Best Online Supply Chain Management Degree Programs of 2023
Ensuring the efficient, cost-effective flow of goods from manufacturer to customer is a complex process that demands organization, creativity, and communication. With a degree in supply chain management, you can play a key role in this important process.
Why This Matters
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OVER 8,000 NEW SCM JOBS EXPECTED BY 2028
Employment of logisticians and supply chain managers will continue to grow at a steady pace over the next decade, driven by the need for transportation of goods around the world in the ever-growing global economy.
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WORK IN ONE OF 14 DIFFERENT AREAS OF SCM
Supply chain management (SCM) is a broad field encompassing many critical roles in organizing and transporting goods, including logistics, purchasing, quality assurance, inventory control, and more.
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INCREASE YOUR SALARY BY $24K WITH AN MBA
The average annual salary for a supply chain management employee with a bachelor’s degree is $59,000, according to Payscale.com. Someone with an MBA can expect to earn an average of $83,000 per year, comparatively.
Our Research
Students can earn a variety of degrees in supply chain management (SCM), including Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Arts (BA), Master of Science (MS), and Master of Business Administration (MBA). The exact type of degree you seek will depend on your current level of education and your intended career path.
This list includes degrees delivered in different formats, including online, on-campus, and hybrid programs, to provide options for all types of lifestyles and learning preferences.
As an assurance of quality, we only reviewed programs offered at regionally accredited schools. Many also have programmatic accreditation through organizations like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
All programs were evaluated on the basis of their reputation, course strength, cost, faculty, and flexibility. Then, we assigned each program an Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
- 66 hours to write this article
- 136 universities and colleges we assessed
- 442 education programs we compared
The Top 39 Supply Chain Management Degree Programs
What You Should Know About This Degree
A bachelor’s degree is typically considered the minimum level of entry into the SCM field, although some jobs are available to those with an associate’s degree and professional experience.
At the graduate level, individuals can choose between a master’s degree or a graduate certificate. A full master’s degree takes longer and costs more to complete than a graduate certificate, but the earning potential and job opportunities may increase more with a master’s. MBAs and MS degrees also have their differences. An MS degree covers specific SCM skills at the foundational and advanced levels, while an MBA focuses on general business principles and practices, with specific coursework in SCM. Consider your career goals and timeline when selecting which degree you want to pursue.
While the overall job outlook for SCM is good, some jobs within the field are expected to decline due to automation and outsourcing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that jobs for buyers and purchasing agents will decline 7 percent by 2028. The job prospects will be best for those with degrees in SCM.
Organizations like the Association for Supply Chain Management and the International Society of Logistics offer credentials for SCM professionals, which can make you a more attractive job candidate. Earning credentials typically involves meeting education and experience requirements, passing examinations, and paying fees.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching Supply Chain Management programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? At the graduate level, many programs seek candidates with specific educational backgrounds or professional experience. Look at the qualifications for admission to ensure that you have the necessary coursework or experience to be considered for a program before applying.
- Are there in-person requirements for the program? Some online programs have in-person requirements for internships, residencies, or orientations. These requirements may include travel to campus or in-person attendance at an experiential learning site. Be sure to review a program’s plan of study carefully so that you are aware of any in-person requirements and can plan to accommodate them in your schedule and budget.
As you research programs, also take a look at their admissions procedures and deadlines. You will want to start gathering your application materials so that you can submit them well ahead of due dates.
Now is also the time to start thinking about paying for your degree. Visit the school’s financial aid page, or talk to a financial aid counselor about scholarships, assistantships, loans, and other funding sources. If you are currently employed, find out if your employer offers tuition assistance benefits.