An online master’s degree in supply chain management may provide students with in-depth training on the fundamentals of logistics, procurement, and supply chain operations. In this one to two-year program, students may learn how to manage personnel and processes in tandem in order to achieve optimal results. Program coursework may include business electives and core coursework including supply chain design, procurement, and distribution.

Upon graduation from this master’s degree program, students may either seek entry to upper-level employment or enroll in a doctoral program. Master’s-level graduates may seek employment in areas such as technology, healthcare, purchasing, logistics, and government.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree
• Program Length: One to two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment or Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 26% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum for master’s-level supply chain management courses may include core coursework and business management elective classes. These courses may teach students how to manage supply sources, forecast demand, and plan inventory. Core supply chain management classes may include the following:

• Supply Chain Management
• Transportation and Distribution
• Strategic Procurement
• Supply Chain Analysis
• Supply Chain Design
• Supply Chain Transformation & Innovation
• Project Management

Career Options

Master’s-level graduates may explore career opportunities in operations management, healthcare, government agencies, logistics, and merchandising. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment opportunities in supply chain management are projected to increase by 26% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Supply Chain Director
• Performance Improvement Analyst
• Logistician
• Procurement Specialist
• Director of Purchasing

Continuing Education

Successful graduates of an online master’s degree in supply chain management may be eligible to further pursue their education by enrolling in a doctoral degree program. A doctoral degree in supply chain management may provide students with advanced training on the design and implementation of supply chain operations. Employers may require potential supply chain management candidates to hold a master’s degree to be eligible for upper-level positions.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook