Best Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Programs

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.

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.

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%.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.