along with a school-approved internship.

Operations Management Master's Degree

An online master degree in operations management can be conferred as a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science (MS), or a Master of Arts (MA).  The school’s curricular design and program emphasis will determine the nature of the degree being awarded.

Master degrees will take 2-3 years to complete for most students and focus heavily on preparing students for managerial positions in business.  Core classes at the graduate level will vary by school but generally include similar courses.

Typical upper-level classes in operations management include: financial management, managerial accounting, multinational corporations, global entrepreneurship, corporate finance, international trade, market strategies, negotiations, supply chain management, economics, financial reporting, advanced operations management, organizational design, and human behavior.

Operations Manager Requirements

At minimum, a degree in business administration or operation management is required for individuals to be considered for employment. Larger businesses or managerial roles that require complex systems to operate may require a higher level degree in order for consideration, generally offered as a concentration when one is seeking their master's of business administration degree.

An education in this field will provide students with a fundamental understanding of business as well as in depth understanding of the various types of systems and models that may be used when constructing a supply chain for the purposes of manufacturing.

Individuals will also learn to manage others, oversee production lines, and how to test for efficiency and manage costs. A curriculum in operations management may include:

  • Accounting for Management
  • Managerial Economics
  • Organizational Design
  • Production Planning and Control
  • Business Management
  • Information Systems
  • Scheduling & Production
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Manufacturing Operations
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Quality Assurance

Employment in Operations Management

Individuals in this field will primarily work for large businesses or firms that are responsible for the production of goods. Operations managers will work closely with production teams and fabrication specialists. They are tasked with supplying data and reports to ensure team members are notified of variations in production and operational goals.

Upper management will work toward developing policies and methodologies regarding production to support strategic goals. Examples may include an increase in production, expense reduction, and raw materials being used. All told, the entire production team must be unified for an organization to effectively meet their monthly and quarterly goals.

Operations Manager Salary

The median salary for an operations manager is $100,410 a year. Income will vary by industry, job scope, occupation type, and education. The overall employment for operations managers is expected to remain steady over the next decade at a hearty 9% growth. A nine percent gain in employment is effectively an additional 210,700 jobs added to the economy in the coming decade. Expect the competition for high paying managerial jobs in every sector of the economy to be stout.

Resources for Operations Managers

Individual interested in operations management may also wish to consider a career in business administration, project management, organizational leadership, customer service management, or organizational psychology. Likewise, APICS and POMS provide managers with additional tools, training, and resources outside academia that may prove beneficial to graduates. Additional associations of interest include:

  • American Management Association (AMA)
  • Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPA)
  • International Public Management Association (IPMA)
  • National Management Association (NMA)
  • Operations and Performance Management Professionals (OPMP)

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