Cleveland State University

The Department of Operations and Supply Chain Management (OSM) at Cleveland State University seeks applicants who are interested in pursuing research in areas such as supply chain management, operations strategy, advanced manufacturing technology, algorithm development, project management, quality management and scheduling, and also possess strong quantitative or statistical skills.

There are two main approaches to research in the doctoral program in Operations Management: empirical research and quantitative modeling. Applicants interested in empirical research should have a mastery of statistical methods, while applicants interested in quantitative modeling should have a strong background in quantitative methods, i.e., applied probability, statistics, and operations research. This background may be achieved through previous coursework. Applicants with degrees in business, economics, mathematics, engineering, and related fields are encouraged to apply.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Every three years students are admitted to the program in a cohort group. You will complete the DBA program with the same group of students with whom you begin. This approach, with an emphasis on collaboration, sustains motivation through peer support throughout the program. 

The following summarizes the requirements for admission to the DBA in Operations Management:

1. An applicant to the DBA program must hold a master's degree. Applicants for the DBA degree with an Operations Management specialization must have either an MBA or a master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management or a related field. Students who lack sufficient background in Operations Management will be required to take preparatory courses as determined by the OSM department DBA advisor.

   Students who do not have an MBA will be required to take the business preparatory courses below:
   • ACT 501 Financial Accounting (3 credits)
   • FIN 501 Financial Management (3 credits)
   • MKT 501 Marketing Theory and Practice (3 credits)
   • MLR 511 Organizational Behavior (3 credits)

2. At least 1,260 points based on the following formula: 200 times the graduate grade-point average plus the total score for the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). A minimum score at the 70th percentile in the quantitative areas on the GMAT or GRE is preferred. GMAT or GRE scores should be provided from a test taken within five years prior to application to the DBA program.

3. The formula outlined above serves as a general guideline for the Doctoral Program Faculty Committee, which makes admission recommendation to the Graduate College Admissions office. Applicants also must submit a current resume, a statement of goals and objectives, and three letters of recommendation. At least one letter should come from a college professor familiar with the applicant's graduate-level performance and academic ability.

4. An application, an official transcript from each college and university previously attended, and other application materials (a current resume, a statement of goals and objectives, and three letters of recommendation) must be sent to the Office of Graduate Admissions, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115.