Master of Engineering in Operations Research and Information Engineering

The Master of Engineering (ORIE) is a professional degree. Its objectives are to provide:

• Each student greater breadth and depth of technical knowledge. 
• An environment in which to synthesize and apply material studied in the coursework.

Dr. Kathryn Caggiano directs the School's Master of Engineering Program. photo © Peter Richtárik

The program's emphasis is on mathematical modeling and on the application of quantitative techniques associated with optimization, probability, stochastic processes, and statistics to the design and operation of systems.

Students are not required to complete a thesis. They are required to complete an engineering design project through which they have the opportunity to work closely with practicing engineers or analysts and with Cornell faculty members. The projects are usually provided and sponsored by industrial, financial, or government organizations.

Students are expected to perform all aspects of the project work, from problem formulation to communication of project results. The project is similar to a professional activity in which creativity and a variety of techniques are applied to a problem that may not be clearly stated at the start rather than like a course in which an assigned body of material must be mastered.

For more detailed information, review the information under Degree Requirements and M.Eng. Options or see the Master of Engineering Student Handbook.