Top 22 Affordable Master’s in Supply Chain and Logistics (On-Campus)

Supply Chain (SC) has been acknowledged as an important aspect of any business model, but advancing technology has encouraged more colleges than ever to offer graduate programs in SC, even affordable online MS in Supply Chain and Logistics programs. In its 2018 “Top 25 North American Supply Chain Graduate University Programs” article, Gartner, a leading research and advisory company, found that the number of available Supply Chain Management (SCM) graduate programs has increased by 67 percent in two years.

However, even Gartner’s list of universities offering these programs is not exhaustive. Lucky for you, we’ve collected over 100 and ranked 50 cheap master’s in supply chain and logistics online, hybrid and on-campus programs. These programs come in a variety of forms, so we paid special attention to those that are affordable, high-quality and customizable.

Looking for more information regarding master’s degree programs in supply chain? Check out the FAQ, available career options and other specifics we’ve laid out for you at the bottom of this article.

Research Methodology

As Forbes contributor Willard Dix mentioned in an article concerning college rankings, “the imponderables of college are too great to measure meaningfully.” Plus, every student’s wants and needs concerning college are personal and difficult to quantify, so we’ve kept it simple for you with just three ranking criteria: Cost, Customization and Quality.

We began our research process with a general search and by consulting other reputable college ranking sites (like Forbes, Gartner, Times Higher Education and more) to gather around 100 colleges and universities offering a graduate degree program in Supply Chain. These include specialized master’s degree programs and MBA programs that have concentration options in Supply Chain. We also made it a point to seek out such programs that have yet to be featured on a “Top Supply Chain Programs” ranking.

From there, we utilized the below Rating and Ranking Methodology to whittle the list down to the 50 cheapest Master’s in Supply Chain degree programs. To find the cheapest colleges, we compared each school’s Net Price, as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator Database. NCES describes this cost as being for “Full-time beginning undergraduate students who paid the in-state or in-district tuition rate and were awarded grant or scholarship aid from federal, state or local governments, or the institution (2016-17).” We then ranked that list using all three criteria so that we could highlight those that are the most affordable while offering flexibility, quality and accessibility.

Editor’s Update: Finally, we separated the schools offering affordable online master’s in supply chain and logistics programs from those schools that offer only on-campus supply chain programs, so as to provide you with two distinct resources.

Rating and Ranking Methodology

Net Price (as reported by the NCES):

• Under $10,000: 5 points
• Under $12,000: 4 points
• Under $14,000: 3 points
• Under $16,000: 2 points
• Under $18,000: 1 point

Customization Options:

• Content Customizations (e.g. Minors, Concentrations, Specializations, etc.)—1 Point Each
• Format Customizations (e.g. Hybrid/Online, Full-time/Part-Time, etc.)—1 Point Each

Wow Factor:

• 1 point awarded for each unique feature or program that “wowed” us

22. Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, OH

Full-Time MBA with a Specialization in Supply Chain Management

Net Price: $17,427
Grad Student Enrollment: 2,630
GMAT Score Requirements: 500+ is recommended
Points: 5

Bowling Green State University has a 1,338-acre park-like campus. It’s located south of Toledo and enrolls more than 17,000 students. There’s a 17:1 student-faculty ratio at BGSU, as well as a newly-renovated Student Recreation Center. It’s accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and the first-year student retention rate is 77.22 percent (2017). The Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education have ranked it as the No. 1 public university for student engagement. By Fall 2020, BGSU’s campus will have a new building for business students.

The AACSB-accredited College of Business’ Department of Management is home to a number of supply-chain-related scholarships and BGSU’s APICS-affiliated Supply Chain Management Association, which it dubs one of the top 10 chapters in the world. This Department also hosts the Supply Chain Management Institute. It supports the undergraduate SCM program, as well as research and corporate engagement. It includes members from the business community like Toyota, First Solar and the Marathon Petroleum Company. For graduate degree-seeking students, BGSU offers a Full-Time MBA program with a Supply Chain Management Specialization. This specialization requires one prerequisite course and four additional courses like Logistics Management and Quality and Lean Tool. This 12-month cohort program includes 40 students or fewer within one class. It requires 41 credit hours, not including the specialization (an additional 12-15 hours). The curriculum is broad, including professional development seminars, as well as the option to study abroad in Strasbourg, France.

21. California State University, East Bay in Hayward, CA

MBA: Operations and Supply Chain Management Concentration

Net Price: $10,902
Grad Student Enrollment: 2,862
GMAT Score Requirements: Average score is 528 (GMAT waiver for applicants with five or more years of professional experience)
Points: 6

Part of the 23-campus CSU system, California State University, East Bay includes its main campus, a second campus in Concord and a professional center in downtown Oakland. Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, CSUEB serves the San Francisco Bay area. It has four colleges and more than 16,000 total students. It has a 26:1 student-faculty ratio and a 76 percent retention rate. The Wall Street Journal recognizes CSUEB as a “Top 10” college in the west for diversity.

The AACSB-accredited College of Business and Economics offers classes online and at all of CSU East Bay’s campuses and centers. The Department of Management is one of the university’s largest departments and home to an MBA program with an Operations & Supply Chain Management option. This is a 42-unit program with 12 units of elective courses in subjects like:

• Service Operations Management
• Operations Analytics
• Global and Sustainable Supply Chains

These courses are on-campus in the evenings, Monday through Friday, and it can take one to five years to complete the program. While this particular program does not offer online classes, undergrads in the BSBA program can complete an online operations and supply chain management concentration.

20. Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN

Management, Supply Chain, MS

Net Price: $11,964
Grad Student Enrollment: 2,260
GMAT Score Requirements: 400 minimum
Points: 7

Middle Tennessee State University is a public, Carnegie Research Doctoral University with eight undergraduate colleges and a College of Graduate Studies. It offers more than 100 degree programs. Offering the lowest cost of attendance among the state’s three main comprehensive universities, MTSU is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). In recent years, the 1,000-acre college, home to over 21,000 students, has completed almost $1 billion in new construction and updates. Its student-faculty ratio is 17:1, and its first-time student retention rate is 75 percent.

The Department of Management in the AACSB-accredited Jennings A. Jones College of Business offers an MS in management with three concentration options, including supply chain management. This on-campus, 33-credit program includes an “applied project” in its last semester. Twelve of its course credit hours are devoted to supply chain. Another six credit hours are “career electives.” Students work with an advisor to choose courses that will facilitate their career goals. The Department offers competitive, 20-hour weekly assistantships that cover tuition, most fees and a monthly stipend. Students in this program can benefit from extras at MTSU like the Supply Chain Management Student Group.

19. Binghamton University, SUNY in Vestal, NY

Five different MBA programs with a Career Track in Supply Chain Management

Net Price: $17,424
Grad Student Enrollment: 3,959
GMAT Score Requirements: 600 minimum (618 is the average)
Points: 7

Binghamton University is a State University of New York school and a public research institution. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Binghamton has a 90 percent first-time student retention rate and over 18,000 total students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. The 930-acre consists of six schools across a suburban wooded hillside above the Susquehanna River. It also includes an on-campus nature preserve. Modeled after Oxford University, Binghamton has a 19:1 student-faculty ratio.

Binghamton’s AACSB-accredited School of Management has five different MBA programs that offer a five-course Career Track in Supply Chain Management. All have rolling admissions and are broken down as follows:

• The 57-credit Four-Semester MBA program is available to students of all undergraduate majors Those with background coursework in microeconomics and statistics could complete the program in one year.
• The One-Year MBA (June to May) is a newer program, offering students without a business background to move through the 51 credits as a cohort in just three semesters. This option  requires an on-campus summer session, but does not require an internship for graduation like the Four-Semester option. Part-time enrollment is possible within this option.
• The nine-month, 34-credit Management Fast-Track MBA option is designed for those with undergraduate degrees in business and accounting, offering team-based (cohort) coursework and consulting project courses. The supply chain management project course gives students the opportunity to analyze supply chain efficiency and make management recommendations for real-world businesses.
• Binghamton undergraduates in the Harpur College of Arts and Sciences can take advantage of the Harpur Fast-Track MBA. This allows them to complete their first year of graduate study during their senior year of their undergraduate program, completing both within just five years. You apply as a junior, and it doesn’t require any prerequisite coursework. You’ll take 61 credits, starting your senior year.
• The Watson Fast-Track MBA program option is designed for Binghamton students in the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science. It offers a similar five-year dual undergraduate and graduate degree completion as the Harpur program. This program is 53 credits, including the required MBA courses during the senior year.

18. Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah

MBA with a Track in Global Supply Chain Management

Net Price: $13,340
Grad Student Enrollment: 3,026
GMAT Score Requirements: 680 (average score among class of 2019)
Points: 8

Brigham Young University has the largest undergraduate student enrollment of any other private university in America, enrolling a total of over 34,000 students. A non-profit research university, BYU has a 20:1 student-faculty ratio and a 90 percent student retention rate. It’s owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and its campus setting is a midsize city. BYU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

BYU’s Marriott School of Business offers an undergraduate degree program in global supply chain, as well as a 64-credit MBA with a Global Supply Chain Management Track. This two-year, full-time program emphasizes teamwork from the start. It organizes its classes into small teams of about five students, determined by their academic, language and professional backgrounds. New students are also introduced to each other through a series of team-building outdoor activities in the Wasatch Mountains. Students are advised not to work during the first year, as they follow a strict lockstep format, taking all their classes together. The second year is where you can further personalize your curriculum through the global SCM track and other emphases, minors and certificates in subjects like:

• analytics
• international business
• social innovation

As a student in the master’s of supply chain and logistics program, you can benefit from clubs like:

• the Graduate Supply Chain and Operations Association
• Savage Global Consulting, which is reserved for handpicked SCM graduate students.

17. San Diego State University in San Diego, CA

MBA with a Specialization in Supply Chain Management

Net Price: $14,499
Grad Student Enrollment: 4,696
GMAT Score Requirements: Average among admitted students is 621
Points: 8

San Diego State University is a public research university–the largest and oldest institute of higher education in San Diego County. Enrolling over 35,000 students, SDSU has seven colleges and amenities like a Black Resource Center and an Undocumented Resource Area.  SDSU is situated in a large metropolitan area, with downtown San Diego to the west, but a large regional park with a lake and trails nearby. Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), SDSU has a 27:1 student-faculty ratio and an 89 percent retention rate.

The Fowler College of Business offers an AACSB-accredited MBA program, which includes a specialization option in Supply Chain Management. Structured around the theme of “Managing the Firm’s Life Cycle,” this 30- to 48-unit curriculum is customizable, with 18 units dedicated to electives or the specialization and an included (but optional) “immersive international experience.” Students can enroll in this MBA full- or part-time with day or evening classes in both options.It’s not available online. In the MBA Consulting project, students are divided up by interest to find real-world solutions for clients like the City of San Diego Office of Economic Growth, Hewlett Packard and Pharmatek. MBA students can opt for a dual degree MBA/MA in Latin American Studies. They can also benefit from extracurriculars like the APICS West Coast Student Case Competition. The school’s STEM-designated MS in Information Systems degree program additionally offers a 12-unit career track in supply chain management.

16. University of Toledo in Toledo, OH

Professional MBA with a major in Operations and Supply Chain Management

Net Price: $17,822
Grad Student Enrollment: 4,126
GMAT Score Requirements: 450 minimum
Points: 9

The University of Toledo is a public metropolitan research university with over 19,000 students and accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission. UT has a main campus and a Health Science Campus, with over 350 student organizations across the two. The student-faculty ratio is 20:1, and it has a 76 percent student retention rate. UT’s College of Business and Innovation is the largest professional college on campus, is fully accredited by AACSB International. 

COBI offers a master’s in supply chain and logistics through its Professional MBA with a major in Operations and Supply Chain Management. Admission to this program is on a rolling basis with start times in the fall, spring or summer. You can work through this MBA at your own pace, as a full-time or part-time student, and with the option to take about 90 percent of the program’s classes online. Otherwise, most classes meet in the evenings. Full-time students typically complete the program in three to four semesters. Part-time students usually finish within two to three years. The curriculum is flexible, allowing you to choose up to two majors. It offers foundational and core course waivers, depending on your academic background. Within the operations and supply chain management major, you’ll take courses like:

• Simulation and Waiting Lines
• Essentials of Business Analytics
• ERP Systems Process Management.

15. The University of Texas at Austin in Austin, TX

Full-Time MBA with a Supply Chain & Operations Management Concentration

Net Price: $15,502
Grad Student Enrollment: 10,927
GMAT Score Requirements: No minimum, but 703 is the average score among MBA students
Points: 9

One of the biggest research universities in the U.S., The University of Texas at Austin enrolls more than 51,000 students. It’s the flagship school of the University of Texas System. Its 431-acre campus includes 18 colleges and schools, 17 libraries and students from all 50 states and 124 countries. In the last 10 years, UT entrepreneurs have created 65 companies, and UT has received 786 U.S. and international patents. UT is located in the center of Austin, which offers a mix of cosmopolitan city and green Texas Hill Country. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and its business school is accredited by AACSB International. UT’s student-faculty ratio is 19:1 and its student retention rate is 96 percent.

UT Austin’s McCombs School of Business offers a Full-Time MBA with a Supply Chain and Operations Management Concentration. The 16-credit concentration offers the choice of four classes out of a pool of 19 in subjects like:

• Service Operations Management
• Consumer Behavior in a Digital World
• a Global Trip to Southeast Asia

Through the practicum course, students have the opportunity to work with industrial partners, from the UT Supply Chain Consortium, to solve real-world business problems. This MBA program is two years long with multiple application dates throughout each year. The cohort-focused overall curriculum offers room for personalization with 70 percent of its courses being self-selected. McCombs also offers a Supply Chain Management Certificate program. Unique features of UT Austin include the Supply Chain Management Center, dedicated to supply chain “research, education, leaders and solutions.” Through the Center you can take advantage of experiential learning opportunities like:

• the Operations Fellows Program
• the MBA Operations Challenge
• Operations Bootcamp.

14. California State University Long Beach in Long Beach, CA

MS in Supply Chain Management (MSSCM)

Net Price: $9,903
Grad Student Enrollment: 5,620
GMAT Score Requirements: At least 500 overall score; 4.0 essay score; 4.0 integrated reasoning score
Points: 9

California State University Long Beach is the most applied-to school in the CSU System. Its campus is 322 acres just three miles from the Pacific Ocean with more than 37,000 enrolled students and its own zip code. This is an incredibly inclusive campus with gender-neutral bathrooms, numerous lactation stations and a massive bike share program with 60 stations and 156 miles of bikeways. The student-faculty ratio is 24:1. The freshman retention rate is 87 percent and CSULB receives regional accreditation from WASC Senior College and University Commission. The College of Business (COB) is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB).

While this is a larger school, the COB’s MS in Supply Chain Management (MSSCM) program enrolled just 34 students in 2017 (most recent data). The MSSCM includes a required two-day orientation, career services with personal advisors and the Graduate Career Mentor Program, which connects students to professionals for a mentor-mentee relationship. The curriculum is designed to introduce students to current SCM operations, whether or not they have previous education on the subject. Course requirements include classes like:

• Global Supply Chain Strategy
• internships
• real-life company-sponsored master thesis projects

Students can choose between the Accelerated Track (21 months) and the Professional Track (24 months). Days spent in the classroom depend on faculty availability.

13. University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI

Master of Supply Chain Management or Full-Time MBA

Net Price: $17,357 (The MSCM Cohort Total Tuition for nonresidents is $58,863.)
Grad Student Enrollment: 16,824
GMAT Score Requirements: No minimum score requirement, but the average score range is 650-740
Points: 9

The National Science Foundation ranked the University of Michigan as the No. 1 public research university in the U.S. in 2016. UMich has more than 48,000 total students at the Ann Arbor campus. It has a 11:1 student-faculty ratio and a 97 percent student retention rate. Students can take advantage of more than 200 study abroad programs on six continents through the school’s 600+ global initiative sites. The 3,207-acre Ann Arbor campus offers a city setting 45 minutes from Detroit and a trimester-based academic calendar. UMich receives accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and the AACSB.

Gartner’s second best supply chain program in 2018, UMich’s Ross School of Business offers a 30-credit Master of Supply Chain Management (MSCM) degree program. The curriculum is holistic in respect to global supply chain management, and it’s action-based. The Supply Chain Consulting Studio offers real-world learning opportunities because students are required to complete a corporate project as a small team, covering topics with a professor like:

• Sustainability
• Product Development
• New Forecasting Models

MSCM students can take courses alongside those in the Full-Time MBA program. This is a full-time program lasting 10 months with coursework beginning in June. It cannot be extended beyond one year. At least three credits will come from customizable elective courses. While prior work experience is not required, students are expected to have some kind of industry engagement prior to admission. Every applicant is considered for institutional scholarships, and admissions is on a rolling basis. Students can also apply to this program as a Dual Degree with one of 20+ other program options. Beyond the master’s degree, UMich offers a PhD in Technology & Operations, as well as multiple supply chain research centers, student clubs/organizations and resources like the Corporate Advisory Council (CAC). Through the CAC, industry leaders from companies like IBM, Google and Wal-Mart work with faculty to update program curriculum and offers things like an MSCM Mentorship Program, networking events and more.

12. Wright State University in Dayton, OH

Hybrid MS in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Net Price: $15,251
Grad Student Enrollment: 2,985
GMAT Score Requirements: Not required (nor is the GRE)
Points: 10

Wright State University is a public research university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This 557-acre campus is located 11 miles from downtown Dayton, OH, with over 12,000 students and a branch Lake Campus on the shores of Grand Lake St. Marys in Celina, OH. At Wright State, underground tunnels connect 20 of the 22 academic buildings so that students can get to class easier during the colder months. The student-faculty ratio is 13:1, and the first-time student retention rate is 65 percent. The Raj Soin College of Business has experiential learning at its core. Even the CoB’s coffee shop is completely student-run, including its marketing, pricing and management.

Accredited by AACSB, the CoB is home to the Department of Information Systems and Supply Chain Management (ISSCM). It includes the Data Analytics and Visualization Environment (lab), an undergraduate major and minor in SCM and a cheap master’s in supply chain and logistics. This is a one-year flexible program. It offers online courses and four weekend on-campus residencies. Geared toward working professionals, the cohort, 33-credit curriculum focuses on real experiences, case materials and simulations. Courses include:

• Global Logistics and Trade
• Strategic Sourcing
• Performance Measurement
• Supply Chain Transformation

Applicants should have three years of work experience, but students benefit from taking just one class at a time.

11. University of South Florida in Tampa, FL

MBA/Supply Chain Management Concentration (SCM)

Net Price: $9,787
Grad Student Enrollment: 11,562
GMAT Score Requirements: 572 is the average among admitted students
Points: 11

The University of South Florida is a public research university with 50,000+ students from 128 countries and accreditation from by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. USF has a student-faculty ratio of 23:1, a 91 percent retention rate. It has campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota. The Education Trend recognizes USF as being No. 6 in the nation “for eliminating the completion gap between black and white students.” Among its 14 colleges, the AACSB-accredited Muma College of Business has the highest business job placement rate among state schools.

Through the Center for Supply Chain Management & Sustainability, the CoB offers an MBA/Supply Chain Management Concentration. The 15-hour concentration is a part-time, evening interdisciplinary program that’s designed for working professionals. This is in addition to the 16 hours of required MBA coursework. Its curriculum covers SCM processes like warehousing, information management and more. A full member of the SAP University Alliances program, USF’s master’s in supply chain management program includes the SAP Student Recognition Award certificate if students take the three required courses. In addition to the specialized concentrations, this MBA includes the following:

• A globally-focused curriculum
• Leadership development and experiential learning
• Networking opportunities and employer information sessions
• Mentorship
• Case competitions
• Career fairs and advancement assistance

10. Iowa State University in Ames, IA

Professional or Full-Time MBA with a Supply Chain Management Specialization

Net Price: $15,195
Grad Student Enrollment: 5,078
GMAT Score Requirements: The average score among Full-Time MBA students is in the 600s (500s for Professional MBA students)
Points: 11

Iowa State University is a land-grant research university with about 33,000 students, located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines. The 1,900-acre campus offers one of America’s largest campus public art programs and the world’s highest resolution, immersive virtual reality lab. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Iowa State has a 18:1 student-faculty ratio and an 87 percent first-time student retention rate. The AACSB-accredited Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business includes a department of Supply Chain and Information Systems. It offers an MBA specialization, as well as an undergraduate major, online graduate certificate and PhD program in supply chain management.

Both the Full-Time and Professional MBA programs offer a nine-credit Supply Chain Management Specialization. Students can pursue a double specialization, and the SCM track includes a unique course: Biorenewables Supply Chain Management. Both MBA programs are 48 credits, including 18 elective credits, and require in-person classes. The two-year Full-Time MBA only starts in the fall with daytime classes and offers a two-day team case competition (with a scholarship prize). The 2.5-year Professional MBA program is offered in downtown Des Moines and is designed for those working full-time. Students only take six credits per semester (rather than 12 per semester for full-time). The program can start in the fall, spring or summer. A Fast-Track option allows for year-round courses so that you can graduate within two years. According to the Department site, Iowa State is No. 5 in the world for supply chain management research productivity.

9. University of Wisconsin-Madison in Madison, WI

Full-Time MBA Specialization in Supply Chain Management

Net Price: $16,103
Grad Student Enrollment: 11,858
GMAT Score Requirements: 670 (average score for Class of 2020)
Points: 13?

School Profile

The flagship campus of the UW System, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a land-grant research university and the official university of the state. Surrounded by three lakes, its 936-acre campus has 44,257 students. The freshman retention rate is 95 percent, and the overall student-faculty ratio is 17:1. UW-Madison is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Its business school is accredited by AACSB International.

In 1900, the Wisconsin School of Business established one of the first five business programs in America. Today, the School includes the Grainger Center for Supply Chain Management, which offers “one of the only endowed, center-based supply chain programs in the country.” The Center supports an Undergraduate Certificate in Supply Chain Management, and the Full-Time MBA Career Specialization in Supply Chain Management. You’ll move through this MBA as a close-knit student cohort group, with opportunities like:

• Experiential Learning
• Global Learning Experiences
• the Leadership Catalyst program

Uniquely, UW-Madison’s STEM-designated MBA curriculum incorporates supply chain management classes right off the bat, alongside the business core courses. You can further tailor your degree program through a graduate-level certificate in subjects like strategic innovation, business analytics and more. For real-world applied learning, this program includes the following:

• student projects
• case competitions
• global tours
• special seminars
• a 100% internship placement rate
• site visits, and more

8. University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN

MS in Global Supply Chain Management, Full-Time MBA with a Supply Chain Management Concentration or Executive MBA – Global Supply Chain

Net Price: $21,024
Grad Student Enrollment: 6,170
GMAT Score Requirements: 656 is the average score among Full-Time MBA students, but it “can be waived for qualified students.”
Points: 14

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is the state’s flagship land-grant research university and part of the UT System. Within the Doctoral Universities R1 category of “very high research activity,” UTK is a Carnegie Engaged university, governed by a 12-member board of trustees. This 910-acre campus includes over 29,000 total students, 11 colleges, a 17:1 student-faculty ratio and the UT Space Institute. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, UTK has a freshman retention rate of 86 percent.

The Department of Supply Chain Management in the AACSB-accredited Haslam College of Business at UTK offers a Full-Time MBA concentrated in supply chain management, an Executive MBA in global supply chain and an MS in global supply chain management. The three programs break down as follows:

• The two-year MS in Global Supply Chain Management is truly a global program, carrying students across three semesters on UTK’s campus, at the Kuehne Logistics University in Hamburg, Germany and at Tongji University’s School of Economics and Management in Shanghai, China. Students operate as a single, integrated group for four semesters, ending the program with a team capstone project at each student’s degree-granting institution.
• Offering a specialization in supply chain management, the Full-Time MBA is typically a class of around 58 students. It can be completed as a dual-degree. This 48-credit MBA program’s concentration areas usually consist of nine credit hours in the last semester. The full curriculum also includes:
• integrated case competitions
• a required internship
• consulting presentations
• a “Mini-Term Global Business Seminar” with travel.

Specifically geared toward supply chain managers with 10 or more years of experience, the Executive MBA in global supply chain management is one-year program that requires less than 30 days out of the office. About 40 percent of last year’s class was international, and the full class was fewer than 30 students with an average age of 39. The program’s commitment is about 15 hours per week. The bulk of the learning occurs during four 10-day residence periods, two of which are at international supply chain hubs in Europe and Asia. Otherwise, there are 18-20 supplemental two-hour classes taken online. The class operates in a lockstep progression. It culminates in a focused case study of each student’s organization.

Regardless of the program, supply chain students at UTK benefit from SCM-centered student organizations, as well as the Global Supply Chain Institute and the Supply Chain Forum. The GSCI offers corporate connections in the industry, talent development and research initiatives. The Forum is a twice-annual day-and-a-half meeting of 200+ professionals from 60 companies to offer keynote presentations, breakout sessions, networking receptions and recruiting opportunities.

*Editor’s Note: We deducted one point because UTK is priced slightly above our top 50 cheapest colleges, but its offerings were too good not to include.

7. The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH

Master of Business Logistics Engineering (MBLE) or Full-time MBA with a Pathway in Supply Chain

Net Price: $18,706
Grad Student Enrollment: 14,572
GMAT Score Requirements: Average among MBLE students is 683 (676 for FTMBA)
Points: 14

The Ohio State University is one of the largest public research universities with 61,391 students on its main campus and more across its five other campuses. It is highly regarded for its business school and affordable online master’s in supply chain and logistics by Forbes, Gartner and more. Its first-year retention rate is 94 percent. The student-faculty ratio is 19:1 and there are 500,000+ OSU alumni. OSU is situated along the main road of Columbus’ Short North Arts District (known as the “Art and Soul” of the city). It’s been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1913.

OSU’s Fisher College of Business offers both a 41-credit Master of Business Logistics Engineering (MBLE) and a 60-credit Full-Time MBA with a pathway in Supply Chain (Operations and Logistics). The MBLE is a STEM-recognized cohort program with students from all over the world, but only 19 enrolled in the 2018 class. Its unique curriculum covers logistics strategy, the management of logistics operations and engineering tasks, like facility design and implementation of logistics technology. The program is offered collaboratively by the Fisher’s Department of Marketing and Logistics and the College of Engineering’s Integrated Systems Engineering Department. It only admits students for the fall, and it’s completable within 15 months. The two-year Full-Time MBA can include a Global Applied Project and 7.5 credit hours in experiential courses. The Pathway in supply chain has a foundational curriculum in logistics and operations in addition to courses in:

• lean management
• six-sigma principles
• supply chain management

Beyond the Pathway, students can further personalize their program by choosing electives from across the entire university. At OSU, you can benefit from extras like:

• The Global Supply Chain Forum
• the Operations and Logistics Management Association
• the Pathways for Women’s Excellence in Supply Chain Program.

6. Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN

MS in Global Supply Chain Management (MSGSCM) and MBA with a Specialization area in Global Supply Chain Management

Net Price: $12,684
Grad Student Enrollment: 10,904
GMAT Score Requirements: 630 is the average
Points: 14

School Profile

Purdue University is a world-renowned research university with a history and focus in science, engineering and technology. It offers students a graduate business degree program steeped in quantitative analytics and research. This Big Ten university had a 91 percent undergraduate retention rate in Fall 2017, and a general student-faculty ratio of 13:1. Purdue is made up of a 2,468-acre main campus with 45,500 students and had the fourth-highest international student enrollment, according to The Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education. The Higher Learning Commission and the AACSB accredit Purdue and its Krannert School of Management, respectively.

The Krannert School dubs itself as “unapologetically team oriented,” which plays out during its affordable MS in supply chain’s real-world Experiential Learning projects. Its full-time MS in Global Supply Chain Management degree program offers a STEM-certified curriculum focusing on operations and business analytics in addition to SCM. You can choose between a Traditional (18 months) or an Accelerated (10 months) route to complete at least 30 credit hours. Purdue also offers a two-year Full-Time MBA with a specialization in Global Supply Chain Management, which is a total of 60 credit hours. For further study, you can move on to a PhD Program in Supply Chain and Operations Management. Purdue offers a number of unique attributes for those interested in supply chain management, such as:

• the inaugural Management Solutions Challenge Supply Chain CASE Competition
• and the Dauch Center for the Management of Manufacturing Enterprises
• the Global Supply Chain Management Initiative.

5. San Jose State University in San Jose, CA

MS in Industrial and Systems Engineering with a Specialty Area 2: Supply Chain and Logistics Engineering OR MS in Transportation Management

Net Price: $14,471
Grad Student Enrollment: 8,180
GMAT Score Requirements: For the MS in transportation management, “scores at the 50th percentile in both the quantitative and verbal sections of the exam are considered competitive.”
Points: 14

School Profile

San Jose State University is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, where over 80 percent of its business school students work. SJSU is the founding campus of the CSU system with 36,085 students. It’s located on 154 acres in downtown San Jose. It has a 25:1 student-faculty ratio and accreditation by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. A research university with multiple locations, SJSU includes the Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI), an organized research and training unit partnered with the Lucas College and Graduate School of Business. It works to improve the safety, efficiency, accessibility and convenience of America’s transportation system.

The supply chain offerings are unique at SJSU. Its Lucas Graduate School of Business offers an MS in Transportation Management. The Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering offers an MS in Industrial and Systems Engineering with Specialty Area 2: Supply Chain and Logistics Engineering. The two break down as follows:

• The ABET-accredited MS-ISE offers a STEM-designated curriculum with courses ranging from human-machine interaction to cost-effectiveness analysis and operations planning and control. There’s a total of 10 courses, mostly in the evenings. The speciality is comprised of core courses, specialty courses and two electives. Career-wise, graduates of this program can expect to perform technical work, as well as management duties. Students can complement their degree with a Six Sigma Certificate. The program’s retention rate for first-time students was 72.7 percent in 2016.

The MSTM is offered jointly by the college of business and the Mineta Transportation Institute, training students to become “mobility managers.” Accredited by the AACSB, this 30-unit program is accelerated and completable within 2.5 years, with evening classes. Typically, students take one course at a time, one night per week. Available at designated district offices and agencies statewide, class delivery is via video conferences, streaming and online courseware. This master’s has three certificate options:

• High-Speed Rail Management
• Transportation Security Management
• and Transportation Management.

4. University of Houston in Houston, TX

MS in Supply Chain and Logistics Technology, MS in Supply Chain Management or Full-Time or Professional MBA with an Elective Certificate in Supply Chain Management

Net Price: $13,212
Grad Student Enrollment: 7,551
GMAT Score Requirements: 550 is the average GMAT score for the CoT’s program, but it prefers the GRE, of which the average is 300. Average GMAT for the MBA is 610. Average GRE score for the CoB’s MS program is 308, and its average GMAT score is 580.
Points: 16

The University of Houston has an urban, 667-acre campus located in the fastest-growing city in America (Forbes, 2016). It’s the third-largest university in Texas with 46,000+ students. UH is also the second-most ethnically diverse major (Tier One) research university in the country. It has a 23:1 student-faculty ratio and is accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, as well as accreditation by the Project Management Institute (PMI) for its College of Technology. Located in the heart of the city, the C.T. Bauer College of Business is accredited by AACSB International and has a 85 percent first-time student retention rate.

UH is unique in that in addition to its business offerings, its College of Technology offers an affordable master’s in supply chain and logistics degree program. Between the two colleges, supply chain students can benefit from undergraduate and PhD programs in supply chain, as well as student organizations like Supply-chain Industry and Distribution Organization (SIDO.) A breakdown of the three master’s in supply chain and logistics programs is as follows:

• MS in Supply Chain and Logistics Technology: Through the CoT, this STEM-designated master’s in supply chain and logistics program offers a two-year curriculum comprised of 36 credits. Areas of emphasis in this program include course topics like:
• distribution evaluation and strategies
• multinational distribution
• procurement strategies
• MS in Supply Chain Management: This 36-credit MS in supply chain program, offered through the CoB, includes courses like:
• management, finance
• accounting
• business analytics

You can enroll full- or part-time, with evening weekday courses, and it’s completable within 18 to 24 months.

• MBA with an Elective Certificate in Supply Chain Management: The Full-Time MBA is a rigorous 22-month degree program, offering weekday and evening courses. The Professional MBA is designed for working professionals, offering part-time, evening courses, completable within 22 to 36 months. Its flexible curriculum allows you to choose elective or optional certificate courses for more than half of the program’s requirements. For both programs, the Supply Chain Management Certificate Curriculum requires 13.5 credit hours.

3. Wayne State University in Detroit, MI

Executive MS in Automotive Supply Chain Management (EMS-SCM) or MBA with a Concentration in Global Supply Chain Management

Net Price: $15,012
Grad Student Enrollment: 9,181
GMAT Score Requirements: 550 (minimum)
Points: 17

Home to the nation’s first electric-drive vehicle program, Wayne State University is located in the heart of the automotive capital of the country. This allows for a variety of corporate partnerships and research initiatives. WSU is home to over 26,000 students (Michigan’s most diverse student body) and TechTown, Detroit’s most established business accelerator and incubator. With the largest gift in WSU’s history, the campus recently opened its new business school facility, located in the District Detroit. It also has a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, 79 percent first-time student retention rate and accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

The AACSB-accredited Mike Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State offers a unique, 31-credit Executive MS in Automotive Supply Chain Management (EMS-SCM). Designed for both working professionals and recent grads, this master’s program can be completed via full- or part-time study in three semesters or two years, respectively. An international experience is required in the curriculum, and offers students the opportunity to study in China, Brazil, Italy or Central Europe. While most master’s in supply chain and logistics programs prepare students for general SCM, the automotive industry is specific, high-tech and high-value, requiring specialized training that this program can provide. The Ilitch School also offers:

• an Automotive Industry Certificate in Purchasing and Supply Chain Management
• a Certificate in Global Supply Chain
• a bachelor’s in global supply chain management
• an MBA concentration in global supply chain management. This MBA program offers options like accelerated courses, online courses and satellite campus locations.

2. Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, GA

Master of Science in Supply Chain Engineering or MBA with an Operations Management Concentration

Net Price: $16,883
Grad Student Enrollment: 20,338
GMAT Score Requirements: The GRE is preferred, but admissions “hesitates to provide average scores.”
Points: 18

The Georgia Institute of Technology is one of the country’s leading researching universities with over 36,000 students and international campuses around the world. Its main campus is comprised of 400 wooded acres, ironically in the heart of the city, with “virtually every amenity close at hand.” The overall student-faculty ratio is 19:1. Among freshmen, the retention rate is 97 percent. Georgia Tech is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and AACSB International.

For its 2018 ranking, Gartner named Georgia Tech as the No. 1 best college for its supply chain graduate degree programs. In the Scheller College of Business, students can work toward a BSBA concentrated in Operations and Supply Chain Management, an MBA with a concentration in Operations (and Supply Chain) Management, a PhD concentrated in Operations Management and a Supply Chain Leader Development Program. The Full-Time MBA is a two-year program, while the Evening (part-time) MBA is typically completed within 24-36 months. Both require 54 credits for completion, and they offer an optional Immersive Track in Supply Chain Innovation. Georgia Tech’s supply chain offerings are unique in that its Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering offers an MS in Supply Chain Engineering. This STEM-designated master’s degree program can be completed in 12 months. The curriculum, which has a strong foundation in analytical methods, consists of eight required classroom courses and a real-world capstone industry experience for a total of 30 credit hours. This program only comes in a full-time format at the Atlanta campus. However, applicants can come from a wide range of business and academic backgrounds, as long as they have a bachelor of science or equivalent. Fifty students are admitted to this program annually. The Stewart School additionally offers a PhD program in supply chain engineering.

1. University of Texas at Dallas in Richardson, TX

MS in Supply Chain Management or MBA with concentration in Supply Chain Management

Net Price: $10,455
Grad Student Enrollment: 8,547
GMAT Score Requirements: Current admitted average score is 600
Points: 18-19

The University of Texas at Dallas is comprised of a 500-acre suburban campus just 20 miles north of downtown Dallas with over 29,000 total students. UT Dallas has a 25:1 student-faculty ratio and an 89 percent retention rate. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the AACSB. As a research university, it has a Carnegie R1 classification (Doctoral Universities – Highest research activity). It also has more than 570 tenured and tenure-track professors, including a Nobel laureate and six National Academy members.

The Naveen Jindal School of Management is the largest of UT Dallas’ eight schools, offering a BS in Supply Chain Management and an affordable MS in Supply Chain Management. This STEM-designated program takes about 18-24 months to complete. It can include an SAS Certificate in Data Mining and Business Intelligence. With a graduation rate of 97.92 percent, the 36-credit (minimum) master’s in supply chain program is approved by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). You can tailor your program by choosing a track in:

• analytics
• retail
• risk
• strategy

Eighteen credits are self-chosen elective courses. Work experience and prior education in SCM is not required, and the program includes both on-campus and online courses. The Jindal School also offers double MS/MBA and MS/MS programs, as well as certificate programs in Lean Six Sigma and Product Lifecycle/Supply Chain Management. Plus, the 53-credit MBA program includes a concentration in Supply Chain Management. The MBA comes in five different formats:

• Full-Time Cohort
• Professional Evening Cohort
• Professional Flex
• Professional Online
• Executive MBA.

More on Getting a Master’s in Supply Chain and Logistics

Defining the Degree: Master’s in Supply Chain and Logistics

A graduate degree in supply chain and logistics is a postgraduate academic degree program, offered by universities around the world. A degree program is usually one to two years long, and there is a variety of accelerated or specialized programs out there. Typically resulting in a Master of Science (MS) or Master of Business Administration (MBA), you can earn a master’s degree in supply chain and logistics online, in a hybrid format, on-campus and abroad. This kind of graduate degree program can also result in a:

• Master of the Arts (MA)
• Master of Supply Chain (MSc)
• Master of Management
• Master of Logistics and Supply Chain Management (MLSCM)
• Master of Professional Studies (MPS)
• Master of Business Logistics Engineering (MBLE) and more.

There are also a number of different subject titles around this degree program that offer the same or similar curriculum, with some occasionally being more STEM-designated, more focused on engineering or strictly business. Some of these titles, instead of “supply chain and logistics,” may be:

• Supply Chain Management Logistics
• Supply Chain Management and Logistics
• Supply Chain Analytics
• Supply Chain and Logistics Management
• Transportation Management
• Supply and Logistics Management
• Logistics Engineering
• Global Supply Chain Management
• Industrial and Systems Engineering
• Acquisition and Supply Chain Management
• Procurement and Acquisitions Management
• Operations and Supply Chain Management
• Supply Chain, Transport and Mobility
• Supply Chain and Logistics Technology and more.

When choosing a program, you need to decide whether you want yours to be focused more around general business management (MBA), or if you prefer more of a mathematics, statistics and engineering background. Some supply chain master’s degree programs even have a more specific focus, like Wayne State University’s Executive MS in Automotive Supply Chain Management. Related degree types not included in this ranking would be master’s programs in:

• Business Analytics
• Information Systems
• Industrial Engineering
• Operations Management.

Most Frequently Searched Master’s in Supply Chain and Logistics

• National University of Singapore’s MS in Supply Chain Management: The NUS Department of Industrial Systems Engineering and Management offers a Master of Science in Supply Chain Management program jointly with The Logistics Institute-Asia Pacific and the NUS Business School’s Department of Decision Sciences. This multi-disciplinary program combines business with engineering. It’s designed for mid-career professionals looking for advancement.
• Malaysia Institute for Supply Chain Innovation’s MS in Supply Chain Management: This supply chain master’s program is available as a part-time professional degree and as a joint program with MIT (included in the ranking above). MISI also offers a number of supply-chain-specific short courses, executive education programs and a PhD program in supply chain management.
• HEC Montréal’s MSC in Global Supply Chain Management: Canadian programs in supply chain management are highly sought after, and this one aims to train you as a logistics specialist in the global fields of product procurement, production, transportation, warehousing and distribution. Half of this program’s students come from 15+ different countries, It offers a dual-degree option with the University of Melbourne in Australia.
• Nanyang Technological University’s MSc (Supply Chain & Logistics): This is an engineering logistics program with a curriculum designed to address the needs of both the manufacturing and service sectors. Offered by the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, it includes an optional specialization in Additive Manufacturing.
• MIT: The No. 2 top affordable master’s in supply chain and logistics on this list, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is the most searched-for SCM degree program in America. It offers a:
• Master of Applied Science in Supply Chain Management (MASc-SCM)
• Master of Engineering in Supply Chain Management (MEng-SCM)
• MITx MicroMasters Credential in Supply Chain Management.

FAQ Concerning Supply Chain Graduate Degree Programs

1. What is Supply Chain?
Supply Chain is a network of independent, yet interconnected moving parts, which an experienced employee must oversee to keep the flow of things smooth, efficient and cost-effective. According to Investopedia, Supply Chain Management “is based on the idea that nearly every product that comes to market results from the efforts of various organizations that make up a supply chain.”

At one end of the chain, an Operations, Logistics or Supply Chain Manager might deal with the vendors who create individual raw materials necessary to the business. At the other end, he or she will work with distribution centers, online retailers and small businesses to get the finished product out to the right customers. Somewhere in between, he or she might manage the transportation “middlemen” or storage warehouses to get the products where they need to be. Some even operate globally, coordinating with factories overseas and communicating with other players in different time zones. That bottle of soda you pick up at your local store passed through many hands before making it to that shelf.

2. What can I do with a supply chain degree?
Working in Supply Chain means you’ll be a part of the business’ external trail of supply and demand, from the creation of its goods/services through delivery of the finished product into the customers’ hands. This can include the following functions:

• Controlling and linking the production, shipment and distribution of a product
• Planning and supervising the sources/procurement of the raw materials necessary for a product/service
• Maximizing efficiency while managing the conversion, transportation and logistics involved in creating and delivering the business’ good/service
• Minimizing cost while delivering quality
• Coordinating and collaborating with third parties, like suppliers and customers
• Speed up product distribution to meet market needs
• Evaluate and work to improve an organization’s technology and analytics capabilities within its Supply Chain

3. Why should I master in supply chain?
Supply chain is one of an organization’s essential functions, so remaining up-to-date and competitive in that function is pertinent to long-term sustainability. Going back to school will put you “in the know” about the newest SC buzzwords and concepts, increasing your value to employers. Consider the degree to be an investment in you. Is the return worth the risk? A master’s degree could earn you a promotion, or a new title at a different organization.

Supply chain has been around a long time, but the technical advances of our Information Age have brought to light the value of experienced and well-educated Supply Chain Managers. According to Gartner, the number of MS degree programs in Supply Chain Management has grown 67 percent in two years.

4. Is it worth it if I already have a bachelor’s degree in supply chain?
Master’s programs in supply chain delve deeper into the global scope of the field, giving you a broader education, typically after you’ve had a couple years of experience working in the field. In today’s information age, it’s more important than ever for businesses to operate with globalism in mind. Plus, the field’s demand for forward-thinking individuals exceeds what’s currently out there. Many organizations are actually paying for their employees to enhance their degrees.
Graduate degree programs are also more expansive, dealing with subjects beyond traditional SC areas, like marketing, finance and accounting. Plus, you’ll benefit from a number of networking opportunities with professionals across the industry. Supply chain is a fast-evolving field, so an MS, MA, MBA or MPS keep you ahead of competitors and on top of your game. Those with a graduate degree in supply chain management can expect to pull in an average starting salary of $70,000 to $110,000.

5. What kind of coursework does a graduate degree program in Supply Chain cover?
Depending on the program (e.g. whether it’s an MBA, engineering degree, etc.), you may find a wide range of courses within the curriculum. You might see general business management courses, statistics/mathematics courses and courses covering subjects like big data/data analytics, business information systems, transportation logistics, industrial engineering, finance, accounting, material acquisition, global management and much more. In the list above, we include specific course titles for most of the ranked schools.

6. Can I get an affordable online MS in supply chain and logistics?
Many colleges and universities offer full MBA programs and MS degrees online, allowing you to complete your courses from wherever you have access to wifi. Above, we’ve highlighted each school that offers an online format of its supply chain master’s degree program.

7. What’s the difference between Supply Chain Management and Operations Management?
According to Florida Tech, Supply Chain is the collective of a business’ external functions, beginning with the raw materials’ point of origin and ending with delivery of the product/service to the consumer. A Supply Chain Manager works to control cost and ensure efficiency of the entire process. For many businesses, Supply Chain Management is a component of Operations Management. One key difference, however, is that Operations Management focuses internally, working with various departments on strategy and tactics. The coursework of most master’s degree programs in Supply Chain Management covers the fundamentals of both Supply Chain and Operations Management.

8. What’s the difference between Supply Chain Management and Logistics Management?
Logistics Management is a subcomponent of Supply Chain Management. In a business, the Logistics Manager usually supervises the planning, implementation and control of the product/service’s movement. He or she might follow and manage the ebb and flow of the supply chain, the storage of goods or other related processes between the points of origin and consumption.

9. What is Supply Chain Analytics?
Today, more and more companies are utilizing big data in their supply chains to maximize the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the chain. Examining this raw data allows supply chain analysts to draw conclusions based on real information and make data-driven decisions at the strategic, operational and tactical levels.

10. What does a supply chain manager make?
According to PayScale, the average supply chain manager’s salary is over $81,000. On the higher end, you could make $115,000, and the lower end is just below $52,000. However, this is an expanding field. According to the APICS “2018 Supply Chain Compensation and Career Survey Report,” wage increases and high job satisfaction was reported across the profession. In 2017, 90 percent of survey respondents received an average salary increase of at least 3 percent.

Available Concentrations within Supply Chain Management Grad Programs

Not many Master’s degree programs in supply chain offer additional concentrations, as it’s a fairly specific field, but some schools offer career tracks, certificates or extra specializations to further tailor your degree. All of the following are mentioned at least once in the ranking above:

• Quality management
• Operations management
• Project management
• Global SCM or international business
• Transportation and logistics
• High-speed rail management
• Transportation security management
• Automotive industry certificate in purchasing and SCM
• Procurement/sourcing strategy
• Supply chain/business analytics
• Retail
• Corporate SCM
• SCM consulting
• Social innovation
• SAP Student Recognition Award (certificate): SAP is the global leader in business application software, and this program trains you to become a certified professional with valuable supply chain software skills.
• SAS Certificate in Data Mining and Business Intelligence: SAS, a company with 40+ years of experience innovating in analytics, offers certification that’s an internationally recognized credential in subjects like data management or BI & analytics.
• Six Sigma (certificate): Six Sigma is a statistical analysis methodology to improve business processes by identifying and removing defect causes.
• Lean Six Sigma (certificate): Lean Six Sigma is the method of using collaborative team effort to improve performance by eliminating “waste.”
• Supply chain in a digitized network (certificate)
• Economic development
• Certified Supply Chain Professionals (CSCP): Demonstrates your operational knowledge and organizational skills for developing more efficient supply chains.
• Strategic innovation

Master’s in Supply Chain Career Questions

Do supply chain and logistics jobs pay well?
Yes, over $115,000! And the salaries are only getting higher, with high rates of overall job satisfaction, according to a 2018 survey from APICS, the not-for-profit association for supply chain management.

What can you do with a supply chain management degree?
The supply chain encompasses a massive, multi-operational system of procurement, transport, storage and delivery with more moving parts in between. Plus, you can find a supply chain within most every industry: software and technology companies, petroleum and chemical companies, utilities, retailers, manufacturers, healthcare and more. One may begin as an expeditor before becoming a buyer/purchasing agent and moving up in the chain from there to positions like logistician, operations manager, sourcing strategist or operations analyst. The list goes on:

• Supply chain manager
• Commodity manager/analyst
• Digital supply chain specialist
• Supply chain consultant
• Business analyst
• Category manager
• Distribution center manager
• Import/export agent
• Logistics consultant
• Materials project manager
• Procurement specialist or manager
• Sourcing leader
• Sustainability analyst
• Transportation manager
• Manufacturing manager
• Inventory manager
• International operations manager
• Mergers and acquisitions analyst
• Risk management
• Operations financial analyst

How can I be a competitive supply chain manager?
Regardless of your position within the supply chain, there will most likely be some (or major) focus on data. Taking the opportunity to add tracks or certificates in data analytics or a related subject to your master’s degree program will keep you up to speed and ahead of your older competitors. Supply chain and logistics is a fast-paced industry, so it’s important to continuously ask yourself, “What’s next?” However, teamwork makes the dream work, so prepare to become a good delegator and team player. Finally: network, network, network! While what you know is important, so is who you know. Allow a good networking opportunity to develop into a mentorship because it’s always better to learn from someone you respect with lots of experience.

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