Because of the breadth of the supply chain management occupation, numerous job paths are available, including logistician, sustainability analyst, import/export agent, distribution center manager, and more.
The job outlook for logisticians remains steady, with a projected job growth rate of 7% for the next few years. Job prospects are best for individuals who have experience as well as an advanced degree.
A supply chain manager with an MBA earns an average annual salary of $83,000, compared to $59,000 per year for someone with a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management.
Advanced degrees in supply chain management (SCM) come in a few varieties – Master of Science (MS), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Master of Professional Studies (MPS). Each degree type has a different approach, but they will all prepare you for career advancement in SCM.
We included programs delivered in on-campus, online, hybrid, and blended formats to offer options for all lifestyles and learning preferences.
All of the programs are offered by regionally accredited institutions, ensuring that they meet high standards of quality. Many programs also have specialty accreditation through the Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Once we narrowed our list of programs, we evaluated them based on their faculty, flexibility, course strength, cost, and reputation. We then gave them an Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
The rise in global interconnectedness in manufacturing and shipping as well as an emphasis on efficiency has driven job growth in supply chain management, but that growth is tempered by an increase in automation and purchasing cooperatives. Therefore, some jobs within SCM, such as purchasing buyers and agents, are expected to decline by 2026. While an advanced degree can give you an edge in competitive job markets, carefully consider your career goals and which career paths have the most potential.
In competitive job markets, having professional certifications through the Association for Supply Chain Management or the International Society of Logistics can give your employability a boost. You may need to meet experience and educational qualifications, take exams, and pay fees to obtain these certifications, but they are worth exploring as an added confirmation of your aptitudes.
When selecting the type of degree you want to pursue, there are a few things to consider. MBA programs emphasize business principles and skills with applications within SCM. They are usually geared towards students with a business background and a few years of professional experience. Meanwhile, MS programs offer a deep-dive into foundational and advanced SCM skills, and they can be more open to accepting students without much real-world experience. The type of degree you seek will depend on your career goals and experience level.
Here are some questions to ask when researching Master’s in Supply Chain Management programs:
Other questions you should ask at this stage involve financial aid and scholarships as well as application requirements, procedures, and deadlines. Look at the admissions and financial aid webpages for your programs of interest, or contact an admissions representative to get more information. Getting this information early is essential to ensuring a smooth application process and understanding how you will pay for your master’s degree.