Best Online Master's in Supply Chain Management Programs

Study.com is excited to release the best online master's in supply chain management programs. After looking through data from the U.S. Department of Education for characteristics such as retention rate and cost of attendance, these 6 universities rose to the top. In addition to being affordable and accessible, these schools provide supply chain management students with engaging classwork and many of the same opportunities as their on-campus counterparts. Along with the Department of Education data, we looked at other factors such as work opportunities and support services. Continue reading to find out more about these programs.

1. Georgia College & State University

With new cohorts joining every fall, Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, GA has an online Master in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (MLSCM) program that can be completed in just 30 credit hours. Top students have the opportunity to join the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society, enabling them to network with others in the industry. Graduates have great job prospects since growth in the logistics industry in Georgia is expected to be even higher than in the United States overall.

2. University of Alabama in Huntsville

The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Alabama's Master of Science in Supply Chain and Logistics Management has working professionals in mind with their flexible program, with start dates in the fall, spring, and summer. Students are part of the broader College of Business, which collaborates with companies such as the Army Material Command and NASA, offering internships and giving students access to potential employment with these world-class organizations after graduation.

3. Wright State University

Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio's Master of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management provides a flexible online year-long program that also includes four unique weekends of on-campus residences throughout the year. All students complete a capstone project that examines and solves a real-world problem. Graduates of the program have also gone on to work at prestigious companies such as Honda, LexisNexis, and US Worldwide Logistics, Inc, making this program very respected in the industry.

4. University of Wisconsin-Platteville

The Master of Science in Integrated Supply Chain Management at the University of Wisconsin in Platteville, Wisconsin boasts many faculty members who are experienced in the supply chain management industry. Depending on interest and goals, students can specialize in analysis, customer relationship management, logistics, management, operations, or purchasing. The School of Business has a long history of reaching students via distance education, with their first online courses opening up as early as the 1990's.

5. Rutgers University-Newark

At Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey, Master of Science in Supply Chain Management students enjoy a flexible, fully online program with the option of a residency program to enhance skills. Supply Chain Management students can also pursue a Supply Chain Excellence MasterTrack Certificate to add to their credentials. As an added bonus, it has been shown that graduates of this program enjoy on average a 26% increase in their current salary.

6. Fontbonne University

Fontbonne University in St. Louis, Missouri's Master of Science in Supply Chain Management program offers a curriculum designed by supply chain management industry experts in the local area. With faculty who have real-world supply chain management experience, this program prepares graduates for employment in a plethora of roles including purchasing, sourcing, production, analytics, and more. Students may also earn a Supply Chain Management Certificate to enhance their resume.The certificate is also offered online and courses are offered every 8 weeks, making it easily achievable for a working professional.

To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.

Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Earning a master's degree in supply chain management can greatly help increase students' job prospects in the field. The advanced skills obtained in these degree programs help make students more competitive in the job market and may also qualify them for multiple types of positions within the field. Graduates may also be able to advance their careers with their additional leadership skills and knowledge of the field, which may come with an increase in salary. According to PayScale.com, those with a Bachelor of Science (BS/BSc) in Supply Chain Management made a median annual salary of $63,931, as of February 2021, while those with an MS in Supply Chain Management made a median annual salary of $75,922 for the same time period.

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

Online master's degree programs in supply chain management vary in the time it takes to finish the degree. The time to degree completion may vary by school, program format, or type of degree. For instance, some MBA programs can be completed in as little as 1 year. Many online MS in Supply Chain Management programs can be completed in 18 to 24 months. There may also be a difference in full- and part-time formats, with part-time formats taking closer to 2 years or more to complete.

Online master's degree programs in supply chain management may range between about 30 and 40 credits of coursework. Supply chain management courses may utilize case studies, seminars, and other assignments to provide students with an advanced knowledge of various aspects of the subject area. Students may also be able to further focus and individualize their studies through concentration or elective courses, depending on the program. Some programs may also conclude with a culminating experience of some kind. Here, we break down the curriculum for these master's programs in greater detail.

Supply Chain Management Foundational Courses

Depending on the program format, students may take between 16 and 33 credits of core coursework. Some programs may also add 3 to 4 credits of a final capstone course. This course may require students to complete a capstone project or portfolio to give students hands-on experience applying the knowledge and skills they have gained throughout the program. In general, these core supply chain management courses focus on developing students' leadership and management skills and their overall knowledge of supply chain processes and possible issues they may encounter. Course titles vary from school to school, but students may take core supply chain management courses in areas like:

• Global supply chains
• Logistics
• Decision models
• Financial management
• Supply chain planning
• Procurement and risk management
• Legal/ethical issues
• Operations management

Supply Chain Management Specialist and Elective Courses

Some supply chain management programs may allow students to further focus their studies in particular areas of interests through available concentrations and/or elective courses. For example, some online master's programs in the field may offer additional concentrations in areas such as quantitative approaches, global business, or logistics management. Other programs may allow students to choose elective courses in different areas of supply chain management that lead to students earning an additional graduate certificate. Online MBA programs in supply chain management may have core business courses, but then provide concentration courses specifically in supply chain management. The specific courses that students take for their given concentration area varies.

Licensure and Certification in Supply Chain Management

Professional certification in supply chain management is not necessarily required, but can help professionals stay competitive and demonstrate their expertise in the field. There are several different professional organizations that offer certification in the field of supply chain management, including APICS, which is part of the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). APICS provides the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) certification, as well as the closely related Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution (CLTD) and Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) certifications. Professionals must decide which credential best aligns with their current or desired career and check for any eligibility requirements. The CSCP has an eligibility requirement application, while the other certifications do not. Students can then prepare with various learning tool options before taking their certification exam.

Online supply chain management master's programs may vary slightly in their admissions requirements. Students should be sure to carefully examine the standards required at their school(s) of interest and contact an admissions professional with any questions they may have. In general, these online programs require applicants to have at least a bachelor's degree. Some programs may have a minimum GPA requirement, such as a 3.0 or higher, for either their undergraduate coursework or other completed master's degree work. Several of these online programs do not require applicants to submit their GRE or GMAT test scores. However, it is fairly common for applicants to be required to include their transcripts, letter(s) of recommendation, resume, and/or personal statement with their application.

Due to the variety of online master's programs available in supply chain management, students may need to narrow down their choices by considering a few factors. Students may want to begin by choosing what type of degree they want to earn, such as an MBA vs. master's in supply chain management. MBA programs may be less focused in supply chain management, but may provide students with a broader business background to qualify for them additional business-related positions. Students may also want to investigate a program's accreditation. Many schools are regionally accredited from organizations like the Higher Learning Commission or the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), but some business-related programs, such as supply chain management, may have additional program-level accreditation from groups including the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). This accreditation may be preferred by employers and helps ensure students have received a quality education that has met business-specific standards. Some programs may even have individual courses that are accredited for industry-related certification, such as courses accredited by the Council for Six Sigma Certification.

Some students may also want to find an online master's program in the field that offers additional areas of concentration for them to further focus their skills. Other students may prefer programs with elective coursework or ones that offer the chance to earn an additional award, such as a graduate certificate. Cost, format, and other unique features of programs may also play a role in the decision-making process.

There are a variety of careers available in supply chain management for graduates with their master's degree. While some may begin their careers in entry-level supply chain jobs, those with a master's degree will be prepared for more advanced and/or technical careers in leadership and management. Graduates may work positions that oversee the supply chain on a local, national, or international level. Careers may be available in a variety of industries, including the government, manufacturing, management, trade, and more. Specific job titles for graduates beyond supply chain manager or supply chain analyst may include:

• Logistician
• Operations research analyst
• Purchasing manager
• Sales manager
• Market research analyst
• Import/export agent
• Sourcing leader
• Inventory control manager
• Quality assurance manager
• Operations manager

Job Outlook for a Master's in Supply Chain Management

Overall, the job outlook for graduates with a master's degree should be positive, as graduates will likely qualify for a variety of positions in the field. With the growing complexity of supply and distribution processes, organizations will likely need advanced problem-solvers and innovators. The specific job outlook for positions within supply chain management vary, with some growing faster than others. For example, the job outlook for logisticians is 4% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is as fast as the national average and is equivalent to 8,200 new positions. Operations research analysts, however, had a job outlook of 25% over the same time period, per the BLS. This outlook is much faster than the national average and equates to 26,100 more positions in the field.

How to Become a Logistician

Aspiring logisticians commonly need to have at least a bachelor's degree, but there are some positions that may only require an associate's degree and/or work experience. Students commonly hold a degree in supply chain management, business, systems engineering, or other related areas. Work experience may be accepted in place of education for different positions and industry certification is very helpful. Logisticians must have organizational, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills to succeed at their job.

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for logisticians was $74,750, as of 2019. These professionals oversee an organization's supply chain and consistently look for ways to make it more efficient. They must manage the purchasing, storing, and distribution of goods and supplies. Depending on their position, these professionals may also work with the movement of people, such as military personnel. Logisticians may analyze logistical functions for improvement and suggest ways to cut costs and/or time. They typically have a working relationship with both suppliers and clients as they work to meet clients' needs.

How to Become a Operations Research Analyst

Operations research analysts usually need to hold at least a bachelor's degree, but some employers may prefer analysts with a master's degree. These professionals commonly hold a technical degree in areas such as operations research, engineering, analytics, and more. It may be beneficial for some of these professionals to have had military experience. Operations research analysts typically need to continue their education to stay updated with advances in technology and analytical methods used in the field. These analysts must have great math, analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Operations research analysts made a median annual salary of $84,810, as of 2019, per the BLS. These analysts help organizations solve various types of problems and make more effective decisions by analyzing data and information pertaining to said problem. Operations research analysts must first collect the data and information, analyze it using statistical software, and write their findings in reports to offer possible solutions to management. These professionals may help solve issues in an array of industries, such as healthcare, logistics, business, and more.

Professional organizations in any field typically allow workers to connect with others in their respective field and continue their education and professional development. These organizations work to meet specific set goals that usually pertain to the advancement of the field. These organizations are available on the national and international levels and provide a variety of resources to professionals. Specifically for supply chain management, there are a wide range of organizations that focus on supply chain management, logistics, warehousing, and more. A couple examples of available groups include:

• Association for Supply Chain Management- The ASCM offers individual and corporate membership, APICS certifications, and professional standards for the field. Professionals can benefit from the group's certificate programs, blog, magazine, and events. The organization also provides talent development and enterprise certification at the corporate level.
• Institute for Supply Management- The ISM also provides individual and corporate resources, including membership, webinars, and trainings. The group has local chapters and special interests groups for professionals to connect with one another and also posts available jobs through the organization's career center.

Students interested in earning an online master's degree in supply chain management can come from any educational background, as these programs do not typically require a specific major. However, students with a background in a business-related field may already have a firm grasp on some foundational concepts in the field, such as financial management. There are also undergraduate degree programs available in supply chain management that could give students an overview of the field. Some of these degree programs are available in an online format and several include topics in logistics and supply chain management.

While Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs in logistics and supply chain management are available, most of these programs are only offered in an on-campus format. Students wishing to continue their studies in the field in an online format may consider earning an online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in areas such as logistics and supply chain management or global operations and chain management. Some of these online programs may have business-related, program-level accreditation and be completed in as few as 3 years.

Financing one's education can be a challenge, but there are many tools and resources available to those who need financial assistance. All students should begin the financial aid process with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students should complete this form and can accept any loans or grants that they may qualify for. Then, students may begin searching for tuition discounts, grants, scholarships, or other forms of financial assistance.

Scholarships are a common way to help pay for school and are available from a variety of sources for a wide range of reasons. For example, some awards may be merit-based, dependent on financial need, or awarded for talents and interests. Scholarships specifically for students studying supply chain management may be available from institutions that offer the degree programs and professional organizations in the field. Although these awards vary in amounts and requirements, students can usually apply for multiple awards. Some examples of available scholarships in supply chain management include:

• Supply Chain Transportation and Logistics Scholarship- Students at the University of Washington who are enrolled in the online Master of Supply Chain Transportation and Logistics degree program can compete for this $5,000 award.
• WTS Helene M. Overly Memorial Scholarship- The Women's Transportation Seminar (WTS) works for the advancement of women in transportation and offers this $4,000 scholarship in memory of the first Executive Secretary of the group. Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate program in logistics, planning, transportation engineering, or other transportation-related degree, desire to work in a transportation-related field, and have a 3.0 GPA or higher.