Learning Supply Chain Management in Massachusetts
Before a product or service reaches its point of sale, it moves through a process known as the supply chain. This process begins with the product’s design, goes through the production, packaging and transportation stages and is finally delivered to the end customer. Logisticians are employed to oversee each phase of this process. They must use time and money efficiently throughout the process while coordinating with suppliers and customers to meet their goals.
Most logisticians are required to have their bachelor’s degree in a relevant field before securing entry-level work in the field of supply chain management. In some instances, an employer may be willing to hire someone with an associate’s degree or equivalent job experience, though the specialized knowledge required to excel in this role typically necessitates a four-year degree.
While a master’s degree is not required for entry-level positions, holding an advanced business administration degree can provide logisticians with additional job opportunities that have higher salaries. Many logisticians choose to seek out bachelor’s degrees in business, operations management and supply chain management. The information below can help you choose a school that matches your interests and career goals.
Relevant Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Holding a bachelor’s degree will help you find a job as a logistician more easily. The following schools have high-quality business degree programs:
- Boston College. Business majors at Boston College can select a concentration in Operations Management, in which they will study theories and concepts of operations management while using qualitative and quantitative analysis in their decision making. Students are encouraged to take a variety of elective courses to complement their main degree program.
- University of Massachusetts, Amherst. The University of Massachusetts offers degrees in Operations and Information Management, in which students will use best-in-class business intelligence applications and tours of local companies provide context for their formal education.
- Bentley University. Students at Bentley University can major in Management with a concentration in Supply Chain and Operations Management. Concentration courses provide an intensive understanding of best practices within the field, while the major itself gives students a broader outlook of how the supply chain fits in to other areas of business management.
Pursuing Your Master’s in Business Administration
Pursuing your master’s degree in Business Administration can help you qualify for higher-paying jobs as your career progresses. The following schools offer relevant graduate degree programs in Massachusetts:
- Boston University. Boston University’s Master’s in Supply Chain Management degree program can be taken online, on campus or a mix of both. The curriculum includes lean production, global supply chain coordination, risk mitigation and import-export operations, among other topics.
- Suffolk University. Suffolk students can customize their Master’s in Business Administration degree to match their needs and interests. It offers several accelerated programs for attorneys, accountants and other professionals seeking to switch careers.
- Northeastern University. Northeastern is known for its immersive internships, and its Master’s in Business Administration program is no exception. Students who select a concentration in Supply Chain Management can work for up to one year as paid employees in a local business while continuing their education.
Certificates and Two-Year Degrees
Community colleges throughout Massachusetts offer associate’s degrees in business-related topics that can prepare students for a career in supply chain management or further study. Mount Wachusett Community College, for example, teaches students the basics of economics, marketing and management degree principles in its two-year degree programs.
There are several certificates available to logisticians who would like to learn about more specific subjects within supply chain management. The American Production and Inventory Control Society provides Certified Supply Chain Professional, Certified in Production Inventory Management and Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution courses for logisticians.
Employment and Salary Outlook
The Projections Managing Partnership estimates that jobs for logisticians will increase by 8.2 percent in the 10 years to 2026. This growth is slightly higher than the national average of 7 percent during the same time period.
Logisticians in Massachusetts can expect to make an average of $37.14 per hour, or $77,250 per year. The highest salaries in the state can exceed $119,000 in some instances.
Working in Supply Chain Management in Massachusetts
Jobs for logisticians are available in multiple industries, including manufacturing, government contracting, scientific and technical services, retail and wholesale trade. You may find yourself working to manage one company’s supply chain or at a logistics firm that handles the supply chains of many businesses. Full-time logistician positions typically require 40-hour workweeks with occasional overtime and travel.
Strong communication, critical thinking and customer service skills will support you in your career, as they can help you manage the expectations and needs of both suppliers and customers while solving any problems that may occur.
Work is available throughout the state, though larger cities like Boston, Worcester and Springfield will have the highest concentration of openings. Jobs in these cities typically include a higher salary to compensate for the cost of urban living.