Learning Supply Chain Management in Idaho

Logisticians help manage the supply chain, or the process through which products are moved. This includes their initial design and development, transportation and eventual transfer to the end customer. A logistician coordinates with various people throughout the process to ensure a smooth, affordable and timely journey for each product.

A bachelor’s degree in business, operations management, supply chain management or a similar field is typically a prerequisite for a career as a logistician. Some employers, however, are willing to hire those with associate’s degrees or relevant work experience and may help these employees continue their education. While a master’s degree is not necessary for an entry-level job in this field, having one can lead to higher salaries and new career opportunities. There are several degree programs at all levels for students in Idaho.

Idaho Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Idaho colleges and universities offer several relevant bachelor’s degree programs for aspiring logisticians. Consider the following options:

  • Boise State University. Boise State’s comprehensive supply chain management program has a strong reputation with a high placement rate for students after graduation. It prepares students for roles as logisticians, vendor relations managers and purchasing specialists, among others.
  • Brigham Young University-Idaho. BYU’s Idaho campus offers students a degree in Business Management or Applied Management with an emphasis in Supply Chain Management available for each.

Master’s Degree Options

Master’s degrees are not necessary for entry-level work but can open the door to more advanced roles in your career. These schools are among those in Idaho that offer master’s programs in management:

  • Northwest Nazarene University. Students can receive their Master’s in Business Administration from Northwest Nazarene online or on campus. This program can be completed in as little as six months.
  • Idaho State University. Idaho State’s Master’s in Business Administration program offers several areas of emphasis, including project management and informatics, that can be applied to supply chain management.

Associate’s Degrees and Certificates

Several institutions throughout Idaho offer associate’s degrees in fields related to supply chain management, such as Stevens-Henager College, where students can receive associate’s degrees in Business Management and Accounting. The College of Southern Idahooffers a degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship as well.

Logisticians may also choose to become certified in specific areas of their profession. The

American Production and Inventory Control Society offers programs that result in Certified Supply Chain Professional, Certified in Production Inventory Management and Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution statuses.

Salary and Career Projections

The supply chain management field is steadily growing in Idaho. According to the Projections Managing Partnership, jobs for logisticians are expected to increase by 8.7 percent during the 10 years from 2016 to 2026.

The average annual salary of a logistician in the state is $73,190, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Working in Supply Chain Management in Idaho

Supply chain logisticians are in high demand across many industries, such as manufacturing, government, retail, trade, scientific services and technical services. Jobs are available at both logistical firms and as part of in-house teams at single businesses. A logistician’s schedule is typically 40 hours of work per week with overtime and travel sometimes required.

Communication, customer service and critical thinking skills in addition to technical knowledge will help make you a successful logistician. People in this role must work with a variety of stakeholders, such as clients and shippers, and being able to solve problems and communicate well with each one is essential.

Logisticians can find work throughout the state. Jobs are most plentiful in larger cities, such as Boise, where higher salaries match the high cost of living.

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