Decision Sciences Major
What is Decision Sciences?
Decision science is the science of
rational decision-making and the study, design and integration
of complex situations and systems. Its goal is predicting
system behavior and improving or optimizing system performance.
It considers managerial decision making, mathematical
and computer modeling and the use of computer technology
for informed decision-making. Decision science majors
synthesize elements of management planning and implementation
and control into mathematical models that guide decision-making.
This discipline focuses on analytical techniques designed
to help decision makers choose among a set of alternatives
in light of all possible consequences. In industry and
government, considerable demand exists for those who are
skilled in modern methods of decision-making and systems
design and who are capable of managing complex social
and technical systems.
Decision science may also called industrial
engineering, manufacturing engineering, operations management
and management science. Industrial engineering and manufacturing
engineering are found in colleges of engineering, while
decision science and operations research are found in
colleges of business. The curriculums reflect the orientation
of the courses and curriculum design. Graduates of these
programs may go on to advise public and private organizations
on energy policy; design and operate urban emergency systems.
They implement systems in defense; health care; water
resource planning; criminal justice; transportation and
a variety of other organizations. They can respond to
a variety of design and operational issues in communication
and data networks; computer operations; marketing; finance;
inventory planning; manufacturing; and many areas designed
to improve business productivity and efficiency.
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What are Some Specializations Within
this Broad Major?
MyMajors.com cannot pinpoint your interests
beyond recommending this general major. Various specializations
related to this major may be offered by colleges and universities.
These specializations may be of greater or lesser interest
to you. A few of the specializations related to this field
include, but are not limited to:
Analytical
Consulting |
Biostatistics |
Business
Administration |
Statistics |
Information
Management |
Operations
Research |
Management
Science |
|
|
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What Kinds of Students Major in
Decision Sciences?
Students in this field are interested
in both management and mathematics, with an emphasis on
the latter. They appreciate the very complex problem solving
in which modeling and analysis play a heavy role.
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What Courses Do Decision Sciences
Majors Take?
The required and elective courses you
would take for majors vary considerably among institutions.
Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth
of topics you are likely to experience were you to major
in this field.
| Biostatistics |
Data Analysis |
Management Decision Analysis |
| Managerial Problem Solving |
Modeling Techniques |
Descriptive Statistics |
| Decision Support Systems |
Risk Management |
Basian Statistics |
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What Types of Positions do Decision
Sciences Majors Take After College?
These professions and professional organizations
illustrate the types of positions you might qualify for
if you complete this major. Some majors are more directly
related to employment than others, however. You should
consider the likelihood of employment after graduation
carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work
in a field. Even with the completion of graduate work
in some fields, however, employment is difficult, so you
should determine what the prospects are for this or any
major. Employment possibilities are often enhanced by
the selecting employment-related courses and by the enrollment
in second major or in a minor.
| Biostatistician |
Clinical Statistician |
Management Consultant |
| General Management |
Planner |
Project Manager |
| Researcher |
Systems Analyst |
Efficiency Analyst |
Are you interested in detailed information
about the forecasted demand for a particular profession?
Are you interested in the estimated salaries such positions
are likely to pay? This government Web site allows you
to search on a particular job, whether listed here or
not, to give you this information.
Bureau
of Labor Statistics
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Related Links
If you are interested in learning more
about what professionals in this field do and what kinds
of activities they engage in, check out some of the following
links. You might also want to check out web sites for
University or College departments offering this major.
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University Departments to Consider
The following institutions are the featured
institutions on MyMajors because they support MyMajors
and you in your search for the best major available. They
offer excellent curriculums in well-rounded programs for
you to consider.
| For information on options
available to campuses wishing to see their majors
listed on MyMajors, contact: admin@mymajors.com for details. |
Other fine institutions offering this
major offer excellent programs to consider.
| For information on options
available to campuses wishing to see their majors
listed on MyMajors, contact: admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Two-Year College Curriculums to
Consider
| Suggest to your two-year
college advisor that their institution's majors
be included to show you their course requirements
and unique resources. Two-year college representatives
should contact admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Want
More Information? Look at major descriptions prepared
by university academic advisement staffs.
More on Choosing Your College Major 
