Best Online Master’s in Supply Chain Management 2021 | TheBestSchools
Updated September 13, 2022
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Supply chain management remains an integral component of business operations, organizational success, and customer satisfaction.
Earning a master's in supply chain management prepares graduates to decrease purchasing, production, and total supply chain costs, which allows businesses to run efficiently.
This field provides international travel opportunities, multiple specialization areas, and transferable skills. A supply chain management online MBA leads to multiple career opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 5% increase in job outlook through 2028 for logisticians. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $74,750.
While supply chain management jobs require a bachelor's degree at minimum, candidates with an advanced degree gain a competitive advantage in the job market and may qualify for higher salaries. Professionals may also want to examine earning potential by geographic location and industry, as some offer higher salaries than others.
The following ranking provides a list of schools that offer an online master's in supply chain management.
| #1 | Arizona State University-Tempe Tempe, AZ |
| #2 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide Daytona Beach, FL |
| #3 | University of Mary Bismarck, ND |
| #4 | Syracuse University Syracuse, NY |
| #5 | Kettering University Flint, MI |
| #6 | Cedarville University Cedarville, OH |
| #7 | University of Alabama in Huntsville Huntsville, AL |
| #8 | Oakland City University Oakland City, IN |
| #9 | Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne, FL |
| #10 | Charleston Southern University Charleston, SC |
Featured Online Schools
The Best Online Master's in Supply Chain Management Programs
#1
Georgetown University
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Washington, District of Columbia |
| Admission Rate | 14% |
| Graduation Rate | 95% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation |
Yes
|
| Percent Online Enrollment |
15%
|
Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Accredited By: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Located in Washington, D.C., Georgetown offers an online master's in supply chain management. Students learn to apply supply chain fundamentals to complex and diverse business settings.
This 33-credit program blends case studies, online simulations, and guest speakers. Students take 3-9 credits each semester and focus on three areas of emphasis — planning, procurement management, and logistics and fulfillment management.
Courses include project management, supply chain design, and ethics and corporate social responsibility in the supply chain. The program concludes with a capstone.
Applicants must submit a resume, references, and transcripts. Georgetown does not require standardized test scores for this degree.
Available Scholarships: Jesuit Volunteer Corps Service Scholarship
#2
Southern New Hampshire University
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Manchester, New Hampshire |
| Admission Rate | 88% |
| Graduation Rate | 44% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation |
Yes
|
| Percent Online Enrollment |
94%
|
Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Accredited By: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
SNHU's online MBA includes a concentration option in operations and supply chain management. In this program, students dive deeply into the elements of efficient product flow.
Earning SNHU's master's in supply chain management online means taking seven core business courses. Each course incorporates scenario-based learning in which students use gained knowledge to solve professional problems. Concentration courses include operations management, quantitative analysis for decision-making, and supply chain management.
Students who want to pursue a shorter graduate education may enroll in SNHU's six-credit operations and supply chain management graduate certificate. Prospective MBA students can apply any time and do not need to submit GRE or GMAT scores.
Available Scholarships: Finlay Family Scholarship
#3
Syracuse University
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Syracuse, New York |
| Admission Rate | 44% |
| Graduation Rate | 83% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation |
Yes
|
| Percent Online Enrollment |
15%
|
Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Accredited By: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Syracuse established the nation's first supply chain management program in 1919. Today, the school provides an MBA in supply chain management to help students gain the leadership skills they need to advance their careers. This program requires 36 credits, including the supply chain management coursework.
Students take principles of management science and supply chain and logistics management. They can then choose to enroll in business analytics, project management, or Lean Six Sigma. Enrollees can complete the entire online degree in supply chain management in 24 months.
Applicants may waive the standardized test requirement if they hold one year of experience and meet additional academic expectations.
Available Scholarships: Special Refugee Award
#4
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Knoxville, Tennessee |
| Admission Rate | 79% |
| Graduation Rate | 72% |
| Accreditation |
Yes
|
| Percent Online Enrollment |
36%
|
Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Accredited By: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? Yes
UT Knoxville offers a master of science in supply chain management online through the Haslam College of Business. This 30-credit degree requires a capstone project, a three-day immersion experience, and weekly 1-2 hour live sessions. The entire program lasts 18-24 months, and students may attend part time or full time.
Courses in UT Knoxville's online master's in supply chain management include global supply chain management; strategic supply management and sustainability; and distribution, logistics, and network management. Students learn supply chain concepts, functions, and enablers.
Applicants need to submit their transcripts, resume, and GRE scores to begin classes in January, May, or August.
Available Scholarships: R. Gene Richter Scholarship
#5
University of San Diego
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | San Diego, California |
| Admission Rate | 49% |
| Graduation Rate | 81% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation |
Yes
|
| Percent Online Enrollment |
8%
|
Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Accredited By: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB), Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WSCUC)
Students in USD's Knauss School of Business can pursue a joint MBA/master's in supply chain management. Together, these degrees require 70 credits, which break down into 42 MBA credits and 28 supply chain management credits. The entire program requires about three years to complete.
USD's online master's in supply chain management courses combine internet-based learning with on-campus experiences. Courses include supply chain strategy and design, distribution and logistics, and value network management. Students also complete an integrative project.
Applicants need at least two years of post-baccalaureate work experience for admission. In 2022, USD is waiving the GMAT requirement.
Available Scholarships: Living With Loss Scholarship Opportunity
#6
Liberty University
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Lynchburg, Virginia |
| Admission Rate | 51% |
| Graduation Rate | 47% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation |
Yes
|
| Percent Online Enrollment |
92%
|
Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Accredited By: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP); Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
A Christian institution in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty offers an MBA with a specialization in supply chain management and logistics. Students complete 45 credits over two years.
Liberty's online degree in supply chain management requires 33 core credits and 12 credits in the specialization. Courses include operations management, global economic environment, logistics, and total quality management. Each course lasts eight weeks.
MBA applicants need a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 or better. Upon graduation, students may qualify for admission into Liberty's doctor of business administration, doctor of strategic leadership, or Ph.D. in organization and management.
Available Scholarships: Middle America Scholarship
#7
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Daytona Beach, Florida |
| Admission Rate | 62% |
| Graduation Rate | 28% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation |
Yes
|
| Percent Online Enrollment |
93%
|
Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Accredited By: Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP); Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Located in Daytona Beach, Florida, Embry-Riddle offers a master of science in logistics and supply chain management. The program prepares students for certifications, such as the certified professional logistics and the certified supply chain professional.
Embry-Riddle's 30-credit online master's in supply chain management requires prerequisite knowledge in finance, management, economics, marketing, accounting methods, and quantitative methods.
Once enrolled, students complete courses, such as transportation management and global logistics and supply chain management. The program also includes a capstone and a comprehensive exam.
Available Scholarships: Worldwide Donor Scholarship
#8
University of Alabama in Huntsville
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Huntsville, Alabama |
| Admission Rate | 83% |
| Graduation Rate | 58% |
| Accreditation |
Yes
|
| Percent Online Enrollment |
33%
|
Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Accredited By: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB); Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? Yes
Students in UAH's master of science in supply chain management prepare for careers with leading companies and government agencies. This program requires 30 credits, which take 12 months for full-time students or 22 months for part-time learners to complete.
This master's in supply chain management online includes courses, such as decision modeling, logistics management, and introduction to contract management. Learners may complete a thesis in lieu of six elective credits. Prospective students may transfer in up to 12 graduate credits from another AACSB-accredited institution.
Applicants must demonstrate competency in statistics or take a statistics class through UAH.
Available Scholarships: North Alabama International Trade Association NAITA Annual Scholarship
#9
University of Michigan-Dearborn
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Dearborn, Michigan |
| Admission Rate | 62% |
| Graduation Rate | 56% |
| Accreditation |
Yes
|
| Percent Online Enrollment |
34%
|
Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Accredited By: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB); Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No
UM-Dearborn offers a master of science-supply chain management. In this program, students learn to manage the people, processes, technology, and organizations that form the supply chain.
This 30-credit degree requires both on-campus and online courses. Core courses include strategic sourcing, supply chain analytics, and applied statistical modeling. Elective options include data mining and Lean and Six Sigma. Students may take classes throughout the calendar year and complete the program in 12 months.
UM-Dearborn welcomes applicants from all undergraduate majors, and new enrollees may start classes in either September or January. Prospective students may transfer in up to six graduate credits from previous coursework.
Available Scholarships: Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship
#10
University of Denver
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Denver, Colorado |
| Admission Rate | 59% |
| Graduation Rate | 77% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation |
Yes
|
| Percent Online Enrollment |
28%
|
Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Accredited By: Higher Learning Commission
Located in Denver, Colorado, DU offers an online master's in supply chain management, along with a four-course certificate and a six-course certificate. In these programs, students learn to solve problems using 21st-century supply chain solutions.
The master's degree requires 48 credits through 12 courses. Each course lasts 10 weeks. The entire program takes 18 months to complete.
Courses include supply chain cost management, analytic methods for supply chain management, and industrial engineering and operations management. The degree concludes with a capstone project or seminar.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA for the last 60 credits. DU does not require standardized admission tests.
Available Scholarships: Graduate Impact Scholarship
Online Master's in Supply Chain Management Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
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Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.
While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.
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Academics -
Affordability -
Online Enrollment
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What Is an Online Master's in Supply Chain Management Degree?
A master's in supply chain management explores topics like lean production, supply chain coordination, logistics management, and risk mitigation. The goal is for graduates to understand how to create business strategies that use integrated approaches to solve supply chain issues.
Programs that offer a supply chain management MBA online also emphasize broader business concepts, like finance and accounting. Students also develop skills that are useful in any field, including effective decision-making, data analysis, process optimization, and leadership.
The best candidates for an online master's in supply chain management already have professional experience. Some programs even require 2-3 years of work experience as a prerequisite. Applicants typically hold a related bachelor's degree from an accredited school.
Choosing an Online Program
Schools develop their own curricula, which means that requirements and course formats vary. An online master's in supply chain management may require in-person residencies, internships, or synchronous sessions. However, some programs may not require any in-person or live attendance.
The links below provide more information about how to select an online program.
What Else Can I Expect From a Master's in Supply Chain Management Program?
An online master's in supply chain management may offer multiple specializations and elective courses. Nevertheless, most programs cover the same fundamental topics, including the following sample courses.
Supply Chain Management Curriculum
- Supply Chain Analytics: This course explores ways to increase operational effectiveness and efficiency using strategic, data-driven methods. Students examine modern issues using case studies about major organizations. Students learn to use data analytics to create strategies that improve cost efficiency.
- Transportation and Logistics: In this course, students learn about key areas and activities needed to move products through a supply chain. Topics may include modal characteristics, transportation risk management, and third-party providers. Learning outcomes include method evaluation, identifying issues that impact profitability and security, evaluating international alternatives, and creating strategic recommendations.
- Sourcing and Procurement: This course explores quality assurance, selection, supplier evaluation, and global sourcing. Course objectives include describing the way procurement fits within an organization, identifying associated risks, and learning how to formulate make-or-buy analyses to uncover the best solutions for organizations.
Supply Chain Management Careers
The supply chain management process requires excellent planning and understanding of consumer demand. A master's degree in supply chain management prepares graduates to manage the behind-the-scenes needs of organizations in nearly every industry.
Some supply chain positions may require a master's degree or higher, along with professional experience. Certain jobs may also require specific certifications. The following list explores three potential careers for online master's in supply chain management graduates.
Purchasing Managers
| Median Salary: $69,600 | Projected Job Growth: -6% |
|---|
Purchasing managers buy services and products that organizations need for operations or plan to resell. This role requires evaluating the quality of suppliers, being aware of what vendors and suppliers offer, analyzing proposals, and negotiating contracts.
Most purchasing managers work in manufacturing. However, wholesale trade and the federal government also offer opportunities.
Logisticians
| Median Salary: $74,750 | Projected Job Growth: 5% |
|---|
Logisticians oversee the entire supply chain cycle of a product. Duties include allocating materials, developing professional relationships with suppliers and customers, understanding consumer demand, and reviewing logistic functions for areas of improvement.
The best candidates have excellent critical thinking, active listening, and coordination skills. Candidates can find entry-level positions with an associate degree and professional experience, but most employers require a bachelor's degree.
Distribution Managers
| Median Salary: $103,320 | Projected Job Growth: 6.8% |
|---|
Students who earn a master's in supply chain management can become distribution managers. These professionals work in nearly every industry, monitoring large quantities of inventory. Duties include managing warehouse employees, collaborating with warehouse supervisors, maintaining product quality, and ensuring on-time delivery.
The best candidates have excellent organizational, communication, problem-solving, and time management skills. Other relevant skills include knowledge of analytical or inventory management software. Employers typically prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree and experience in warehouse management.
Supply Chain Management Professional Organizations
Students who earn a master's in supply chain management enter a fast-paced, competitive field. Professional organizations can help emerging professionals build their networks and learn about changes within the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Complete a Master's in Supply Chain Management Program?
While program length varies, full-time students typically earn their degrees in 12-24 months.
What Can I Do With a Master's in Supply Chain Management?
A master's in supply chain management qualifies graduates for careers as project managers, transportation directors, and warehousing managers.
How Much Do You Make in Supply Chain Management?
Supply chain management careers can be in multiple industries, and salaries vary by industry. For example, the highest paying industry for distribution managers — telecommunications — offers a median annual salary of nearly $150,000.
What Is Supply Chain Management?
Supply chain management is the control of goods and services, which includes all processes that convert raw materials into distributable products.
What Is a Master's in Supply Chain Management?
A master's in supply chain management is an advanced degree that provides students with the expertise required to manage supply chains on a global scale across multiple industries.
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