Best Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Programs of 2023
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If you have the chops to develop and lead better processes to move and supply goods, consider a career as a supply chain manager. Roughly 150,700 supply chain managers work in this country as of 2021. An MBA in supply chain management can prepare you for a career as a supply chain manager, but you can also enjoy career versatility.
Earning an MBA in supply chain management can give you the knowledge and skills to pursue in-demand roles, such as industrial production manager, logistician, or transportation, storage, and distribution manager. The Bureau of Labor (BLS) projects employment for logisticians to grow by 28% between 2021 and 2031. In 2021, these proefessionals earned a median annual salary of $77,030, over $30,000 more than the median salary across all occupations.
Are you on the fence about earning an MBA? Check out our ranking of the best online MBA in supply chain management programs.
Still unsure about your MBA college choice? Check out our overall Best Online MBA Programs.
Featured Supply Chain Management Programs for You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
2023 Best Online Supply Chain MBA Programs
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Best Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Programs
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University of Maryland - College ParkLocation
College Park, MD
UMD offers a 100% online MBA in supply chain management. Designed for working business professionals, this program challenges students to hone their leadership skills while developing a robust analytical toolkit. MBA coursework blends live Zoom classes with asynchronous multimedia and collaborative online work.
Supply chain management coursework focuses on risk mitigation and efficiency while also introducing learners to new technologies. Graduates of this program have access to resources like career services, along with a network of roughly 66,000 alumni.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Program Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Cost-per-credit: $1,644
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 54 credit hours
- Program Length: 24 months
- Format: Online
- School Status: Public
University of Maryland, College Park is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
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Pennsylvania State UniversityLocation
University Park, PA
Recognized as offering some of the best online programs in the nation, Penn State World Campus is home to a flexible online MBA program. Business students can choose to pursue a nine-credit concentration in supply chain management. While most coursework can be completed entirely online, students must attend a three-day residency on campus towards the beginning of their program. This experience provides a formal introduction to both faculty and the distance learning methods used throughout the program.
In addition to core MBA coursework, such as classes in team performance and global strategic management, students round out their degree with supply chain courses covering topics like financial analysis, operations management, and demand fulfillment.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Program Accreditation:
- Cost-per-credit: $1,236
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 48 credits
- Format: Online
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
- School Status: Public
Penn State World Campus is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
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The University of Texas at DallasLocation
Richardson, TX
UT Dallas offers a 100% online MBA in supply chain management. Designed to accommodate the busy schedule of working professionals, this flexible degree requires 32 credits of core coursework and 21 credits of electives. The supply chain management concentration includes classes like project execution, operations management, and statistics and data analysis.
Prospective students must complete an online application and submit a professional letter of recommendation, a personal essay, and a resume. While GRE/GMAT scores are typically required, experienced professionals may request a standardized test waiver.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Program Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 53 semester hours
- Format: Online
- School Status: Public
The University of Texas at Dallas is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
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Liberty UniversityLocation
Lynchburg, VA
Comprising 45 credits of coursework, the online MBA with a specialization in supply chain management and logistics at Liberty typically takes two years to complete. This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Supply chain management coursework focuses on topics like business research methods and logistics.
Applicants to this online MBA program must submit a complete application alongside official college transcripts. Liberty — based in Lynchburg, Virginia — does not require applicants to its MBA program to submit standardized test scores.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Program Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- Cost-per-credit: $565
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 45 credit hours
- Format: Online
- School Status: Private
Liberty University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
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University of DallasLocation
Irving, TX
UT Dallas offers an MBA that is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Students can complete coursework online, on campus, or through a hybrid option. Learners complete a 30-credit MBA core as well as four specialized supply chain management classes covering topics such as global logistics, purchasing management, and supply chain analytics.
The program features a flexible, asynchronous delivery format, and students can complete coursework largely at their convenience. Participants can graduate in 2-3 years.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Program Accreditation: Accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Cost-per-credit: $1,250
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 30 credit hours
- Program Length: 1-2 years
- Format: Online or hybrid
- School Status: Private
University of Dallas is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
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University of La VerneLocation
La Verne, CA
Located about 30 miles east of Los Angeles, La Verne is home to an online professional MBA in supply chain management program. Students complete core classes that cover topics such as corporate finance, marketing management, and organizational behavior. Learners also take electives and supply chain management courses like project management and compliance issues in supply chains.
In addition to a completed application, prospective students must submit a resume, a personal statement, and two letters of recommendation. Depending on their GPA, applicants may also need to submit GRE or GMAT test scores.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost-per-credit: $910
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 33 semester hours
- Program Length: 1-3 years
- Format: Online
- School Status: Private
University of La Verne is accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission.
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University of Nebraska - LincolnLocation
Lincoln, NE
Offering both fully online and hybrid coursework, UNL is home to a flexible MBA in supply chain management program. Alongside traditional business coursework, students pursuing a supply chain management specialization learn about topics such as advanced enterprise systems, project management, and global supply chain management.
Interested students must submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement along with their application. Depending on their experience, applicants may also need to submit GRE or GMAT scores.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Program Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Cost-per-credit: $650
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 48 credits
- Format: Online or hybrid
- School Status: Public
University of Nebraska-Lincoln is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
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University of Wisconsin - WhitewaterLocation
Whitewater, WI
Through an approach that highlights global, ethical, and strategic leadership, UW-Whitewater's 36-credit online MBA program seeks to expand the expertise of working professionals while honing their leadership skills. Students selecting the supply chain management concentration focus on inventory control, facility layout, and quality management.
UW-Whitewater prefers applicants with military service, proven academic success, and/or professional experience in a business setting. Prospective students unable to satisfy any one of these criteria must submit GMAT scores.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Program Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Cost-per-credit: $652
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 45 credits
- Format: Online
- School Status: Public
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
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Bethel UniversityLocation
Saint Paul, MN
Located in St. Paul, Minnesota, Bethel plays home to an online MBA program designed for professionals looking to hone management skills and augment career opportunities. Bethel's supply chain management concentration offers learners end-to-end knowledge of the field and focuses on topics like organizational diagnostics, data analytics, and supply chain technology.
In addition to coursework, degree-seekers complete an integrative team capstone project. Students often complete this MBA program in 24 months.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Program Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- Cost-per-credit: $650
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 42 credits
- Program Length: 18-24 months
- Format: Online or hybrid
- School Status: Private
Bethel University is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
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Oregon State UniversityLocation
Corvallis, OR
Combining flexible online coursework with limited in-person requirements, OSU provides students with an MBA in supply chain and logistics management. Participants can graduate in 24 months. The online curriculum integrates core MBA classes with concentration coursework that covers supply chain analytics, global logistics management, and service operations.
Prospective students with an undergraduate degree in business may be eligible for admission into the school's accelerated MBA track. OSU's business programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Program Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Cost-per-credit: $868
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 45-60 credits
- Format: Online or hybrid
- School Status: Public
Oregon State University is accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
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Norwich UniversityLocation
Northfield, VT
Situated in central Vermont near the New Hampshire border, Norwich has a 200-year history of graduating future business leaders. Students complete Norwich's MBA in supply chain management almost entirely online, and participants can graduate in 18 months. Before graduation, MBA students must complete a one-week residency that serves as a culminating experience.
Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, this 36-credit program is broken into 11-week sections. Supply chain management coursework covers topics like logistics, technology management, and planning and operations.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Program Accreditation: Accreditation Council Business Schools and Programs
- Cost-per-credit: $808
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 36 credits
- Program Length: 18-24 months
- Format: Online
- School Status: Private
Norwich University is accredited by New England Commission on Higher Education.
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Ohio UniversityLocation
Athens, OH
OU offers a 100% online MBA program with a concentration in operations and supply chain management. Students tackle core MBA coursework covering topics such as descriptive analytics, strategic marketing, and managerial finance. Alongside core classes, students also complete three supply chain management courses to satisfy concentration requirements.
Prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and provide official transcripts showing a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants also need to submit a current resume, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Program Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Cost-per-credit: $1,028 for in-state students; $1,047 for out-of-state students
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 35 semester credit hours
- Program Length: 2 years
- Format: Online
- Instruction Style: Both
- School Status: Public
Ohio University is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
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University of North TexasLocation
Denton, TX
UNT offers a 36-credit online MBA program with a concentration in supply chain management. Administered through a flexible online format, students complete 24 credits of core coursework alongside 12 credits of supply chain management classes. Supply chain courses cover topics such as industrial distribution, strategic supply management, and operations management.
Interested students must demonstrate an academic background in areas like economics, accounting, and business law. Applicants must also submit three letters of recommendation, a professional resume, and a personal statement.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost-per-credit: $350
- Program Length: 18 months - 2 years
- Format: Online
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
- School Status: Public
University of North Texas is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
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Citadel Military College of South CarolinaLocation
Charleston, SC
The Citadel seeks to shape the next generation of business leaders by providing military service members and working professionals a convenient path towards an MBA. The school's 100% online MBA in supply chain management utilizes Blackboard as its main platform, and students must complete 36 credits. Core courses include accounting for executives, managing innovation, and strategic marketing.
In addition to core MBA requirements, degree-seekers take supply chain-focused electives that cover topics like resource acquisition, inventory placement, and logistics planning.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Program Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 36 credit hours
- Format: Online
- Instruction Style: Both
- School Status: Public
Citadel Military College of South Carolina is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
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Anderson UniversityLocation
Anderson, SC
Situated in northwest South Carolina, Anderson is home to an MBA program where students can complete coursework online, on campus, or through a combination of the two. Anderson's asynchronous learning format may appeal to working students. In addition to core MBA classes, students can complete a supply chain management concentration by taking three courses.
Prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 2.75 GPA. In addition to submitting three letters of recommendation, applicants must also demonstrate relevant work experience.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Program Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- Cost-per-credit: $525
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 36 credit hours
- Program Length: 12-24 months
- Format: Online or hybrid
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
- School Status: Private
Anderson University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
What Can I Expect From an Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Program?
Students pursuing an online MBA in supply chain management develop logistical, managerial, and critical thinking skills. Many programs offer a concentration in supply chain management but require that students also take general business administration and finance courses, which prepare students for diverse roles.
An online MBA program may offer you greater flexibility than attending classes on campus. However, before enrolling, consider the pros and cons of pursuing an online degree. Some MBA in supply chain management programs charge distance learners slightly higher tuition than those who attend classes on campus. However, many online MBAs cost the same or less than on-campus programs.
MBA in Supply Chain Management Courses
- Supply Chain Logistics: From origins to consumption, you'll learn about every aspect of supply chain management. This introductory course gives you a rundown of transportation, inventory, and warehousing. Learn about how to optimize logistics networks, reduce costs, boost labor, and improve customer satisfaction.
- Strategic Transportation Management: In a course on strategic transportation management, you'll gain a fundamental understanding of all modes of transportation — air, road, rail, pipeline, and sea — and what they mean for the economy on a global scale. Common lessons cover cost structures and rates that people use in transportation, risk management, and global transportation. You'll also learn about the latest supply chain technologies.
- Logistics Systems and Analytics: In this class, you'll learn how to use data analytical techniques to make managerial decisions. This course builds on your knowledge of logistics management and transportation strategy. You'll gain the skills for equipment and resource management and learn how to customize strategies for each business. The coursework teaches you how to reduce costs and boost supply chain performance.
- Global Logistics Management: This course covers the evolution of business theory and practices of global logistics management. You'll get a practical understanding of how to design efficient and effective business logistics. The lectures and reading assignments break down U.S. and global supply chain models.
- Management and Organizational Behavior: As a supply chain manager, you need to understand why business leaders make the decisions they do — and this course can teach you that. The course content also covers teamwork and leadership techniques and the effects of employee behavior.
Featured Supply Chain Management Programs for You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Can I Do With an MBA in Supply Chain Management Degree?
Today's supply chain management continues to evolve and be crucial to many businesses and organizations across the world. To compete in this in-demand field, you can benefit from an advanced degree. With an MBA in supply chain management, you can apply for senior positions that offer higher-than-average salaries.
According to Payscale, the average salary for professionals with an MBA in supply chain management was $93,000 as of July 2023. Directors of supply chain management are among the highest earners with this degree, making an average of $131,660 per year.
Earning an MBA in supply chain management can prepare you for careers in logistics, management, and purchasing. The BLS projects that the logistics profession will add 54,100 jobs between 2021 and 2031, a 28% increase. Management analysts are also in high demand, with a projected job growth rate of 11%.
Supply Chain Manager
Supply chain managers oversee all aspects of a supply chain, including the purchasing of raw materials, production of goods, and distribution of products to customers.
Average Annual Salary (July 2023): $86,630
Logistician
Logisticians analyze supply chains and coordinate the movement of goods from supplier to consumer. Many supply chain professionals work in the broader field of logistics.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $77,030
Management Analyst
Management analysts review an organization's operating systems to make them more efficient. Management analysts with an MBA in supply chain management might focus on inventory control or another facet of the supply chain.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $93,000
Purchasing Manager
Purchasing managers oversee buyers and purchasing agents who procure goods for organizations to use or resell. Purchasing managers also develop policies and procedures for securing goods.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $75,410
Demand Planner
Demand planners anticipate an organization's supply needs and ensure the organization stocks an adequate inventory of goods to meet customer demand.
Average Annual Salary (July 2023): $71,600
Supply Chain Management Not for You? Check Out These Related Careers.
Is an MBA in Supply Chain Management Worth It?
Although pursuing an MBA in supply chain management is a significant commitment, it may be worth the time, effort, and cost if it helps you advance in a career that is both profitable and fulfilling.
Supply chain professionals may want to earn their MBA to secure a pay raise or apply for senior industry roles. Earning an MBA can sometimes help project managers advance to supply chain management positions.
However, an MBA in supply chain management may not be the best choice for everyone. Some professionals may only need a basic understanding of how supply chains work to help them better understand their impact on their jobs and industry. In this case, earning a certificate in supply chain management may be sufficient.
Why Get an MBA in Supply Chain Management Instead of a Master's in Supply Chain Management?
Some schools offer master of science (MS) degrees in supply chain management, while others grant master of engineering (MEng) or master of applied science (MAS) degrees.
Earning an online MBA in supply chain management may be a good option for students who want to gain a broad understanding of business administration and finance while also developing expertise in managing supply chains. In contrast, an MS, MAS, or MEng in supply chain management may be a better option for those seeking training in data-driven management practices and data analysis.
You may be able to combine your MBA with another degree, such as an MS degree. Earning a dual degree can enhance your expertise and make you more competitive in the job market. Doing so may also save you time and tuition money, as credits earned in coursework could count toward both degrees.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.
Common Questions About MBA in Supply Chain Management Programs
Do supply chain majors make a lot of money?
According to O*NET, supply chain managers made a median wage of $98,560 as of 2022. For all occupations in the United States, the median annual wage stood at $45,760 in May 2021, per the BLS.
How long is an MBA in supply chain management?
As a full-time student, you should expect to spend at least two years completing an MBA in supply chain management. You'll complete anywhere from 36-45 credits. Also, business schools may offer accelerated programs that let you graduate in one year.
Is an MBA good for supply chain management?
Yes. An MBA gives you a broad fundamental understanding of business, which is needed for supply chain management. Common MBA courses include financial accounting, marketing, global strategic management, and data analysis for decision-making.
Which MBA is best for supply chain management?
The best MBA for you is the one that fits into your schedule and budget and offers coursework that will train you for your chosen career. Keep in mind that online programs offer convenience, but some schools may require on-campus residencies.
