The program focuses on developing skills for problem-solving, critical thinking, communication and the use of constantly changing technology. These skills are needed to deal with a variety of decisions made by managers in manufacturing, service and public organizations. These encompass strategic long-range decisions (such as product, service and process design, facility location and capacity planning), as well as operational decisions (such as project management, operations planning and scheduling, quality assurance, purchasing and inventory).

The option in Systems and Operations Management prepares students for rewarding careers in a variety of industries such as aerospace, electronics, automotive, health care, airlines, transportation, biotechnology, software and banking. The range of positions includes quality management, project management, operations planning and scheduling, inventory and materials management, systems analysis and design, decision support systems and supply chain management.