Supply Chain Management and Logistics Education in Colorado
A logistician works with designers, transporters and end clients to manage the life cycle of a product or service. This process, called supply chain management (SCM), involves monitoring the product or service’s status from the initial design to its final delivery. Logisticians communicate with stakeholders during the process and prioritize both time and cost savings throughout.
Most entry-level logistician jobs require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in business, operations management, supply chain management or a similar subject. In some instances, employers may be willing to hire those with associate’s degrees or equivalent work experience. A master’s degree is not necessary but can be the first step toward more advanced roles and higher salaries. There are several applicable bachelor’s degree programs for students in Colorado.
Four-Year Degree Programs in Colorado
Students in Colorado can consider the following bachelor’s degree programs for their supply chain management training:
- Regis University. Regis offers degrees in Traditional and Post-Traditional Business Administration, the latter of which is an accelerated program that focuses on theory and ethical business practices.
- Colorado State University. Students majoring in Business Administration at Colorado State University can add a concentration in Supply Chain Management to their degree. The program teaches process improvement, strategic sourcing, distribution and operations management.
Options for Continuing Education
These schools offer master’s degree programs, which can help you achieve higher-paying jobs in the future and provide you with more specialized supply chain knowledge:
- University of Colorado. The University of Colorado-Boulder offers a 10-month master’s degree program in Supply Chain Management. The full-time program begins in July of each year.
- Colorado Technical University. Colorado Tech’s master’s degree in operations supply chain management can be completed entirely online. Classes begin every eight weeks, and the program takes about one year to complete.
Associate’s Degrees and Certificates
Some students choose to begin their studies at a community college or technical institute, then transfer to a four-year program after receiving their associate’s degree. National American University operates several campuses throughout the state that offer degrees in Logistics, Materials and Supply Chain Management. Students at Red Rocks Community College, meanwhile, can receive an associate’s degree in General Business Administration and Management.
The American Production and Inventory Control Society offers several certificate programs for logisticians at all levels to continue their education. These include Certified Supply Chain Professional, Certified in Production Inventory Management and Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution.
Salary and Employment Expectations
Jobs for logisticians in Colorado are expected to increase during the 10 years to 2026. According to the Projections Managing Partnership, the field will likely see growth of 16.6 percent during this period.
The average annual salary for a logistician in the state is $75,810, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Working in Supply Chain Management in Colorado
Logisticians can work for logistics companies or as part of an in-house team for businesses in a variety of industries. Some popular options include manufacturing, government, retail and trade and scientific services. In a full-time role, you can expect to work approximately 40 hours per week, with overtime and travel sometimes required.
Having strong communication, customer service and critical thinking skills will help you succeed as a logistician. These skills allow logisticians to clearly communicate with clients, coworkers and partners throughout the management process and handle any issues that arise as smoothly as possible. Jobs are typically available in many areas throughout the state, with the highest concentration of roles and highest salaries in cities, like Boulder and Denver.