Curriculum

A typical course schedule is outlined below. However, you can satisfy your seminar, research methodology and managerial skills requirements in numerous ways depending on your prior academic coursework and research interests.

In your first few years of study, your faculty advisor will help you navigate the curriculum and coordinate with other faculty who can serve as your mentors.

Refer to the PhD Handbook for complete information on all program requirements.

First Year Second Year Third Year and Beyond

Fall Semester

  • Research methodology requirements (3-9 credits)
  • Managerial skills requirements (0-3 credits)
  • MGO 796 Seminar in Strategic Management

Spring Semester

  • Research methodology requirements  (3-9 credits)
  • Managerial skills requirements (0-3 credits)
  • Seminar requirements (0-3 credits)

Comprehensive Exam: As a doctoral student in the School of Management, you will demonstrate competence in your field by successfully completing a comprehensive examination. You will take your examination following completion of your course requirement, typically taken at the end of your second year of study.

Second-Year Paper: Your required research paper must be completed by the end of the first semester of your third year of study. This paper will preferably be developed into a dissertation or a co-authored paper submitted to a top journal.

External Areas of Focus for Management Students

  • Industrial engineering
  • Statistics
  • Finance
  • Organizational behavior and human resources
  • Marketing
  • Management information systems

Successful Dissertations

Contact Us

Operations Management and Strategy Department
School of Management
University at Buffalo
326 Jacobs Management Center
Buffalo, NY 14260-4000

Tel:  716-645-3500
Fax: 716-645-5078

To speak to a faculty member, contact Nallan Suresh, PhD, professor and chair, operations management and strategy.

External Areas of Focus for Non-Management Students

If you are a doctoral student outside of the OMS department who is interested in obtaining an external area of focus in OMS, you should consult with your academic advisor. Course requirements are listed below.

Operations and Supply Chain Management

Two seminars (6 credits) MGO 795 Seminar in Operations Management

Plus two courses from the following:

MGO 639 Sustainable Operations

Additional PhD Program Requirements