Unlock Career Advancement Opportunities With a Supply Chain Management Bachelor Degree
Choosing the right education is essential for your potential career path. After deciding on your chosen career, you then have to find the right course for you. Supply chain management (SCM) is a fascinating profession. It facilitates the day-to-day logistics of small and large businesses.
Companies rely on a smooth supply chain. Analyzing the best options for sourcing products will improve profitability. The purchasing and transportation of goods must also be considered.
Long-term planning is essential. As is the ability to react to sudden, unexpected changes in markets, which will also benefit operations management.
This guide will explore everything you need to know about bachelor degrees in SCM. Keep reading to find out more about the position and career opportunities within the field. (We also cover masters degrees here.)
We will cover the education requirements for logistics management. We will also explore the best supply chain management programs that will help you get your Bachelor’s degree.
See our review of the best Bachelor’s Degree programs:
- Baker College
- Florida International University
- Saint Leo University
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Temple University
- Arizona State University
- Western Illinois University
- Bellevue University
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
- Johnson & Wales University-Online
- Northern Arizona University
What Is Supply Chain Management?
Supply chain management positions are essential to the smooth running of many businesses. These include;
- Customer service
- Trasportation and logistics
- Data analysis
- Procurement
- Manufacturing
The role helps streamline essential aspects of the business, including;
- Manufacturing
- Procurement
- Transport
- Logistics
- Delivery
Supply chain management positions allow people to oversee these aspects. This helps to achieve efficient results.
Supply chain professionals can work with suppliers and customers from all over the world. They are tasked with establishing cost-effective, efficient methods of delivering services. Sourcing supplies can also be an important part of the job.
What is Included in Supply Chain Management Bachelor Degrees?
Exploring supply chain management program options can be the perfect way to get into the industry.
Supply Chain Management Bachelor’s Programs cover a range of essential business concepts.
Students will learn how to use a range of software programs. These are essential to data analytics and inventory management. Courses can also include global supply chain management and advanced logistics.
The supply chain management curriculum provides the necessary knowledge to enter the industry. It will show you have an understanding of key concepts and can be an asset to potential new employers.
What Concentrations can Compliment a Bachelor’s Degree in supply chain management?
Concentrations can provide an alternative to courses within a degree. They must be in the same field and complement the overall course.
Concentrations for supply chain management courses include:
Marketing
Marketing can be beneficial to a supply chain management degree. This is because it helps with the communication of the business’s consumer value to the customer.
Leadership
Leadership skills are essential to any management position. Skills learned can help to manage potential conflicts. They also improve communication and help with team building.
Project Management
The planning and implementation of projects are needed for the supply chain management. Students will learn how to develop budgets and identify resources. The incorporation of stakeholder input is also key. You will also learn how to measure results.
International Business
Global supply chain managers will benefit from international business studies. Understanding international economics will be crucial. Building relationships with global businesses will also be key.
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurialism is a key skill that can be incorporated into supply chain management. It will focus on the creation of business plans and analyzing potential opportunities. It will also cover investment and funding sources.
Supply Chain Management Admission Requirements
Acceptance into a supply chain management Bachelor’s degree may change between institutions. We will explore the best Bachelor’s programs later in this guide.
Potential requirements for supply chain management online courses include:
GED Certificate or High School Diploma
There are minimum requirements for a supply chain management Bachelor’s degree. These include a GED certificate or high school diploma. Applicants will be required to submit their transcripts during the application process.
ACT or SAT
Providing ACT or SAT results can show the applicants’ readiness for higher education.
Minimum GPA
The minimum high school GPA for acceptance into a bachelor’s degree is typically 2.0 to 2.5.
ACCUPLACER
Junior college applicants can submit their ACCUPLACER exam results to demonstrate their proficiency.
Transfer Credits
Applicants that have already experienced college education can sometimes transfer credits.
Potential Supply Chain Management Careers
There are many potential career paths for graduates of a supply chain management program. These include:
- Logistics
- Business Management
- Project Management
- Manufacturing
- Distribution
- Inventory Control
- Transportation and shipping
- Strategic Sourcing
These are just some of the positions that might suit a graduate. The wide selection of jobs ensures it offers good prospects.
What to Consider When Selecting an Online Supply Chain Management Degree
There are lots of great options when studying Online Supply Chain Management. It can be challenging trying to select the best program for your needs.
The following considerations should be made when choosing a program. This will ensure you get the best learning experience available.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees might not always be as they seem. You should look at prices based on the cost per credit hour. You should also look out for additional fees.
If you are applying for a financial aid package, this should be taken into consideration as well.
Study Length
The length of your study should also be checked. A bachelor’s degree will typically last 4 years. However, some programs offer accelerated learning options. This can reduce your course time to as little as 2 years.
Format
The format of the program you choose is important. This will dictate whether you will be required to carry out on-campus learning. Alternatively, there are lots of great online or hybrid courses.
You should check whether the school you are looking at uses traditional semesters.
Included Experiences
Internships and field experiences are sometimes offered in courses. This can provide an excellent experience. You should check if these experiences affect the price of different courses.
Accreditation
The accreditation of your school ensures you receive a high-quality course. This is important when using your qualifications to apply for a job.
Degree & Concentrations
You should explore what is offered on the course. If you have a specific career path in mind, exploring relevant concentrations offered by the school can help.
The Best Bachelor’s Programs
This list of the best Bachelor’s programs offers a diverse range of learning opportunities. If you are interested in studying for a supply chain management degree, the following options are some of the best available.
Baker College
Baker College is located in Owosso, Michigan. The online management supply degree offered is an online course.
Students will be able to choose between scheduled classes and self-paced learning. The degree is taught over 4 years.
The annual cost of studying is $9,720. Average credit costs are $425. You will be required to get 120 credits to graduate from the course.
The International Accreditation Council for Business Education provides accreditation for Baker College.
The school’s curriculum is made up of the following:
- 54 credits – Business Courses
- 36 credits – In the Major
- 30 credits – General Education
The course is designed to prepare students for various careers. This includes transportation specialists and project managers.
Florida International University
The Florida International University is located in Miami, Florida. They offer an online degree with a cost of $228 per credit for in-state students. Out-of-state students will have to pay $345.
The program requires 120 credits to graduate. The school is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
The public university offers a range of courses that cover supply chains and business.
The Florida International University supply chain management course covers many disciplines. This includes global logistics and export marketing.
Students are paired with coaches who can offer support and guidance during the course.
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University is a private institution located in Saint Leo, Florida.
The average cost per credit for this online course is $395. This does not change for out-of-state students.
The program requires 120 credits for graduation. The program accreditation comes from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs.
The university is a catholic institution and has a focus on producing ethical business leaders.
Logistics courses make up 30 credits of the overall course.
The program is popular as it includes potential experiences that include;
- Presenting papers at conferences
- Undertaking an internship
- Joining a professional organization
Entry requirements include submitting a GED certificate or high school diploma.
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University offers self-paced online courses. They are located in Manchester, New Hampshire.
The average cost per credit is the same for in-state and out-of-state students at this private university. The cost per credit works out to $627.
30 credits are required to graduate with a master of business administration in supply chain management.
The course can be completed in around one year. The Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs provides accreditation.
Preparation courses are available to applicants without a background in supply chain management. GPA scores of 2.75 or more are required for admission to the course.
The course focuses on quantitative and Quantitative analysis and critical thinking skills.
Temple University
Temple University is a public school that is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The cost per credit of $595 is the same for all students.
124 credits are required for graduation. The classes are scheduled, and all classes are online.
Program accreditation is provided by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
The supply chain management degree provides tuition that will help graduates with the flow of services and goods. The course has a focus on sustainability. This makes it an excellent choice for modern businesses.
Each course in the degree takes between 6 and 15 weeks. All courses include live weekly meetings.
Applicants are required to submit high school transcripts or GED scores.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University is located in Tempe, Arizona, and offers an online supply chain management course.
Admission requirements for the first year of the course include:
- A 1230 SAT score (from March 2016)
- An 1160 SAT score (prior to March 2016)
- An ACT score of 25
- To be ranked in the top 8% of high school rankings
- 3.4 GPA in ASU-defined courses
A total of 40 classes, each taking place over 7.5 weeks, resulting in the graduation requirement of 120 credits.
Western Illinois University
Western Illinois University is a public institution located in Macomb, Illinois. The course offered is completely online.
The average credit cost is $308 for in-state students. Out-of-state students will pay $353 per credit. 120 credits are required to graduate.
The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
The course lasts for 4 years. 33 credits towards the course focus on general business. Other aspects are more focused on supply chain management. These include global supply chain management and transportation management.
An internship is part of the course and provides an excellent way for graduates to leave the course with relevant experience.
Entry requirements include a high school GPA of 2.75.
Bellevue University
Bellvue University is a private institution that offers both online and campus-based learning. Self-paced classes are also an option. The university is located in Bellevue, Nebraska.
Average credit costs are the same for in-state and out-of-state students. The cost is $430 per credit. 127 credits are required to pass the 4-year course.
The university is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.
The classes are taken one at a time. They are geared towards preparing graduates for careers in transportation and logistics.
Classes prepare students for international dealings. These include Global logistics and decision-making in the global environment.
Requirements include:
- High School Completion
- GED Test
- Associate Degree
- 60 Transferrable Credits
Applicants with military backgrounds may receive college credit based on experience.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide is located in Daytona Beach, Florida. It is a private institution that offers a 4-year online course. Self-paced classes are also an option for students.
120 credits are required to graduate. The average cost per credit is $447 for in-state and out-of-state applicants.
The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs provides accreditation for the program.
Video teleconferencing and online classes are offered. Courses include advanced professional logistics and transportation principles.
Entry requirements for the program include holding a GED certificate or high school diploma. Submitting ACT or SAT scores during the application process is also recommended.
Johnson & Wales University-Online
Johnson & Wales University-Online is a private institution located in Providence, Rhode Island.
The four-year class is completely online. Students also have the option of self-paced classes.
The average cost per credit is $495. This is the same for out-of-state students as it is for in-state applicants. Students will require 120 credits to graduate.
Most of the courses offered by Johnson & Wales University last for eight weeks. Classes on the supply chain management and operations business admin course include;
- Risk management for enterprises
- Contemporary operations issues
- Managerial technology
Students are afforded the opportunity to take a minor in a relevant field.
Applicants must have a high school diploma and a minimum of 2 years work experience.
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona, is home to Northern Arizona University. This is a public institution that offers great flexibility to students.
There are online and campus-based learning options available. Students can also take self-paced classes.
120 credits are required to graduate. The average cost per credit is $364 for all students.
The program’s accreditation is provided by;
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools
- Programs and Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
The course explores global and green logistics as well as a range of other courses.
FAQs
What is the average salary of someone in supply chain management?
A bachelor’s degree in supply chain management offers graduates great potential. Many industries benefit from the skills learned in this course.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary of logisticians is in excess of $77,000.
How much does a supply chain management degree cost?
The cost of a Bachelor’s in supply management will vary depending on the program you take. On average total tuition costs can vary from $36,000 to $64,000.
Does it take a long time to get a supply chain management bachelor’s degree?
Supply chain management bachelor’s degrees typically take 4 years to complete.
What are the job prospects like in supply chain management?
According to statistics published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field has projected growth of up to 28% between 2021 and 2031.
This means that many jobs will become available. This could be due to new businesses or people exiting the labor force.
This is great for anyone looking for good job prospects at the end of their studies. It is also an encouraging stat for job safety.
Is supply chain management a good job?
Supply chain management is considered a good job because of its excellent prospects.
The versatility of the skills learned means many industries are looking for workers with these skills.
The job typically has regular hours. While a lot of time will be spent in office environments, there are also opportunities for travel.
This can be a necessary part of the job to meet up with various stakeholders in the supply chain. This can include;
- Distribution Centers
- Manufacturing Plants
- Suppliers
Global supply chain management can also include trips abroad. This can be a great way to see more of the world.
Conclusion
There are many options for studying supply chain management in the US. As well as on-campus learning opportunities, there are many online courses that can be taken.
This can offer greater freedom and choice to applicants. Most courses will take 4 years to complete. However, there are some flexible options. Self-paced learning is great for people already in employment or with responsibilities.
Supply chain management degrees provide qualifications that can open a number of career paths. This provides graduates with more choices and greater job prospects.
Requirements to study supply chain management will differ between institutions. Prices will also be different. Looking at all the available options will help you to determine the best course for your needs.
Sources
https://asuonline.asu.edu/online-degree-programs/undergraduate/supply-chain-management-bs/
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/logisticians.htm