Best Master's Degrees in Operations Management Online

In general, earning an online master's degree is flexible and typically provides advancement opportunities for one's career and/or additional career options. In the case of operations management, a master's degree usually equips students with advanced knowledge and leadership skills for the field to prepare students for these upper-level positions. This career advancement likely comes with an increased income. According to ''PayScale.com'', the median annual salary for those with an MS in Operations Management was $84,836, as of January 2021, while the median annual salary for those with a Bachelor of Science (BS/BSc) was $75,303, also as of January 2021.

How Long Does It Take to Earn an Online Master's in Operations Management?

The time to degree completion for an online master's in operations management varies by program. While there are some online MBA in Operations Management programs that may offer a 1-year or 2-year track, most MS in Operations Management programs can be completed in 1.5 to 2 years. Students may have some control over how long it takes to earn their degree by how many courses they decide to take each semester, based on their personal schedules. Some programs may also allow students to finish faster by accepting some graduate-level transfer credit.

The curriculum for online master's programs in operations management generally consists of some core operations management courses and electives. However, there are some programs that may offer different tracks that may require students to take different concentration courses. MBA in Operations Management programs may require some core MBA courses and then concentration courses in operations management. Depending on the program, online master's programs in operations management may require between 30 and 40 credits of coursework. Explore coursework details below.

Operations Management Foundational Courses

While core MBA courses may focus on broad business-related topics, core courses for programs specifically in operations management focus on distinct management skills used in the field. Depending on the program, students may take between 12 and 27 credits of core coursework. Core coursework may change slightly due to different tracks, such as a track in operations management vs. a track in decision analytics. Some of these programs may conclude with a final capstone course where students utilize their executive decision-making skills and apply it to a case study or other project. Other programs may conclude with a comprehensive exam. A handful of examples of possible core courses for these online programs include:

• Systems simulation
• Statistics
• Supply chain modeling
• Project management
• Finance for operations managers
• Operations management

Operations Management Specialist and Elective Courses

Some programs may have students take as few as 3 elective course credits, while others may allow students as many as 18 credit hours of electives. Electives are generally intended to give students the opportunity to explore a particular area of interest and/or focus their studies. Some programs may allow students to earn an additional graduate certificate through their elective courses in areas like healthcare management, global leadership, or supply chain management. While electives vary greatly between programs, a few examples of course topics include:

• Inventory management
• Lean six sigma
• Logistics
• Business analytics
• Ethics and leadership

Licensure and Certification in Operations Management

Professional certification in operations management may not be required, but can help professionals in the field demonstrate their expertise and compete for advanced positions. Several different organizations provide professional certifications and/or training, including the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers. This organization offers the Operations and Performance Management Professional (OPMP) certification. This certification requires students to meet education and work experience requirements and then pass an exam. Professionals must recertify on a regular basis by earning 45 credits of continuing education. Other organizations, such as the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), offer group training and certifications. The group's series on the Principles of Operations Management includes courses that discuss topics in inventory management, operations planning, and more. The ASCM also offers APICS certifications in areas like logistics and supply chain operations that may be beneficial to professionals.

Admissions requirements differ between schools and programs, so students should be sure to find specific requirements for their chosen program. Typically, online master's programs in operations management require students to have at least a bachelor's degree, and students may need to meet a minimum GPA requirement, such as a 3.0 or higher. Several of these online programs require students to submit their GRE or GMAT test scores, while other schools do not require the exams at all. Schools that do require the exams may also make allocations for waivers, such as a waiver for students who meet or exceed a specific GPA. Depending on the program, students may also need to meet prerequisite requirements. For instance, there is one program that requires applicants to have earned a 'B' or higher in Calculus I, and another program that may require students to take some additional prerequisite coursework for the master's program based on their educational background. Other application materials may include transcripts, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and/or a resume.

Students trying to compare master's programs in operations management and decide which one is the right fit may need to consider several factors. Students may first want to decide between an MBA or an MS degree in the field. While an MBA provides students with a broad business education, an MS in Operations Management tends to be more specific and specialized. Once students have chosen which degree to pursue, they should search for an accredited program. While many schools hold regional accreditation, several online master's programs in operations management also hold business-related accreditation at the program level from groups like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP). Students may also want to think about any capstone experiences that offer hands-on learning and/or programs with additional learning opportunities, like earning a graduate certificate. Finally, students may want to consider personal preferences in regard to time to degree completion, the total cost of a program, and/or available financial aid options.

Career options for a degree in operations management includes a wide range of management-related titles. A master's degree in the field may allow students to bypass working their way up in an organization in positions like assistant operations managers and moving straight to positions as operations directors or business operations managers. Students may also be able to branch out into closely related fields, such as engineering management or analytics. Some examples of available job titles for graduates with their master's in operations management include:

• Operations manager
• Logistics manager
• Project manager
• Engineering manager
• Risk manager
• Operations analyst
• Quality assurance director

Job Outlook for a Master's in Operations Management

Due to the flexibility in job options for graduates with their master's degree in operations management, job prospects should be good. The job outlook for specific positions vary, but several careers in operations management have a positive outlook. For instance, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that general and operations managers had a job outlook of 6% from 2019 to 2029. The BLS also reported that a related position, logistics managers (which are included in transportation, distribution, and storage managers), had a job outlook of 4% from 2019 to 2029. This outlook was as fast as the national average.

How to Become an Operations Manager

General and operations managers are classified as top executives by the BLS. These executive positions generally require at least a bachelor's degree, but some positions may require or prefer a master's degree, such as an MBA or master's in a given field of expertise. These managers also usually need to have some prior work experience, such as working lower-level management positions and working their way up. Professional certification may be required for some top executive decisions and/or may be beneficial for some positions. Top executive positions require great leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

As of 2019, the BLS recorded a median annual salary of $100,780 for general and operations managers. These professionals are responsible for a wide range of activities in an organization that help ensure efficiency and productivity. Job duties vary by position and organization, but these managers may be responsible for creating schedules, managing daily operation activities, assigning materials and duties to staff, helping develop policies, and ensuring the completion of assignments and projects.

How to Become a Logistics Manager

Per the BLS, transportation, distribution, and storage managers include job titles like logistics managers, logistics operations manager, and supply chain logistics manager. While some managers in this category may only need a high school diploma, many positions require at least a bachelor's degree. A master's degree may advance one's career and/or prove beneficial. These managers also typically need at least some work experience to gain knowledge in the field. Other important qualities for these managers include critical-thinking and communication skills, as well as the ability to monitor performance well.

According to the BLS, transportation, distribution, and storage managers made a median annual salary of $94,560, as of 2019. These professionals must oversee and coordinate multiple activities involved in the logistics of creating and distributing products and services. These managers may need to manage other staff members, check that work is meeting organization standards, and work closely with other departments to ensure efficiency. Technology skills may also be important for these positions, as they utilize logistics and inventory software.

Professional organizations are available in many fields and help provide resources to professionals that help not only advance careers, but the field itself. Many of these groups offer membership and may provide additional benefits to its members along with general resources available to the public. Some of these groups may even offer professional certifications and learning opportunities. Students in operations management may also participate in groups from related areas, such as supply chain management or production management. A couple of examples of available professional organizations in the field of operations management include:

• Production and Operations Management Society- POMS operates on an international level and provides membership to students and professionals in the field. The group has multiple chapters and hosts multiple conferences. The organization also distributes awards and honors in the field and provides access to the POM Journal online.
• Association for Supply Chain Management- ASCM provides resources for both individuals and organizations. Individuals can pursue membership and certification, as well as take advantage of career resources. Organizations may become corporate members and can utilize training tools for their staff.

Online master's degree programs in operations management do not usually require students to have an undergraduate degree in any particular field. However, it may be more beneficial for students to have some background in business to avoid any additional prerequisites. Students may earn an undergraduate degree in areas like operations management, supply chain management, business administration, and other related areas. Since these master's degree programs may require math-related prerequisites and/or coursework, students may want to be sure they take undergraduate math courses, like calculus.

Students who wish to further their studies in the field of operations management can go on to earn their Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the field. However, most of these programs are only available in an on-campus format. Students in these PhD programs may prepare for more research-based positions and/or pursue careers in academia. These programs are usually research-heavy and allow students to specialize in various areas of the field through their research and coursework. Students also typically need to complete a dissertation.

Many students want and/or need to explore their financial aid options when choosing a school and program. After filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and accepting any applicable loans or grants, students may check their school of interest for any possible tuition discounts. For example, some online programs may only charge in-state tuition rates to students, no matter where they study from.

Scholarships are another great option for students to help cut costs, as these awards do not have to be paid back. Schools may offer scholarships for specific programs or other determining factors, but some outside organizations may offer scholarships too. Scholarships typically vary in amount and have specific qualifications, so students will need to do their research to find which awards they may qualify for. A couple of examples of available scholarships for online master's programs in operations management include:

• MSOM Scholarship- The University of Arkansas, which offers an online Master of Science in Operations Management (MSOM) degree, has an MSOM scholarship in the amount of $500. Students must have completed 6 credits of coursework, submitted a resume and personal essay, and met a minimum GPA requirement of a 3.0 to be considered.
• Carolyn and Dennis Dahl Endowed Scholarship- This scholarship is open to undergraduate or graduate students at the University of Alabama who are enrolled in a program offered through the College of Continuing Studies (CCS), like the school's online MS in Operations Management. Eligible students can be full- or part-time and must demonstrate financial need and academic excellence.