Learning Supply Chain Management in North Dakota

The process through which goods and services are created, produced, transported and finally delivered to end users and customers is called the supply chain. It is overseen by logisticians, who use their knowledge of purchasing strategies and business practices to ensure that everything is delivered on time. They must also manage the finances of the process and report to suppliers and customers with updates about the products’ status.

To become a logistician, you should first pursue a bachelor’s degree in a related area of business. Common degree subjects include supply chain management, operations management and general business administration. Some employers may be willing to hire applicants with an associate’s degree or equivalent experience, but a four-year degree is widely considered to be the best way to obtain the necessary knowledge for a successful career as a logistician.

A master’s degree is not necessary to pursue entry-level work in supply chain management. However, many logisticians choose to go back to school for one in order to secure more senior, higher-paying jobs later in their careers. The following information can help you select schools for your degree programs.

Four-Year Degrees for Logisticians

With a bachelor’s degree, you can more easily find a job as a logistician. Consider the following schools in North Dakota for your education:

University of Jamestown. The University of Jamestown offers a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, which includes nine options for concentrations. Its Liberal Arts and Business degree allows students to select from a wider range of courses outside the business school to complement their main studies.
University of North Dakota. Students at the University of North Dakota can major in Operations & Supply Chain Management, in which they’ll learn about data analysis, relationship management, logistics and operations. Students also have the opportunity to pursue internships during their time in school.
University of Mary. As Business Administration majors at the University of Mary, students will learn how to manage business challenges and develop their management skills. According to the university, 99 percent of students receive financial aid from the school to support their education.

Master’s Degree Programs of Interest

If you choose to pursue a master’s degree, the following schools offer Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) programs that can help your career reach its next level:

North Dakota State University. North Dakota State’s MBA program takes a broad perspective on business management and provides students with a wide range of instruction topics. Concentrations in supply chain management are available to interested students to provide more specialized instruction in the field.
University of North Dakota. At the University of North Dakota, MBA students will focus on executive management, financial and economic analysis and business analytics and strategy. The available concentrations in international business, business analytics and government and business may be useful to students pursuing careers in supply chain management.

Associate’s Degrees and Related Certificates

Community colleges typically offer associate’s degrees in general business, which make an excellent foundation for a career in logistics or a transfer to a four-year school. For example, United Tribes Technical College offers a two-year business administration degree that prepares students for careers in business or transfers to universities and instructs them in essential business strategy, communication and decision making techniques.

In addition to formal degree programs, several organizations offer certificates in more specific supply chain management topics. For example, the American Production and Inventory Control Society offers programs resulting in the Certified Supply Chain Professional, Certified in Production Inventory Management and Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution designations.

Salary and Employment Estimates

According to the Projections Managing Partnership, jobs for logisticians are expected to grow by 7 percent nationwide during the 10 years to 2026. During the same time period, jobs in North Dakota are expected to grow at a much faster rate of 15.6 percent.

Logisticians in North Dakota can expect an average salary of $30.72 per hour, or $63,890 yearly. The highest salaries in the state can sometimes exceed $95,000 per year.

Working in Supply Chain Management in North Dakota

Logisticians can work in nearly any industry, including manufacturing, government, scientific and technical services, wholesale trade and retail. They can become part of an in-house logistics team for one business or manage multiple companies’ supply chains at a dedicated logistics firm. In a full-time role, schedules typically consist of 40-hour workweeks with occasional overtime and travel as necessary.

Being able to communicate effectively, think critically and provide excellent customer service will help you do well in your career. These skills will allow you to form business relationships, solve problems and manage expectations as you work. Logisticians can find jobs throughout North Dakota, though larger cities such as Fargo and Bismarck often have the highest concentration of openings and highest salaries, which account or the cost of living in an urban area.