Best Online Supply Chain Management Programs
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Day-to-day commerce requires the seamless movement of goods and materials from one point to another. Companies rely on highly skilled business professionals who can oversee supply chains effectively and in a cost-efficient matter. Those interested in a supply chain management and logistics career often begin their training by earning a bachelor's in supply chain management or a related degree.
The following guide provides an overview of supply chain management programs, including admission requirements, common coursework, and potential career paths for these in-demand professionals.
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Students who earn bachelor's degrees in supply chain management qualify for high-paying positions integral for business success in a global economy. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), logisticians made a median salary of $76,270 in 2020. The BLS also projects 30% job growth for this profession from 2020-2030, which is much faster than the projected growth rate for all occupations in the U.S.
Transportation, storage, and distribution managers earned even higher wages in 2020. This group of professionals, which includes logistics managers, made a median annual salary of $96,390. Even during an economic downturn, businesses must maintain a steady flow of goods and supplies, and supply management careers may provide ample job security.
What Can I Expect From an Online Bachelor's in Supply Chain Management Program?
A bachelor's in supply chain management program trains logisticians to optimize efficiencies in delivering goods and materials from suppliers to consumers. Most programs require 120-126 credits. Schools often begin the program with general education courses in the humanities, sciences, and other disciplines. Programs also commonly require a business core and a specialization in supply chain management.
The business core ensures that aspiring managers develop skills in various facets of business operations, such as accounting, finance management, financial accounting, and managerial decision-making. Specialization courses develop learners' competencies in several supply chain management areas. The major-related course load varies among schools, with some devoting as many as 50 credits to examine crucial components of the supply chain management process, including logistics management, project management, sourcing and procurement, and inventory and warehouse management.
This degree prepares learners for entry-level careers. Students can also advance their skills by completing internships as part of their online bachelor's in supply chain and logistics program. Furthermore, enrollees can begin professional development and networking by joining organizations such as Sigma Beta Delta, which maintains chapters on many campuses.
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Common Bachelor's in Supply Chain Management Degree Courses
Operations Management
Students learn about running effective operations, including staff management, facilities management, and strategic decision-making. As part of the curriculum, students may learn how to apply these skills to purchase raw materials, maintain inventories, and oversee the production of goods for consumers.
Supply Chain Management
Faculty members introduce students to stages involved in the planning and management of a company's supply chain. They learn about asset management, legal issues in procurement, best practices for managing procurement, choosing suppliers and managing these relationships, and using software prevalent in the industry.
Logistics Management
Students explore management functions and their relationships with other aspects of business operations. Participants acquire training related to managing logistics through different stages, including the movement of supplies, products in progress, and finished goods.
Project Management
Students learn the important role that project management plays in companies across industries. Coursework examines the tools and best practices used for initiating and controlling projects, along with production planning, inventory control, logistics, quality management, and other topics.
Simulation, Modeling, and Optimization
Enrollees delve into modeling and simulation applications to identify and address issues during logistics planning. Coursework explores modeling tools, such as linear and integer programming, regression, and heuristic methods.
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Bachelor's in Supply Chain Management Program?
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High School Diploma or GED Certificate
To gain entry into a bachelor's in supply chain management program, students must hold a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Learners will need to submit transcripts as part of the application process.
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SAT or ACT
The SAT and ACT exams help students demonstrate their breadth of knowledge and readiness for college-level studies. The SAT covers language, reading, and math, while the ACT explores math, reading, English, and science reasoning.
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ACCUPLACER
Many students begin their college-level education by attending junior college. The College Board developed the ACCUPLACER exam as an assessment tool for community and technical colleges. This exam covers reading, writing, and math. Students may also complete the exam's optional WritePlacer essay to demonstrate their level of writing proficiency.
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Minimum GPA
College application committees usually use an applicant's GPA as part of the assessment process. The acceptable minimum GPA varies by school and department. In general, a high school graduate seeking admission into a bachelor's in supply chain management should possess a minimum 2.0-2.5 high school GPA.
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Transfer Credits
Some schools offer degree completion programs for individuals who already have some college experience. In these programs, students usually transfer in 15-90 credits. Other programs may require an associate degree for admission. Schools typically require a minimum 2.0-2.5 GPA on transfer credits.
What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor's in Supply Chain Management Degree?
Once students complete a bachelor's degree in supply chain management or logistics, they can qualify for entry-level careers in purchasing, operations management, storage and distribution, and related domains. Some graduates may assume roles as assistant operations managers, logistics managers, and logisticians right out of college, depending on their level of experience.
Students in supply chain management programs can often begin building their competencies and experience by completing internships. Many schools offer internships as part of the bachelor's in supply chain management curriculum, with online students completing this requirement at a company in their local community. Learners can also pursue a graduate-level education to acquire more advanced skills to prepare for advanced managerial positions.
Students can earn professional certification to further demonstrate their value to employees. Often, credits from bachelor's in supply chain and logistics programs count toward certification. For example, schools may help prepare students to earn the Institute for Supply Management's certified professional in supply management and certified professional in supplier diversity credentials.
Additionally, the Association for Supply Chain Management's certified supply chain professional credential, which is valued by many employers, requires a bachelor's in supply chain and logistics management and at least two years of experience.
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Best Accredited Online Bachelor's in Supply Chain Management Programs
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Baker College
Owosso, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes and Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $425
Out of State | $425
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | International Accreditation Council for Business Education
Baker's online bachelor's in supply chain management prepares graduates to serve as project managers, demand planners, or transportation specialists. Students in this four-year degree can learn on a flexible schedule or online in real-time.
The curriculum comprises 36 credits in the major, 30 in general education, and 54 in business courses. Students also undertake two 120-hour work experiences. Applicants should send copies of their transcripts or GED scores. Baker does not require ACT or SAT scores for admission.
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $228
Out of State | $345
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
A public university in Miami, FIU offers an online bachelor's in supply chain management that prepares students to handle international business problems. Students take a collection of business, professional development, and supply chain courses.
FIU coursework includes export marketing, logistics strategy, and global logistics. FIU pairs each online student with a success coach. First-year and transfer applicants with fewer than 60 credits must submit a high school transcript and ACT or SAT scores.
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $395
Out of State | $395
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs
A Catholic institution in Florida, Saint Leo offers an online bachelor's in supply chain management to prepare ethical business leaders. In addition to core business classes, students take 30 credits of logistics courses.
Saint Leo's coursework includes transportation and distribution management; quality improvement and management; and procurement, purchasing, and vendor management. Students may also present a paper at a conference, join a professional association, or undertake an internship. Applicants must submit proof of a high school diploma or a GED certificate.
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $627
Out of State | $627
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs
Students can complete SNHU's online master of business administration in supply chain management in about one year. The school requires seven business courses, along with three courses in supply chain management.
Coursework includes strategic opportunity management and quantitative analysis for decision-making. Enrollees without a supply chain background can take two additional preparation courses. Applicants need an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or better for admission. SNHU does not require GRE or GMAT scores.
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $595
Out of State | $595
Credits to Graduate
124
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
A public institution in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Temple provides an online bachelor's in supply chain management to help students learn to control the flow of goods and services. Temple's program includes a distinctive focus on sustainability in supply chain management.
Students enroll in global entrepreneurship, inventory and warehouse management, principles of supply chain management, and sourcing and procurement. Courses last for six, seven, or 15 weeks. Each course includes a weekly live meeting. First-year applicants should submit GED scores or high school transcripts.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $308
Out of State | $353
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Located in Macomb, Illinois, WIU offers a bachelor of business in supply chain management to help students build relevant industry skills. Students may add on an MBA, earning two degrees in five years.
WIU's online bachelor's in supply chain management comprises 33 credits in general business, along with credits in supply chain management. Students take transportation management, global supply chain management, and an internship. First-year applicants need a 2.75 high school GPA for standard admission.
Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $430
Out of State | $430
Credits to Graduate
127
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | Yes
Program Accreditation | International Accreditation Council for Business Education
Aspiring logistics and transportation managers can pursue an online bachelor's in supply chain management at Bellevue, a private school in Nebraska.
Students take one class at a time as part of a cohort. Courses include supply chain fundamentals, decision making in a global environment, and global logistics and transportation.
Applicants must have completed high school, homeschool, or the GED test and hold an associate degree or 60 transferable credits. Military applicants may receive college credit for their experience.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
Daytona Beach, FL - 4 years
- Online
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $447
Out of State | $447
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
A private institution in Daytona Beach, Florida, Embry-Riddle offers an online bachelor's in supply chain management. This degree prepares graduates to pursue a master's program or professional certification, such as the certified professional in supply management.
Students take courses that include transportation principles, advanced professional logistics, and principles of procurement management. Embry-Riddle offers both online and video-teleconferencing classes. Applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED certificate, and the school recommends submitting SAT or ACT scores.
Johnson & Wales University-Online
Providence, RI - 4 years
- Online
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $495
Out of State | $495
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Johnson & Wales offers an online bachelor of science in business administration in operations and supply chain management. Courses include managerial technology, enterprise risk management, and contemporary issues in operations and supply chain management strategy. Most courses last eight weeks.
Students may pursue a minor in a field, such as human resources. Applicants need at least two years of work experience after high school, along with a resume and a high school diploma.
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $364
Out of State | $364
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | Yes
Program Accreditation | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business; Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
A public institution in Flagstaff, Arizona, NAU offers both online and competence-based academic programs, including a bachelor's in supply chain management. This business-focused degree requires courses in business, supply chain management, liberal studies, diversity, writing, and a capstone.
Supply chain management courses include global logistics and supply chain management and green logistics and supply chain management. Students work on a traditional semester schedule. Applicants should submit all transcripts and a deposit before May 1 for fall admission.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor's in Supply Chain Management Programs
What degree Is needed for supply chain management careers?
A bachelor's in supply chain management, bachelor's in logistics, or bachelor's in supply chain and logistics qualifies learners for careers in supply chain management. Many schools offer business programs with a concentration in supply management, thereby providing learners with a well-rounded business education and expertise in the specialization.
How much do supply chain majors make?
According to the BLS, logisticians had a median salary of $76,270 in 2020. Transportation, storage, and distribution manager jobs — including logistics managers — earned a median annual wage of $96,390.
How long does it take to get a bachelor's in supply chain management?
This time frame depends on several factors. Full-time enrollees can typically complete a 120-credit degree in four years. Degree completion programs require transfer credits but allow learners to complete a bachelor's in supply chain management in as little as 24 months. Students who enroll on a part-time basis to juggle competing obligations will require more time.
Does supply chain management pay well?
Jobs in this sector do pay well, although experience plays a significant role on a worker's earnings. Other major factors that affect pay include the employer and the location.
Is supply chain management a desk job?
Supply chain managers can expect to work regular hours in a fast-paced office environment. The BLS notes that some logisticians routinely travel to manufacturing plants, distribution centers, and other locations to ensure a high-quality supply chain and that operations stay on schedule.
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