Why This Matters
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THE U.S. NEEDS 8,200 MORE LOGISTICIANS
The employment of logisticians — supply chain and logistics professionals — is projected to grow 4% by 2029, adding 8,200 new jobs and pushing total employment to almost 200,000.
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DISTRIBUTION MANAGERS’ EARNINGS AVERAGE $100,000+
Boost your income by moving into management. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for transportation, storage, and distribution managers is $103,320.
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LOGISTICS RANKS AMONG TOP 20 BUSINESS JOBS
U.S. News and World Report ranked logisticians 18th on its list of best business jobs. This ranking is based on factors such as salary, 10-year growth rates, stress levels, and low unemployment rates.
Our Research
Our list of logistics, supply chain, transportation, and related degrees includes Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees, associate degrees, and certificate programs. Programs may be offered online, on-campus, or in a hybrid environment that combines remote and in-person methods.
Many logistics degree programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The largest alliance of business educators globally, AACSB has accredited more than 840 schools in 50-plus countries. Numerous other programs on our list are accredited by prominent regional bodies, such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges’ Commission on Colleges (SASCOC).
We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
- 58 hours to write this article
- 158 universities and colleges we assessed
- 280 education programs we compared
The Top 49 Logistics Degree Programs
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What You Should Know About This Degree
When considering a logistics career, you should be aware of the difference between a degree in business operations and one in supply chain management, logistics, or transportation. A logistics-oriented program delves deeper into supply chain design, advanced software, and industry hardware. A bachelor’s degree will better prepare you for a management role than an associate degree or certificate.
Enrolling in an accredited logistics degree program helps ensure you receive the best education to prepare you for your chosen profession. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is the best-known global accreditor of logistics and other business-related degree programs. Programs accredited by regional bodies are also readily accepted by potential employers and professional certification agencies.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for logisticians is roughly the same as the average for all occupations combined. Employment is projected to rise by 4%, increasing from 188,200 to 196,400 by 2029.
Licenses and certifications are not mandatory to enter the field. However, a professional certification that demonstrates your knowledge of the industry helps to advance your career. Logistics certifications are available through organizations such as the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM).
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching logistics degree programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? Logistics and supply chain degree and certificate programs typically have the same entrance requirements as other postsecondary offerings. However, the field requires strong mathematical and analytical skills. If you eventually want to pursue a master’s degree in logistics, a four-year degree and several years of work experience are typically required.
- What licensing or certifications are required? Most employers don’t require a certificate or license, but industry certifications help your career progress. Several industry certificates are offered by the Association of Supply Chain Management (ASCM), while specialized certification is available from groups such as the Defense Acquisition University.
If you want to pursue a logistics education, narrow your options to a few schools that best meet your needs. Visit each website or call the admissions office to learn more about their course content, admissions requirements, fees, and application deadlines.
Financing your education is another important consideration. The school website will help you learn about scholarships, grants, and other financial assistance options. If you already have a job, find out whether your employer offers tuition reimbursement.