Operations Management Degree Online Programs

Operations management degree programs are designed for students who want to work in industrial production, or in more specialized careers in production and operation management, inventory management as well as those who want to run their own business.

Operations managers are top executives who plan, direct, and coordinate the operations of organizations.

Their duties are very diverse; they formulate policies, manage daily operations, plan, direct, and coordinate production activities within budget, ensure quality of goods produced is held to high standards, plan the use of resources, ensure efficient and safe production process and perform many other management functions. Being efficient is the ultimate goal of any operations manager.

Online operations management degrees are popularly available at the bachelor's and masters in operations and supply chain management degree level.

Colleges that offer Online Degrees in Operations Management

Walden University - offers the following online operations management degree programs:

• Master of Information Systems Management (M.I.S.M.) - Managing Global Software and Service Supply Chains
• Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) - Global Supply Chain Management

Ashford University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI). Ashford offers the following online production and operations management programs:

• BA / Operations Management and Analysis
• MA / Organizational Management - Supply Chain Management
• MBA / Supply Chain Management

Colorado Technical University - offers the following online operations management degree program as well as other production and management degree programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Property Management
• Master of Business Administration - Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Master of Business Administration - Operations Management

American Intercontinental University (AIU) - offers the following operations management degree online programs:

• Bachelor's of Business Administration - Operations Management
• MBA - Operations Management
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Operations Management (Part Time Option)

Capella University - offers the following online degree in operations management and supply chain management:

• MBA - Global Operations and Supply Chain Management

Kaplan University - Kaplan offers the following online supply chain and logistics degrees:

• MBA / Supply Chain Management and Logistics
• MS in Management / Supply Chain Management and Logistics

University of Phoenix offers the following online degree in operations management:

• Bachelor of Science in Business - Supply Chain and Operations Management concentration

DeVry University - offers the following online degree in operations management program:

• Bachelor's - Business Administration - Operations Management

South University offers operations management classes in the following specialty degree program:

• Bachelor of Business Administration - Supply Chain and Logistics Management

Northeastern University - offers the following online masters degree in operations management program:

• MBA - Operations and Supply Chain Management

Online Degree in Operations Management - Education

The formal education and experience required of operations managers are as varied as their responsibilities. Most operations managers have at least a master's degree and significant experience; while others hold a PhD degree in operations management or related field.

Students who want to development business management skills to augment their careers in other fields also benefit from an operations management degree.

Many online programs in business administration, finance, or logistics and supply management offer operations management classes.

Courses in operations management include production and inventory, supply chain management, customer service, accounting, finance, and management. Students pursuing masters of business administration (MBA) in operations management degree programs also take courses in information systems, administrative theory, supply chain management, microeconomics and macroeconomics, human resources management, managerial accounting, policy, statistics, management science, and project management.

Courses typically focus on defining and solving real world business problems. In addition to developing analytical tools, students learn communications, teamwork, and managerial skills. Production and operations management programs teach the skills required to manage and coordinate operations related to the production of goods.

Salary and Job Prospects for Production and Operations Management Programs Graduates

Entry-level jobs with an online degree in operation management include operations manager, manager of business process improvement, inventory control manager, logistics manager, service delivery manager, and quality manager. There is keen competition for operations management jobs because of the high pay and prestige.

Experienced managers with strong leadership qualities have the best employment opportunities. Experience and education in international economics, marketing, supply and chain management, information systems, as well as knowledge of multiple languages, is an added benefit to those seeking higher level management positions.

Operations managers are among the highest paid workers in the U.S. with most of them working in the manufacturing sectors such as steel/metal production as well as in the computer/technology sector. Salaries vary considerably according to responsibilities; length of service; and size, type, and location of the employer. The mean annual wage for operations managers was $107,970 in May 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a range from $45,410 to $137,020.

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