博士学位的最高要求是成功完成工业工程和运营研究领域的论文。研究领域可能包括对优化或随机模型（包括风险分析）的数学基础和计算方法进行调查。还可以进行研究以开发用于设计，规划和/或控制各种应用领域中的系统的方法，包括供应链，能源系统，医疗保健系统和金融系统。
The Department of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research (IEOR) offers three graduate programs: a Master of Engineering (MEng), a Master of Science (MS), and a PhD. These programs have been developed to meet the needs of individuals with backgrounds in engineering or the mathematical sciences who wish to enhance their knowledge of the theory, development, and use of quantitative models for design, analysis, risk management, and decision-making. This knowledge applies to complex systems in the industrial, service, or public sectors, including energy systems, supply chains, healthcare systems, and financial systems. Students may concentrate on theoretical studies in preparation for doctoral-level research, or on applications of state-of-the-art techniques to real world problems.<br><br>The paramount requirement of a doctoral degree is the successful completion of a thesis on a subject within Industrial Engineering and Operations Research. Research areas may include the investigation of the mathematical foundations of and computational methods for optimization or stochastic models, including risk analysis. Research also may be undertaken to develop methodologies for the design, planning, and/or control of systems in a variety of application domains, including supply chains, energy systems, healthcare systems, and financial systems.