Master of Science in

Operations Management

Learn it Today. Use it Tomorrow.

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Operations Management is a flexible and affordable graduate program designed for professionals who want to develop or update skills in managing business and government operations. 

Every industry and government organization needs operations management professionals to develop products and services. Learn to apply the Ten Operations Management Decisions to lead and manage day-to-day and long-term business and government operations. 

Get the practical knowledge you need to lead complex business and government operations. Study with industry and government experts to learn relevant skills you can apply immediately. 

Earn stackable credentials with our two-course microcertificates and four-course graduate certificates on your path to earning your master’s degree. Graduate certificates can enhance your qualifications, broaden career options, and provide valuable skills tailored to your professional goals.

Click here to explore all of our programs.

Program Start Dates

Spring 8-Week 1: January 13, 2025
Spring 8-Week 2: March 5, 2025

Summer 8-Week: May 27, 2025

Fall 8-Week 1:  August 19, 2024
Fall 8-Week 2:  October 9, 2024

Classes are offered in 8-week sessions five times per year.

Application Deadlines & Fees

Fall 8W1: August 1
Fall 8W2: September 15
Spring 8W1: December 1
Spring 8W2: February 15
Summer 8W: May 1

Application Fee:

Domestic Student: $60
International Student: $75

Program Information

Estimated total cost: 11K-15K
*Not including cost of course materials
*International students may have additional fees

Total classes: 10
*Not including required prerequisites

GRE/GMAT: Not required

No thesis required

This is a STEM designated program
*You can take up to 6 years to finish the program

 

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Ten Operations Management Decisions

  • Goods and Services

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    Goods and Services

    Process of producing quality products and services to meet customer demands.

  • Quality Management

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    Quality Management

    Ability to meet customer expectations and establish procedures to maintain quality.

  • Process Design

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    Process Design

    Designs the workflow of activities to implement a process.

  • Location Strategy

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    Location Strategy

    Strategy for locating a store, distribution facilities and a production facility.

  • Layout Strategy

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    Layout Strategy

    Requires integrating technology, personnel and inventory to determine efficient flow of materials in a facility.

  • HR & Job Design

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    HR & Job Design

    Implements plan to recruit and retain talented personnel, including continual professional development.

  • Supply Chain Management

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    Supply Chain Management

    Determines best practices of integrating the supply chain into the organization’s strategy.

  • Inventory Management

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    Inventory Management

    Determines strategy for inventory control, including shortages and personnel challenges.

  • Scheduling

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    Scheduling

    Developing the sequence of activities and resources to meet customer demands.

  • Maintenance

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    Maintenance

    Maintains the hardware and software needed to keep a system or process functional.

Why MS in Operations Management?

Studying operations management equips you with the knoweldge and skills necessary to excel in a critical area of business. Whether you manage product development, improve organizational efficiency or hold an executive leadership role, this field offers valuable knoweldge and skills that can lead to career advancement opportunities. Below are just a few reasons to pursue your MS in Operations Management at the Univeristy of Arkansas.

  • Flexible Schedule: Online or combine online and face-to-face courses offered
  • Customize your Education: use elective courses to also earn a graduate certificate
  • Affordable: No out of state tuition for domestic students
  • No Thesis or GRE/GMAT
  • Program accepts ALL undergrad majors

 

Degree Requirements

To obtain the Master of Science in Operations Management, students must complete 30 hours of coursework and a comprehensive exam.

The comprehensive exam consists of an 8-10 minute presentation.

Degree Requirements

Admission Requirements

The Master of Science in Operations Management program is open to students who have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.

  • A GPA of 3.0 or better on the last 60 hours of course work taken prior to receipt of the bachelor degree.
  • Applicants with a GPA between 2.50 and 2.99 on all course work will be considered and conditionally admitted.

"Without hesitation, if someone asked me if they should take an online class, I would say yes, and I would recommend the U of A."

Sree Chintalapudi,
Bentonville, AR

Apply Process Steps

Fill out the online application form from the options on our apply page.  Pay the application fee and watch for an email confirming your application form was received.

Within 1-2 business days you will receive email instructions on how to activate your university email account and access your Applicant Center.

Send official transcripts from each undergraduate institutions attended to the Graduate School.

Send electronic transcripts to: gradapp@uark.edu
UA - Fayetteville graduates do not need to send in transcripts.

Track your application progress online in the Application Center
We're here to help! msom@uark.edu or 479-575-3413

Application Process and Requirements

Tuition Details

  • Application Fee: 
    • Domestic Students: $60
    • International Students: $75
  • NO out-of-state tuition or fees.
  • Tuition is $313 per credit hour. All courses offered by the program are three credit hours.
  • Distance Technology Fee for all online courses is $50 per credit hour or $150 per 3-hour course.
  • A three hour OMGT course would be $1089
  • Fayetteville campus student only: Approximately $96 mandatory fee per class for live classes taken on campus

View more tuition information

Paying for Your Education

Financial Aid

Financial aid options are available to help you pay for your education. A financial aid counselor will assist you in identifying and taking full advantage of all opportunities.

View financial aid information

MSOM Scholarships

Scholarships and assistance programs are available to MS in Operations Management students. We offer two program scholarships and you can find additional assistance programs listed here. 

View scholarship information

Career Outlook

Our graduates are among the most versatile professionals spanning across numerous industries, including Walmart, Tyson Foods, Amazon, Lockheed Martin & all branches of the U.S. Military. They are prepared to be responsible for a number of key functions in any organization. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of general and operations managers is projected to grow 9% through 2030.

Industry or Sectors

  • Manufacturing
  • Transportation
  • Healthcare
  • Government & Public Operations
  • Supply Chain
  • Homeland Security

Skills Acquired

  • Project Management
  • Process Improvement
  • Strategic Planning
  • Business Development
  • Data Analytics
  • UAS Operations

Average Salaries

Operations Manager: $125,740
Project Manager: $84,290
Logisticians: $76,270
Operations Research Analyst: $86,200
Human Resource Manager: $121,220
Health Services Manager: $104,280

68%

Students who graduate within 2.5 years of entering the program

35%

Students who are military-affiliated and active in the program

11%

International students enrolled in the program

85%

Students who pair one or more graduate certificates with their masters

Student and Alumni Spotlights

Taylor Manning

Taylor Manning

Hometown: Punta Gorda, FL
Current: Belton, TX
BS in Industrial Engineering: University of Central Florida
Employer: Lockheed Martin
Position: Sustainment Engineer
Graduation: Spring 2022

Charles Sandiford

Charles Sandiford

Hometown: Robinson, Illinois
Current: Prior Lake, Michigan
BS in Applied Engineering & BS in Technology Management: Bemidji State University
Employer: Radiometer
Position: Director of Engineering
Graduation: Spring 2022

Paul Dangcil

Paul Dangcil

Hometown: Pittsburg, California
Current: Oklahoma City, OK
BS in Computer Science: University of Maryland University College
Employer: DOD / USAF
Position: Engine Program Manager
Graduation: Fall 2021

Brandiace McGuire

Brandiace McGuire

Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas
Current: Little Rock, Arkansas
BS in Industrial Technology, Management & Applied Engineering: University of Arkansas - Pine Bluff
Employer: Entergy
Position: EAL Work Management Supervisor
Graduation: Summer 2022

Justin Brooks

Justin Brooks

Hometown: Little Rock, AR
Current: Springdale, AR
BS in Mechanicial Engineering: University of Arkansas
Employer: Nilfisk, Inc.
Position: US Spare Parts Mgr.
Graduation: Summer 2021

Daniel Kelly

Daniel Kelly

Hometown: Hot Springs, AR
Current: Tampa, FL
BS in Mechanical Engineering: University of South Florida
Employer: Honeywell Aerospace
Position: Sr. Supply Chain Project Manager
Graduation: Fall 2021

Brock Randels

Brock Randels

Hometown: Overland Park, KS
Current: Fayetteville, AR
BBA: Northwestern Oklahoma State University
Employer: University of Arkansas Athletic Department
Position: Graduate Assistant
Graduation: Fall 2021

Flora "Rosie" Alquicira-Murillo

Flora "Rosie" Alquicira-Murillo

Hometown: Houston, TX
Current: Atoka, TN
BS: National Louis University
Employer: U.S. Navy
Position: Leading Chief Petty Officer
Graduation: Spring 2021

Contact Us

Have questions or concerns? Don't hesitate to reach out.

Call us at 479-575-3413 or Email msom@uark.edu.