Zicklin undergraduate Operations Management curriculum

Major in Operations Management

Unlock Your Potential with a Rigorous and Market-Driven Education.  The BBA in Operations Management at the Zicklin School of Business offers students the opportunity to specialize in one of two major tracks, each designed to align with industry demands and provide a robust foundation for successful careers.

  1. Operations Management and Analytics track:  Combining business knowledge of Operations Management with data analytics, this track is ideal for students who want a flexible option to complement their OM expertise with analytical and quantitative skills. Choose from a variety of electives in operations, statistics, programming, and business analytics to tailor your education and your career goals.
  2. Operations Management and Consulting track: This track merges business knowledge of Operations Management with the tools and frameworks for managing people, processes, and projects. It is designed for those aiming for careers in roles managing business operations, management consulting, and general management. With a focus on building depth in operations, this track provides fewer elective choices to ensure comprehensive skill development in leadership and consulting.

Both tracks require five courses: essential courses in OM including decision modeling (OPM 3500), process analysis (OPM 3730), and supply chain management (OPM 3710), and two capstone courses (OPM 4500 and 4551). The remaining three courses differ based on the chosen track and must be selected from the appropriate track electives. Detailed curriculum and requirements are available here.

Plan your path to success

Traditional four-semester sequence:  Completing the Operations Management major typically requires at least two semesters after passing OPM 3000. Here is a suggested for semester sequence for students entering Zicklin in their junior year:

Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Semester 4
  • OPM 3000
  • OPM 3500
  • Other BBA course*
  • Other BBA course*
  • Other BBA course*
  • OPM 3710
  • OPM 3730
  • OPM 3740 or 3750 or analytics elective
  • Other BBA course*
  • Other BBA course*
  • OPM 3740 or 3750 or analytics elective
  • OPM 4500**
  • Track elective
  • Other BBA course*
  • Other BBA course*
  • OPM 4551**
  • Other BBA course*
  • Other BBA course*
  • Other BBA course*

* Other BBA courses include required core business courses other than OPM 3000, the required liberal arts minor, and the optional Zicklin minor. See DegreeWorks and consult your academic advisor to determine which specific courses to take.

** The department does not waive the prerequisites for OPM 4500 and 4551. These must be taken after passing OPM 3500, 3710, and 3730.

Two-semester intensive sequence

Upon completing OPM 3000, it is possible to complete the OM major in two intensive semesters, assuming all other BBA requirements have been completed. Completing this intensive sequence requires that students enter with transfer credit for OPM 3000 or pass OPM 3000 in the summer or winter session.

This schedule is challenging, with rigorous quantitative coursework condensed into two semesters. Strong quantitative aptitude and study skills are essential.

Summer or winter session Semester 1 Semester 2
  • OPM 3000
  • OPM 3500
  • OPM 3710
  • OPM 3730
  • OPM 3740 or 3750 or analytics elective
  • Track elective
  • OPM 3740 or 3750 or analytics elective
  • OPM 4500*
  • OPM 4551*
  • Other BBA course*

* The department does not waive the prerequisites for OPM 4500 and 4551. These must be taken after passing OPM 3500, 3710, and 3730.

Student responsibilities

  • Ensure prerequisites are met: QNT 2020 for OPM 3500, OPM 3000 for all 3700+ level OPM courses, and OPM 3500, 3710, and 3730 for  OPM 4500 and 4551.
  • Plan carefully, especially for courses offered only in specific semesters (e.g., OPM 3750 and 4550).
  • Seek help from the OM area faculty advisor or the Zicklin Undergraduate Programs Office if you have difficulty finding a seat in required courses well in advance of the start of the semester.