Online Supply Chain Management Degree

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Online Supply Chain Management Degree

To meet demand, many online colleges offer degree programs in supply chain management (SCM). As a supply chain manager, one helps to make the flow of goods and services smooth and profitable. If you want to use your skills to help business succeed, it may be useful to have a degree.

A degree in this field may prep you with the skills to manage and oversee the flow of goods, products and information. And, help you do this within and among businesses – local, national and global. One may typically find online supply chain management degrees at all levels. Bachelor’s, master’s and PhD. At each level, you may study the skills and methods used to link many moving parts.

A bachelor’s in supply chain management is typically introductory. This means that many programs frame key terms, theories and practices. Apart from these basics, grads may build solid skills in data analysis and logistics.

In a master’s or MBA with a focus in logistics and SCM, classes usually go deeper. They tend to look at strategy and how to make managerial decisions. As such, grads may take away a keen sense of admin and how to run operations. A doctorate degree in SCM is the highest award. With this in mind, programs look at ways to craft policy and tactics for a whole company. As a result, grads may gain solid analytical skills and an understanding of the global markets.

When searching, you may want to look for accredited online colleges. These tend to take part in state and federal financial aid. Eligible students often use student aid to reduce the cost of higher education. There’s also the fact that accredited schools often allow the transfer of credit hours between them.

Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management

An online bachelor’s in supply chain management is an entry level degree. Many online colleges offer either a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS). And many may stack supply chain with logistics into one major. BAS programs are for students with an associate of science degree. As a result, they gear courses to advanced technical training. For example, you may receive assignments that you could practice in your workplace.

In contrast, a BS is for people who are new to studies in supply chain. In addition to SCM and logistics, they typically also cover general science topics, business and math. Many bachelor’s programs cover these topics in 120 credits. If you study full time, you may be able to graduate in 4 years or less, with transfer credits.

To apply for entry into an online BS – SCM program, you typicallyneed a high school diploma or its equal. And some schools likely want to see that you have an acceptable GPA. If this appeals to you, you could expect tuition to vary from one school to the next. With this in mind, DataUSA, lists the average cost of an in state public college as $7,023 for the 2017 academic year. But it is higher if you go out of state, as the average cost is $31,150.

Master’s Degree in Supply Chain Management

An online master’s in supply chain management is a graduate level degree. As such it often covers topics in more detail and one of them is usually leadership. This may make it of interest to people who want to step into a corporate role.

Many online schools offer either an MS or MBA with a focus in SC mgmt., logistics and operations. There are a few differences in these degrees, so you should assess your own goals. An MS tends to cover SC from all sides. From current trends to what you need to know in an everyday role. As a result, it is the more technical of the two degrees.

In contrast, an MBA offers a solid base in admin with a handful of supply chain classes. Thus, it tends to build core business and project manager skills while also addressing logistics. Many course plans may cover these topics in from 30 to 36 credits. So, expect to need at least one year to fulfill them unless you study part time.

To apply for entry into an online MS or MBA – SCM program, you typically need a bachelor’s degree. Some schools may set approved majors, like business. Beyond this, you may need to meet a certain GPA, submit GRE or GMAT scores, references and have prior work experience. But these standards do vary.

Another thing that varies is tuition. According to the NCES, the average cost of a grad degree  in 2016-2017 was $11,617 and that’s if you attend a public school.

PhD in Supply Chain Management

An online PhD in supply chain mgmt. is the highest award. As a research degree, it often appeals to people who want to teach or lead in policy analysis. Many PhD programs focus on admin or management. So, you might research these areas to then circle back to supply chain with new insights for your dissertation. That said, there is an option to the PhD if you prefer a practical degree. It is a DBA degree which stands for Doctor of Business Administration.

As opposed to the academic research PhD, a DBA is more hands on. This means classes may be geared to executives and leaders. Things like business strategy and ways to use data to drive decisions. As  a result, they may appeal to people in senior corporate jobs, Ones who may want to boost skills for global business and trade. Either way, Many doctoral degrees entail from 48 credits and up. To complete these credits typically tends to take at least 3 years if not more.

To apply for entry into a PhD or DBA program, you usually tend to need a master’s degree or MBA. Many schools typically set approved majors and look at your GPA too. They may ask for a CV and references that speak to your level of dedication and see if you are a fit. Now, not all programs are fully online. Some entail a few short visits to campus. And these visits may enable you to interact, network and learn in real time.

What could I do with an Online Supply Chain Management Degree?

Once you graduate, an SC mgmt. degree may be useful for jobs in many new fields. For many logistics jobs, you may need at least a bachelor’s. Apart from that degree, some roles call for an extra credential. This could be a certification, master’s degree or MBA. If you plan to teach or research, you may need to earn a PhD too.

1. Supply Chain Managers

A SC manager tends to play a hands on role with vendors, sales and manufacturing teams. As they know how to problem solve,  typically need to have analytical skills too. Some of the things they may figure out include key supply chain KPIs and suggest ways to make processes run better. Aside from these skills, most jobs likely entail a bachelor’s degree.

2. Cost Estimator 

As the job title suggests, a cost estimator does math. More to the point, these pros collect and assess data. They do this to figure out what it costs to make a product or provide a service. and their process typically looks at a few things. Like time, money, materials and labor. Apart from software and analytic skills, the role likely entails a bachelor’s degree.

3. Logistician 

As a logistician, your role is to assess and join the parts of a business’ As a logistician, your role is to typically assess and join the parts of a business’ supply chain. Your skills could make a company more efficient, and deliver value to the end customer. And the ability to problem solve is a staple to almost every industry. One in systems engineering, business or SC mgmt.

4. Industrial Productions Manager 

The role of an industrial production manager is to oversee daily operations. These activities relate to manufacturing and related plants. As such, they typically direct the activities that create a wide range of goods. Cars are one example. Paper towels another. Apart from admin skills, many plant managers typically have a bachelor’s degree, if not an MBA.

5. Operations Research Analyst 

An operations research analyst typically  uses strong math skills to help businesses make decisions. Much of their work is with big data, modeling and statistics. As they know how to turn data into useable info, it helps managers know how to make supply chain decisions. Apart from an ability to use advanced tech, many employers prefer candidates with a master’s or PhD.

6. Transportation, Storage and Distribution Managers 

A transport manager plans and oversees the movement of goods. Beyond this, they typically need to figure out things like storage and how to allot materials. And, must meet business policies, gov’t laws and other rules in the process. Apart from these skills, many jobs usually call for a high school diploma or bachelor’s degree.

7. Project Manager 

If you love to organize, either a project manager (PM) or coordinator role might be perfect. While the role of a PM varies, it tends to entail strong logistics skills. For one, to track costs, timelines, labor, materials and other project specific needs. And for another, to keep teams engaged and clients satisfied. Apart from these skills, many sectors look for workers with a bachelor’s degree and industry credential.

8. Purchasing Manager  

Buyers and purchasing managers typically buy and sell products and services for businesses to use or resell. As a result, they tend to be the ones to negotiate contracts. And, often have to check quality, price and speed of delivery. Besides knowing their way around financial reports, Many have a bachelor’s degree.

Is a Degree in Supply Chain Management worth it?

Supply chain expertise may provide useful skills and opportunity. Logistics jobs show promise of faster than average growth, depending on the sector. Per the BLS, if you have supply chain skills, the future may hold promise. One reason is that more companies need to move products around the globe. As such, they predict 4% more jobs for logistics workers by 2029. Notably, these jobs tend to yield median annual wages ($74,600 average) well above the norm ($38,640) for all other occupations.  

Cost estimators typically help to ensure a company makes a profit. These skills are very useful which means higher demand for their services. And demand may be highest for those who have skills in one of two areas. Building info modeling or computer aided design (CAD). In fact, per the BLS.gov there may be 4% more jobs by 2029. And many may be in the construction industry.

If you prefer to use your analytic skills in operations, according to BLS, the forecast is 25% more jobs for operations research analysts by 2029. They attribute this to the strong need to turn big data into valuable info. And that this may drive decisions in business, health care and beyond.  

Supply Chain Management Degree Jobs & Salary

Top States for Jobs as a Logistician

What classes could I take with an Online Supply Chain Management Degree? 

SCM classes typically study the networks that businesses use to get, produce and deliver goods. As you might guess, a supply chain begins with a supplier of raw materials. These raw materials go to a manufacturer who makes them into something useful (goods).

Once the goods are ready, they go to a wholesaler, or ‘middleman’. This process stores the finished products before a retailer buys them to sell to clients. Naturally, there are many steps to manage. Like operations, purchasing, inventory and transport.

Alongside, there are likely topics that touch on how to streamline these flows. And classes in finances that discuss ways to lower company costs. It is likely you may study many of these topics in an online supply management program. Yet each level of degree is likely to do this in a unique way. Below are some of the classes you may find at the bachelors, masters and PhD levels.

Bachelor’s Degree Courses 

A BS in supply chain entails at least 120 units of credit. Among the credits are ones for a major, any general education classes and any liberal arts college set topics. In general, core courses for your major start with an overview of both logistics and supply chain. Topics like transport, buying, selling and cost. At the same time, your program is likely to cover business courses. More to the point, areas like operations, statistics, finance and human resources. As you study these areas, you may build skills. Things like being able to work with others and communicate. All while growing a critical thinking mind set. Here are a few sample topics you might find in an undergrad study plan.

Graduate Degree Courses

An MS entails at least 30 units of credit (many go up to 36). Some of the staple coursework cover key aspects. Like global sourcing, production and logistics. And others may touch on real world ways to manage people, process, budget and networks. You may find another set of courses in business analytics. These tend to provide models for forecasting. So, as you study these areas, you may hone skills as a decision maker. Some business schools may also cover finance and accounting.

An online PhD course plan is both broad and deep. Broad because it covers the field from all sides. And deep because you tend to build expertise in an area like management. Alongside, you may take many research courses with faculty members as mentors. As the goal is to write and defend your own theory, many programs walk you through these steps. Things like how to collect data, analyze and present it in clear terms.

As mentioned, online learning for DBA programs differ. They often focus on how to apply data to decisions. As opposed to coming up with the data like in a PhD. This means you may look at management issues. And, how to solve them with proven tactics and tools. Here are a few sample topics you might find in an online graduate degree in supply chain mgmt. study plan.

Popular Areas In Supply Chain Management

Many online schools offer focal areas that you may use to delve deeper into your interests.

1. Government Contracting and Acquisitions

This area may show you how to assess contractors’ proposals and contracts. To understand this, you may study ways to manage overhead and cost analysis. In other classes, you may study political, legal and regulatory issues.

2. Reverse Logistics Management

You may learn how reverse logistics is able to track and trace goods as returns, recalls, recycling and as waste. Plus, be able to gage the financial impact of reverse logistics on a business. 

3. Transportation and Logistics Management 

Here, you may go deeper into transportation systems’ political, regulatory and legal issues. These classes may help you apply systems analysis to transport, logistics and SC mgmt. 

4. Global Supply Chain Management

Study ways of managing supply chains in a global context. Topics may include global logistics and key trading blocs and regions. You may also learn about offshoring, security and risk, sustainability, market entry and related issues.

How long does it take to earn a Supply Chain Management Degree online?

It may take four years to earn a bachelor’s in supply management online. Although if you have an associate degree or military credits, you may save time. After you graduate, you may need one to two years to earn a master’s or MBA. And, another 2 to 8 years for a PhD. It all depends on your course load and if you study full or part time.

Scholarships For Supply Chain Management Majors

Many eligible students receive scholarships to make their college degree more affordable. Look for this type of financial aid from colleges and other providers.

North American Van Lines 2020 Logistics Scholarship Competition

For undergrad students enrolled or enrolling in an accredited college in the U.S. Applicants may be going for a degree in logistics, supply chain, or related area. To apply, one of the things you submit is a brief essay (400 to 800 words). It must share why you choose this field as your major. There will be three winners, each of $1,000.

Deadline: December 15, 2020

CSX Scholarship

For U.S. high school seniors who are members of Future Farmers of America and residents of FL, GA, IL, KY, MD, NY, OH, SC, TN, and WV. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or higher and major in select areas of agriculture. Or, fields related to railroad, trucking or logistics.

Deadline: January 15, 2021

Myra L. Frank Memorial Scholarship

From the Women’s Transportation Seminar – Los Angeles Chapter. This program is for U.S. female grad students enrolled (or residents of ) LA County. Applicants must have a 3.5 GPA or higher. And, must be a major of a transportation related field. Like engineering, planning, finance or logistics. Or in the field of environmental planning and science. There will be two awards both non renewable in amounts of $10,000 and $7,500.

Deadline: July 19, 2021

Ava Doner Memorial Scholarship

Also from WTS – LA Chapter. This scholarship is for U.S. and international female undergrads. Applicants must be residents of LA County or enrolled in a school in the area. It is also necessary to have a 3.0 GPA or higher in a transportation related major. There will be two awards both non renewable in amounts of $10,000 and $7,500.

Deadline: July 17, 2021

Alice Glaisyer Warfield Scholarship

A named award from Logistics & Transportation Association of North America. For undergrad and graduate students. Applicants must attend an accredited U.S. college or vocational school. One also needs at least a 3.0 GPA. Acceptable majors are transportation, logistics, traffic management or ones close to them. One selectee receives $1,500. 

Deadline: July 25, 2021

15 Online Supply Chain Management Degrees

Below is a curated list of 15 online colleges with supply chain management degrees at all levels. We have ranked our top 15 schools based on the number of graduates from the program in 2019. Our process looks at 2019 data from the NCES. And, it may help you narrow your search down.

1. Athens State University 
2. Florida State University 
3. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University 
4. Southern New Hampshire University   
5. Northern Arizona University 
6. Rutgers University  
7. Ohio University    
8. Georgia College     
9. Portland State University 
10. Wright State University    
11. Walden University     
12. Liberty University 
13. Capella University
14. Colorado Technical University
15. University of Maryland Global Campus 

FIND AN ONLINE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT DEGREE

Here is a more detailed look at the supply chain management degrees these online colleges offer.  

*Unemployment Earnings.  Sources for school stats and data include the NCES and IPEDS.