Online Supply Chain Management Degree Programs

Logistics and Supply Chain Management Programs by Distance Learning

Online supply chain management degree and logistics programs provide the necessary knowledge and skills for working in supply chain management in any organization.

What is Supply Chain Management?

Supply chain management refers to management of the acquisition, movement, and storage of raw materials, inventory, and finished goods. The management of supplies is an essential function in terms of overall business success. Supply chain management is part of every industry and degree programs are commonly available at the bachelors and masters level.

To be effective in supply chain management you need strong verbal and written communication skills, analytical skills, an aptitude for technology, the ability to work in a team, and the ability to maintain positive professional relationships. As computers take over more and more technology and clerical functions, supply chain managers have opportunities to work with management on strategy, planning, policymaking, and product development.

Online Colleges for Supply Chain Management Degrees

University of Phoenix offers the following online supply chain management degree program:

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

Walden University offers the following online degree in supply chain management program:

• Masters degree - Managing Global Software and Service Supply Chains

Capella University offers the following online masters degree in supply chain management:

• MBA - Global Operations and Supply Chain Management

Ashford University offers the following online MBA degrees in supply chain management:

• MBA - Master's in Org Mgmt - Supply Chain Management
• MA/Organizational Management - Supply Chain Management

Kaplan University offers the following online degrees in supply chain management:

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

South University currently offers the following online supply chain management degree:

• Bachelor of Business Administration - Supply Chain and Logistics Management

Colorado Technical University Online offers the following MBA supply chain management degree programs online:

• Master of Business Administration - Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Master of Business Administration - Operations Management

Northeastern University offers the following supply chain management degree program online:

• MBA - Operations and Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Management Degrees and Courses

As with most professional business positions, a college degree is needed for a career in supply chain management. Supply chain management courses cover topics such as negotiations, strategic alliances, cost/price analysis, legal aspect, logistics, inventory control, economics, Internet technologies, and contract management.

An associates degree in acquisition and contract management will provide fundamentals for an entry-level job such as purchasing clerk. To advance in the field, you will need at least a bachelor's degree, which will give you a solid foundation for this work.

Master's degrees in supply chain management and MBAs with a concentration in supply chain management are designed for students interested in working in contract administration or procurement. Students learn financial management, logistics, and business economics.

Logistics and supply chain management programs are master's level programs that allow business professionals to sharpen their skills in supply chain management, problem solving, and change leadership.

Online certificates and individual courses in supply chain management are designed for people who need a faster route into the workplace or those who need fewer specialized courses in logistics and supply chain management.

Career Opportunities in Supply Chain Management

Supply chain management jobs are in every industry, within logistics and supply chain management departments. These are areas that deal with supplier relations, materials, warehousing, sourcing, contract management, inventory control, quality assurance, e-commerce, purchasing customer service and more.

Positions include contract negotiator, inventory manager, purchasing manager, supplier relations specialist, operations manager, or transportation manager. Your job may focus on benchmarking, e-commerce, recycling, technology, warehousing, or customer relations. Recently-advertised supply chain management positions include: director, contracts and procurement, materials manager, procurement manager, director, supply chain management, commodity manager, inventory manager, director of supplier relations.

Supply chain management offers a quicker path to working internationally than most other careers. Jobs in supply chain management also provide a pathway to high-level executive positions.

The salary you will earn as a supply chain manager depends on your education, experience, and credentials; the industry; company size and operating budget; job responsibilities; and the business climate.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the mean annual wage for purchasing agents in May 2008 was $57,630. The satellite telecommunications industry paid the highest mean annual wage, $76,850. For purchasing managers, the mean annual wage was $94,300, with the highest annual wage of $149,530 in the specialized design services industry.

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