Introduction to the Major
The Operations Research and Management Science (ORMS) major provides a solid foundation in the quantitative, model building, and problem-solving skills of operations research and management science. The major is very math intensive and is appropriate for students who enjoy and are good at mathematics, computers, and solving practical, multidisciplinary problems.
The ORMS major is designed for students in the College of Letters & Science and is administered by the Department of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research (IEOR) in the College of Engineering. The department also offers a major and minor in IEOR, as well as a combined Bachelor’s-Master's program.
“The IEOR community is vibrant, bright and supportive, which allowed me to navigate through my undergraduate career and find my passion.”
- Zilan (Eleanor) Yuan, ORMS Class of 2020
Admission to the Major
To be considered for admission to the ORMS major, students should have a minimum 3.2 overall GPA in the prerequisite courses. The major is impacted and applications are submitted by invitation only. Visit ieor.berkeley.edu/academics/ba-orms/ for more information.
We recommend students apply during the semester that they are completing their final prerequisite courses or prior to the accumulation of 80 units (not including high school units). For most students, this is typically at the end of their sophomore year. For transfer students, you must apply at the end of your first semester at UC Berkeley.
Amplify Your Major
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Get involved in a student organization such as the Engineering and Project Management Society and Institute of Industrial Systems Engineers (IISE)
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Take a Challenge Lab course such as IEOR 185.
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Enrich your studies with the Sutardja Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Technology
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Participate in the ORMS honors program by completing an original research project or graduate-level coursework in ORMS.
First Year
Explore Your Major
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Meet with your major and college advisor to discuss your academic plans.
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Review major and college requirements
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Talk to the ORMS advisor about department programs and research opportunities.
Connect and Build Community
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Get 1:1 mentoring with Berkeley Connect.
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Find study groups, tutoring, and academic support at the Student Learning Center
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Take advantage of STEM community and resources from programs like Cal NERDS.
Discover Your Passions
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Discover new interests in a Freshman Seminar, L&S 1, or a student-run DeCal course
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Attend the Undergraduate Research and Scholarships Fair in October.
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Learn how to get involved in research on campus with Undergraduate Laboratory at Berkeley
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Broaden your perspective by attending Newton Series or View from the Top lectures.
Engage Locally and Globally
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Attend the Calapalooza student activities fair and get involved with a student organization.
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Find service opportunities through the Public Service Center
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Explore study, internship, and research abroad options with Berkeley Study Abroad.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
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Visit Berkeley Career Engagement and the Career Counseling Library
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Develop a plan for getting career ready.
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Sign up for Handshake and CareerMail
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Explore career fields in the Career Connections Networking Series or a winter externship.
Second Year
Explore Your Major
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Complete lower division prerequisites and apply to the major
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Plan now for a certificate, course thread, or summer minor
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Review major guidelines for study abroad.
Connect and Build Community
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Join a student organization such as Engineering and Project Management Society
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Follow the IEOR department on Facebook and Instagram and start attending department events
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Get to know professors and graduate student instructors during their office hours.
Discover Your Passions
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Enroll in a Sophomore Seminar, Big Ideas Course or Discovery Course
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Learn about research taking place within the IEOR department.
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Assist faculty in their research through URAP
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Enjoy teaching? Explore a career in education while gaining teaching skills with CalTeach.
Engage Locally and Globally
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Work with a community organization in an American Cultures Engaged Scholarship course
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Go on a service-learning trip with the Alternative Breaks Program
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Engage in STEM education and mentorship of local youth with Bridging Berkeley, Expand Your Horizons, or SENDforC.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
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Reflect on your education so far and continue to set goals for yourself.
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Discuss career options and goals with a Career Educator
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Think about doing an internship and attend an internship fair
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Learn about graduate and professional school. See Step-by-Step for planning help.
Third Year
Explore Your Major
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Focus on upper division requirements and electives such as machine learning (IEOR 142) or production systems analysis (IEOR 150).
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Review your degree progress with your major and college advisors.
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Take a Challenge Lab course (IEOR 185), Data X (IEOR 135) or another project-based class.
Connect and Build Community
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Apply to the Data Science Education Program and participate in one of the student teams.
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Consider becoming a Golden Bear Orientation Leader and welcome new students to UC Berkeley.
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Check out Alpha Pi Mu, the Industrial Engineering Honor Society.
Discover Your Passions
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Apply for a research opportunity if you haven’t done so already.
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Explore entrepreneurship through the Sutardja Center and Skydeck
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Consider earning the Sutardja Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Technology.
Engage Locally and Globally
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Experience life at another UC or college on a visitor and exchange program
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Study and intern in Washington D.C. with UCDC or Cal in the Capital
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Consider a Berkeley Global Internship in the United States or abroad.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
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Update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
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Discuss post-graduate options with advisors and professors.
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Attend career and graduate school fairs such as the STEM Career & Internship Fair.
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Ask professors and graduate student instructors for recommendation letters.
Fourth Year
Explore Your Major
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Do a degree check to ensure you are on track to graduate.
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Complete any “bucket list” courses and remaining major, college, and campus requirements
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If eligible, take part in the ORMS honors program
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Consider applying for the IEOR-ORMS Masters Program.
Connect and Build Community
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Join a professional association such as the Institute of Industrial Systems and Engineering
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Connect with IEOR alumni and build your network as you prepare to graduate.
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Follow up with your past professors and ask what you can do to help them as an ORMS alumnus.
Discover Your Passions
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Teach your own DeCal course
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Undertake an optional honors thesis or independent study.
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Keep pursuing your interests through a fellowship or gap year after graduation.
Engage Locally and Globally
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Hone your leadership skills with the Peter E. Haas Public Service Leaders program
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Interested in a public service career? Apply for the John Gardner Fellowship
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Explore service opportunities after graduation, such as Peace Corps, Teach for America, or U.S. Department of State.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
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Utilize job board tools in your job search.
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Browse job listings on the department website
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Meet employers at Employer Info Sessions and On-Campus Recruiting
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Apply to jobs, graduate school, and other opportunities.
The IEOR major prepares students for technical careers analyzing a broad array of systems-level decision problems concerned with economic efficiency, productivity, and quality. It provides a strong foundation for those headed for operations management positions or for those intending to go on to specialized graduate study in operations research, analytics, or business administration.
Jobs and Employers
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Analyst, Cornerstone Research
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Analyst, WI Harper Group
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Consultant, Applied Predictive Technologies
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Digital Risk Solution Associate, PwC
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Software Development Engineer, Amazon
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Software Engineer, Google
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Technology Analyst, Deloitte
Graduate Programs
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Business, Masters
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Computational Math., Masters
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Computer Science, Masters, PhD
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Economics, PhD
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Engineering Science, Masters
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Industrial Engineering, Masters, PhD
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Operations Research, Masters
Examples gathered from the First Destination Survey of recent Berkeley graduates.
Connect With Us
Cal Day
Come to Berkeley’s annual Open House in April for information sessions, campus tours, special talks, and more.
Golden Bear Orientation
Join your peers in the campus-wide UC Berkeley orientation program for all new students.
Events
Attend department events with students, staff, and faculty. Visit ieor.berkeley.edu for news and updates.
Advising
ORMS students are assigned to faculty advisors in the IEOR department. Before the enrollment period for each semester, students meet with their faculty advisors to discuss their tentative schedule of classes.
The Undergraduate Advisor for ORMS is also available for advising on academic matters, including academic difficulty, change of major/double majors/simultaneous degrees, withdrawal/readmission, degree completion, education abroad, academic progress, and petitions and exceptions. Contact the Undergraduate Advisor at ieor-student-services@berkeley.edu
How to Use this Map
Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at UC Berkeley, including academic, co-curricular, and discovery opportunities. Everyone’s Berkeley experience is different and activities in this map are suggestions. Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.
