Best Online Supply Chain Management Programs

When a factory shuts down, or weather delays transportation, supply chain managers find a solution. In our global economy, companies rely on supply chain management to procure materials, manage inventory, and transport products.

Logisticians, transportation managers, and supply chain analysts keep those companies running. Supply chain managers solve complex, global puzzles. And they use cutting-edge tools like distribution software and forecasting algorithms.

With a bachelor’s degree, you’ll qualify for high-paying, in-demand supply chain management jobs. If that sounds like the kind of career you want, an online bachelor’s in supply chain management might be the best fit. Explore this page and check out the top-ranked online bachelor’s in supply chain management programs to determine whether this path is the right choice for you.

With a bachelor’s degree, you’ll qualify for entry-level supply chain management jobs. Common titles include logistics analyst, transportation specialist, purchasing agent, and sourcing specialist.

Many industries hire supply chain management specialists. For example, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and transportation companies all rely on logistics experts.

After earning a bachelor’s degree, you can also consider a graduate degree in supply chain management. Some management roles prefer candidates with a master’s degree. An MBA in supply chain management provides advanced logistics knowledge plus leadership skills.

A supply chain management degree can launch your career. But what are the benefits of majoring in supply chain management?

In addition to career-focused training, you’ll also strengthen your analytical skills and study core business concepts. Attention to detail can help you succeed in this field.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

The median supply chain management salary ranged from $76,050-$91,330 per year in May 2022, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. That’s much more than the median annual wage of $46,310 for all occupations.

Keep in mind that supply chain manager salary data depends on your location and the industry. Work experience or a graduate degree can also lead to higher salaries.

Earning a supply chain management degree can pay off. With multiple in-demand, high-paying career paths, supply chain management can provide you with a strong return on investment.

But is it the right major for you? Supply chain management might be the right choice if you’re interested in business, have strong analytical skills, and bring attention to detail to your work. Be sure to research affordable online programs to lower your degree cost.

*Additional certification or licensure may be required

With a supply chain management degree, you can pursue many logistics careers. The field needs analysts and specialists in procurement, manufacturing, transportation, and other logistics areas.

Operations research analysts and logisticians are some of the fastest-growing jobs, with the BLS projecting logistician jobs to grow by 19% from 2023-2033. And the BLS reports that transportation, storage, and distribution managers make the highest median salary of $99,200 as of May 2023.

You can expect to pay about $9,000 per year in tuition at a public college or nearly $33,000 per year at a private institution. The total cost of a bachelor’s degree varies depending on the program.

Consider online programs with lower tuition rates or accelerated programs to save money. It’s also a good idea to research financial aid opportunities.

You can complete a 120-credit degree in four years if you study full time. If you need to enroll on a part-time basis to balance work or family obligations, you’ll need longer to finish the degree.

Degree-completion programs require transfer credits but allow you to complete a bachelor’s in supply chain management in as little as 24 months. You can also look into accelerated programs, which typically do not require transfer credits.

*Depending on your program and specialization

Supply chain management oversees a product or service’s entire lifecycle. The process starts with planning and forecasting, followed by procurement and purchasing. Then, the supply chain management process transitions to product assembly, storage, and distribution.

Supply chain managers, also known as logisticians, oversee either the entire process or parts of the process. For example, transportation managers specialize in distribution and shipping. Throughout the process, supply chain managers look for ways to optimize and improve the supply chain.

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 you develop skills in various facets of business operations, such as accounting, finance management, and managerial decision-making. Common courses include:

A supply chain manager oversees the logistics of buying, producing, and distributing goods and services. Supply chain managers also specialize in warehouse and transportation management. They monitor inventories, optimize delivery, and identify more efficient processes.

Many supply chain manager jobs focus on one step in the supply chain, but some focus on the entire lifecycle. Supply chain managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in a field like supply chain management, logistics, or business.