Completing an online logistics degree program prepares students for supply chain management and operations careers. Logistics is a fast-growing industry, and logisticians make an average of $77,520 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Industrial production managers make an average of $107,560 annually and focus on the operational processes inside manufacturing facilities.
Logistics programs are available at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree levels. Full-time students can expect to complete an associate or master’s degree program in two years; a bachelor’s degree generally takes four years. For the 2021-2022 school year, the average tuition per year for an associate degree was $3,859, rising to $17,251 for a bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree programs cost $19,749 per year on average.
How to Choose an Online Logistics Program
Choose your area of study
Online logistics programs cover everything from supply chain management to global transportation. If you plan on working in management, a concentration in operations can give you the background you need to succeed. Other potential focus areas include manufacturing, procurement, and transportation systems. Think about what you want to do daily in your career, and work backward to determine which concentration is the best fit.
Research schools and programs
Colleges often charge nonrefundable application fees, so researching schools and narrowing down the field can help you save time and money. First, mark any school that isn’t accredited off the list, as these degrees generally aren’t as rigorous and may not meet the requirements to work in the field.
Next, review the remote learning style of each program. A synchronous program may be the best choice if you prefer lots of interaction and discussion with other students and instructors. Asynchronous is likely better if you’re planning on fitting coursework around a full-time job or other responsibilities and need to do your assignments in the wee hours of the morning.
Prepare for tests and applications
The requirements for your application depend on what type of program you are pursuing. Certifications and associate degrees generally don’t need anything specific beyond a placement test or a high school diploma. A bachelor’s degree may require letters of recommendation from previous teachers, a personal statement, and a specific GPA or SAT/ACT score.
Some schools require a specific GRE score for admittance to graduate programs, and these programs may also ask for a portfolio of work to show that you can handle the course load. Talk to the admissions office at the college you’re considering to determine the exact requirements.
Select your program
Gather your acceptance letters, and go through the pros and cons of each institution again to make a decision. Look at the cost of tuition, the online program format, and anything that sets the school apart, such as industry-leading faculty or career-placement programs. Once you’ve decided, sign the acceptance paperwork and meet with an advisor to schedule your classes.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
The cost of post-secondary education is a barrier for many people, but programs and options are available to help increase affordability. If you’re pursuing an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application. This form is what most need-based scholarships are based on and how you qualify for federal grants and student loans. Private student loans are also available, and some schools offer payment plans for those who are self-funding their education.
To determine what kind of financial aid you may need, total up the cost of tuition, fees, and supplies and subtract any money you plan on paying yourself. What’s left must be covered by scholarships, grants, or student loans. It’s also possible to attend part-time and only take as many classes as you can afford at a time.
Best 50 Accredited Online Logistics Programs
Discover More Options
How We Rank Schools
This list consists only of programs that can be completed online. Be sure to carefully review the program’s curriculum in case there are any in-person requirements for internships or residencies.
All programs are offered by schools with regional accreditation. Many also have programmatic accreditation through organizations like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), or the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).
We evaluated each program based on reputation, faculty, flexibility, cost, and course strength. We then gave each program an Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out our ranking methodology.
What Can You Expect From an Online Logistics Program
Logistics programs focus on teaching students the fundamentals of supply chain management, including procurement, transportation, and distribution. Certificate and associate degree programs focus on specific technical skills, while bachelor’s and master’s degree programs provide students with a greater breadth and depth of how the industry works. Students take classes on global trade practices, process optimization, and manufacturing planning and control.
At the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels, students may be required to complete an industry internship that can last an entire semester. Colleges also require bachelor’s degree students to complete general courses, such as advanced math and composition, as well as electives outside their area of study.
Certificate programs require nine to 18 credit hours, while an associate degree requires around 60, depending on the institution. A bachelor’s degree requires approximately 120 credit hours. A master’s program can range from 30 to 60 credits and take one to three years to complete, depending on the program.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online logistics program
- Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution. This course introduces students to logistics principles and how they are used in supply chain management. It includes units on transportation systems and management, international trade, and cost and performance management. It also covers how technology impacts logistics, such as through GPS tracking and specialized industry software.
- Applied Logistics Analytics. This course teaches students how to use data to make managerial decisions. It’s an application-focused course that has students use what they’ve learned so far in real-world scenarios.
- Global Supply Operations. This course delves into global integrated supply chain management, including procurement, quality control, and customer service. It also explores sustainability, business ethics, and IT tools for supply chain management. Students work on applying these concepts to produce more efficient processes.
- Business Statistics. This class introduces students to basic statistics and how to apply these processes to business scenarios. It covers the different data types, data collection methods, and probability theory. Students learn how to calculate measures of central tendency and variability and how to represent their data in graphs and tables.
- Procurement of Services. This course covers the basics of procurement and its role in supply chain management, including service contracts, supplier relationship management, and cost analysis. Students also learn about risk management, international trade, and how artificial intelligence is used in the industry.
What Can I Do With an Online Logistics Degree?
Career outlook
In an increasingly connected world, workers with the skills needed to move goods around the world safely and efficiently will be in high demand. Having a degree in logistics demonstrates to potential employers that you understand the key logistical principles of supply chain, transportation planning, material storage, and more.
Many logistical roles are classified as management, a field that is expected to experience faster-than-average growth through 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The agency predicts that there will be, on average, 1.1 million job openings in this field per year over the next decade. Depending on the specific company and position, individuals may be able to obtain these jobs with a bachelor’s degree, or they may need to pursue further study at the graduate level to qualify for leadership roles.
An online logistics degree can qualify graduates for the following jobs:
- Logistician — Oversee activities related to purchasing, transportation, inventory, and warehousing, including organizing the movement of goods, people, and equipment and implementing software systems that help them plan and track product movement.
- Median annual salary: $77,520
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 18%
- New jobs projected: 21,800 per year
- Operation research analyst — Identify logistical problems and help managers decide how to allocate resources, develop production schedules, oversee the supply chain, and set prices.
- Median annual salary: $85,720
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 23%
- New jobs projected: 9,800 per year
- Industrial production manager — Oversee the operations of plants, including coordinating, planning and directing activities related to the manufacturing and shipping of various goods.
- Median annual salary: $107,560
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 2%
- New jobs projected: 15,300 per year
Online Logistics Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online logistics degree program?
Before you apply for an online logistics degree program, meet with an admissions counselor from the school to determine the exact requirements. In some cases, you may only need to provide your high school transcripts and basic information about yourself. However, some schools may require additional materials, such as test scores, an essay, or letters of recommendation.
If you’ve recently taken the SAT or ACT, your scores can determine your placement for math and English classes. Otherwise, the school may require a placement test of its own. Once you have everything you need, submit the application along with the fee if required by the deadline.
How much does an online logistics degree cost?
How much an online logistics program costs depends on the type of degree you’re pursuing. In total, expect to pay around $8,000 for two years of an associate degree, $69,000 for four years of a bachelor’s degree, or $40,000 for two years of a master’s degree. Remember to also factor in the cost of books — which can be several hundred dollars per semester — and supplies.
Online programs may be cheaper than in-person offerings because the school doesn’t have to cover building costs. These programs may also be able to be completed more quickly for students who can take more than 15 hours per semester, which could decrease the overall cost if the school caps its tuition.
How long does it take to earn an online logistics degree?
The more credit hours a program requires, the longer it takes to complete. Associate degrees require around 60 hours (or two years), while bachelor’s degrees require double that at 120 (four years). Depending on the institution, these numbers can vary by five to 10 credits. A master’s degree can require 30 to 60 credit hours (one to two years).
Attending only part-time will extend how long it takes to complete the program, but breaking up the classes can be more accessible for students with jobs and families. Taking online courses can also make getting the number of credits you need easier and may request in less time.
Is an online logistics degree worth it?
Research shows that having a bachelor’s degree can increase an individual’s earning potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with a bachelor’s degree earn a median weekly salary of $1,432, while those with no college degree earn $935. Logistics, specifically, is a lucrative career path, with top earners in the field making more than $124,050 per year.
Although some jobs within the logistics field only require a high school diploma and related work experience, having a bachelor’s degree will qualify individuals for a broader range of positions. This includes management jobs, which typically require a bachelor’s degree.