Supply Chain Management Educational Options in Georgia

Before products and services are ready to be purchased or to be sent to the buyer, they go through what is called the chain of supply. The chain of supply begins as early as the design process. Supply chain managers (SCMs), also known as logisticians, are the individuals who manage this process from start to finish. They make sure that time is managed efficiently during the process and that both the supplier and purchaser are getting the most for their money.

Logisticians are required to have a bachelor’s or four-year degree. There are associate’s degrees that can prepare you for work in this field, but bachelor’s degrees are preferred because of the complexity of some of the skills needed to work in supply chain management. You may still be able to find work as a logistician if you have an associate’s degree and experience in management, or are working toward a bachelor’s degree in SCM, business management or a related field.

Many logisticians also choose to get master’s degrees, although they are not required. A master’s degree can help you stand out against the competition and make more money. Degree programs that logisticians often go for include business, business management, operations management, supply chain management and logistics. Read on to explore your educational and job options in Georgia.

Undergraduate Programs in Georgia

Since a bachelor’s degree is what most logisticians hold, looking for a good four-year program is a good place to start. Consider the following undergraduate programs in the state:

  • Georgia Tech. At Georgia Tech, you can get a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Operations and Supply Chain Management. A total of 122 credit hours is needed for this four-year degree. These include general education courses, electives, major courses and courses that focus on SCM.
  • Clayton State University. Clayton State University offers a four-year degree in supply chain management. Students learn the necessary skills to succeed in this field, at a location that is close to two important locations for supply chain industry in the state: The Savannah Port and Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. This degree program consists of 120 credit hours 30 hours of general education courses and 90 credit hours of core courses.

Graduate Programs in Georgia

If you wish to take your education a step further and get a master’s degree, here is one graduate degree option in Georgia:

  • Georgia Southern. Georgia Southern offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree that can be completed in less than two years (21 months). Furthermore, this degree can be completed fully online. It consists of 10 courses for a total of 30 credit hours that students complete over five semesters.

Other Educational Options in Georgia

If you want to start out with a two-year degree and then move on to a bachelor’s, or if you are considering furthering your education even more by getting relevant certifications, then there are options in Georgia for those as well.

You can get an associate’s degree like one offered at the following schools:

  • Columbus Tech. At Columbus Tech, students can earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Business Management. This program is made up of 63 credit hours, and associate’s degrees typically take two years to complete. Students who earn this degree can choose from a variety of specializations including General Management, Operations Management and Human Resource Management.
  • Albany Technical College. Students at Albany Tech have the option of earning a two-year degree in Operation Management. This degree is made up of elective and occupational courses for a total of 61 credit hours. This program can be taken online.

If you are interested in becoming certified in specific areas of logistics, the American Production and Inventory Control Society has several certification programs. Among them are the Certification in Production Inventory Management, the Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution and Certified Supply Chain Professional.

Employment Outlook and Salary Expectations

The supply chain management job field in Georgia is expected to see steady growth between 2016 and 2026, according to the Projections Managing Partnership (PMP). In 2016, there were 5,080 logisticians employed in the state, and it is expected that there will 5,800 logisticians working in Georgia by the year 2026, which is a 14 percent increase. The predicted national growth rate for this field is seven percent.

The average salary for logisticians in the state, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $72,230 annually or $34.73 hourly. If you hold certifications or a graduate degree, you may earn even more. The highest earners in the state make as much as $104,610 annually.

Working as a Logistician in Georgia

Logisticians can find work in many industries including but not limited to government, retail and manufacturing. They may work for logistical companies or as part of a management team for various companies or businesses. Logisticians must possess strong communication, customer service and problem-solving skills in order to be successful at their job. They usually work 40-hour weeks and sometimes work overtime.

In Georgia, you may find the highest paying logistician jobs in the cities of Albany, Alpharetta and Atlanta. The cities with the highest employment rates for this career are Alpharetta, Atlanta, Kennesaw, Marietta, Norcross, Roswell, Sandy Springs and Savannah.

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