Curriculum

The management science and systems discipline in the Management PhD program prepares students to become leading researchers and teachers at top universities or executive-level decision makers in industry. Each student follows a slightly different path, depending on research interests, allowing some flexibility to the curriculum. 

Discipline Requirements

  • ECON 613** Introduction to Econometrics
  • ECON 614** Econometric Applications and Methods
  • IE 576** Applied Stochastic Processes
  • MGQ 614 Advanced Probability and Statistics or IE575
  • MGQ 616 Stochastic Models of Management Science or IE 572
  • MGS 785SEM Information Science
  • MGS 786SEM Seminar in Design Science
  • MGS 787SEM Sem in Information Assurance
  • MGS 788SEM Globally Distributed Work
  • MGQ 797TUT Management Science Research

(Fall: must register for two consecutive years)

  • MGS 797TUT Management Systems Research

(Spring: must register for two consecutive years)

Plus four of the following:

  • MGS 616LEC Predictive Analytics
  • IE 573 Discrete Optimization
  • IE 575 Stochastic Methods
  • IE 551 Simulation and Stochastic Models
  • IE 675 Game Theory
  • MGS 650LEC Information Security and Assurance
  • MGS 659LEC Web Analytics and Optimization Techniques for eCommerce

** Courses satisfying statistics and methodology requirements.

  • ECON 613 Introduction to Econometrics**
  • STAT 503 Regression and Design of Experiments (or ECON 614) **
  • MGS 650LEC Information Security and Assurance
  • MGS 659LEC Web Analytics and Optimization Techniques for eCommerce
  • MGS 785SEM Information Science
  • MGS 786SEM Seminar in Design Science
  • MGS 787SEM Sem in Information Assurance
  • MGS 788SEM Globally Distributed Work
  • MGQ 797TUT Management Science Research

(Fall: must register for two consecutive years)

  • MGS 797TUT Management Systems Research

(Spring: must register for two consecutive years)

Plus six of the following:

  • MGS 611LEC Global Distribution Systems
  • MGS 613LEC Database Mgmt Systems
  • MGS 614LEC Systems Analysis & Design
  • MGS 616LEC Predictive Analytics
  • MGS 650LEC Information Security and Assurance
  • MGS 651LEC Managing Computer Networks
  • MGS 655LEC Distributed Computing and Big Data Technologies
  • MGS 659LEC Web Analytics and Optimization Techniques for eCommerce
  • GEO 531 International Business and World Trade**
  • ECO 721 Industrial Organization II

** Courses satisfying statistics and methodology requirements. Permission of the PhD advisor is required for substitutions. Possible substitutions: MGO 615 and MGO 616 - Econometric Methods and Managerial Applications I and II

Notes:

  1. Independent Studies with faculty in the area may be used in lieu of those required courses which are not offered regularly. Any of the above courses can be replaced by other courses if competence in the above course area can be demonstrated through prior coursework and/or research experience. Permission of the PhD advisor is required.
  2. MGQ 797, Doctoral Seminar (Fall) carries one credit hour per semester.
  3. MGS 797, Doctoral Seminar (Spring) also carries one credit hour per semester. A doctoral student is required to register for MGQ 797 or MGS 797 for at least four consecutive semesters..

External Areas of Focus for Management Students

  • Cognitive Science
  • Computer Science
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Operations Management and Strategy
  • Organization and Human Resources
  • Statistics

Contact Us

Management Science and Systems Department
School of Management
University at Buffalo
325 Jacobs Management Center
Buffalo, NY 14260-4000

Tel:  716-645-3245
Fax: 716-645-6117

To speak with a faculty member directly, contact Laura Amo, assistant professor and PhD program faculty advisor, management science and systems.

External Areas of Focus for Non-Management Students

If you are a doctoral student outside of the School of Management who is interested in obtaining an external area of focus in Management Science and Systems, you should consult with your academic advisor. Course requirements are:

  • MGS 613LEC Database Mgmt Systems
  • MGS 614LEC Systems Analysis & Design
  • MGS 611LEC Global Distribution Systems
  • MGS 616LEC Predictive Analytics

Competence in areas of accounting, finance, and marketing are prerequisite requirements for certain of these courses in Management Systems. Competence can be established by taking graduate courses in these areas. Independent studies may be used in lieu of any of the above courses which are not offered regularly.

  • MGQ 614 Advanced Probability and Statistics or equivalent
  • MGQ 616 Stochastic Models of Management Science or IE 575 Stochastic Methods

Plus one of the following:

  • MGS 616LEC Predictive Analytics
  • MGS 650LEC Information Security and Assurance
  • MGS 659LEC Web Analytics and Optimization Techniques for eCommerce

Independent studies may be used in lieu of any of the above courses which are not offered regularly. A comprehensive exam is required for all minors.

Additional PhD Program Requirements

Refer to the PhD Handbook for complete information on:

  • PhD core requirements
  • First-year paper
  • Second-year paper
  • Qualifying exams
  • Teaching skills
  • Responsible conduct of research training requirement
  • Application to candidacy