Online Supply Chain Management Degree Programs

This article looks at the requirements for online supply chain management degree and what you can expect to learn with a supply chain management major.

Supply chain managers must understand and be able to work within existing space and technology factors to improve and streamline the supply chain. Supply chain management degrees are one sub-specialty of a degree program such as masters of business administration. Individuals who work in this type of management are in charge of defining, working and managing the parts of a business or organization so that efficiency is maximized. All areas and activities that relate to finding, buying, converting and transporting materials are included within the scope of duties for the manager. The importance of this function as been noted since 1980 as a result of studies and writings related to efficiency in manufacturing and business operations. This has made the role of supply chain management schools important to the field of logistics and contract management as well.

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Selected Online Supply Chain Management Degree Programs

Strayer University - Campus and Strayer University Online

• AA: Acquisition and Contract Management
• BBA: Acquisition and Contract Management
• Diploma: Acquisition and Contract Management
• Exec Grad Cert: Bus Admin: Acquisition
• MBA: Acquisition
• Undergrad Cert: Bus Admin: Acquisition & Contract

University of Phoenix

• BS in Business/Integrated Supply Chain and Operations Management

Villanova University Online

• Advanced Contract Management
  
• Master Certificate in Contract Management
• Master Certificate in Government Contract Management
  Mastering Contract Management

Capella University

• DBA - Global Operations and Supply Chain Management
• MBA - Global Operations and Supply Chain Management

DeVry University

• Operations Management degree
  Bachelor's - Business Administration - Operations Management

Walden University

• M.S. in Management - Strategy and Operations

American InterContinental University and American InterContinental University Online

• Bachelor's of Business Administration - Operations Management
• MBA - Operations Management
  

Kaplan University

• Advanced Start BSBA - Operations Management
• BS in Business Administration - Operations Management
• MBA - Supply Chain Management and Logistics
• MS in Management - Supply Chain Management and Logistics

University of Liverpool

• MSc in Operations and Supply Chain Management
• MSc in Operations and Supply Chain Management (Oil and Gas)
  
• MSc in Operations and Supply Chain Management (Procurement & Sourcing)

Sullivan University

• Associates - Logistics & Distribution Management

Supply Chain Management Education and Training

A bachelor's degree is expected, but a master's degree is more likely to result in employment opportunities. In addition, this group of managers usually have extensive experience in the type of industry in which they work and many choose to work toward supply chain certification. Supply chain management courses may include accounting, logistics management, procurement management, quality assurance, and contract management.

In addition to supply chain management training, a degree in engineering, economics, business or one of the applied sciences is recommended for those wanting to become entry level workers in the field. These may be purchasing clerks, inventory managers or others who learn to work with suppliers and others in the chain.

In order to fill management level positions, a graduate degree with a business focus is usually expected. In order to advance, the management trainee must be able to obtain certification. The credentials are offered through the Association for Operations Management.

Supply Chain Management Careers

Many of the active aspects to a manager in the supply chain are intended to enhance the ability to compete in the marketplace. This might be done by improving the quality of the products, managing inventory levels, reducing costs for distribution and production, reducing the time from production to sale and improving relationships with suppliers and partners.

Supply chain management techniques affect raw materials and finished products. It can be affected by transportation and storage costs. Even the costs of the work in process inventory affect the costs of the finished product. A key feature of reducing costs for products is implementing just-in-time inventory. This process relies on a constant stream of raw materials coming in to be used in the manufacturing process at exactly the right time when they are needed.

While purchasing managers perform many of the functions of a supply chain officer, there are additional administrative functions required. Purchasing managers are expected to have experience within the industry for which they are working. The expected growth of these positions during the next decade is projected to be at about the same level as average for all positions. Because training periods within the industry are important and can last for several years, there are not many openings filled from recent graduates.

The need to use computers and computer software is important. Other qualities include analysis of technical data, good communication skills, the ability to negotiate and knowledge of management styles and techniques. The manager also needs mathematical skills and the ability to perform analyses of a financial nature.

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

A graduate with a supply chain management degree is likely to earn median annual wages of just over $89,000. There will be some variation in median wages based upon the industry and upon the employer as well as the particular supply chain management degree program focus. Supply chain managers are used in retail sales, manufacturing processes and in governmental and health fields.