Online degrees in supply chain management prepare students to evaluate the performance and operations of an organization’s systems using proven theories and logistics. Students with an analytical mind and a desire to work in business may find these programs rewarding. Supply chain management degrees are offered at the associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels; some schools may also offer a certificate option.

Supply chain management graduates may find work in a variety of sectors, from profit and nonprofit organizations to private agencies and the government. Career opportunities may include, purchasing managers, logistics managers, production schedulers, or supply chain technical analysts.

Available Degree Levels

• Certificate: One to two years to complete
• Associate Degree: Two years to complete
• Bachelor’s Degree: Four years to complete
• Master’s Degree: One to two years to complete
• Doctoral Degree: Three to five years to complete

A certificate in supply chain management may include courses in manufacturing, operations, logistics, and purchasing. These courses are often designed for current supply chain managers working in full-time positions. These certificates may help prepare students to earn a professional certification in the field.

An online associate degree in supply chain management may prepare students for careers at manufacturing companies, distribution centers, and retail outlets. Courses may include principles of transportation and logistics, industrial distribution, management, and business law. Students may build their skills as supply chain managers to find work, or they often can transfer associate degree credits to a four-year degree program in the field.

A bachelor’s degree in supply chain management equips students with the technical knowledge in logistics, operations, and production necessary to excel in the field. Students may take coursework in management for organizations, quality management, and decision modeling and analysis. Knowledge acquired through these programs may help students examine an organization’s operations, product production, and the implications of supply chain management on the organization’s effectiveness.

An online master’s degree in supply chain management introduces students to the theories, best practices, and new technologies in supply chain management. Advanced courses may focus on the design of supply chains, project management techniques, and minimization of supply chain risk. Armed with these skills, students may find upper-level jobs as supply chain managers.

Students who earn a doctoral degree in supply chain management may take courses in supply chain marketing interfaces, advanced multivariate analysis, and cross-border management. These research-focused programs may include both research projects and a doctoral dissertation at the end of the program. These programs may prepare students to become leading scholars in the field of supply chain management.

Career Options

Understanding the foundations of business with a focus on the management and optimization of a supply chain prepares students for a variety of careers in several sectors. Whether they are working for nonprofit organizations, large retailers, or divisions within the government, supply chain management graduates may find work as directors of supply chain operations, logistics management analysts, or commodities managers. Graduates may also find work in inventory planning, production, or customer service.

Possible career fields include:

• Supply Chain Manager
• Inventory Planning Analyst
• Purchasing Manager
• Customer Service Manager
• Warehouse Operations Manager