Key Takeaways:
- Our #1 ranking school for a master’s in supply chain management is The University of North Carolina, followed by Arkansas State University.
- Online master’s in supply chain management programs prioritize flexibility and affordability, catering to working professionals looking to advance their careers.
- Programs are ranked based on factors like national recognition, affordability, and the comprehensive nature of their curricula, ensuring relevance and practicality for students.
Welcome to our ranking of the top values in online master’s in supply chain management degree programs.
Supply chain management is a critical facet of any organization. Professionals who earn graduate degrees in this specialized area of business learn how to manage the flow of goods and services effectively and information within companies, suppliers, and their customers. Students seeking this type of job can pursue an online master’s in supply chain management degree from an accredited college or university.
Featured Programs
To assist with research, we examined many colleges and institutions and found some of the best value programs. Below is our list of the top master’s in supply chain management online degree programs.
Master’s in Supply Chain Management Online: Ranking Methodology
We looked at 115 accredited colleges and universities listed by U.S. News and World Report and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered at least one master’s in supply chain management online degree program.
The degree could either be an online master’s in supply chain management or a closely related program, such as the online MBA with supply chain management or logistics specialization. We narrowed the school selection by applying the following criteria: national, regional, and/or program rankings with a major publication like U.S. News and World Report.
We then listed the schools in order of affordability based on the most recent graduate tuition and fees published by NCES College Navigator.
#1 – Arkansas State University
Online MBA in Supply Chain Management
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,121
Arkansas State University offers the most affordable master’s in supply chain management online degree program on our list. Successful program completion yields an online MBA with a concentration in supply chain management.
This fully online degree offers an in-depth study of the core principles of business and supply chain functions relating to the global business environment. To be admitted to the program, applicants must provide official transcripts of all college work and take the GMAT. Test scores older than five years will not be accepted.
Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the institution #95 in best regional universities in the South and #38 in top public schools. Also, the online MBA programs rank #12 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#2 – University of North Carolina
Online MBA in Supply Chain Management
Pembroke, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,173
The University of North Carolina’s online master’s in supply chain management is a 100% online MBA with a concentration in supply chain management. This AACSB-accredited program requires students to complete eight core courses, three supply chain concentration courses, and one elective.
Courses are taught by the same UNC instructors who teach on campus. These courses include international business, managerial accounting, managerial finance, marketing planning and strategy, organizational theory and behavior, and strategic planning. Admission requires an earned bachelor’s from a regionally accredited college or university and a 2.5 cumulative GPA.
The GRE may be waived for applicants with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. U.S. News and World Report ranks UNC #102 in best regional universities in the South and #42 in top public schools. Also, the online MBA programs rank #205-#267 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#3 – Georgia College & State University
Online Master’s in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Milledgeville, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,206
Georgia College & State University offers an online master’s degree in supply chain designed for working professionals.
This accredited thirty-hour program offers two courses each semester in a lock-step sequence. Students complete the required courses and move to the next tier of courses each semester.
All courses are delivered online and include topics like distribution and inventory control, international trade and the logistics environment, logistics quantitative methods, purchasing and materials management, and supply chain management strategy. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Georgia College #28 in best regional universities in the South.
Also, the online graduate business programs rank #13 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#4 – Charleston Southern University
Online Master’s in Supply Chain Management
Charleston, South Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,540
Charleston Southern University offers supply chain management online degrees, including the Master of Science in Supply Chain Management. The program is designed to prepare graduates with critical skills needed to succeed in the emerging field of supply chain management and data science.
Courses are delivered online and include critical thinking and problem solving, making ethical management decisions, managerial innovation strategies, project management, and strategic procurement. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. The school is ranked and accredited.
Major publications like U.S. News rank Charleston Southern #89 in best regional universities in the South. Also, the online graduate business programs rank #120-#158 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#5 – University of Maryland University College
Online Master’s in Management – Acquisition and Supply Chain Management
Adelphi, Maryland
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,514
The master’s in supply chain management online degree program at University of Maryland University College consists of 36 credits of fully online courses. All classes are taught by university professors with industry experience.
These courses include financial decision making for managers, legal aspects of contracting, purchasing and materials management, and strategic purchasing and logistics. A capstone project in strategic management must also be completed. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher at all times and fulfill degree requirements within five consecutive years.
University of Maryland is accredited and recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North.
#6 – Liberty University
Online MBA in Supply Chain Management
Lynchburg, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,723
One of the top accredited online master’s in supply chain management programs on our list is the online MBA in supply chain management from Liberty University.
This fully online degree program comprises 45 credits and takes two years (on average) to complete. Admission requires a complete application, official college transcripts, and up to 15 hours of upper-level undergraduate business credit. Students must also have a regionally or nationally accredited bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA.
Courses are delivered online and include business research methods, global economic environment, logistics, operations management, supply chain management, and total quality management. U.S. News and World Report ranks Liberty among the top 300 national universities.
#7 – University of Wisconsin
Online Master’s in Integrated Supply Chain Management no GMAT
Platteville, Wisconsin
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,758
The University of Wisconsin offers supply chain management online degrees, including a master’s in integrated supply chain management. This fully accredited online program requires no GRE or GMAT for admission and can be completed in as little as two years.
Several areas of emphasis are offered so that students may tailor their master’s degree toward their interests. These emphasis areas include customer relationship management, logistics, management, or operations. Some of the required courses include integrated supply chain management, organizational change leadership, purchasing management, and quality engineering and management.
U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #111 in best regional universities in the Midwest and #32 in top public schools. Also, the online graduate business programs rank #114 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#8 – Indiana University
Online Master’s in Global Supply Chain Management
Bloomington, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,279
Indiana University’s master’s in supply chain management online degree program consists of 30 credits and takes 15 months to complete. The program offers various pathways to completion, including the addition of an online MBA.
University professors teach courses delivered online. These courses include managing accounting information for decision-making, supply chain management sourcing, supply chain system distribution and inventory management, and sustainable operations.
Admission requires an undergraduate degree and a satisfactory GPA, along with the standard online application. U.S. News and World Report ranks the university as a top 100 institution. In fact, U.S. News ranks Indiana University #89 in best national universities and #120 in best value schools.
#9 – Governors State University
Online MBA in Supply Chain Management
University Park, Illinois
11Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,372
Governors State University offers an accredited supply chain master’s degree online that consists of an online MBA with concentration in supply chain management. This 100% online MBA offers courses taught by full-time faculty members.
The program moves at a rigorous pace, though may be customized for flexibility. Students may earn their degree in as little as 18 months or take as long as five years. Courses include global supply chain management, logistics and transportation and warehouse management, and strategic procurement and materials management.
Admission requires a GMAT or GRE score from tests administered within the last five years. U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution among the top 165 best regional universities in the Midwest. Also, the online MBA programs rank #205-#267 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#10 – Kettering University
Online Master’s in Supply Chain Management no GMAT no GRE
Flint, Michigan
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,680
One of the top supply chain management online degrees on our list is from Kettering University. This affordable and online program is designed to prepare students for advanced careers in logistics and supply chain management.
Admission requires no GRE or GMAT, and the program is fully accredited by the Accredited Council for Business Schools and Programs. There are also certificate options available to those interested in padding their degree with further credentials.
Courses include collaboration in supply chain management, customer relationship management, foundations of supply chain management, and procurement and risk management. U.S. News and World Report ranks Kettering #25 in best regional universities in the Midwest.
Also, the online graduate business programs rank #120-#158 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#11 – University of Alabama
Online Master’s in Supply Chain and Logistics Management
Huntsville, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,770
University of Alabama’s accredited online master’s in supply chain management is an online program designed for working professionals who want to advance their careers by expanding their knowledge of logistics and supply chain management.
Courses are delivered online and taught by faculty who are industry experts. Online courses include decision modeling, operations management, supply chain management, supply chain management systems, and supply chain strategy and practices. The program also offers a thesis option for those interested in research.
U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution among the top 300 national universities and #172 in offering the top business programs in the country.
#12 – University of Colorado
Online Master’s in Supply Chain Management
Boulder, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,998
The University of Colorado offers an affordable online master’s in supply chain management designed for working professionals. The online option allows students to enroll on a part-time basis and advance their knowledge and skills in the industry at their own pace.
Curriculum follows the same format as provided on campus, and online students may choose to take courses along with live classes. Some of the required courses include fundamentals of data analytics, international operations management, structured data modeling and analysis, supply chain and operations analytics, and transportation and logistics.
U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #96 in best national universities and #137 in best value schools.
#13 – Fontbonne University
Online Master’s in Supply Chain Management
Saint Louis, Missouri
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,428
Fontbonne University’s accredited online master’s in supply chain management is a 30-credit program with available concentrations in accounting, management and leadership, and nonprofit management.
Classes are delivered online, and the program curriculum is designed to prepare students for the Council of Supply Chain Management SCPro Level One Certification. Courses include applied concepts in supply chain management, business components assessment, lean principles in the supply chain, logistics in the supply chain, materials management, and supply chain management.
Letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and an undergraduate degree are required for admission. U.S. News and World Report ranks Fontbonne #72 in best regional universities in the Midwest and #70 in best value schools. Also, the online graduate business programs rank #120-#158 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#14 – Colorado Technical University
Online MBA in Operations Supply Chain Management
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,803
Colorado Technical University is a top pick for supply chain management online degrees. The school offers an online MBA with concentration in operations and supply chain management.
This ACBSP-accredited program integrates online courses that can be customized to suit your knowledge level.
Courses are delivered online and taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. These courses include applied managerial accounting, logistics and supply chain management inventory and distribution, management capstone, operations management, and operations strategy. An undergraduate degree and adequate work experience are essential for admission.
U.S. News and World Report ranks Colorado Tech’s online MBA programs #172 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs, making it a top choice for supply chain management and business degrees.
#15 – Wright State University
Online Master’s in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Dayton, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,880
Wright State University’s online master’s in supply chain management program runs one year and offers flexible coursework and online classes taught by experienced professors.
The program is designed to improve knowledge and skills applicable to leadership roles in the field of logistics and supply chain management. Classes include foundations of supply chain management, global logistics and trade, supply chain project management and transformation, and total quality management and lean supply processes.
Admission requires an undergraduate degree and three or more years experience in the field of study. U.S. News and World Report ranks Wright State as a top 300 national university.
Also, the online graduate business programs, including logistics and supply chain management, rank #19 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#16 – Oregon State University
Online MBA in Supply Chain and Logistics Management
Corvallis, Oregon
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,061
One of the most affordable master’s in supply chain management online programs on our list is the MBA with supply chain and logistics management focus area at Oregon State University.
This online degree allows students to focus studies on global operations and the supply chain logistics methods that impact the field. Classes are delivered online and taught by university professors.
Coursework includes business legal environment, creating value in exchange, financial and cost analysis, managing ethics and corporate social responsibility, organizational leadership and management, and supply chain management.
OSU is an accredited and ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks OSU #140 in best national universities and #116 in best value schools.
#17 – Portland State University
Online Master’s in Global Supply Chain Management
Portland, Oregon
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,816
Portland State University, known for its connections to Fortune 500 companies like Nike, offers a supply chain master’s degree online. The program requires the completion of 52 credits, which may be earned 95% online.
This 21-month program requires a short residency, but classes are delivered online and taught by university professors. Courses include data analytics and IT, global case studies in supply chain management, global contract negotiation, global supply chain project management, and principles of strategic global sourcing.
U.S. News and World Report ranks Portland State among the top 300 best national universities and #32 in most innovative schools. Also, the online graduate business programs rank #30 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#18 – Florida Institute of Technology
Online MBA in Global Supply Chain Management no GMAT
Melbourne, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,128
The accredited online master’s in supply chain management at Florida Institute of Technology is an MBA program with a specialization in global supply chain management.
The program is offered 100% online with classes taught by Florida Tech professors. Courses include advanced techniques in supply chain management, global supply chain management and international logistics, international business, and supply chain management. A total of 36 credits are required for the completion of the degree. Standard admission requirements are in place but no GRE or GMAT is needed for the application.
U.S. News and World Report ranks Florida Tech #177 in best national universities. Also, the online MBA programs are ranked #108 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#19 – University of Washington
Online Master’s in Supply Chain Transportation and Logistics no GMAT
Seattle, Washington
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,272
The University of Washington offers a supply chain master’s degree online that is designed to boost knowledge and skills necessary to accelerate a supply chain career.
The program offers online courses and requires an initial residency week, which takes place in mid-September. Courses are taught by UW professors and cover engineering-based curriculum applicable to supply chain management transportation and logistics. Some of the courses include external supply chain transportation risks, logistics and analysis, and systems and supply chain integration.
Admission requires an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better. GRE and GMAT scores are not required. U.S. News and World Report ranks UW #59 in best national universities and #101 in best value schools.
#20 – Lindenwood University
Online MBA in Supply Chain Management
Saint Charles, Missouri
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,960
Lindenwood University’s online master’s in supply chain management is a fully online MBA with an emphasis in supply chain management. Courses are delivered online and taught by Lindenwood professors.
These courses include logistics management, operations management, procurement management, and supply chain management. Course curriculum is designed to provide students with the principles and application knowledge in supply chain management and business. Admission requirements include an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a current resume, and official transcripts.
GRE or GMAT test scores may also be required. U.S. News and World Report ranks Lindenwood #230-#301 in best national universities. Also, the online graduate business programs rank #99 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#21 – Michigan State University
Online Master’s in Supply Chain Management
East Lansing, Michigan
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,436
Michigan State University is one of our top choices for supply chain management online degrees due to affordability and school rankings with U.S. News and World Report.
The 31-credit program blends online courses with face-to-face sessions that include weekend meetings on campus. While courses are offered fully online, the program is considered to be a blended degree.
Courses include applied data analysis, distribution fulfillment, global supply chain management, logistics operations methods and systems, and strategic sourcing. The program is open to mid and top level executives who wish to earn additional knowledge in the field.
U.S. News and World Report ranks Michigan State #85 in best national universities. Also, the online graduate business programs rank #21 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#22 – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Online Master’s in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Daytona Beach, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,118
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers an accredited online master’s in supply chain management. This online degree is designed to prepare graduates for certification as a Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) offered by the Association for Operations Management, as well as other certifications.
Courses are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. These courses include global logistics and supply chain management, logistics and supply chain management, purchasing for logistics and supply chain managers, and transportation management.
Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Embry-Riddle as a top school. In fact, the most recent publication of Best Colleges ranks the school #15 in best regional universities in the South.
#23 – Southern New Hampshire University
Online MBA in Operations and Supply Chain Management, no GMAT
Manchester, New Hampshire
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,810
One of the top supply chain master’s degree online programs on our list is found at Southern New Hampshire University. The online MBA in operations and supply chain management is designed to deepen understanding of procurement, inventory control, and transportation planning.
All classes may be completed online and are taught by university professors. A total of 36 credits are required to fulfill degree stipulations. Some courses include operations and supply chain management, quantitative analysis for decision-making, and supply chain management. There is no GMAT or GRE requirement for admission.
U.S. News and World Report ranks SNHU #1 in most innovative schools and #112 in best regional universities in the North.
#24 – Rutgers University
Online Master’s in Supply Chain Management, no GMAT
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,984
Rutgers University offers an accredited online master’s in supply chain management that requires no residency. The degree is awarded by Rutgers Business School and consists of 30 credits, which can be completed in one year.
Three admission cycles per year are offered, and no GMAT is required with the application. Courses are delivered online and taught by the university’s distinguished professors.
Courses include demand management, global procurement and supply management, operations analysis, supply chain management strategies, and supply chain risk and disruption management. U.S. News and World Report ranks Rutgers #56 in best national universities and #122 in best value schools.
#25 – Loyola University
Online Master’s in Supply Chain Management
Chicago, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,458
Loyola University’s master’s in supply chain management online degree program focuses on the major issues of the industry, including distribution, logistics, purchasing, and warehousing.
The program is offered through the Quinlan School of Business. Admission requirements include official transcripts that show a GPA of 3.0 or higher, GMAT scores, and a completed application. Also, letters of recommendation are encouraged but not required.
Courses are delivered entirely online and include business analytics, database systems, forecasting and demand management, purchasing management, and supply chain analytics. U.S. News and World Report ranks Loyola #89 in best national universities and #60 in best value schools.
#26 – Norwich University
Online MBA in Supply Chain Management
Northfield, Vermont
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,578
Norwich University offers a supply chain master’s degree online and in combination with the MBA degree.
Students earn an MBA with a concentration in supply chain management. The degree typically takes 18 months to complete and requires a one-week residency where students visit the campus for a culminating experience. Small class sizes and interaction with professors make the online MBA ideal for busy, working students.
Online courses include international business management, leading change in organizations, managerial finance, strategic marketing and operations management, and strategic resources management. U.S. News and World Report ranks Norwich #74 in best regional universities in the North and #24 in best value schools.
#27 – Marquette University
Online Master’s in Supply Chain Management
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,800
The accredited online master’s in supply chain management program at Marquette University offers 100% online courses taught by university professors.
Students are required to complete seventeen total classes and three four-day residential workshops, which occur at the beginning, middle, and end of the program.
Courses include additive manufacturing, business analytics, logistics – methods and systems, network design, and supply chain foundations. Admission requirements are standard and include official scores from either the GRE or GMAT general examination.
Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Marquette #89 in best national universities and #49 in best value schools.
#28 – Pennsylvania State University
Online Master of Professional Studies in Supply Chain Management
University Park, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,974
One of the top supply chain management online degrees on our list is offered by Pennsylvania State University. This 30-credit hour program is AACSB-accredited and nationally recognized by U.S. News and World Report.
In fact, U.S. News ranks the business school among the top tier of business schools worldwide. Also, Penn State is ranked #59 among best national universities and #131 in best value schools.
The online master’s in supply chain management program is open to qualifying applicants who hold an accredited bachelor’s and offer at least five years of post-baccalaureate work experience.
Courses are delivered online and include business ethics, demand fulfillment, manufacturing and service operations planning, and supply management. The program is ideal for working professionals.
#29 – Lehigh University
Online MBA in Supply Chain Management
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $26,280
Lehigh University makes it onto our list of online master’s in supply chain management programs due to affordability and rankings of the school.
A flexible online MBA is offered with the option of choosing a concentration in supply chain management. Courses are delivered online and are taught by the same professors who teach business courses on campus. Some of the required supply chain courses include demand and supply chain planning, strategic supply management, and transportation and logistics management.
The MBA program offers rolling admission, though GMAT or GRE scores are required. Official transcripts and two letters of recommendation are also required. U.S. News and World Report ranks Lehigh #53 in best national universities and #27 in best value schools.
Also, the online MBA programs rank #19 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#30 – University of San Diego
Online Master’s in Supply Chain Management
San Diego, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $26,418
University of San Diego offers an accredited master’s in supply chain management online degree. The case-based curriculum is taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus.
Courses are delivered online and in a flexible format ideally suited for working students. Some of the courses include distribution and logistics management, international negotiations, project management principles, strategic cost management, supply chain strategy and design, and supply management.
The program consists of 36 credits. Admission requires two letters of recommendation and two years of professional work experience. U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution #85 in best national universities. Also, the online graduate business programs rank #16 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to earn a master’s in supply chain management online degree?
Similar to on-campus programs, most master’s in supply chain management online degrees are designed to complete in approximately two years. The programs on our list vary in required credits and completion time. Some programs require thirty credits to graduate while others demand in excess of 40 to 45 credits.
On average, more credits are required to complete an online MBA with a concentration in supply chain management than a master’s in supply chain management because of the additional credits needed for the specialization. Of course, this is not always true. If completion time is a determining factor, you should thoroughly research the program before applying.
Accelerated options are available. Some master’s in supply chain management online programs can be completed in just 12 months. Most of the accelerated programs require full-time enrollment but have options for part-time students who want to move at their own pace.
From our list of programs, we found 18-22 months to be the average completion time for an online master’s in supply chain management. Completion time may also vary depending on transfer credits. Some programs are willing to accept up to fifty percent in transfer credits. The completion time will be cut when transfer credits are applied.
What are the admission requirements for master’s in supply chain management online programs?
The admission requirements for a master’s in supply chain management online degree vary by institution. Some programs require an earned bachelor’s degree in business or a related field, while others require only that the applicant hold an accredited bachelor’s. For those schools that require a bachelor’s, the degree must be regionally or nationally accredited. Many of the schools on our list require regional accreditation.
Applicants may also be required to submit test scores from the GRE or the GMAT. In some cases, applicants with a 3.0 or better undergraduate GPA may not have to submit test scores, as they may be waived due to good academic standing.
Most programs on our list required letters of recommendation for admission. These letters may be from undergraduate professors or employers. Work experience may also be required. Some programs, specifically MBA or executive MBA with specializations in supply chain management, required two to five years of work experience in a supply chain management role or related field.
Also, some programs view internships or volunteering as work experience as long as the experience was in a supply chain or closely related role.
Admission requirements vary depending on the institution and program. It is always important to research the program’s requirements before applying.
What kind of coursework will I study in a master’s in supply chain management online program?
Coursework in a master’s in supply chain management online program is generally divided into two categories: required core courses and electives. Core courses are a series of required classes that are designed to lay a solid foundation in areas of business, logistics, and supply chain management.
Classes typically include business ethics, distribution fulfillment and operations methods, global or international business, purchasing and materials management, and supply chain management principles. Courses introduce students to advanced theories in supply chain management and provide insight on how to address issues and solve problems at different stages of the supply chain.
Electives allow students to delve deeper into areas of interest or to tailor their degree to meet specific career goals. Electives touch on the material taught in core courses but address topics not discussed at great lengths.
Many electives focus on inventory management, supply chain management risks and challenges, and strategic management. For students interested in acquiring certification in specific areas of supply chain management, electives can provide critical skills and a more in-depth knowledge.
In addition to coursework, some programs require capstone experiences. A capstone project may include comprehensive research into a supply chain topic or the creation of a mock business plan. Some programs even offer opportunities for students to intern or acquire hands-on training in supply chain management and earn credits while also gaining experience.
What is the career outlook for master’s in supply chain management online degree holders?
According to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of supply chain managers and logisticians is projected to grow seven percent through the year 2026. This rate is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Employment of supply chain managers will be driven by the demand for logistics in the transportation of goods and services within the global economy. Companies will place more emphasis on the reliance of supply chain managers to move their products. Supply and distribution systems will expand within organizations as companies attempt to gain more efficiency at minimal cost.
The overall job prospects should be favorable due to employment growth and the need to replace supply chain managers who are aging and expected to retire or leave the occupation over the next eight years. Job opportunities should be best for candidates with an advanced degree, such as an online master’s in supply chain management, and those with previous work experience using logistical software and technology.
Candidates with a mix of work experience and an advanced degree should be able to advance in current careers or land new jobs in supply chain management.
What jobs can you get with a master’s in supply chain management online degree?
Supply chains vary depending on the company or organization, though one thing is consistent–supply chains involve a large and extensive network of personnel. Individuals with a master’s degree in supply chain management or logistics are typically qualified to lead teams and organize operations at the highest level. Some of the available roles in supply chain management include:
Directors or managers of supply chain management: directors or supply chain managers oversee all aspects of their company’s supply chain. They are responsible for adhering to budget constraints, determining fair prices, and keeping current with inventory and purchasing.
Operations managers: a company’s operations manager supervises activities related to the production or manufacturing of goods. Operations managers often participate in budget creation, purchasing, and warehousing.
Purchasing or materials management leaders: Purchasing managers are often in charge of approving and negotiating projects that align with the company’s budget. Day-to-day tasks include overseeing purchasing agents and meeting with vendors and clients.
Supply chain analysts or logisticians: a supply chain analyst studies the company’s various stages of operation, such as acquisition and distribution, in order to maximize profits and increase efficiency.
Supply chain managers: supply chain managers promote the collaboration between sales and customer service teams. They also keep communication lines open with all company suppliers and develop and implement supply chain related policies. Supply chain managers often oversee teams of employees.
Additional Resources:
- Online Graduate Degrees
- Online MBA No GMAT Requirement
- What Is Supply Chain Management?
- Highest Paying MBA Concentrations
CVO Staff