The in-residence MOA program requires 12 months (4 academic quarters) of full-time study and begins in October of each year. The program is directed by the Department of Operational Sciences of the Graduate School of Engineering and Management (AFIT/ENS), 2950 Hobson Way, Bldg 641, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7765. The purpose of the program is to educate qualified personnel – currently, USAF officers awaiting pilot training -- in the practice of operational sciences, with emphasis on the application of quantitative analysis techniques to inform defense decision-making. Specific topics of study include mathematical modeling, operational modeling, simulation, statistical analysis, logistics, and cost analysis.
The educational prerequisite for admission to the MOA program is a baccalaureate degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or other quantitative discipline. The minimum undergraduate grade-point-average (GPA) is 3.00 out of 4.00 for all coursework. All applicants must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE); minimum acceptable GRE scores are at least 152 (verbal) and 156 (quantitative) on the Education Testing Service (ETS) 2012 GRE Concordance Table Waivers to these requirements can be requested through the AFIT Registrar. The program is currently restricted to officers awaiting pilot training.
Program Educational Objectives (PEOs)
Program Educational Objectives (expectations two or more years beyond graduation) are to produce graduates who:
1. Breadth. Apply foundational operations analysis principles to effectively and efficiently advance the capabilities of Air Force, DoD, and other governmental organizations.
2. Depth. Are well educated, highly-valued, and successful operators who are able to apply analytical techniques to improve operational processes in their local organizations.
3. Professionalism. Professionally communicate technical solutions and results.
4. Lifelong Learning. Continue to pursue lifelong multidisciplinary learning.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
The MOA program produces graduates with the following educational outcomes:
1. Operations research and logistics knowledge. Students can utilize applied statistics, decision analysis, mathematical programming, and simulation to analyze and support operations-focused and logistics-based decisions.
2. Critical thinking and problem solving skills. Students can critically analyze situations, information, and data. They can formulate problems appropriate for different decision contexts, ascertain and collect relevant data, and utilize the correct methodology to both mathematically describe and solve realistic, defense-focused problems.
3. Communication skills. Students can effectively communicate the analysis of problems to peers, subordinates, and supervisors in a professional manner.
Dr. Richard F. Deckro
Degree Type: Master's
Delivery Method: In-Residence
Degree Requirements
To qualify for the Master of Operations Analysis degree, all MOA students develop a foundation in fundamental operations research methods and associated disciplines. This objective is accomplished through the following program of study:
Applied Statistics (STAT 583, OPER 679) 8
Assessing Operational Cost and Risk (OPER 633) 4
Decision Analysis (OPER 631) 4
Logistics (LOGM 569, LOGM 617, LOGM 682) 12
Business Analytics I (OPER 505) 4
Operational Modeling (OPER 671, OPER 672, OPER 695) 12
Simulation (OPER 561) 4
Data Science (DSOR 491, DSOR 494, DSOR 496)
Graduate School Catalog