Best Online Master’s in Supply Chain Management
Updated June 5, 2023
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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.
Featured Online Schools
The Best Online Master's in Supply Chain Management Programs
These rankings include
#1 Best Online Master’s in Supply Chain Management
Georgetown University
Washington, DC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The online master's in supply chain management at Georgetown University, located in Washington, District of Columbia, prioritizes flexibility. The program builds specialized skills for advanced practice, preparing learners for leadership positions with increased salary potential. Earning a master's degree helps candidates move into a new career path or advance in their current field.
The curriculum examines advanced theories and practices in supply chain management. Learners choose electives and concentrations to prepare for focused career paths. Applicants with a background in supply chain management typically meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees work with the program to identify internship opportunities at approved sites in their local communities. The program encourages graduate students to participate in hands-on experiences and networking events to grow their professional connections.
Georgetown University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 14%
Total Online Master's Programs: 7
Program Name: Master's in supply chain management
Graduate Tuition In State: $51,336
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $51,336
#2 Best Online Master’s in Supply Chain Management
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its campus in Manchester, Southern New Hampshire University hosts a top-ranked MBA in operations and supply chain management. The program helps graduates increase their salary potential and take on more professional responsibilities. A master's degree helps candidates advance in their current field or pursue a new career path.
The curriculum emphasizes the best practices in operations and supply chain management. Learners take specialized courses to stand out in a competitive job market. The program builds on prior operations management experience.
Online enrollees complete internship requirements at approved sites in their own community. The program encourages degree-seekers to participate in hands-on experiences and networking events to grow their professional connections.
Southern New Hampshire University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 88%
Total Online Master's Programs: 22
Program Name: MBA in operations and supply chain management
Graduate Tuition In State: $18,810
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $18,810
#3 Best Online Master’s in Supply Chain Management
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The online MBA with a supply chain management specialization at Syracuse University ranks as a top program. Graduates can move into leadership roles and increase their earning potential. Master's degree-holders can also pursue careers in new industries.
The curriculum emphasizes both practical and theoretical approaches to supply chain management. Learners focus the program with electives or a concentration. The program builds on prior supply chain management experience.
Online enrollees can often complete professional internships at approved locations in their own community. Internships and other practicum activities build both hands-on experience and professional connections.
Syracuse University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 44%
Total Online Master's Programs: 16
Program Name: MBA with a supply chain management specialization
Graduate Tuition In State: $38,880
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $38,880
#4 Best Online Master’s in Supply Chain Management
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville hosts a top-ranked master of science in supply chain management. The program builds specialized skills for advanced practice, preparing students for leadership positions with increased salary potential. After completing a master's degree, graduates can advance in their current field or pursue new opportunities.
The curriculum emphasizes theory and practice in supply chain management. Learners specialize their course of study to prepare for the job market. The master's program builds on undergraduate training or professional experience in the field.
Online enrollees work with the program to find local internships. These and other practicum activities also provide professional networking opportunities.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 79%
Total Online Master's Programs: 10
Program Name: Master of science in supply chain management
Graduate Tuition In State: $11,468
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $29,656
#5 Best Online Master’s in Supply Chain Management
University of San Diego
San Diego, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
California-based University of San Diego offers an online master's in supply chain management. The program builds specialized skills for advanced practice, preparing enrollees for leadership positions with increased salary potential. A master's degree helps candidates advance in their current field or pursue a new career path.
The curriculum explores supply chain research and methodologies. Learners take specialized courses to stand out in a competitive job market. The admission requirements include a background in supply chain management or a related field.
Online enrollees gain hands-on experience during professional internships in their local area. Graduate students expand their professional network through internships and online events.
University of San Diego at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 49%
Total Online Master's Programs: 5
Program Name: Master's in supply chain management
Graduate Tuition In State: $27,288
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $27,288
#6 Best Online Master’s in Supply Chain Management
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The online MBA in supply chain management and logistics at Liberty University, located in Lynchburg, Virginia, prioritizes flexibility. The program emphasizes specialized skills, preparing students for increased responsibilities and a higher earning potential. Master's degree-holders can move up the career ladder or pursue a new career path.
The curriculum covers theoretical and practical approaches to logistics. Learners often choose a specialized concentration, which can help them stand out in a competitive job market. The program recommends a background in supply chain management or logistics before applying to the program.
Online enrollees complete internships in their local community to gain real-world experience. Graduate students expand their professional connections by attending virtual networking events.
Liberty University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 51%
Total Online Master's Programs: 67
Program Name: MBA in supply chain management and logistics
Graduate Tuition In State: $7,980
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $7,980
#7 Best Online Master’s in Supply Chain Management
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
Daytona Beach, FL - 4 years
- Online
Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide hosts a top-rated online master's in logistics and supply chain management. The program builds specialized skills for leadership roles in the logistics field and related industries. After completing a master's degree, graduates can advance in their current field or pursue new opportunities.
The curriculum emphasizes current research in logistics and supply chain management. Learners individualize the course of study by selecting electives and concentrations. The admission requirements include a background in logistics or a related field.
Online enrollees coordinate with the program to complete internships at approved sites in their local area. Internships and other practicum activities also provide professional networking opportunities.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 62%
Total Online Master's Programs: 15
Program Name: Master's in logistics and supply chain management
Graduate Tuition In State: $8,268
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $8,268
#8 Best Online Master’s in Supply Chain Management
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Huntsville, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Alabama in Huntsville hosts a top-ranked master of science in supply chain management. Learners prepare for advanced roles in the field during the rigorous program. A master's degree can also prepare candidates for opportunities in new fields.
The curriculum emphasizes research methods and analytical skills. Learners choose electives or a specialization to gain focused career training. Applicants who majored in logistics or a related field typically meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees meet any in-person requirements, such as internships, at approved sites in their local area. Graduate students also build professional connections by attending networking events.
University of Alabama in Huntsville at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 83%
Total Online Master's Programs: 5
Program Name: Master of science in supply chain management
Graduate Tuition In State: $10,632
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $24,430
#9 Best Online Master’s in Supply Chain Management
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Dearborn, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Michigan-Dearborn hosts a top-ranked master of science in supply chain management. The program emphasizes advanced practice skills, training graduates for leadership roles and an increased earning potential. After completing a master's degree, graduates can pursue career advancement in their current field or a new one.
The curriculum covers methodological and research perspectives. Learners prepare for focused career paths by choosing electives and concentrations. Applicants without a degree in supply chain management or a related field may need to meet prerequisite requirements.
Online enrollees participate in internship programs at approved locations in their local area. The program encourages students to expand their professional connections through internships and networking events.
University of Michigan-Dearborn at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 62%
Total Online Master's Programs: 18
Program Name: Master of science in supply chain management
Graduate Tuition In State: $12,770
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $22,750
#10 Best Online Master’s in Supply Chain Management
University of Denver
Denver, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The online master's in supply chain management at University of Denver ranks as a top program. Graduates prepare for advanced roles in the field during the rigorous program. After earning a master's degree, candidates can also pursue careers in new industries.
The curriculum explores advanced methodologies and research in the field. Learners focus the program with electives or a concentration. Applicants without a degree in supply chain management or a related field may need to meet prerequisite requirements.
Online enrollees can add to their resume by pursuing internship opportunities at approved locations in their local area. Graduate students also build professional connections by attending networking events.
University of Denver at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 59%
Total Online Master's Programs: 16
Program Name: Master's in supply chain management
Graduate Tuition In State: $51,336
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $51,336
Online Master's in Supply Chain Management Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Our Methodology
Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.
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.
-
Academics -
Affordability -
Online Enrollment
Data Sources
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The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.
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Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology
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Academics - 75%
Affordability - 15%
Online Enrollment - 10%
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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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