Delaware Education in Supply Chain Management
Logisticians are responsible for keeping track of products as they move from initial design to final destination and from supplier to end customer. This process, called the supply chain, can be complex. Specially-trained logisticians help manage it all while keeping costs and transit time as low as possible.
Most potential employers ask that applicants have a bachelor’s degree in business, operations management, supply chain management or a similar subject. A small number may accept applicants with an associate’s degree or equivalent work experience. While a master’s degree is not necessary for entry-level work, obtaining one later in your career can help you reach higher salary levels and new career options.
Delaware Bachelor’s Degree Programs
A bachelor’s degree is often necessary prior to working in supply chain management. The following schools offer programs in relevant subjects:
- University of Delaware. The University of Delaware offers a Bachelor’s in General Business Administration and Management that includes coursework in negotiation, conflict resolution, organizational design and strategy.
- Wilmington University. Wilmington University’s bachelor’s degree in business management prepares students for a Project Management Institute certification along with their degree.
Continuing Education in Delaware
A master’s degree can help you progress in your career, though it is not necessary for an entry-level position. Programs are available at the following schools:
- Delaware State University. Delaware State’s Master’s in Business Administration program is a flexible one designed to accommodate both full-time and part-time students. The course takes between one and two years to complete.
- Wesley University. At Wesley, students with little professional experience can pursue a Master’s in Business Management, which teaches business analytics, decision making and ethics, among other topics.
Additional Educational Programs
Several community colleges throughout Delaware offer relevant associate’s degree programs. Delaware Technical Community Collegeoffers a degree in logistics, materials and supply chain management, as well as a program in operations management and supervision.
For logisticians who would like to continue their education, the American Production and Inventory Control Society offers several certificate programs of its own. These include Certified Supply Chain Professional, Certified in Production Inventory Management, and Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution programs.
Salary and Employment Projections
Jobs for logisticians are steadily increasing. During the 10 years to 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects growth of 7 percent in the logistician job market in Delaware.
The BLS estimates that logisticians in the state make an average annual salary of $74,590.
Working in Supply Chain Management in Delaware
Logisticians can work for logistics firms or as part of an in-house team at one company. They may work in manufacturing, government, retail, trade, scientific services and technical services, among other industries. Schedules typically consist of 40-hour workweeks, with occasional overtime and travel as needed.
In addition to technical knowledge, having good communication, customer service and critical thinking skills can be instrumental to your success in this role. These skills allow you to manage expectations, solve problems and meet stakeholders’ needs. Logisticians can find work throughout the state, though larger cities like Wilmington typically offer the most options and highest salaries to compensate for the cost of urban living.