The PhD with a major in management science is designed to prepare students for research related to the application of mathematical tools to complex decision making. Three primary objectives of the program are
- To provide, through management science course work, a thorough knowledge of common management science/operations research mathematical models and their uses.
- To provide sufficient advanced study in a supporting area to qualify the graduate for a joint-faculty position in the supporting area and management science. The candidate may choose from the business functional areas (accounting, finance, marketing, management, and logistics) or other disciplines (e.g., computer science, forestry, ecology, and public administration).
- To develop in the student, through course work in mathematics, statistics and computer science, a high degree of mathematical maturity to enhance a potential career in management, research, or teaching.
Admission
Submit online graduate application to the Office of Graduate Admissions. The doctoral program requires three recommendation forms and the GRE or GMAT, in addition to the Graduate Council’s requirements.
Requirements
A minimum of 48 semester hours of course work taken for graduate credit (exclusive of thesis or dissertation) is required. Some of the hours may be the course work from a master’s program, although a master’s is not a prerequisite for the doctorate. The candidate must complete a minimum of 24 hours at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, at least 6 of which must be at the 600 level. Both of these requirements are exclusive of thesis or dissertation credits. Entering students who have completed graduate studies in applicable fields will be granted course credits for work that is equivalent to required courses in the program.
The program includes approximately 16 to 20 semester hours of course work in the applied area.
Qualifying Examinations
The student must demonstrate mastery of probability theory and statistical inference (STAT 563 ) by passing a written qualifying examination.
Mastery of 12 to 14 semester hours in mathematics course work must be demonstrated by passing a written qualifying examination. Topics normally include numerical analysis (either MATH 471 , MATH 472 , MATH 453 , and MATH 571 , or MATH 571 -MATH 572 ) and real analysis (MATH 445 -MATH 446 ). Other options may be approved. In exceptional circumstances, the faculty will consider waiving the mathematics and/or statistics qualifying examinations.
These requirements generally are completed by the end of the first year of the program.
There is no foreign language requirement.
Comprehensive Examination
Prior to admission to candidacy for the degree, and normally after completion of the second year of the program, the student must pass a written comprehensive examination covering the theory of deterministic and stochastic management science models. Topics included in this examination are determined on an individual basis. Students will be expected to demonstrate an integrative ability that goes beyond simple mastery of course content.
Research and Dissertation
The student must complete 24 hours of MGSC 600 (Doctoral Research and Dissertation), through which he/she is expected to make a significant contribution to the discipline. A final oral examination is conducted over the dissertation and such other segments of the program that the faculty committee deems appropriate. This effort, which is beyond the minimum 48 hours of course work, normally is completed in the third year of the program.
Academic Standards
A graduate student in the College of Business Administration whose grade point average falls below 3.0 will be placed on probation. A student on probation will be dropped from the program unless his/her cumulative graduate grade point average is 3.0 or higher at the end of the probationary period. The probationary period is defined as the next semester’s course work as established by the degree program for full-time students and the next two semester’s course work as established by the degree program for part-time students.
Prerequisites for Management Science Courses
The management science program is interdisciplinary and students in other degree programs are encouraged to enroll in management science courses. Course prerequisites are designed to indicate the level at which courses are taught. Interested students whose prior course work does not match the prerequisites are encouraged to seek the instructor’s guidance and consent to enroll.
