Best Online Master’s in Supply Chain Management Programs
Supply chains deliver everything we need to keep life going. Who’s keeping track of all that? Supply chain professionals, that’s who, and companies are competing to secure talent.
According to the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), 76% of job seekers in the field found new employment within three months, and these professionals earn a median salary of $98,570. The more education they have, the more money they earn. Professionals with an associate degree pull in an average of $72,000. Those with a bachelor’s degree earn an average of $92,147, and people with a master’s degree make an average of $113,300.
The ASCM reports that supply chain professionals are not just in demand and well-paid but they’re also happy. In fact, 96% of these professionals plan to stay in the field for at least another five years. Use this guide to find out more about how you can get started in this exciting field.
If you’re considering an online master’s in supply chain management degree, here’s what to do next:
- Explore this page to make sure this path is the right choice for you.
- Check out the top-ranked online master’s in supply chain management programs, as well as our sponsored programs.
- Request more information from the schools you’re interested in.
Master’s in Supply Chain Management Programs to Consider
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master’s in Supply Chain Management
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$44,970
- Out-of-state$44,970
- In-State$21,690
- Out-of-state$21,690
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled11,550
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment83%
- AccreditationYes
Portland State University
- Portland, OR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,907
- Out-of-state$25,536
- In-State$14,652
- Out-of-state$22,143
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled23,640
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
Florida Institute of Technology-Online
- Melbourne, FL
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$12,240
- Out-of-state$12,240
- In-State$16,128
- Out-of-state$16,128
- Retention Rate32%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled1,703
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
University of Alabama in Huntsville
- Huntsville, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,730
- Out-of-state$22,126
- In-State$10,632
- Out-of-state$24,430
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled9,999
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
- Daytona Beach, FL
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$10,296
- Out-of-state$10,296
- In-State$8,568
- Out-of-state$8,568
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled13,904
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
Georgia College & State University
- Milledgeville, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,508
- Out-of-state$26,688
- In-State$5,292
- Out-of-state$18,846
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled6,873
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment73%
- AccreditationYes
University of Alaska Anchorage
- Anchorage, AK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,224
- Out-of-state$23,072
- In-State$10,773
- Out-of-state$22,659
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled11,953
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment95%
- AccreditationYes
Athens State University
- Athens, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,180
- Out-of-state$12,360
- In-State$6,936
- Out-of-state$12,000
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,867
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment93%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
- Knoxville, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,332
- Out-of-state$28,522
- In-State$11,468
- Out-of-state$29,656
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled30,559
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
Is a Master’s Degree in Supply Chain Management Worth It?
A master’s in supply chain management can definitely pay off. The initial investment may seem hefty, but the chance to earn a high salary after graduation makes it easier to justify your college investment.
Supply chain professionals with graduate degrees earn an average salary of $113,300, according to the ASCM report, a relatively high starting wage.
Why Should You Get a Master’s in Supply Chain Management?
On the fence about supply chain management? Here are a few more reasons why you should get a master’s in the field, based on research by the ASCM:
You’ll be sought after
About one-third of supply chain professionals have a graduate degree. Your master’s degree will set you apart, place you in a distinct group, and make you more valuable in the eyes of employers.You’ll have good job security
Only 4% of supply chain professionals reported a layoff to ASCM in 2023, despite an uncertain economy. In addition, 76% of working professionals found a job within three months of starting their search.You’ll enjoy your work
Job satisfaction is high among supply chain professionals. Most respondents in ASCM’s survey were very satisfied with the supply chain field and were likely to recommend it as a career.
How Much Money Will You Make With a Master’s Degree in Supply Chain Management?
Professionals with a master’s in supply chain management can make well over $104,570 per year, depending on their career path. For example, the highest-paid senior operations managers earn over $121,000 annually, according to Payscale 2024 data. For other popular supply chain management jobs, like materials manager and supply chain consultant, the average salaries range between $66,160 and $85,470, also according to Payscale April 2024 data.
Median Base Salary
MBA, MA, MS, Supply Chain Emphasis
$113,300
What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree in Supply Chain Management?
Supply chains are a vast enterprise, and there are many jobs to help ensure the flow of goods never stops.
You can apply your master’s degree in supply chain management to various business settings. These settings can vary from production and product development to the information systems and analytics needed to manage them.
| Jobs | Average Salary (April 2024) |
|---|---|
| Supply Chain Manager | $88,510 |
| Senior Operations Manager | $104,570 |
| Supply Chain Consultant | $85,470 |
| Senior Supply Chain Analyst | $66,490 |
| Purchasing Manager | $74,460 |
How Much Does an Online Master’s in Supply Chain Management Cost?
Tuition data for an online master’s in supply chain management is unavailable. But National Center for Education Statistics data shows the average master’s degree costs about $12,600 at public schools and about $28,020 at private schools.
Average Annual Cost of a Master’s Degree
Public Institution | 2021-2022
$12,600
Private Institution | 2021-2022
$28,020
How Long Does a Master’s in Supply Chain Management Take?
A master’s degree usually takes 2-3 years to finish, though it can vary by school. Accelerated class formats allow you to graduate in as little as one year.
Online degrees may take longer to finish but are more flexible for working students. Many graduate schools also provide part-time students with asynchronous courses or weekend programs.
Required Course Credits
30-60 credits*
Average Length of Time
2 years*
*Varies depending on your school/program
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Management Programs.
How to Choose a Master’s in Supply Chain Management Program
There are many factors to consider when choosing a master’s degree in supply chain management, including program length. Master’s programs often last two years if students study full time. Students should also review each program’s curriculum to determine whether available coursework appeals to their specific career interests.
Sometimes, master’s in supply chain management programs require internship or capstone courses, which can provide students professional or research opportunities. Knowing what a school offers is essential to choosing the right degree. Students must also consider cost, including tuition, textbook prices, cost of living, and financial aid. If students choose an online program, for example, they should investigate whether the school charges different tuition rates or additional technology fees.
Accreditation for Master’s in Supply Chain Management Programs
Accreditation is very important when choosing a program. There are two types: national and regional. National accreditation, which typically applies to vocational, trade, and for-profit schools, usually does not allow transfer of credits to regionally accredited schools, and is often excluded from tuition reimbursement programs. Regional accreditation, reserved for public and private nonprofit schools, means credits can be transferred between schools. Students are typically eligible for tuition reimbursement and other forms of financial aid.
Master’s in Supply Chain Management Program Admissions
Admissions teams create their guidelines to establish standards of excellence for their students and programs. Programs with laxer requirements are more likely to accept applicants. Online admissions are typically more in-depth than on-campus admissions, usually requiring one or more meetings with an admissions counselor prior to applying.
Prerequisites
Bachelor’s degree
Before students can earn their master’s in supply chain management, they must hold a bachelor’s degree, usually in a related field. They will be required to submit their bachelor’s transcripts with their application.Professional Experience
Students generally do not need prior professional experience to enroll in a master’s in supply chain management program, though some programs may require them to submit their resume with their application.Minimum GPA
Every master’s program will have their own minimum GPA requirement, but the average minimum is 3.0.
Admission Materials
Application
Applications require students to fill in personal information, including outlining their educational experience. Some programs may require a personal statement.Transcripts
Along with their application, students must also submit transcripts from their undergraduate program. These can be requested from the school and typically require a fee.Letters of Recommendation
Most programs require several letters of recommendation. Students should get their recommendations from professional and educational references, and ask at least three weeks in advance to ensure recommenders have time to adequately write their letters.Test Scores
Students will be required to submit GRE or GMAT scores to most programs. They will have to meet the minimum score requirement to be considered, a number which varies by school.Application Fee
Application fees must be paid when the student submits their application. Though they can be waived in special circumstances, they typically cost around $50-$75.
What Else Can I Expect From a Master’s in Supply Chain Management Degree Program?
Many master’s in supply chain management programs will allow students to tailor their degree to their career goals with a a coursework concentration. Concentrations are designed to prepare students for specific career opportunities in their field of study and they connect classes to workplace experiences.
| Concentration | Description | Careers |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Approaches | In the quantitative approaches concentration, students learn to analyze and manage complex supply chains. They will learn about partnerships, domestic and international stakeholders, and decision making in networks of facilities. | Students with a quantitative approaches concentration can pursue careers as cost estimators or operations managers. |
| Global Business | The global business concentration explores issues that arise in global business management structures. Students will learn about multinational finance, international trade, and decision-making techniques. Coursework focuses on political, technological, environmental, social, economic, and marketing aspects of global business. | With a global business concentration, students will be able to begin careers as strategic leaders, business practitioners, and senior professionals. |
| Logistics and Transportation | Logistics and transportation tracks teach students finance, reverse logistics, logistics, and business law. They also review operations management to explore supply chain management, spreadsheets, and efficiency improvement techniques. | Students with a logistics and transportation specialization can find work as logistics managers, transportation managers, and supply chain managers. |
| Logistics Management | In the logistics management concentration, students will study quantitative and qualitative methods used by transportation and logistics managers of global supply chains. They will explore the decision-making process for warehouse and distribution operations managers, logistics network designers, and transportation managers to relate their coursework to careers in supply chain management. | Students who pursue a logistics management concentration will be qualified to work as logistics managers, transportation managers, or logisticians. |
| Logistics and Operations | Logistics and operations concentrations combine the fundamental pieces of supply chain management to teach students about best practices related to logistics. In the program, students will learn about accounting, economics, finance, marketing, and business law. | This concentration prepares students for careers as transportation managers, global logistics managers, and materials planners. |
Courses in a Master’s in Supply Chain Management Program
While most programs focus on similar topics, each school offers its own curriculum. The courses in master’s in supply chain management programs cover many topics, including project management, logistics, and data management.
Logistics
A fundamental piece of supply chain management, logistics courses teach students to plan, implement, and control the efficient forward and reverse storage and flow of services, goods, and information between the point of consumption and the point of origin. Students will also learn about the management of inventory, transportation, and facilities with regard to network design and integrated logistics strategy.Strategic Sourcing and Procurement Management
Students interested in strategic sourcing can take a strategic sourcing and procurement management course to learn more about value chains and their function for service of interest. They will study analytics like cost modeling and spend analyses in order to inform business case development about how to negotiate with suppliers using multi-party or market-based mechanisms.Applied Business Analytics
In an applied business analytics course, students will practice how to make business decisions based on intelligence and data. They will learn to make decisions based on data and models. Students will leave the course prepared to make important business decisions regarding retail revenue management, supply chain and logistics, finance, and risk management.Project Management
A project management course explores the strategies and tools that students will use to manage non-repetitive business activities like new product development, construction, consulting engagements, market introduction, and organization restructurings. They will focus on the breakdown structure of work, PERT/CPM models and analysis, time and cost models, probabilistic analysis, and network representation.Big Data Management
The basic foundations of management, acquisition, and visualization of large data sets are some of the key elements students will learn in a big data management course. They learn how to manage, store, and query databases using SQL. They also focus on managing data and efficiently acquiring public data to construct large data sets.
Certifications and Licenses a Master’s in Supply Chain Management Prepares For
Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity
To demonstrate their expertise of the supply chain, professionals can become a certified professional in supplier diversity. In the program, they will learn about the importance and impact of supplier diversity. Additionally, they will learn to create long-lasting business relationships. Salary data shows that because supplier diversity is in such high demand, professionals with this certification have higher average salaries than professionals without certification.
Certified Supply Chain Professional
Certified supply chain professionals have verified mastery of supply chain management best practices. In the program, professionals become experts in facilitating supply chain functions, physical logistics, information technology, international trade, and customer relations.
Project Management Professional
The project management professional certification validates a professional’s project management acumen in team and project direction. This program teaches professionals to speak and understand the project management language in order to connect effectively to professionals and organizations around the world.
Certificate in Production and Inventory Management
This certification provides professionals with the skills to thrive in the supply chain management industry. Professionals learn to evaluate production activities and inventory within global operations as they focus on master scheduling, supplier relationships, procurement management, quality control, and supplier planning.
Certified Professional in Supply Management
Certified professionals in supply management have credentials to prove their knowledge of contracts, negotiations, sourcing, procurement, and leadership. According to salary data, professionals with this certification earn more annually than professionals with no certification.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Master’s in Supply Chain Management
What is supply chain management?
Supply chain management handles the flow of goods and services from suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers and other parties and delivers them to customers. Companies use supply chains to reduce excess costs and deliver products to consumers faster and more efficiently.
What classes are in a master’s in supply chain management program?
A master’s in supply chain management includes classes on supply chain, business, communication, and leadership concepts. You’ll learn about concepts like strategic procurement, logistics transportation, and how to apply sustainable business practices.
Are supply chain management majors in demand?
Certain careers in supply chain management are in demand. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects logistician careers to grow by 19% from 2023-2033, much faster than the average of 4% for all occupations. Other in-demand careers for supply chain management majors include business operations specialists, management analysts, and operations research analysts.
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