Master's Mathematics in Operations Research
Please note: The Master's program Mathematics in Operations Research is no longer open for applications. Entry into this program is possible for the last time in the summer semester of 2023.
Perhaps you are fascinated by logistics as well as production and resource planning? Or does network and process optimization or personnel planning say more to you? Even if you are better suited to controlling, portfolio management, or actuarial mathematics: when decisions have to be taken over investment or product selection, how personnel are utilized or concerning the business location, order processing or machine design, then optimization procedures play an important role. In four semesters, the Mathematics in Operations Research Master’s program conveys how models and methods of decision-making support look and how they function.
Major fields of study
The theory and applications of non-linear, combinatorial, and discrete optimization as well as numerical analysis and stochastics constitute the specializations in the Mathematics in Operations Research Master’s program. Students learn to express practical problems in mathematical models and solve them algorithmically. Also of importance here is the communication of the intended set of results in a comprehensible manner – a real challenge given that in practice, colleagues from different disciplines often work together in a single team. Having selected minor modules from the areas of Economics, Informatics or Information Systems, graduates achieve highly later on through their applied and interdisciplinary knowledge. Seminars on rhetoric and presentation techniques round out their profile.
Contact
Don't miss!
Here you will find important dates, deadlines and other relevant information.
Registration for your exam
In order to attend an examination (written or oral exams) you have to register in TUMonline using curricula support. Observe the registration periods:
25.05. - 30.06.2023
Exceptions are possible.
Application deadlines
If you want to start your Master's program, you should apply as early as possible. All documents necessary for admission must be uploaded via the TUM Online-System by the deadlines.
Application deadline for the winter semester: 1 January to 31 May.
Application deadline for the summer semester: 1 October to 30 November.
Consultation hours for Master's Students
For information on consultation hours and academic advisors please refer to our new website.
Profile: The essentials for the Master's program
Full-time study
The "Mathematics in Operations Research" Master’s program is full time. The standard duration of study is four semesters.
Commencing the degree program
Students can commence the Master’s program at TUM in either the winter or summer semester.
Please note: Entry into this program is possible for the last time in the summer semester of 2023.
Language of instruction
You can pursue the entire "Mathematics in Operations Research" Master’s program in English. Certain teaching sessions take place in German.
Minor
For your minor, you choose modules from the areas of Economics (Management Science / Logistics), Infomation Systems (Business Analytics) or Informatics (Efficient Algorithms / Machine Learning).
Advanced seminar
Be sure to take into consideration that the assignment of the final thesis is conditional in some departments upon successful completion of the Advanced Seminar.
Mathematical modules
Courses in the areas of Numerical Analysis, Stochastics and Applied Analysis comprise an important component for students of this Master's program, as does Non-Linear and Discrete Optimization.
Timetable
Details of all modules relevant to the degree program, along with associated times and locations, are available in the department’s curriculum at TUMonline. Here you can create your own timetable and save it digitally.
Final thesis
Whether you write on optimization, stochastics, numerical analysis or applied analysis depends on the area in which you have acquired advanced knowledge. Read everything you need to know about the Master’s thesis here.
Professional internship
A four-week professional internship is integrated into the program. The accompanying Internship Seminar offers you the opportunity to inform yourself about suitable occupations and to discuss the experience you acquired during the internship.
Extradisciplinary competencies
You can round up your individual personal competence profile through modules out of the field of extradisciplinary competencies. Lead by your own interests you can choose out of a large offer of soft skilsl or language courses.
Semester abroad
During your Master's program, you can already spend one to two semesters abroad at one of TUM's partner universities. Important: Inform yourself in good time. The recognition of modules completed abroad is possible.
Master’s – then what?
Many of our students already get to know their future employer during their studies. TUM maintains close contact with leading corporations. Our Career Service is there to help you. Every third Master's graduate successfully completes a Doctoral Project.
Examination regulations and degree program documentation
All students must note the general information concerning examinations as well as the current program-specific Academic and Examination Regulations (FPSO).
Information on the degree program's concept can be found in the degree program documentation.
Master’s thesis: From planning to submission
In order to successfully complete a Master’s program at the TUM Department of Mathematics, students must write a scientific thesis: the Master’s thesis. Everything you need to know about the Master’s thesis, from planning to submission, can be found here in overview.
Any questions?
For questions relating to the content of your Master’s thesis, please contact your thesis supervisor as defined in the General Academic and Examination Regulations (APSO) or the Student Advisory Office responsible.
Time frames
You have six months to complete your Master’s thesis. This period begins on the date of registration. You normally complete the Master’s thesis in the fourth semester of your Master’s program, after you have fulfilled all other academic and exam requirements.
Examiners and assessment
The Master’s thesis must be approved and evaluated by someone who is authorized to do so (thesis supervisor as defined in the APSO) at the TUM Department of Mathematics. (Exception: For the master's program "Mathematics in Data Science" all persons authorized as examiners in the TUM Department of Informatics can also act as a thesis supervisors.) You will find an overview of all such persons in the following list:
Registration: When and where?
It is possible to register your Master’s thesis on the 1st and 15th of each month (though not retrospectively). The completed form must be submitted in due time as a pdf or photo/scan (readable) to master (at) ma.tum.de, either by the student (examiner in CC) or by the examiner (student in CC). The signature of the examiner can be provided digitally on the document, or the consent of the examiner is made clear in the attached e-mail correspondence. It is currently not necessary to send the original forms by post. Please do not forget to provide a German and an English title for your thesis – both will appear on your transcript of records.
Registration: Which documents?
In addition to the Registration Form, you must also sign and submit the Route Card for the Diploma Supplement of the TUM Department of Mathematics. Please send the completed form as a pdf or photo/scan (readable) to master (at) ma.tum.de. Please also submit the route card even if no activities are supposed to be incorporated.
Note: The Diploma Supplement is an English-language supplement to the university diploma and describes the qualifications linked to the study program. Under the heading “Additional Information” in this document, you can request the incorporation of specific details of extracurricular activities completed within the framework of your degree course.
Language
The thesis can be written in the German or English language.
Formal considerations
Cover page and page 1
Here you indicate the topic of the work as well as your name and that of the supervisor. In addition, you indicate the date of submission.
Page 2
Here you make the following declaration:
“I hereby declare that this thesis is my own work and that no other sources have been used except those clearly indicated and referenced.” (Place, date, signature either on a tablet or as a scan of your original signature). If you do not wish to use a digital signature, you may alternatively submit a separate page with the declaration and your original signature at the Infopoint.
Change of title
Please write an e-mail containing the new thesis title to master(at)ma.tum.de and copy in your co-supervisor and your supervisor.
Digital submission
The Master's thesis has to be submitted digitally. Please submit the thesis as a pdf file to master (at) ma.tum.de within the deadline. If you have to hand in code or other files, please e-mail all files collected in a zip folder. Printed copies and USB sticks will no longer be accepted.
Date
Should the submission date fall on a weekend or a public holiday, submission on the subsequent workday is also possible. Theses can of course also be submitted prior to the planned submission date.
Extension
In the event that you need more time to work on your thesis, you must submit an application to master (at) ma.tum.de for an extension, at least seven days prior to the planned submission date. This application must have been signed by your thesis supervisor (or you have to send the consent of the supervisor in electronic form). In the event of a second extension, the Chair of the Examination Board must sign the application as well as the thesis supervisor.
LaTeX
The typesetting system LaTeX is the standard program worldwide for the compilation of theses that contain mathematical formulas. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with LaTeX as early as possible during the course of your studies. It is a good exercise to prepare sheets for seminar presentations using LaTeX.
You can find further information, templates and helpful advice on our LaTeX info page.
Logos
Corporate design and use of TUM and TUM Department of Mathematics logos.
Thesis Templates for LaTeX
Literature
The TUM Library does not only offer outstanding access to all manner of books, newspapers, and electronic media, it also offers courses on, by way of example, bibliographical research and how to correctly cite works.
Please also note subject-specific practices when citing works.
Further seminar papers and tools specific to mathematics
For licensing and contractual reasons, some of these databases are only accessible via domains belonging to the TUM Departments of Mathematics and/or Informatics. Please address queries where applicable to your supervisor or the TUM Library:
MathSciNet – Mathematical reviews on the web
- JADE – Journal Articles Database
- ERAM – Electronic Research Archive for Mathematics
- Online database at Zentralblatt MATH
- Mathematics Education Database
English theses
The English Writing Center offers all TUM members free one-to-one advice on writing English texts and helps you to enhance your writing skills.
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