CORNELL UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Ph.D. in Operations Research and Information Engineering
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
—
Duration
7.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Distinguished faculty with broad and deep expertise in fundamental science and methodology.Faculty Excellence
- Students receive fellowships from major national organizations (NSF, DOE, DOD, NSERC).Fellowship Opportunities
- Alumni hold positions at top universities like MIT and Princeton.Graduate Success
- Research sponsored by leading industrial partners including IBM, Amazon, and General Motors.Industry Sponsorship
- Interdisciplinary program fostering expertise across optimization, statistics, and probability.Interdisciplinary Approach
Cornell offers a doctoral program in Operations Research and Information Engineering (ORIE), providing a rigorous academic and research environment. The program emphasizes operations research as a mathematical science, preparing students for advanced research and scholarly work. Students will collaborate closely with distinguished faculty, renowned for their teaching and research, contributing to new understandings in the field. The program fosters a strong analytical foundation through interdisciplinary study, covering topics from optimization to statistics and probability, supported by faculty expertise and state-of-the-art research facilities. Graduates are prepared to become leaders in decision and management sciences, securing positions in academia and industry.
Careers
Graduates of the Ph.D. program are prepared to become leaders in decision and management sciences. The rigorous training and research experience equip them for impactful careers in academia and industry.
- Professor
- Researcher
- Data Scientist
- Operations Research Analyst
- Management Consultant
Frequently asked questions
- What are the admission requirements for the Ph.D. in Operations Research and Information Engineering?
- A strong academic record is required, along with demonstrated English proficiency. Accepted English tests include TOEFL with a minimum score of 100 (or 5.0/5.5 for TOEFL iBT Home Edition after Jan 2026), IELTS 7.5, Duolingo 130, or Cambridge C1/C2 Proficiency 191.
- How much does the Ph.D. program cost?
- Please refer to the university for current tuition fees. Information regarding estimated living costs can also be found on the university's website.
- What are the application deadlines for the Ph.D. in Operations Research and Information Engineering?
- The Early Decision application deadline is November 1, and the Regular Decision deadline is January 2. Supplemental materials are typically due shortly after the application deadline.
- Does the program offer financial aid or scholarships for international students?
- Financial aid is need-based and considered during the admissions process. To be considered, you must apply for aid when submitting your application. International applicants admitted without applying for aid are not eligible for financial aid later.
- What are the career prospects after completing this Ph.D. program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Professor, Researcher, Data Scientist, Operations Research Analyst, and Management Consultant in academia and industry.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeA strong academic record is required for admission to the doctoral program.
TOEFL (prior to Jan 2026)100
TOEFL (Jan 2026 onwards)5.0 (minimum), 5.5 (recommended)
IELTS7.5
Duolingo130
Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency191
English proficiency can also be demonstrated if English is your native language, or if it has been the primary language of instruction throughout your secondary school career. Official test scores will be required if admitted.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the university for current tuition fees.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the university for current tuition fees.
LivingPlease refer to the university for estimated living costs.
Financial aid for international applicants is need-based and considered during the admissions process. Applicants needing financial assistance must apply for aid at the time of their application.
How to apply
1. Create ApplicationBegin by opening the Common Application in August.
2. Prepare Financial Aid InformationComplete the CSS Profile by October if you anticipate needing financial assistance. Note that admission decisions for international students are need-aware.
3. Submit ApplicationSubmit the Common Application, Cornell Writing Supplement, and the application fee ($85 or waiver) by the relevant deadline (November 1 for Early Decision, January 2 for Regular Decision).
4. Submit Supplemental MaterialsEnsure all supplemental materials, excluding portfolios or design supplements, are submitted by November 14 (Early Decision) or January 16 (Regular Decision).
5. Await DecisionAdmission decisions and financial aid offers are typically announced in mid-December for Early Decision and end of March for Regular Decision.
6. Accept OfferReply to your offer of admission by January 20 (Early Decision) or May 1 (Regular Decision).
Scholarships
Need-Based Financial AidVaries based on need
Frequently asked questions
What are the admission requirements for the Ph.D. in Operations Research and Information Engineering?
+
A strong academic record is required, along with demonstrated English proficiency. Accepted English tests include TOEFL with a minimum score of 100 (or 5.0/5.5 for TOEFL iBT Home Edition after Jan 2026), IELTS 7.5, Duolingo 130, or Cambridge C1/C2 Proficiency 191.
How much does the Ph.D. program cost?
+
Please refer to the university for current tuition fees. Information regarding estimated living costs can also be found on the university's website.
What are the application deadlines for the Ph.D. in Operations Research and Information Engineering?
+
The Early Decision application deadline is November 1, and the Regular Decision deadline is January 2. Supplemental materials are typically due shortly after the application deadline.
Does the program offer financial aid or scholarships for international students?
+
Financial aid is need-based and considered during the admissions process. To be considered, you must apply for aid when submitting your application. International applicants admitted without applying for aid are not eligible for financial aid later.
What are the career prospects after completing this Ph.D. program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Professor, Researcher, Data Scientist, Operations Research Analyst, and Management Consultant in academia and industry.