Learning Supply Chain Management in Oklahoma

The term “supply chain” is used to describe the process through which products are designed, produced, transported and delivered to end customers. Throughout this process, managers called logisticians ensure that each product arrives at its intended destination in an affordable and timely manner. These business professionals are responsible for communicating with stakeholders throughout the process to inform them of products’ progress and meet their goals and deadlines.

To become a logistician, you should pursue a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field before applying to entry-level positions. Popular degree options include management, operations and supply chain management, among others. In some cases, an employer may choose to hire someone with an associate’s degree or equivalent experience, though bachelor’s degrees typically provide the comprehensive knowledge required to succeed in this field.

Some logisticians choose to pursue a master’s degree later in their careers. While these degrees are not required to secure your first job as a logistician, continuing your education in this way can provide you with the qualifications necessary to secure higher-paying roles in the future. The information below can help you make an informed decision about your future education.

Bachelor’s Degree Programs for Logisticians

The following Oklahoma schools offer bachelor’s degrees in programs relevant to supply chain management and your career as a logistician:

  • Northeastern State University. Students can receive a bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management at Northeastern State. The curriculum includes instruction in negotiations, cost/price analysis, inventory control and other areas of supply chain and business management that will provide useful knowledge for future logisticians.
  • University of Oklahoma. The University of Oklahoma’s degree in Supply Chain Management gives students the chance to study real-world applications of distribution, marketing and management. The program also includes a broad foundation in basic business principles to complement students’ supply chain specialization.
  • Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Receiving a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Southwestern Oklahoma State can prepare students for roles in supply chain management. The curriculum includes courses in finance, marketing principles, accounting and business communication.

Available Master’s Degree Programs

While a master’s degree is not necessary at the start of your career, pursuing one can open the door to additional opportunities. The following schools offer programs to consider:

  • East Central University. Students at East Central University can add a concentration in Management to their Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). The program addresses management skills that can be useful in supply chain operations, including financial and personnel management.
  • University of Tulsa. The University of Tulsa’s MBA program can be taken on a full-time or part-time schedule. Students form groups and participate in real consulting projects to put their new knowledge into action at the end of each program.
  • Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Oklahoma Wesleyan focuses on business ethics in its MBA program. Students can select from various unique concentrations, including organizational leadership, for their degree in addition to learning the basics of advanced business management.

Associate’s Degree and Certificate Programs

Several community colleges in Oklahoma offer associate’s degrees in Business Administration and related topics. At Redlands Community College, for example, students can study management, managerial accounting and leadership development in the Business Administration program.

Additional certification programs can provide formal recognition of your knowledge in a more specific area of supply chain management. Through the American Production and Inventory Control Society, logisticians can take courses and receive the certifications of Certified Supply Chain Professional, Certified in Production Inventory Management and Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution.

Employment and Salary Expectations

Jobs for logisticians in Oklahoma are expected to grow by 4.4 percent during the 10 years to 2026, according to the Projections Managing Partnership. The national average, meanwhile, is 7 percent growth during the same time period.

The U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the average hourly salary of a logistician in Oklahoma is $36.49, which equates to an annual salary of $75,900. The highest salaries in the state can exceed $105,000 for logisticians’ roles.

Working in Supply Chain Management in Oklahoma

Logisticians can find work in a number of industries, such as manufacturing, government work, scientific and technical services, wholesale trade and retail. These jobs may be in a particular business’s in-house supply chain management team or within large logistics firms, which manage the supply chains of multiple clients. In a full-time role, expect to work 40 hours per week with overtime and travel sometimes needed to complete work.

Excellent communication, critical thinking and customer service skills are just as important as formal knowledge in this field. These abilities will allow you to manage expectations, establish professional relationships and solve problems as they arise. Larger cities, such as Tulsa and Oklahoma City, will offer the largest selection of jobs and highest salaries to compensate for the cost of living in a city. However, work can be found throughout the state.

Popular SCM Programs

College Listings