Operations research is a branch of applied mathematics that deals with developing computational and mathematical models for optimal decision making within large organizations. It is a modern, interdisciplinary subject that uses science, technology engineering and mathematical methods to solve large-scale optimization problems in the real world.

‘‘This major allows students to engage in real-world scenarios, such as determining optimal search for downed fliers and hostile submarines, optimal weight for an anti-tank mine, recommendation as to which new aircraft among several alternatives should be purchased, and more,” said Thomas Sanders, mathematics professor.

In addition to traditional operations research courses, such as linear programming and simulation, midshipmen majoring in OR will also take traditional mathematics courses in probability, statistics and matrix theory as well as operations research courses applied to military problems, for example, search and detection.

Anyone seeking to major in OR must have an interest in using analytical skills and mathematic-based tools to attack real-world problems, said Sanders.

Other courses that apply to this new major include introduction to applied mathematics, advanced mathematical programming, and simulation modeling.

Originally developed by the military during World War II, operations research helped guide military planners in their decision making, said Sanders.

‘‘For example, operations research showed that to minimize the losses of trans-Atlantic shipping to German u-boats it was better to use a small number of large convoys rather than a large number of small convoys,” said Sanders. ‘‘After the war, operations research extended its influence to all logistical and scheduling problems in the military.”

In addition to search and detection, OR is now used by the military during wartime to deploy radar and get supplies to where they are most needed. In the private sector, OR techniques are used in planning business ventures, statistical analysis, data mining and simulation.

‘‘OR analysts must effectively manage money and materials, equipment and people, and especially time,” said Naval Academy Academic Dean and Provost Andrew Phillips at a recent meeting of the Board of Visitors.

Approximately 30 students in the Class of 2014 have expressed interest in pursuing the OR major, said Phillips.

‘‘The addition of OR to the list of available majors will continue to support our effort to move closer to the 65 percent target for graduates in STEM majors,” he said.