Supply chain management plays an essential role in ensuring the smooth flow of goods and services from suppliers to customers, and earning an online MBA is an excellent way to begin a prosperous career in this field. Upon graduation, students embark on roles such as supply chain manager, logistics manager, operations manager, and procurement manager, with a median salary of $98,230. These programs usually take 18 to 24 months to complete, and some programs offer part-time options to make online learning more accessible for those balancing their education with a full-time job. While the cost can vary, tuition for these programs averages $12,000 for public institutions and $27,000 for private universities.
How To Choose an Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Program
Choose your area of study
While a general MBA degree in supply chain management is guaranteed to give you a comprehensive education on all the aspects of this field, some students prefer to choose an area of study to focus their studies further. For example, someone with a solid analytical background may thrive in supply chain analytics or operations research. At the same time, a student passionate about sustainability may find their niche in sustainable supply chain management. Ultimately, the best specialization choice will depend on your unique skills, interests, and the specific industry or role you intend to pursue after graduation.
Research schools and programs
Beginning your research can feel intimidating. Start by identifying schools and programs that align with your intended specialization to narrow your search quickly. Reviewing each program’s curriculum, faculty expertise, industry partnerships, and alums outcomes is essential. Also, consider engaging with current students, alums, and industry professionals through online forums or networking events to gain additional insight and firsthand perspectives.
Prepare for tests and applications
A systematic approach can help you best prepare for necessary tests and applications.
First, ensure you thoroughly understand the requirements and prerequisites of the program, including any standardized tests like the GMAT or GRE. Some programs may state minimum score requirements on their website, so watch for that.
Preparing for these exams by utilizing study materials, taking practice tests, and seeking guidance from test prep resources can significantly improve your score.
Additionally, investing your time in crafting a compelling application that highlights your academic achievements, work experience, leadership skills, and motivations for pursuing an MBA is crucial. Seek feedback from mentors, professors, or admissions counselors to further refine your application and increase your chances of acceptance.
Select your program
To select your program, consider factors such as the program’s curriculum, specialization options, and faculty expertise. These elements directly influence the quality of your education, so it’s vital to contemplate them.
Be sure to consider each program’s cost, including the cost per credit and the number of credits required to graduate. You should also weigh financial aid opportunities to understand the resources available to help alleviate the financial burden.
Lastly, it is helpful to reach out to current students or alums, attend virtual information sessions or open houses, and compare the pros and cons of each program, which can lend additional insight and firsthand perspective to your decision-making process.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
While tuition and associated expenses can seem costly, many financial aid resources are available to help you finance your degree without incurring much debt, if any.
Research scholarships and grants specific to business or supply chain management to uncover opportunities to offset tuition costs. Additionally, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal student loans and work-study programs.
Students balancing their studies with their careers should investigate employer tuition reimbursement programs or seek employer sponsorship if they plan to continue working while pursuing their degree.
The Top 50 Accredited Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Degree Programs
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How We Rank Schools
This list only includes Master of Business Administration programs that offer a concentration in supply chain management. The programs featured are offered in online and blended formats.
The majority of the programs on this list are accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The ACBSP accredits business programs that demonstrate teaching excellence and quality learning outcomes and helps assure students that they’ll gain the skills they need from their business education. Other programs on the list are regionally accredited through organizations such as the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
What Can You Expect From an Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Degree Program?
Throughout your online MBA in supply chain management program, you can expect to delve into the various aspects of the field, including procurement, logistics, operations, and strategy. Students gain a significant understanding of global supply chain networks, emerging technologies, sustainability, risk management, and strategic decision-making.
Most full-time students complete degree requirements in 18 to 24 months. However, some programs may offer extended timelines for part-time students and accelerated options for students with more time to devote to their studies.
Unlike traditional on-campus programs, online MBA students can engage in coursework and interact with professors and classmates remotely, accessing the program’s materials and resources through a dedicated online learning platform. This flexibility caters to the needs of working professionals who wish to pursue an advanced degree while maintaining their careers and personal lives.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online MBA in supply chain management program
- Global Supply Chain Management: A standard course for most MBA programs, this class explores international trade, cross-border logistics, global sourcing, cultural considerations, and geopolitical factors that impact global supply chain operations. Upon completion, students have the knowledge and skills to manage supply chains across different countries and regions, including strategies for optimizing global supply chain networks and mitigating risks in a global business environment.
- Logistics, Transportation, and Warehouse Management: A critical component of supply chain management, this course explores the fundamental principles of logistics and transportation within the supply chain. Students will learn about inventory management, warehousing, distribution, freight management, and transportation modes. They will also gain insight into optimizing logistics operations, managing global logistics networks, and leveraging technology for efficient transportation management.
- Strategic Procurement and Materials Management: Frequently a core course in most programs, this class delves into the strategic role of sourcing and procurement in supply chain management. Students gain expertise in supplier selection, negotiation strategies, contract management, and supplier relationship management. They will develop the skills to identify cost-saving opportunities, mitigate risks, and implement sustainable procurement practices to enhance overall supply chain performance.
- Supply Chain Analytics: This course combines two critical components of supply chain decision-making, data analytics, and technology, to explore its application and analyze efficiency. Students will learn to collect, analyze, and interpret supply chain data to drive operational improvements and make informed decisions. They will also gain knowledge of forecasting techniques, demand planning, and inventory optimization using statistical models and software tools.
- Sustainable Supply Chain Management: A popular elective, this course examines the importance of sustainability in supply chain operations. Students will become proficient in sustainable sourcing practices, environmental considerations, social responsibility, and ethical supply chain management. They will explore strategies for integrating sustainability into supply chain processes and ensuring long-term environmental and social impacts are considered throughout the lifecycle.
What Can You Do With an Online MBA in Supply Chain Management?
Career outlook
An online MBA in supply chain management prepares you for an industry with a positive career outlook, depending on your position. Many jobs that require this skill set are poised for growth. Logisticians, for example, earn a median pay of $77,030 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This field is expected to grow by 28 percent in the next decade, translating into 54,100 new individuals needed to fill open jobs. Meanwhile, transportation, storage, and distribution managers earn a median pay of $98,560 and can earn as much as $169,070 or higher. Those looking for positions as purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents should know that the field is slightly contracting, with six percent fewer individuals required by 2031.
Career paths
With an understanding of the complexities of supply chain management, there are a range of career paths from which you may choose. An MBA degree makes you eligible for higher-level managerial and leadership positions. Supply chain professionals work in various industries, including healthcare, retail, and transportation. Supply chain professionals also have numerous roles in government and the military forces. An advanced degree also prepares you for teaching opportunities at the post-secondary level.
Here are a few common career paths you may choose with an online MBA in supply chain management:
- Logistics Manager — manages the transportation, distribution, and warehousing of goods
- Procurement Manager — sources and purchases goods for an organization or business
- Operations manager — oversees the day-to-day operations of the supply chain
- Inventory Control Manager — manages inventory levels for a business, ensuring adequate stock at minimal carrying costs
- Supplier Relationship Manager — builds strong relationships with suppliers and vendors
- Operations Analyst — analyzes supply chain data; develops recommendations to improve processes
Logistician
Earning Potential: $45,160-$122,390
Education Required: bachelor’s degree in business; MBA in supply chain management
Logisticians analyze and coordinate a company’s supply chain throughout the product’s life cycle. They oversee everything from the design of a product to its final disposal, directing the allocation of materials and supplies. They work closely with many other stakeholders, including suppliers, clients, leadership staff, and more. They have an excellent understanding of client needs and how to meet them efficiently and cost-effectively. They may troubleshoot and suggest solutions to problems or slowdowns in the supply chain and work to improve the cost structure in procuring and transporting goods. They must also be tech-savvy to work with the software systems used to manage supply chains.
Purchasing Manager
Earning Potential: $38,430-$111,200
Education Required: bachelor’s degree in business or management; MBA in supply chain management
Purchasing managers oversee the buyers and purchasing agents who buy products and services for an organization. They work closely with suppliers and vendors, evaluating the quality of products. They are well-versed in contract negotiations and strive to achieve the best financial deals for their business. They need to analyze financial proposals and reports and communicate clearly with their business’s leadership team on the status of all products in the pipeline. They frequently attend meetings, trade shows, and conferences and are skilled at networking with potential stakeholders. They may hire and train new staff and coordinate the activities of employees reporting to them.
Management Analyst
Earning Potential: $50,190-$163,760
Education Required: bachelor’s degree in business or management; MBA in supply chain management or organizational management
Management analysts or consultants look carefully at an organization or business to determine how it can efficiently improve. Although not all management analysts work directly with the supply chain, they need a good understanding of how a company’s supply chain is managed and its role in the business. Management analysts may be employed in healthcare, telecommunications, or other industries. Many of them work as independent consultants on a contractual basis. Their work may involve interviewing stakeholders, analyzing financial data, reviewing a company’s IT systems, and more. They then recommend improvements to senior leadership to help the company improve its processes and procedures.
Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online MBA in supply chain management degree program?
Admissions requirements vary by institution but typically include submitting an online application, official transcripts, a resume, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Some programs may have specific requirements, like GMAT or GRE scores, while others may have waivers based on work experience or previous academic achievements. Additionally, many MBA programs prefer applicants with relevant professional experience in supply chain management or a related field, although the number of years required is unique to each program.
Speaking with an admissions counselor from the programs you’re interested in can give you accurate and up-to-date information on the specific requirements and recommendations for a successful application.
How much does an online MBA in supply chain management degree cost?
Tuition costs for these programs can vary significantly by institution, with prices on the more affordable end of the spectrum as low as $406 per credit hour at Governors State University and topping out at $1,683 per credit hour at Syracuse University Online. On average, these programs cost $12,000 at public universities and $27,000 at private institutions, making earning your MBA on any budget possible.
However, there’s more to consider than tuition price. It’s also crucial to factor in additional costs like textbooks, course materials, and technology requirements. While these costs can add up, many students find that attending an online program offers some cost savings compared to in-person programs, as they can avoid expenses like commuting, relocation, and housing.
How long does it take to earn an online MBA in supply chain management degree?
Students studying full-time can finish their degree in as little as 18 months. Still, many online MBA programs are geared toward working professionals who must study part-time, extending the projected timeline to three years or longer. Some part-time programs allow students to take up to five years to complete degree requirements, giving learners the ultimate flexibility to study at their own pace.
Is an online MBA in supply chain management worth it?
Supply chains play a critical role in today’s global economy, and businesses increasingly recognize the importance of managing the supply chain efficiently. Professionals with an MBA in supply chain management can play a vital role in helping to ensure the smooth operation of a business’s most crucial systems.
An online MBA provides a competitive advantage that sets you apart as a job candidate. Employers value the advanced knowledge and problem-solving skills you bring to the job because of your training. Your degree will give you practical insights into industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies.
Many positions available to you with your MBA in supply chain management are well-compensated. According to Salary.com, supply chain directors earn a median salary of $182,687, for example. You are likely to earn more than an applicant with only a bachelor’s degree — and you will be more likely to be considered for management positions.
Earning your degree online is a solid choice if you want a flexible and convenient program. Employers are not likely to differentiate between a degree offered online and an on-campus one, so there is no drawback to earning your degree digitally.