The Benefits & Opportunities Of Pursuing an MBA in Supply Chain Management

Do you consider yourself to be an expert problem solver? Do you enjoy planning and executing projects using logistical thinking? Enrolling in an MBA supply chain management course could secure you a career that matches your interests. The biggest benefit of enrolling in this course would be the range of job prospects that supply chain management can bring.

The career opportunities that this career path can open are numerous and diverse, from inventory planning specialists to production planner roles. Plus, the supply chain market is valued at USD 18,446 million. This figure is set to increase to 10.9% by 2030. So, another huge benefit of enrolling in a supply chain management program is the growing market.

What Exactly Is Supply Chain Management?

To be a supply chain specialist, you need to control and organize all aspects of a business supply chain. This demands oversight of information flow, cash flow, and material flow.

The supply chain role starts with the sourcing of raw materials and ends with the organized delivery of the finished product. Within this supply chain, there are lots of specialist roles that enrolling in an MBA in supply chain management could open up for you. This includes specialized fields such as supply chain logistics and purchasing manager roles.

To get you to the point of being an expert in supply chain management, this MBA course goes over all five aspects of the supply chain. The five main aspects of supply chain management are:

  1. The strategy
  2. The score
  3. Manufacturing
  4. Logistics and delivery
  5. The return system

The main aim of a supply chain specialist is to make these five areas work more efficiently.

A good specialist can make a company’s supply chain run smoothly, quickly, and cheaply. They deal directly with the suppliers. They also oversee the manufacturing process and examine the logistics systems. From this, they make necessary changes to make the whole system work better. This takes problem-solving and a lot of planning.

What Does the MBA Supply Chain Management Curriculum Involve?

An MBA course breaks down supply chain management into digestible modules. Some examples of supply chain management modules include:

Managing strategies

For supply chains to work, they need to be properly organized. To organize effectively, a solid strategy needs to be put in place. Supply chain management courses often have a managing strategies module. This will teach you how to create and evaluate different approaches.

Students will begin to understand the link between supply chain management and the wider business strategy of a company.

Logistic management

This module deals specifically with how to organize and monitor the storage and distribution of goods. You’ll learn how to introduce sustainability to logistics. This module will also cover how to improve customer satisfaction levels.

Quantitive analysis for decision-making

Here, students will learn statistical tools and probability to make bold decisions for companies. A large part of supply chain management involves surveying the financial and operational side of a business. Managerial economics is then used to make improvements.

Human Resource Management and leadership skills

This module focuses on contemporary approaches to leadership and people management. Being in control of key supply chain decisions, you need to know how to manage employees. Regardless of the sector you work in, a solid leadership approach is necessary to create a successful supply chain.

Marketing management

Strategic marketing plays a big role in supply chain management. You need to know how to develop and execute strategic marketing plans. Successful marketing campaigns work to both maintain existing customers as well as gain new ones.

International marketing

If you want to take on a global supply chain management role, the marketing requirements are much more advanced than when at a national level. This module deals with how to meet the customer demand of people living in different countries. It’s about how to make your marketing campaigns apply to several countries at once.

What Does the MBA Supply Chain Management Course Involve?

The means of learning global supply chain management concepts are diverse and differ from course to course. Generally, courses involve studying key concepts through scenario-based learning. Some universities have strong industry ties. These partnerships can provide students with internships and work experience opportunities.

A typical MBA supply chain management course includes the following:

  • Coursework
  • Essays
  • Examinations
  • Internships
  • Practical reports
  • Presentations
  • Group work
  • A final project

Am I a Good Fit for an MBA in Supply Chain Management Degree Program?

The best supply chain management workers are keen problem solvers. They enjoy organization and logistical thinking. Supply chain management is also one of the fastest-moving areas of business studies. Quick thinking and decision making is vital. If this applies to you, an MBA course in the field could be for you.

Both newcomers to business concepts and experienced students can apply to this course. If you are new to business studies, supply chain management could provide you with a good entry point. Supply chain management can help broaden your business knowledge.

The Best Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Courses and Programs

If you’d rather carry out an MBA in supply chain management online, the best online courses include:

1. Governors State University – Online MBA in Supply Chain Management

  • Cost per credit: $406
  • Minimum completion time: 18 months

Governors State University is one of the best business schools for supply chain management. This is due to its affordable price and relatively short completion rate. Some business schools require you to complete over 2 years of studies. Through Governors State, you can be a supply chain expert in 18 months. Governors Stare also has great affordability.

2. Penn State World Campus – Supply Chain Management

  • Cost per credit: $1025
  • Minimum completion time: 2 years

Although one of the more expensive options, Penn State’s online MBA program still provides great value. Penn State World Campus is the online equivalent of Penn State University. It features the same high-quality lecturers and resources.

Modules featured in this online MBA program include:

  • Purchasing and negotiations
  • Supply chain strategy and network design
  • Performance measurement
  • Inventory cost analysis, planning, and control
  • Information technology and decision support

3. Indiana University – Supply Chain and Operations

  • Cost per credit: $1521
  • Minimum completion time: 2 years
  • Department: Kelley School of Business

Indiana University offers the best online MBA programs (according to U.S. News rankings). The university is well-connected. It introduces students to the best problem solvers and logistic organizers in the business. With their help, you’ll be able to plan and execute a successful supply chain.

4. Arkansas State University-Main Campus – Master of Business Administration

  • Cost per credit: $587
  • Minimum completion time: 12 months

Arkansas State University offers this program with a big focus on supply chain management. It’s great if you’re looking for a wider Master of Business Administration course. The program examines supply chain management broadly and is made to introduce you to all key concepts.

Specific modules in the course include:

If you don’t have a business bachelor’s degree, you’ll need to also take several prerequisite classes. This includes accounting, macroeconomics, finance, microeconomics, statistics, law, and operations management.

5. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater – Online Master of Business Administration

  • Cost per credit: $652
  • Department: College of Business and Economics

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is the best option when it comes to electives. You can diversify your knowledge with 13 emphases and over 50 electives. One of the emphases is supply chain management. This course covers operations strategy, quality management, sourcing, product development, and logistics.

To enroll in this emphasis online, you need to first complete nine credits through the available courses.

6. Texas Wesleyan University – Supply Chain Management

Cost per credit: $906

Minimum completion time: 12 months

If you’d like to enroll in a supply chain management MBA as soon as possible, Texas Wesleyan University allows you to start within a matter of weeks. Plus, this university allows you to learn at a fast pace. Nearly 50% of students graduate within 12 months of starting.

The university offers several online concentration courses, from data analytics to accounting. All of which are 100% online. This supply chain management course covers global logistics, strategic decisions, and supplier management.

7. University of Dallas – Master of Business Administration

Cost per credit: $1625

Minimum completion time: 12 months

Department: Naveen Jindal School of Management

The University of Dallas can support those looking to enroll in a double MBA. This university offers several flexible courses that can all be completed 100% online. Besides supply chain management, prospective students can enroll in several other courses. This includes business analytics, strategic leadership, and cybersecurity courses.

The supply chain management coursework is supplied through Quinlan School of Business. The subject is split into four main parts. These parts are Global Logistics, Purchasing Management, Inventory Management, and Supply Chain Analytics.

8. The University of St. Francis – Business Administration (MBA)

Cost per credit: $798

Minimum completion time: 12 months

Department: College of Business & Health Administration

Applicants to the University of St. Francis are not required to complete a GMAT to enroll in any of its Business Administration MBA classes. Other courses this school offers include Data Analytics and Human Resource Management. If you’re looking for fully online MBA programs, this university offers online, on-campus, as well as hybrid options.

9. Syracuse University Online – Online Master’s in Business Administration

Cost per credit: $1,683

Minimum completion time: 24 months

Department: Syracuse’s Martin J. Whitman School of Management

Another no-GMAT option, you can study supply chain management 100% online at Syracuse University. It’s more expensive and more time-consuming than other MBA options. However, it’s a thorough course that will fully prepare you for global supply chains. Other specializations offered by Syracuse include Entrepreneurship and Marketing Management.

The Supply Chain Management specialization includes a Lean Six Sigma course. During this, students will examine the supply chain of a local Suracuse-based company. The Whitman School of Management established its Supply Chain Management course in 1919. This was long before all other business schools listed in this article.

10. Ohio University – MBA Operations and Supply Chain Management Concentration

Cost per credit: $1,028 per (Non-Resident – $1,047)

Minimum completion time: 12 months

Department: College of Business

This course is known for its leadership development classes. This specialization is split into three parts. The three parts are Lean Six Sigma, Risk Management, and Project Management programs.

During the Project Management part of the course, students will undertake a complex business situation. This requires superb supply chain talent.

11. Saint Leo University – Master’s Degree in Business Administration

Cost per credit: $750

Minimum completion time: 24 months

Department: Donald R. Tapia College of Business

Saint Leo University is known primarily for its diverse student body. It’s also known for its excellent on-campus facilities and online courses.

One of the online courses offered by Saint Leo University is Supply Chain Global Integration Management. This course teaches students everything from strategic relations to dynamic risk modeling.

The Best Campus-Based MBA in Supply Chain Management Courses and Programs

If you’d rather enroll in a campus-based, here are our top 8 on-campus MBA in supply chain management courses:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Supply Chain Management Master’s Program

Cost: $80,400

Course length: 10 months on-campus

Through campus-based learning, students get to interact and learn from supply chain professionals. The focus of this master’s program is both national and international supply chain management operations. Students will solve real-life supply chain issues as part of both group and independent study.

Despite only being 10 months long, the course is varied. Specifically, students learn about data analysis and analytical methods. Modules include Leading Global Teams, Technical Communication, and Logistics Systems.

2. Purdue University – Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management

Cost: $30,564 in-state ($32,064 for non-residents)

Course length: 10 – 18 months

Purdue University offers two MBA supply chain courses. One takes 10 months to complete, while the other takes 18 months. The shorter one is geared toward those who have more (8 years plus) work experience in the business. The longer one is geared toward those with less business experience. It’s possible to sit the GMAT examination during either course.

Purdue breaks this Supply Chain Management program into three core areas. These areas are Operations, Supply Chain Management, and Business Analytics. The university has several global supply chain management partners. This makes networking on an international scale easy for students.

3. Carnegie Mellon University – MBA in Supply Chain Management

Cost: $141,812

Course length: 21 months

Department: Tepper School of Business

This lengthy course teaches students how to effectively improve a business’s supply chain. This is learned through tactical knowledge and strategic insights. This knowledge is provided through case studies and lectures. Sometimes, guest supply chain professionals are brought in to give lectures.

Some of the course modules include:

  • Inventory Planning
  • Network Design
  • Inventory-Order Interface
  • Coordination.

4. University of Tennessee—Knoxville – Master of Science in Supply Chain Management

Cost: $1,313 per credit hour

Course length: 12 months

Department: Haslam College of Business

University of Tennessee – Knoxville offers a Master of Science in Supply Chain Management course. With hour-long live sessions taking place each week, this course is split between on-campus work and online learning. The on-campus learning is split into four resident period blocks. In each of these blocks, you’ll spend nine days learning from industry professionals.

The course aims to develop critical thinking in relation to supply chains. The curriculum includes such modules as Supply Chain Data Modeling and Network Management.

5. North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University – Master of Business Administration

Cost: $4,474 for in-state applicants. ($17,394 per year for out-of-state students).

Course length: 24 months

Department: the Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics

This College of Business offers a professional business degree program. This MBA gives students a deep understanding of the business world, from accounting to finance management.

Supply Chain Management is one of the four concentrations available. The other three concentrations are Human Resource Management, General Management, and Accounting. Topics covered in the course include warehousing and global supply chain management.

6. The University of Michigan – Master in Supply Chain Management

Cost: $55,015 ($60,015 for non-residents)

Course length: 10 months

Department: Ross School of Business

Looking for a brief course that covers all you need to know about supply chains? The Ross School of Business offers this in-depth 10-month course. One of the biggest draw factors is the massive businesses that the University of Michigan is partnered with. By studying here, you could end up working for Amazon, Microsoft, Walmart, or Deloitte.

The Ross School of Business has its own Supply Chain Consulting Studio, where students get to carry out action-based learning. This course also provides plenty of opportunities for students to put their learning into practice.

7. The University of Southern California – Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management Program

Course length: 16 months

Department: Marshall School of Business

While online learning is an option, the Marshall School of Business offers an engaging on-campus course. This option allows you to speak directly to industry professionals. Students work independently and as part of a team on case studies and live industry projects.

One of the most unique aspects of this supply chain course is the experimental learning trip. Here, students get the opportunity to travel to the likes of Shanghai, Singapore, or Hong Kong. Once there, students help organize real-life supply chains and work alongside industry professionals.

8. University of Washington – Master of Supply Chain Management

Price: $45,076 ($48,784 for non-residents)

Course length: 12 months

Department: Foster School of Business

The University of Washington can transform students into supply chain professionals in as little as 1 year. This is thanks to the evening and weekend classes available, which allow students to learn at an extra fast pace. Within a year, you can learn all you need to know about sourcing, big data, leadership, and much more!

Like other business schools, the Foster School of Business is well-connected to the leading supply chain talent of today. Throughout the course, you can interact and network with industry professionals. Major topics include Building Effective Teams, Data Analytics, and Competitive Strategy.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for the above MBAs vary depending on the course and your experience level. Generally, the admission requirements for most business schools are as follows:

  • GMAT/GRE scores – Most of the time, applicants will need to submit either their GMAT or GRE test scores. Some business schools set a minimum score. Other schools don’t even look at test scores if the applicant has a sufficient amount of work experience or a high undergraduate GPA.
  • Professional experience – Some courses are for absolute beginners. Other courses are aimed at individuals who have years’ worth of experience working with supply chains.
  • A letter of recommendation – Most universities need a letter of recommendation from a former employer. Alternatively, former advisors or college professors will suffice.
  • Statement of purpose – Students looking to study supply chains will have to submit a personal statement. In this statement of purpose, applications should detail why they want to enroll in the course.

MBA In Supply Chain Management Career Opportunities

Once you gain an MBA in supply chain management, what do your career opportunities look like?

Supply chain management careers can be found in all types of industries. Within the global economy, supply chain managers are essential in keeping major.

MBA supply chain management graduates can choose between such opportunities as:

Supply chain manager

The most general of job roles, a supply chain manager oversees all aspects of a company’s goods. They control the purchasing of raw materials. They also oversee the manufacturing process and the storage and distribution. They also organize employees to support the flow of the supply chain.

Demand planner

Using analytical data, a demand planner analyses sales data to predict the future demand levels of a product. With this information, demand planners then increase or decrease the level of raw materials necessary. This ensures that the company is accurately stocked with supplies to meet the current level of demand.

Purchasing manager

Purchasing managers work to improve the quality of raw materials used by a business. They identify alternative sellers and organize procurement. They also negotiate prices with sellers and deal with contract management. The purchasing manager will organize procedures and policies for buying the goods again in the future.

Management analyst

Management analysts review operating systems and identify areas that require improvement. The analyst will then oversee the operational changes. In supply chain management, a management analyst will likely focus on one specific area of the supply chain. For example, they may focus on inventory control or the return system.

Supply chain risk management

Supply chain risk managers assess the integrity of the supply chain manager’s efforts. They identify risks and offer alternative solutions.

FAQs

Which country is best to study MBA in global supply chain management?

You can find leading business schools around the world that offer MBA programs for global supply chains. The best countries to study global supply chains include the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Italy, Sweden, and Denmark.

Is supply chain management a stressful job?

Supply chain managers often have to work long hours under immense stress. It’s not a career for everyone. If you feel comfortable in a fast-paced business environment, it could be a good career choice for you. It demands wide-ranging business knowledge and strong intuition.

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