The top online Supply Chain Management Master’s degree programs are a flexible way to train students to work in SCM.
The Business world of today works primarily through the use of sales, marketing, and production lines. And logistics and supply chain management are an integral part of business. The purpose of supply chain management is to efficiently transport products from the supplier to the customer. Professionals in the field need both organizational and communication skills. They also need a strong knowledge of marketing, logistics, and production.
A master’s degree in supply chain management prepares graduates for many logistics careers. Additionally, graduate will also develop and a strong business network. Many of the nation’s top college institutions and universities offer online master’s in supply chain management programs.
How We Ranked the Top Online Supply Chain Management Master’s Degrees
The Online Schools Guide editors found schools offering online or hybrid master’s degrees in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. We then ranked the programs based on cost, reputation, and also future salary.
However, choosing the right school comes with great consideration. Students should search the length of the program, the credits offered, the type of accreditation, and what rankings are given. Other considerations are faculty involvement and the ratio of students to instructors. Below is the list of top online Supply Chain Management master’s degrees.
1. Lehigh University
| Degree: FLEX MBA |
The FLEX MBA at Lehigh University provides a concentrated master’s degree in Supply Chain Management. The program offers students to finish at their own pace. This twelve-credit FLEX MBA degree is available as full-time or part-time status, depending on work obligations. Courses will exhibit how the supply chain management field integrates its focus both on an internal and external level. Some of the classes are strategic supply management, transportation, and also demand and supply chain planning.
Additionally, students learn negotiation, business analytics for decision-making, applied supply chain models, and also special topics may also be available. The program does allow up to fifteen credits for electives. The Lehigh University faculty are among the top industry experts in the nation. Additionally, this SCM concentration is just one of seven in the MBA program. And the FLEX MBA degree programs available to students on-campus and also online.
Program Highlights: 12 credits, online and on-campus, exceptional faculty.
2. Florida Institute of Technology
| Degree: MS in Supply Chain Management |
The Florida Institute of Technology offers an MS in Supply Chain Management. With hands-on training graduates expand their SCM knowledge in this MBA degree.
Theis in demand SCM master’s degree enhances organizational performance and provides education for excellent customer service. The courses in the program will assist graduates in promoting efficiency in the marketplace and also offer a competitive edge in the global market Additionally, they encourage students to collaborate with each other to implement new ideas.
Students will graduate with skills such as communication, marketing, strategic planning, and logistical processing. Studies will provide the necessary training to manage vendors, process inventory, communicate with management professionals, and understand the receiving and delivery process The Florida Tech Institute provides small class sizes and offers faculty members with professional experience to mentor and engage students in the supply chain management masters program.
Program Highlights: 30 credit hours, well-rounded curriculum, career-focused.
3. Northeastern University
| Degree: MBA in Supply Chain Management |
The MBA in Supply Chain Management masters program at Northeastern University offers graduates a fifty-credit hour degree that focuses on sustainability in the supply chain field, global marketing, supply chain security, and risk management.
There are a total of thirteen classes and five electives within the concentrated program; the curriculum will strengthen a student’s business knowledge and provide information in healthcare finance, the healthcare industry, strategic decision-making for healthcare professionals, and health informatics and information systems.
Northeastern University does offer graduate students a master’s in business administration degree to obtain a dual degree concentration along with the supply chain program. The Northeastern University’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business is accredited by AACSB International. In addition, the MBA in Supply Chain Management is among the best online supply chain management master’s programs in the state.
Program Highlights: 50 credit hours, fully online, AACSB accredited.
4. Golden Gate University
The MBA in Global Supply Chain Management at Golden Gate University in San Francisco combines both core disciplines in business and soft skills, such as communication, team building, and the ability to present interactive presentations.
This MBA in Global Supply Chain Management program is fifty-four units in length and provides the skills needed in the real world and become successful in the business field. In addition, the program comprises thirty-three units of core courses, with twelve units available for the concentration program.
The concentrations in the program may include courses such as Adaptive Leadership, Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Project Management, Marketing, and Finance. Golden Gate University is among the best online masters in supply chain management programs with alumni of over 68,000 to prove it. The programs have a low student-to-faculty ratio with exceptional instructors leading students toward a successful career path in the MBA degree.
Program Highlights: 54 units, small class sizes, dedicated and engaged instructors.
5. University of Wisconsin Whitewater
The University of Wisconsin at Whitewater offers the MBA in Supply Chain and Operations degree to graduate students looking for inspiring professional instructors, flexible class schedules, and a custom-made approach to education in the world of Logistics and strategic planning. The MBA-SCO curriculum will broaden the minds of graduates through the teachings of skills in critical thinking, statistics, decision-making, negotiation, and persuasion. Students will also learn leadership and project management skills throughout their studies in the MBA-SCO course program.
Courses emphasize operations management, operations strategy, quality management, product development, sourcing, and logistics. All courses in the program prepare students to become strong, effective, and fair leaders within the supply chain industry. UWW’s MBA in Supply Chain and Operations ranks at number one in Wisconsin, is one of the best online supply chain management masters programs, and offers a strong alumni network for graduates to connect with. The program is part of the largest AACSB-accredited business school in Wisconsin.
Program Highlights: largest AACSB accredited business school; 12 emphases; Top-notch, 100% doctoral instructors; Strong alumni network
6. Penn State World Campus
Penn State World Campus offers the Master of Supply Chain Management to graduates wanting to learn skills in strategic leadership planning. The integrated program is designed for working professionals in the logistics and technology field.
Students will receive a career outlook into different supply chain networks, internet processes, and the global industry. The program includes thirty credits and can be completed in less than two years. Core courses will include Supply Chain Performance Metrics, Financial Analysis, and Operations Management and Demand Fulfillment.
Concentration classes are available in Strategic Procurement and Global Manufacturing and Service Operations. PSWC has the number one online Master of Supply Chain Management degree in the Country. Additionally, it is nationally recognized by the US News and World Report. The Masters in Supply Chain Management at PSWC is AACSB accredited and waivers for the GMAT/GRE are now available. Penn State provides a wide array of corporate connections to graduates with the best corporations and businesses in the supply chain management field.
Program Highlights: GRE/GMAT waived, 30 credits, two-year program.
7. University of Washington
The University of Washington offers the Master of Supply Chain, Transportation, and Logistics program to graduates wanting a comprehensive career path into the world of Logistics and the engineering field.
This degree provides students with a deep understanding of complex issues in supply chain management that build on skills, both quantitative and analytical in manner. The master’s degree is an outstanding addition to a student’s current BS degree or can make a unique impact on a student’s long-term career track.
The program is primarily online; however, it includes a one-week residency, required for graduation. The Master of Supply Chain, Transportation, and Logistics program is a total of forty-three credits and is approximately two years longer to complete. The curriculum includes nine courses on logistics and analysis, inventory management, IT systems and integration, and facility design and operation management.
Program Highlights: two-year program with 43 credits, part-time, world-class Faculty.
8. University of Southern California
The MS in Global Supply Chain Management degree program at the University of Southern California provides each student who has the desire to increase their knowledge of the global supply chain management field. The MSGSCM program, designed for working professionals, will include a combined education of academics and practical applications when preparing students for the logistics and global supply chain career paths.
The thirty-unit program can be completed part-time, within sixteen months, and is available online. The program degree also offers many areas of career opportunities; such as supply chain management, logistics, demand planning, operations planning, and procurement. As part of the USC Marshall School of Business, academic services are offered to graduates to help guide them along their path in the master’s program. For example, Professors at USC may offer online consultations with students, provide in-person appointments, or opportunities to communicate with the GSCM industry’s executives and leaders.
Program Highlights: 30-unit program, online classes, sixteen-month program.
9. Syracuse University
| Degree: MBA in Supply Chain Management |
The MBA in Supply Chain Management at Syracuse University offers a short degree for working professionals already in the supply chain management industry. Graduates will gain intensive management and leadership skills that will increase their knowledge and help students by providing advancement opportunities in the supply chain industry.
The MBA-SCM program consists of fifty-four credits with thirty-six core credits and includes courses such as Principles of Management Science, Supply Chain, and Logistics Management, and Operations and Supply Chain Management. The program allows students to choose an additional course in either Business Analytics, Project Management, or Lean Six Sigma.
Students can finish the program in as little as 24 months. The Supply Chain Management program was ranked #22 in the nation by Gartner Inc and on the top twenty list in the Princeton Review in 2020; making it one of the best online supply chain management masters programs nationwide.
Program Highlights: 24 months to complete, 54 credit program, 36 core credit courses.
10. University of St Francis
| Degree: MSM in Supply Chain Management |
University of St. Francis’ MSM in Supply Chain Management program offers graduates and working business professionals the to expand their careers to the next level.
Students do not need an undergraduate degree in management to inquire about the MSM in Supply Chain Management graduate program. However, work experience within the field may be useful to have. The degree program will provide skills such as strategic planning, team building, both written and verbal communication, IT systematics in solving business issues, and a strong work ethic to lead with integrity.
The Master of Science in Management provides thirty-six semester hours, which includes fifteen core management courses, nine electives, and twelve concentration Courses. The specialization courses will cover courses such as logistics analysis, project management, sustainable supply chain logistics, transportation, management, and economics. Dual degree options are also available to eligible students. The University of St. Francis is known for its small class sizes and numerous graduate programs for working professionals.
Program Highlights: 36 semester hour program, exceptional skillset, Dual degree opportunities. ACBSP accredited.
What is SCM?
Supply Chain Management, or SCM, is an area of business that centers on the production, distribution, and transportation of products. This field is primarily concerned with the logistics behind manufacturing products and getting them to market.
Why Earn an Online Masters in Supply Chain Management?
Earning a degree in supply chain management can open up the door to a range of different business-focused careers in various industries.
An online master’s in supply chain management can offer many opportunities for graduates wanting to work in this fast-growing field. Most positions offer lucrative salaries, advancement in the workplace, and an influential work environment.
How Much Can you Earn in SCM?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for professionals such as Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers is $103,320. Careers in areas such as logisticians, industrial engineers, and operations research analysts are also growing over the national average. Graduates with a master’s degree in supply chain management will have a variety of opportunities and career choices.
What Supply Chain Management Degree Should You Earn?
There are several types of master’s degrees in the field of supply chain management, including Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science, and Master of Engineering degrees. Despite the difference in name, all these degree types have a similar focus on supply chain management.
What Do You Study in Supply Chain Management?
First, to understand what types of jobs you can pursue after earning a supply chain master’s degree, you need to understand what kind of subjects you study in a program of this kind. Typically, students are required to take around 30 credits of coursework. Although curriculums vary by university, you may take courses that center on:
- Project Management
- Data Analysis
- Distribution Fulfillment
- Logistic Systems
- Marketing
- Pricing Tactics
- Customer Analytics
- Global Supply Chains
- Contracting and Procurement
Along with coursework, you might also get the opportunity to complete an internship where you can gain valuable professional experience that will help you land the perfect job. Master’s programs in supply chain management also usually require that you complete a thesis or final project that consists of a long paper based on the research you conduct.
Supply Chain Management Jobs
The best career paths with an MS in SCM may require more work experience than others. But, all positions will require an MS or MBA to work up the corporate ladder in most organizations and corporations. Please consider these when making a life career choice in the Supply Chain Management field.
Below, are a few examples of SCM jobs you will be ready for after you earn a master’s degree in supply chain management. All of these positions have unique job duties and all pay well.
Operations Research Analyst or Market Analyst
Operations research analysts function as the brain of an organization where they identify problems and come up with solutions that work. Your exact duties in this type of position depend on the type of business where you work. You may work with a food company where you must come up with pricing strategies, source ingredients, and solve transportation issues.
As an operations research analyst, you will use statistical software, simulations, and data analysis to solve the issue before you.
Salary: According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, which tracks salary information in the country, operations research analysts earned a median salary between $48,000 and $160,000 (BLS).
Logistician or Logistics Engineer
A logistician is a supply chain expert who is responsible for all the logistics of a business or organization. In this role, you shepherd a product from design to market, which means you must source and allocate supplies, complete inventories, plan transportation, and manage people. Logistician work in a wide variety of industries, including manufacturing, wholesale trade, and even government.
Salary: The BLS has reported that logisticians made a median salary of $74,750.
Supply Chain Manager
Supply chain managers are one of the most important positions in any organization, as they are responsible for coordinating and overseeing a whole host of different areas. As a supply chain manager, you will be responsible for determining what your company needs and how to fulfill those needs.
You will plan what equipment, labor, and materials are needed. You might also oversee inventory, choose transportation routes, and analyze all supply chain processes.
Salary: With a big job comes a big salary, and O*NET OnLine, which is a website that provides occupational information, reports that supply chain managers earned a salary of $110,630.
Purchasing Manager
Purchasing managers are in charge of buying all of the services, products, and materials that a company needs to operate. Their exact job duties include finding suppliers, negotiating contracts, and getting the best deal they can. They must also conduct research into products their company needs, manage budgets, and create procurement policies.
Salary: Purchasing managers work in many industries and earn a median salary between $38,000 to $111,000, according to the BLS.
Storage and Distribution Manager
A storage and distribution manager focuses on the warehouse side of supply chains. In this position, you mostly oversee warehouse workers, ensure worker and warehouse safety, and manage vehicles and equipment needed for disturbing materials. You also must keep track of all materials, supplies, and inventory within your warehouse or warehouses and ensure that they get where they need to be in a timely, safe manner.
Salary: According to O*NET OnLine, storage and distribution managers make a median salary of $94,560.
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