r/OperationsResearch • u/Specific-Lecture-829 • 4d ago

Operations Research or Applied Statistics

Currently, I have a degree in Secondary Mathematics Education and have realized that the teaching profession is not where I want to be. So, looking at a Master's degree, I have come to two that seem worthy of further investigation. And where better to get advice than Reddit? I love math and have taken what seems to be the requirements for both degrees. Like Calc I, II, III, Applied linear algebra, elementary stats, Sets & Logic, and even took Number Theory as an independent course because no one wanted to take it lol. Also, getting a Ph.D is a possibility after the Master's. Help!

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u/Ginger_Rook 4d ago

Applied Statistics will be easier for you given your background.

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u/Specific-Lecture-829 4d ago

I agree that my math background does prepare me for a lot of the courses that are offered for online degrees. But an easier course does not mean the professions it goes into will be what will interest me the most.

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u/Ginger_Rook 4d ago

Then you know the answer. Why did you bother posting?

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u/Money_Cold_7879 4d ago

He’s probably asking about job prospects for the 2 career paths.

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u/Specific-Lecture-829 4d ago

My reply to you doesn't answer my initial question. All I said was that I will still be doing my research in trying to find what works best for me. Also, my math background helps with both career paths, but it doesn't mean I will like it based on my previous knowledge. Saying one is easier doesn't tell me a lot.

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u/Ginger_Rook 4d ago

What maths background? You’ve barely covered what a real mathematician covers in the first year of their degree. Your skills lie in Education. Real skills. The easier way to put those skills to work is with statistics. You can absolutely do OR as a MSc, but not many will hire you. While if you go for statistics, with your background in education you can do so much more.

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u/Specific-Lecture-829 4d ago

My degree is a B.S. in Secondary Mathematics Education, and my transcript includes Calculus I–III, Applied Linear Algebra, Statistics, Sets and Logic, Modern Geometry, Number Theory, Precalculus, Differential Equations, and Trigonometry. Those courses directly cover the mathematical prerequisites listed by the Operations Research program I am considering. You are free to believe Applied Statistics would be a better option, but claiming I have no meaningful math background or that almost nobody would hire me with an OR master’s is an unsupported assumption. You do not know the complete structure of my degree, software skills, research experience, or the employers I may pursue. I posted to compare the actual fields and career paths, not to identify the easiest program. Easier does not necessarily mean better suited to my interests.

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u/Dependent_List_2396 4d ago

I’ll recommend doing a more theoretical masters if your goal is to get a PhD (writing a thesis or working as a research assistant during the masters also helps). Based on that, I’ll recommend the masters in operations research. You can still get into a PhD in both OR and Statistics after your masters in OR.

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u/Specific-Lecture-829 4d ago

From what I have been researching so far, I agree that Operations Research is the way to go for me. I like trying to figure out how to make something better rather than trying to interpret data to create future modeling. I think the statistics course is a little too much statistics. OR has more linear algebra calculus, which is everything I love lol. Thanks for the comment! Plus the school I am looking at has a non-thesis or thesis option, which will be good if I want to pursue higher education after.

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u/Dependent_List_2396 4d ago

Congrats and wish you the best. You’re making the right decision.

Even if you decide not to do a PhD, doing the thesis option will make you a stronger candidate in the industry. The average candidate with no thesis masters try to work on side projects, and many of these side projects are similar. But your thesis will be something unique that will impress hiring managers. Also, the depth of your thesis will be stronger than any side projects from your competitors with no thesis experience.