What is the Optional Specialization in Management Sciences?
If you’re an engineering student looking to supplement your degree with some business knowledge, then look no further than the Optional Specialization in Management Sciences (OSMS).
The OSMS is comparable to a business management minor, but is designed specifically for engineering students. You will receive a special designation on your degree if you complete all courses within the OSMS before graduation.
The Courses
The OSMS covers four major areas in management sciences: strategic engineering management, operations management, finance and organizational behaviour. The courses are all based off of courses taken by Business Management students, and use the same textbooks and are often even taught by the same professors! For example, the OSMS course EMS 201 is based off of the fourth-year Business Management capstone course BUS 800, Strategic Management.
Though the program itself consists of the completion of six courses, you only really need to do an additional five. One of the required courses, ECN 801, Principles of Engineering Economics, is already a requirement for all engineering programs.
Most students, including myself, manage to complete all of the OSMS courses in two spring semesters. Luckily, they tend to run in the evenings and on weekends, so they should not interfere with most co-ops and internships.
Who Should Apply?
The OSMS is a great choice for any engineering student looking to combine their core engineering learning with business management knowledge.
A common theme I see among my peers in the program is that many of them want to pursue a Master of Business Administration, or related graduate studies such as completion of the Project Management Professional exam. And of course, a broad knowledge of business and management are necessary to pursue such opportunities, which there is minimal exposure to in most standard engineering curricula.
The Classroom Environment
OSMS classes feel very different from all my other engineering classes, in the sense that there are fewer students in each class. My largest class consisted of 10 students, while my smallest class only had two students!
This tends to make for much more personal and discussion-driven lectures. It definitely feels different being able to have a conversation with your professor during a lecture — especially since the conversations are a part of the learning experience!
The Application Process
Applications for the OSMS open in March of each year on the program’s webpage.
It is recommended to apply in your first year to avoid delaying your graduation due to the OSMS.
I encourage every engineering student wanting to learn more about business and management to apply to the OSMS!
- Jeremy
