The 25 Best Online Master’s in Supply Chain Management Programs

North Carolina State University, part of the University of North Carolina System, enrolls over around 35,000 students in a full array of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs. Featured among its many offerings is its online MBA in supply chain management for busy professionals who seek career advancement on their own terms.

This 40–credit–hour program includes 19 hours of core course work and blends theory, practice, and specialization courses to give student’s the necessary advanced knowledge and skills for supply chain management professions. The program’s courses cover topics, such as:

• Analytics Supply Chain Management
• Business Process Design
• Decision–making and Uncertainty
• Planning and Control Systems
• Supply Chain Logistics

Courses are completed asynchronously, which allows students to flexibly arrange the program to meet their scheduling demands. The program requires two three–day residences at the NC State campus.

This master’s in supply chain management can be completed in as few as 21 months, or students can take their time and earn the degree in as many as six years. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and have a minimum of two years of professional experience

UMUC offers an online master’s degree in management with a specialization in acquisition and supply chain management. The program provides supply chain professionals with the knowledge, skills, and training necessary to succeed in logistics and procurement. Students have access to a variety of networking opportunities.

The 36–credit master’s in supply chain management online program includes courses examining the legal structures affecting private and public acquisition processes. Students learn how to use technology to facilitate sustainable and efficient supply chains. Distance learners also project future changes to the industry and explore cost analysis, strategic purchasing, material flow optimization, and negotiating procurements.

UMUC’s streamlined admissions process does not require applicants to submit GRE or GMAT scores. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and must submit college transcripts.

The university charges per–credit tuition, and Maryland residents pay a discounted rate. Students can work with a financial aid counselor to explore funding options; UMUC awards more than $6 million in scholarships each year.

Lehigh University offers a master’s of business administration with a specialization in supply chain management. Students in the flexible, part–time program can take all required classes online. Coursework explores a variety of industry issues and concepts that affect companies’ global supply chain operations.

The specialization requires nine credits, in addition to the 27 credits necessary to earn the MBA. Specialization courses include strategic supply management, transportation and logistics management, and demand and supply chain planning.

Applicants to the online master’s in supply chain management program must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and must submit GRE or GMAT scores, a personal essay, two letters of recommendation, and a resume. Applicants must have at least two years of professional experience and may need to interview with program staff. All students in the online MBA program pay the same tuition rate, regardless of state residency.

Boston University’s master’s of science in supply chain management provides a comprehensive review of the development, execution, and operation of global supply chains. Coursework covers risk management, import and export operations, and lean production. Graduates contribute to businesses and organizations by using creative solutions to improve processes and operations. The program offers specializations in global business, logistics management, and quantitative approaches.

Core courses include financial concepts, global supply chains, business process fundamentals, and quantitative and qualitative decision–making. After completing 16 core credits, students begin concentration courses and electives. The program culminates in a capstone project, during which students apply learned knowledge to a supply chain and logistics problem.

Students can take classes entirely online or in a blended format. Most students complete the 40–credit program in 18 to 24 months.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and submit three letters of recommendation and a personal essay. Applicants do not need to submit GRE or GMAT scores; admissions decisions are based mainly on each applicant’s previous academic performance.

Rutgers offers a 30–credit MS in supply chain management that helps professionals advance their careers. Students can complete the degree entirely online, and most learners graduate in one year. The program requires courses in marketing research, global procurement and supply management, risk and disruption management, and global logistics management.

During a course in demand management, students learn to apply forecasting models and methods to the supply chain process and explore business activities including sales, marketing, operations, and finance. Students learn how supply and demand affects inventory management and production planning.

Applicants to the supply chain management master’s degree online program must submit official transcripts and GRE or GMAT scores. Non–native English speakers must demonstrate language proficiency through TOEFL exam scores. Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal essay. The program accepts applications on a rolling basis and offers three start dates per year. In–state and out–of–state students pay the same per–credit tuition rate.

Nebraska offers a supply chain management specialization that helps students understand global issues, trends, challenges, and technologies affecting the industry. Students hone skills in planning, purchasing, customer service, and distribution.

Coursework in the online supply chain management master’s program covers topics including lean business practices, advanced enterprise management, project management, data mining and warehousing, and logistics management. All classes are available online, but students can take some on–campus courses.

The average age of an MBA distance learner at Nebraska is 32, and students enter the program with undergraduate degrees in a variety of areas, including business, engineering, journalism, and the liberal arts.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants must submit GRE or GMAT scores, unless they have seven or more years of managerial experience or hold a doctorate, law, medical, or pharmacy degree. All applicants must submit three references, a personal statement, a resume, and proof of at least one year of professional experience.

Michigan State offers an online MS in supply chain management that provides students with an understanding of strategies, technologies, and best practices necessary to succeed in the field. The curriculum features cross–functional courses that incorporate issues and concepts from the global business world and prepare students for diverse career paths.

While most courses are available online, students must attend some in–person, three–day weekend sessions. Students complete 36 credits and typically graduate within two years. The program is ideal for professional supply chain managers and executives planning to pursue advanced positions.

Students take courses in cohorts and progress through the program with a small group of peers. Students begin with courses in global supply chain management and logistics; later coursework covers topics including distribution fulfillment, manufacturing planning and control, strategic sourcing, and change management.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, a minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA, and at least two years of professional experience. Applicants also submit a resume, two personal statements, and three letters of recommendation.

Established in 1870, Syracuse University is a private, nonsectarian research university that enrolls over 22,000 students in a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs. Syracuse offers an online MBA with a supply chain management specialization.

This 54–credit program includes 36 credits of core courses, 15 credits of electives, and three credits of residencies. This master’s in supply chain management blends foundational coursework in business administration with niche coursework in supply chain management. Students engage with theoretical and practical approaches to concepts, such as:

• Data Analysis
• Legal and Ethical Issues and Decisions
• Managerial Finance
• Organizational Leadership
• Strategic Management
• Supply Chain Operations

Students must complete three on–campus weekend residencies of their choosing. These residencies take place at select locations in the U.S. or at select locations around the globe.

The program may be completed in 24 months of full–time study. For admission, students must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Applicants with at least five years of professional experience may apply for a GMAT waiver.

Northeastern University offers an online MBA with a concentration in supply chain management. The curriculum comprises 50 credit hours, including core and elective courses; students gain a strong business foundation before progressing to concentration coursework.

Students earning the online master’s in supply chain management explore the transportation industry, strategic sourcing, and operations and sustainability. Supply, chain management students can pursue a dual concentration in finance, healthcare management, marketing, international management, technology management, innovation entrepreneurship, or sustainability.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. They must be currently employed and have at least five years of professional experience, ideally in a management role. Applicants must submit a resume, a personal essay, and two letters of recommendation. Northeastern does not require GRE or GMAT scores, but applicants may include test scores to strengthen their application.

Scholarship and funding opportunities available to online MBA students include the Double Husky Scholarship, the Parent and Family Scholarship, and the Edge Grant. All online graduate students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of residency.

The University of Arkansas is a public land–grant research university established in 1871. It enrolls over 27,000 students in a full selection of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree and certificate programs. Among its offerings is an online executive MBA with a supply chain concentration for busy executives who seek professional advancement through flexible means.

The 38 credit hour master’s in supply chain management program may be completed in 24 months. The curriculum builds on existing experience and knowledge, with courses that focus on knowledge that can be immediately applied in the workplace. Course topics include:

• Corporate Financial Management
• Leadership and Management
• Predictive Supply Chain Analytics
• Supply Chain Management in Global Business

Most coursework is completed online, but students must attend a monthly weekend residency.

For admission to this EMBA program, students must have a minimum of two years of professional experience, and GMAT scores may be waived.

Indiana University offers an MS in global supply chain management that prepares students to maximize revenue and profitability in a complex global business world. The curriculum emphasizes material sourcing, accounting, operations management, distribution, and inventory management. While all classes are available online, students must attend a one–week, in–person session each year.

Students can complete the 30–credit master’s in supply chain management online in as few as 15 months; however, most learners require two years. During the first year, students take courses in sustainable operations, project management, enterprise operations, and sourcing. Students complete three courses during the second year: strategic marketing management, financial management, and operations management.

Students can pursue dual degrees in supply chain management and either business analytics, finance, IT management, strategic management, entrepreneurship, or marketing.

The business school bases admissions decisions on academic records, GRE or GMAT scores, professional and leadership experience, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and must demonstrate academic and professional competencies. In–state and out–of–state students pay the same tuition rate.

The University of San Diego’s MS in supply chain management is a completely online program developed for managerial and executive–level professionals. Graduates are prepared to identify gaps in an organization’s processes, apply project management techniques to address them, and efficiently lead teams of professionals.

Students earning the supply chain management master’s degree online complete 36 credits. Most students graduate within 25 months. Most classes are available online, but students must attend a three– to four–day session on campus at the beginning of each semester. These sessions provide opportunities for students to interact with peers and instructors.

The program culminates with a custom project during which students apply learned skills to solve a problem in the field. The project incorporates concepts such as leadership, change management, project management, and ethics.

Applicants must have at least two years of relevant work experience, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, and a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Applicants must submit a statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, a current resume, and college transcripts.

UW–Whitewater offers an online MBA with a specialization in supply chain and operations management that emphasizes global thinking, ethical behavior, and innovation. Students improve their decision–making and project–management skills and use creative and critical–thinking skills to address issues in the field.

Students develop a solid business foundation through their coursework, including classes in business valuation, leadership development, negotiation strategies, project management, and strategic technology. Supply, chain management courses include global operations management, operations strategy, quality control, and the management of innovation. All online students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of state residency.

Applicants must provide GMAT or GRE scores. UW–Whitewater assigns each applicant a composite score based on their standardized test score and undergraduate GPA. The program requires a minimum composite score for admission; however, the university may admit students who fall below the threshold if they have significant professional experience.

The University of West Florida offers an online MBA with an emphasis in supply chain logistics and management designed for both established professionals and students who are new to the field. Distance learners examine business problems and develop sound solutions. The program prepares students to use strategic processes to enhance supply chain and logistics management.

During a required course in strategic management and policy formulation, students examine case studies to understand business management practices at different levels within an organization. A course in global logistics management explores facilities operations, import and export processes, raw material and finished goods movement, and the technologies impacting global supply chains. The curriculum also covers managerial economics, information resources, business and public policy, and logistics systems and analytics.

Applicants to the online supply chain management master’s program must have a bachelor’s degree, should have a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, and must submit two letters of recommendation and a resume. Those with at least a 2.75 GPA must have eight or more years of professional experience. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.25 or who lack adequate professional experience must submit GRE or GMAT scores.

All online students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of state residency. Distance learners have access to student services including a digital library, technical assistance, and online tutoring.

Georgia College, a public liberal arts school located in Milledgeville, offers a fully online master’s in logistics and supply chain management. Students can complete the 30 required credit hours while meeting existing obligations.

Students must pass statistics before beginning major coursework, which covers topics like logistics processes and management, inventory control, logistics leadership, and international trade. Elective options include information technology, commercial law and regulation, strategic operations management, and integrated accounting.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and must submit GRE or GMAT scores, official undergraduate transcripts, and a resume. In some cases, Georgia College waives the standardized test score requirement for applicants with considerable professional experience.

Select students participate in graduate assistantships each semester. During these assistantships, they work 10 to 20 hours per week within the department in exchange for tuition assistance and health insurance. All students earning the supply chain management master’s degree online pay the same tuition rate, regardless of residency.

Oregon State University offers a master’s in business administration with a supply chain and logistics management track. Students in the program master global operations and supply chains through primarily online coursework. Distance learners must complete a few courses at Oregon State’s Portland extension campus.

The supply chain management online program requires courses in managerial decision tools, markets and valuation, corporate finance, advanced strategic management, and ethics and corporate social responsibility. The program emphasizes ethical, lawful, and environmentally responsible practices and prepares students to apply quantitative and qualitative methods for sound decision–making. Elective options include courses in project management, data analytics, and business technology law. Students can pursue a 60–credit MBA or a 45–credit accelerated MBA.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and must submit college transcripts and GRE or GMAT scores. They must answer a series of questions and provide several references. Oregon State does not require applicants to have formal professional experience. All online students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of state residency. The university offers several scholarships and fellowships.

NDSU offers a master’s of managerial logistics that prepares students to address global business and logistics challenges. The program’s interdisciplinary approach is ideal for both established professionals and students without significant experience.

The 35–credit curriculum covers a variety of topics, including supply chain optimization, enterprise resource planning, remote sensing, transportation analysis, and emergency management. Most full–time students graduate within two years.

A unique course in urban transportation systems analysis explores tools and methods used in urban transportation. Students apply traffic forecasting and examinations of system capacities to project the supply and demand of transportation networks. A course in transportation systems security covers security systems and threats impacting transportation, including highway, maritime, railroad, and air transportation.

The online master’s in supply chain and logistics program maintains a partnership with the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement must submit GRE or GMAT scores. All applicants must submit a two–page resume, a letter of intent, three letters of recommendation, and official college transcripts.

Loyola offers a fully online MS in supply chain management designed for both established professionals and those entering the industry. The program covers topics including logistics, transportation, distribution, warehousing, and purchasing on an international scale. To date, every program graduate has secured employment within one month of graduation.

The online supply chain management master’s program includes classes in purchasing and inventory management, global logistics, business ethics, and managerial statistics. Students complete a capstone during which they apply classroom knowledge to an industry problem and develop solutions based on research and practical skills.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and must submit transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a personal essay, a professional resume, and GRE or GMAT scores. In–state and out–of–state students pay the same tuition rate.

Founded in 1950, UAH is a public university that serves more than 8,400 graduate and undergraduate students. Designed for professionals who want to advance their careers, the online master’s of science in supply chain and logistics management program at UAH produces strategy–driven industry leaders. The program’s curriculum emphasizes skills relevant to modern business and supply chain practices.

The online master’s in supply chain management requires 30 credits, and students can begin the program in the fall, spring, or summer. Full–time students typically graduate in one year. Students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to make significant contributions as supply chain professionals. Coursework covers several subjects, including modeling and interpreting data related to supply chains, improving efficiency, strategic decision–making, and emerging technologies.

Applicants to UAH’s graduate programs submit undergraduate transcripts and GRE or GMAT scores. The university encourages prospective students to apply for financial aid when they submit their program application. UAH requires no minimum GPA or standardized test scores.

Students can complete the flexible MS in supply chain management at Adelphi University on a full–time or part–time basis. The synchronous online classes are available mostly in the evenings. Students near the university’s campus in Garden City, New York, can pursue the degree in a blended format.

The curriculum comprises six credits of foundational courses, 15 credits of major courses, 12 credits of electives, and a three–credit capstone. During the capstone, students examine case studies from across the industry to advance their knowledge of strategic management principles and practices.

Applicants to the online master’s in supply chain management program must submit a 500–word personal essay, at least one letter of recommendation, a resume, and GMAT or GRE scores. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and must provide college transcripts.

All online students pay the same per–credit tuition rate, regardless of residency. Most students complete the program in two years; however, completion time depends on the number of credits taken per semester.

PSU’s online master’s in global supply chain management is the only degree of its kind with approval from the Institute for Supply Management. Students complete 52 credits over six trimesters, and most graduate in 21 months.

Students earning the master’s in supply chain management online benefit from the university’s industry partnerships with retail and global manufacturing companies. Students become experts in emerging technologies impacting supply chains, including trends in online shopping and sustainability. Students participate in a field study experience in Asia, during which they work with international supply chain and logistics leaders.

The curriculum covers several topics, including strategic sourcing and forecasting, data analytics, contract negotiation, and project management. Students can begin the program during the fall or spring, and all coursework is available online.

Applicants must submit undergraduate transcripts, a resume, a statement of purpose, and two professional references. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and at least a 2.75 undergraduate GPA.

Penn State’s World Campus offers an entirely online master’s of professional studies in supply chain management that prepares students to design and manage supply chains, conduct in–depth analysis, engage in forecasting and planning, and use financial metrics to understand the implications of different strategies and methods.

Most students require two years to complete the 30–credit master’s in supply chain management online. During their first year, learners take courses in business ethics, demand fulfillment, supply management, and financial analysis. Advanced courses explore topics like supply chain design and strategy, supply chain analysis, manufacturing and service operations, and strategic procurement.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or its international equivalent. They must have at least two years of professional experience and must submit transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a current resume. Applicants without significant professional experience must submit GRE or GMAT scores.

Distance learners have access to several resources, including career counseling, technical support, academic advising, and online tutoring. In–state and out–of–state students pay the same tuition rate.