Supply Chain Management Education and Training in Michigan

A career in supply chain management can be challenging but rewarding and also lucrative. Demand for workers in this field, known as logisticians, is growing in Michigan, making this a great place to earn a degree. There are no official requirements set by the state for training, certification or degrees, but most employers prefer to see at least a bachelor’s degree in job candidates.

What is a Logistician?

A logistician is a supply chain and business professional responsible for managing products and supplies from their design through delivery to buyers. Any company that makes products employs logisticians to ensure the process of producing or acquiring, allocating, storing and delivering them runs smoothly, efficiently and cost-effectively.

Some of a logistician’s regular duties include managing product life cycles, developing relationships with clients and suppliers, allocating products and supplies, finding ways to make the process less expensive or more efficient, and solving problems in the supply chain.

Education and Training Requirements for Logisticians in Michigan

There are no general requirements for working in supply chain management in the state, but most employers require a bachelor’s degree in business with a specialty in operations or supply chain management. Some employers may accept an employee with an associate’s degree or with work experience related to the field.

Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Michigan

There are several schools in Michigan that offer students a four-year degree in business and that prepare them for careers as logisticians:

Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti. Eastern students can earn a Bachelor in Business Administration degree in Supply Chain Management in about four years. The program includes coursework in purchasing, logistics, global business fundamentals and supply management. It is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant. Central’s College of Business Administration offers a four-year program for students interested in supply chain management. The degree students receive in this program is a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Logistics Management. In addition to general education classes, students take courses in essential business skills, purchasing management, buyer behavior, logistics operations and supply chain management. Graduates must also have completed a logistics internship.
Grand Valley State University, Allendale. At Grand Valley, students earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree can choose between two areas related to supply chain management: marketing with a logistics emphasis and management with an operations emphasis. Coursework for either program includes operations, distribution, logistics, transportation, manufacturing planning and supply chain management.

Graduate Degree Programs in Michigan

Most employers will hire logisticians with a four-year degree, but to earn more, land a leadership position or advance in a current position, a master’s degree can be useful. There are a few colleges in the state offering this graduate degree for logisticians:

Michigan State University, East Lansing. The Broad College of Business at Michigan State offers graduate degrees, including a Master of Science in Supply Chain Management. It has been ranked as the country’s number one graduate program for supply chain and logistics. Students complete coursework on campus and online.
University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit. The University of Detroit Mercy offers a Master of Science Degree in Product Development for students who want to specialize in this particular area of supply chain management. With a focus on the automotive industry, it offers a challenging curriculum for people already in manufacturing, supply management and logistics.
Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti. Students in logistics at Eastern can continue to the graduate program, but this certificate program is also open to those already working in the field and looking to advance their careers. The Supply Chain Management Graduate Certificate includes 15 credit hours of courses in information technology, supply chain management, customer relationships, logistics, purchasing and quality, and operations planning.

Certifications for Logisticians

While there are no official requirements for working in supply chain management or as a logistician, many employers look for job candidates with certification. The American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) offers several certifications: Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSPC), Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD) and Certified in Production Inventory Management (CPIM).

You can also seek certification through the International Society of Logistics (SOLE). The process involves first being recognized sequentially as a Demonstrated Logistician, Demonstrated Senior and then Master Logistician. You can gen become a Certified Master or Professional Logistician.

Salary and Career Outlook in Michigan

Careers for logisticians are on the rise throughout the country, with an overall growth rate of 7 percent. In Michigan, that growth is even higher at 7.4 percent. Hundreds of new jobs in supply chain management and operational management will be available over the next several years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Michigan has the fourth highest employment for logisticians out of all 50 states.

In terms of salary, the earnings for this career reflect the amount of training and education workers have. In Michigan, the average annual salary for logisticians in May 2017 was $80,040. The top earners in the career at that time made more than $121,090.

Careers for Logisticians in Michigan

Logisticians may be hired by companies that specialize in supply chain management services or by companies that have logistics departments. Many, nearly a quarter, work for manufacturing companies. Other types of employers for logisticians include the government, scientific and technical companies, and wholesale trade companies.

Most logisticians work full-time, but many work more than 40 hours per week. This is a fast-paced job that requires quick thinking, problem-solving skills and good communication and relationship skills. In Michigan, you can find positions anywhere, but the greatest numbers are in the Detroit area and around Grand Rapids in the western part of the state.