Master of Management in Operations Research (MM in OR)

The UBC Master of Management in Operations Research (MM in OR) program is designed for individuals with a strong analytical background who seek a professional business degree that utilizes their quantitative skills. More technically focused than the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and more professionally oriented than the Master of Science (MSc), the MM in OR program prepares students for careers as analysts and consultants in various industries with a focus on enhancing business value through Operations, Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

Program overview

The Master of Management in Operations Research (MM in OR) program at the Sauder School of Business at UBC provides rigorous and practical training in the quantitative analysis of business problems. Administered by the Centre for Operations Excellence (COE), the program prepares students with backgrounds in areas such as engineering, mathematics, economics, or other quantitative fields for rewarding careers as OR analysts and consultants.

MM in OR students work closely with internationally renowned faculty,

business leaders, and outstanding peers to develop and realize their goals in a professional business environment. The 16-month program offers a unique blend of technical coursework, practical consulting skills, and real-world problem-solving experience designed to position students for success in today's competitive business world.

The highlight of the program is the Industry Project. Each student conducts an intensive 5-month applied project with a COE Industry Partner that addresses a significant operational issue. Working closely with the Sauder faculty and COE project leaders, students use the latest decision tools and technologies to make concrete recommendations to senior executives of some of the most prominent companies in Western Canada.

The MM Experience

The benefits for the students in the program are enormous:

World-Class Faculty & Business Leaders The Sauder School of Business is renowned for its high standards in teaching, research, and scholarly achievement. The faculty are internationally recognized researchers with considerable expertise in applying OR and statistical methods. MM in OR students also work closely with seasoned business professionals with longstanding experience in operations management.

A Professional Environment The Centre for Operations Excellence provides a highly professional environment in which students learn with the latest decision-support tools and with full-time administrative and computer systems support. Students also gain professional exposure through immersion in corporate environments and participation in boardroom meetings with senior executives.

Dynamic Interaction and Networking Students receive close guidance and support from the Operations and Logistics (OPLOG) faculty and COE project leaders at the Sauder School of Business, who help to ensure the success of the Industry Projects. Coming from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds, students bring a broad set of perspectives to create a cooperative learning environment. They make connections to industry through their project work and through Sauder's extensive alumni network.

Rich Career Opportunities Students have access to extensive career resources at the Sauder School of Business, including the Career Development Program managed by the Business Career Centre. MM in OR graduates have achieved an outstanding placement record in both industry and academica. Nearly all find employment as analysts or consultants within three months of graduation, and many also go on to pursue doctoral degrees at top institutions.

A Top-Ranked University The Sauder School of Business is part of the University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada's third-largest university. Situated in the scenic city of Vancouver, UBC boasts one of the most beautiful campuses in North America. With extensive research libraries and superb cultural and recreational facilities, the university attracts more than 38,000 students annually from all corners of the globe.

Spectacular Vancouver Vancouver has a vibrant urban setting, diverse culture and cuisine, and moderate climate-all set against a breathtaking backdrop of mountains, ocean and beaches. Host of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Vancouver is a thoroughly modern, sophisticated city, one that often tops the annual international lists of best places to live. It serves as North America's gateway to the Pacific Rim-a gateway to opportunities for UBC MM in OR students.

Admissions

Candidates for the MM in OR program should have strong quantitative and analytical backgrounds in disciplines such as commerce, economics, engineering, mathematics, or statistics. Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated business communication skills and the ability to work successfully in a team environment. Work experience is not required for admission to the program, but relevant work experience will be favorably considered during application review.

Admission to this program is competitive and applicants should have a very strong academic record. All candidates for admission must meet the minimum academic standards for admission to master’s level studies as governed by the University of British Columbia. GMAT or GRE scores are required for all applicants.

English language proficiency test scores are also required from applicants who did not obtain a prior degree from an institution where the language of instruction was English.

About the School

The Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia is Canada's leading academic business school, maintaining an international reputation for excellence in research and learning, and unmatched global partnerships. The faculty has more than 2,700 students in Bachelors, Masters and PhD programs, and boasts over 28,000 alumni in 70 countries.

Located in Vancouver, rated by the Economist Intelligent Unit as the world's top city in its global liveability rankings, the school draws from the internationalism of the city and its Pacific Rim setting to provide an unrivalled global business perspective.

The school is situated in the heart of the spectacular UBC campus, home to forest, ocean and mountain vistas. A second campus, Robson Square, is located in the heart of Vancouver's bustling downtown peninsula.

The business school was renamed the Sauder School of Business in 2003 in recognition of the support and generosity of William Sauder, BCom 1948, Chancellor Emeritus of UBC and former Chairman of Interfor.

UBC's Vision for the 21st Century

The University of British Columbia, aspiring to be one of the world's best universities, will prepare students to become exceptional global citizens, promote the values of a civil and sustainable society, and conduct outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada, and the world.

Our Mission

The University of British Columbia will provide its students, faculty, and staff with the best possible resources and conditions for learning and research, and create a working environment dedicated to excellence, equity, and mutual respect. It will cooperate with government, business, industry, and the professions, as well as with other educational institutions and the general community, to discover, disseminate, and apply new knowledge, prepare its students for fulfilling careers, and improve the quality of life through leading-edge research.

The graduates of UBC will have developed strong analytical, problem-solving and critical thinking abilities; they will have excellent research and communication skills; they will be knowledgeable, flexible, and innovative. As responsible members of society, the graduates of UBC will value diversity, work with and for their communities, and be agents for positive change. They will acknowledge their obligations as global citizens, and strive to secure a sustainable and equitable future for all.