Operations Analysis - Curriculum 360
Program Officer
Matt Geiser, CDR, USN
Code GB, Ingersoll Hall, Room 219A
(831) 656-3953, DSN 756-3953
mtgeiser1@nps.edu
Academic Associate
Kyle Lin, Ph.D.
Glasgow Hall, Room 260
(831) 656-2648, DSN 756-2648
FAX (831) 656-2595
kylin@nps.edu
Brief Overview
The Operations Analysis (OA) curriculum was founded by the Navy in 1951, to retain, develop, and promulgate the methods of Operations Research (OR) that were used so successfully in World War II. OR is the science of helping people and organizations make better decisions. More formally, it is the development and application of mathematical models, statistical analyses, simulations, analytical reasoning, and common sense to the understanding and improvement of real-world operations. Improvement can be measured by the minimization of cost, maximization of efficiency, or optimization of other relevant measures of effectiveness. Practitioners are called on to advise military and civilian decision makers on the allocation of scarce resources, the selection of new equipment and processes, and the optimal deployment of given resources to achieve required missions.
Mathematics, probability, statistics, and optimization supply the theoretical background for analyzing alternative choices in tactical and strategic warfare, and in planning, budgeting, and procurement of systems and forces. The student learns computational methods and develops skills to identify relevant information, formulate decision criteria, and select alternatives. This education enhances performance in all duties throughout a military career including operational billets, technical management assignments, and policy-making positions.
Requirements for Entry
A baccalaureate degree with above-average grades is required. Completion of mathematics through single variable differential and integral calculus with above-average grades is considered minimal preparation. Students without these quantitative prerequisites will be accepted in cases where their undergraduate records indicate that they are exceptional students and there are other indicators of potential. An academic profile code (APC) of 325 is required. Waivers may be obtained with a one-quarter refresher.
Convenes
Fall, Spring
Degree
Requirements for the Master of Science degree are met en route to satisfy the Educational Skill Requirements of the curricular program as well as Service Intermediate-level PME and Phase I Joint PME credit.
Master of Science in Applied Science (Operations Research)
Students with acceptable academic backgrounds may enter a program leading to a degree in Applied Science with a major in Operations Research. The program of each student seeking this degree must contain a minimum of 20 quarter-hours in operations research at the graduate level, including work at the 4000 level. Additionally, a sequence of at least 12 hours of graduate level courses representing a specialization in some area other than that of the major. A total minimum of 12 quarter-hours at the 4000 level, plus an acceptable thesis, is required. This program provides depth and diversity through specially arranged course sequences to meet the needs of the Navy and the interests of the individual. The Department Chairman's approval is required for all programs leading to this degree. Applications to include this degree in dual master's programs will not be approved.
Master of Science in Operations Research
The Master of Science in Operations Research degree requires:
- Completion of a minimum of 40 quarter-hours of graduate-level courses with:
- At least 20 quarter-hours of 4000-level courses, of which at least 16 are OA.
- An elective sequence approved by the Chairman, Department of Operations Research.
- Submission of an acceptable thesis on a subject previously approved by the Chairman, Department of Operations Research.
Subspecialty
Completion of this curriculum qualifies an officer as an Operations Analysis Subspecialist with a subspecialty code of 3211P and JPME Phase I education certification for students whose orders include the extra quarter for JPME. The community manager for the OA subspecialty is the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Assessment Division (OPNAV N81).
U.S. Marine Corps officers completing this curriculum fulfill the requirements for MOS 8850.
Typical Subspecialty Jobs
Defense Resources Management OPNAV Analyst
JCS Analyst Director, OPS Research: SACLANT
Assistant Staff OPS and PLANS: COMCARGRU Staff OPS and PLANS: COMTHIRDFLT
BUPERS OSD Analyst
OPS Analyst: Naval War College Instructor: NPS
Cost Analyst Warfare Analyst
Typical Course of Study (Naval Warfare Option)
Quarter 1
| MA1118 | Multivariable Calculus for Operations Research | | 4 | 0 |
| MA3042 | Linear Algebra | | 4 | 0 |
| OA2801 | Computational Methods for Operations Research | | 4 | 1 |
| OA3101 | Probability | | 4 | 1 |
Quarter 2
| OA3102 | Statistics | | 4 | 2 |
| OA3201 | Linear Programming | | 4 | 0 |
| OA3301 | Stochastic Models I | | 4 | 0 |
| OA3801 | Computational Methods for Operations Research II | | 3 | 1 |
Quarter 3
Quarter 4
Quarter 5 (First eight weeks)
| OA3602 | Search Theory and Detection | | 4 | 0 |
| OA4655 | Introduction to Joint Combat Modeling | | 4 | 0 |
| OA4801 | Spreadsheet Modeling for Military Operations Research | | 3 | 2 |
| (Last three weeks) Experience Tour/Thesis Research | | | |
Quarter 6
| ELECT | Elective OAXXXX | | | |
| OA4602 | Joint Campaign Analysis | | 4 | 0 |
| OA3304 | Decision Theory | | 4 | 0 |
| OA0810 | Thesis Research for Operations Analysis Students | | 0 | 8 |
Quarter 7
| ELECT | Elective OAXXXX | | | |
| OA4604 | Wargaming Applications | | 3 | 2 |
| NW3230 | Strategy & War | | 4 | 2 |
| OA0810 | Thesis Research for Operations Analysis Students | | 0 | 8 |
Educational Skill Requirements (ESR)
Operations Analysis - Curriculum 360
Subspecialty Code: 3211P
- Basics: The graduate will possess the mathematical and advanced computer programming skills required to support graduate study in operations research and have the ability to use computers as a tool to aid in analysis.
- Probability, Statistics, and Data Analysis: The graduate will be well-versed in applications of probability, statistics, data analysis, and machine learning to the modeling and analysis of a broad range of military decision problems.
- Optimization: The graduate will be able to formulate and understand state-of-the-art algorithms used to solve linear, nonlinear, network, dynamic, and integer programs.
- Stochastic Modeling: The graduate will be able to formulate a wide variety of stochastic models, calculate measures of performance for them, and be well-versed in a broad range of advanced applications of continuous- and discrete-time Markov chains, homogenous and non-homogenous Poisson processes, queueing theory, and renewal processes.
- Simulation: The graduate will be able to employ simulation methods to model situations of interest to the defense community, be able to formulate, implement, explore, and analyze simulations using state-of-the-art design-of-experiments techniques to efficiently explore high-dimensional spaces, and make informed recommendations.
- Analysis of Military Operations: The graduate will have significant exposure to and be able to model and analyze military operations using operations analysis techniques, and support concept development, tactics, and operations.
- Systems Analysis: The graduate will be able to apply systems analysis concepts as a basis for making key decisions on force requirements, weapon systems, and other defense problems with particular emphasis in risk-benefit and cost-benefit analysis.
- Practice: The graduate will have gained experience working on all aspects of an analytical study, and will demonstrate the ability to conduct independent analytical studies and proficiency in presenting the results both orally and in writing.
Curriculum Sponsor and ESR Approval Authority
The Major Area Sponsor (MAS) for the Operations Research Analysis subspecialty is Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Integration of Capabilities and Resources (OPNAV N8). The designated Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Operations Analysis curriculum is Director, Assessment Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV N81). The Curriculum and ESR approval authority is Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Warfighting Development (OPNAV N7). (OA Curriculum Review conducted 4 April 2022.)