Why This Matters
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PURCHASING MANAGERS MAKE $121,110 PER YEAR
The median annual salary for purchasing managers is three times the $39,810 median wage for all other occupations in the United States.
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STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION MANAGERS EARN $103,320 YEARLY
With a median hourly wage of $49.67, skilled workers in supply chain management make two times more than the average U.S. worker.
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DEMAND FOR LOGISTICIANS WILL INCREASE 4%
By 2029, 8,200 more logisticians will be needed to analyze and coordinate supply chains across every U.S. industry. A projected 196,400 logisticians will be employed by the end of the decade.
Our Research
This list covers master’s programs in supply chain management that prepare graduates for leadership roles in logistics and distribution. Degrees offered included Master of Science in Supply Chain and Logistics Management, Master of Science in Supply Chain Management, Master of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management, and Master of Science in Integrated Supply Chain Management. Students can choose from in-person, online, and hybrid learning formats.
Accrediting organizations recognize higher education programs that meet specific quality standards. Accreditation is awarded at the national and regional levels. The schools on this list are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
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.
- 76 hours to write this article
- 201 universities and colleges we assessed
- 277 education programs we compared
The Top 41 Master’s in Supply Chain Management Degree Programs
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What You Should Know About This Degree
When choosing a graduate program in logistics and distribution management, you should also consider pursuing a traditional Master of Business Administration (MBA). Students who hold an MBA will be prepared for many management roles across various industries. MBA programs are more focused on finance, whereas graduate programs in supply chain management focus on using data to make better business decisions. Both degrees specialize in organizational leadership, leveraging profit, increasing cash flow, and decreasing fixed assets. When choosing which program is right for you, determine if you’d like to specialize in supply chain management or gain a more comprehensive leadership education.
Logistics certification can help graduates gain a competitive edge when pursuing job opportunities. Certifications also demonstrate expertise and skills to employers. Graduates should consider obtaining supply chain management certifications such as APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional Certification (CSCP), APICS Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR-P), ISM Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), and APICS Certified Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD).
As companies continue to need skilled workers to solve problems and improve the efficiency of their supply chains, the job outlook for logistics managers is positive. Demand for logisticians is projected to grow faster than the national average for all occupations.
What’s Next?
Ask yourself these questions when researching graduate degree programs in supply chain management:
- Am I eligible for this program? Students who wish to pursue a graduate degree in supply chain management must hold a bachelor’s or equivalent in a relevant field. Some programs might require a minimum GPA and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? Most supply chain management programs require two years of full-time study. The schools on our list require 18 to 78 credits to graduate.
Every program has individual entry requirements and application deadlines. Research information about the program to which you’re applying by visiting the school’s website or contacting the admissions department, and be sure to turn in application materials on time.
Consider how you’ll cover the financial costs of your graduate study. Some employers might pay for part or all of your tuition fees and related costs. You may also be eligible for scholarships, grants, or federal student aid. Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify.