Best Supply Chain Management Degree Programs of 2023
Supply chain managers streamline the flow of goods and services through each stage of the production cycle. Prepare for a leadership role in logistics with a degree in supply chain management.
Why This Matters
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LOGISTICIANS EARN $74,750 PER YEAR
The median annual wage for skilled workers who help analyze and coordinate the supply chain for organizations and businesses is $34,940 more than the median annual wage for all other occupations.
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DEMAND FOR SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGERS IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE BY 4%
The need for logisticians will continue over the next decade as companies seek to improve quality control, reduce costs, and mitigate risk.
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8,200 MORE LOGISTICIANS ARE NEEDED BY 2029
It’s estimated there will be 196,400 logisticians in the United States by the end of this decade to help businesses solve complex logistical challenges.
Our Research
This research covers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs in supply chain management. Graduates are prepared to work as logistics managers, configuration analysts, and business operation specialists. Degrees offered include Associate of Arts in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management, Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain and Operations Management, and Master of Science in Management.
Higher education programs that prepare students for the global workforce receive accreditation at the national and regional levels. The schools on this list are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), and New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
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.
- 53 hours to write this article
- 160 universities and colleges we assessed
- 366 education programs we compared
The Top 50 Supply Chain Management Degree Programs
What You Should Know About This Degree
When choosing a career path in logistics, consider which degree program is right for you. Associate programs teach the foundations of supply chain management and prepare students for further education in the field. While some entry-level positions are available to those who hold an associate’s degree, most management roles require a bachelor’s degree in supply management. Graduate degree programs prepare students for senior-level logistics roles in global supply chain management and risk mitigation. You may also consider pursuing a degree in industrial engineering, a field of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) that focuses on improving efficiency and production in manufacturing. Industrial engineering programs teach students how to create new solutions in the area of logistics, in addition to the organizational skills necessary for supply chain management. Determine what jobs you would like to have post-graduation to determine which major is right for you.
Certifications can help graduates stand out in the increasingly competitive field of supply chain management. Credentials validate your skills and expertise for potential employers. Consider obtaining certifications such as APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), APICS Supply Chain Operations Reference – Professional (SCOR-P), APICS Certified Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD), and ISM Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM).
What’s Next?
Ask yourself these questions when researching degree programs in supply chain management:
- Am I eligible for this program? Supply chain management programs accept students from all educational backgrounds. Associate and bachelor’s degree programs require students to hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Some bachelor’s programs will also require a minimum GPA and standardized test score. Graduate and doctorate programs require prospective students to hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? Associate degrees take two years of full-time study to complete. Most bachelor’s programs require four years of full-time study. Graduate and doctorate programs take one to two years to complete.
Each program has entry requirements and application deadlines. Research the admissions criteria for the program you’d like to attend by visiting the school’s website or contacting the program directly.
Consider how you’ll cover the cost of your education. There are scholarships, grants, and work-study programs to help with tuition fees. You might also be eligible for federal student aid. Be sure to turn in all documentation for funding opportunities on time.