Earning an online logistics degree puts you on a career track for in-demand occupations that offer above-average salaries. And pursuing a logistics and supply chain management degree online gives you the flexibility to complete coursework from anywhere.
With this degree, you can become a logistician, operations research analyst, or management analyst. Read on to learn more about how to earn a transportation and logistics degree online, how much it costs, and how much you can earn.
Why Get an Online Degree in Logistics?
A logistics degree can prepare you for a fast-growing career as a logistician or management analyst.
Even entry-level logistics jobs offer career advancement opportunities.
You can earn above-average wages with a logistics degree.
Online learning allows you to earn your logistics bachelor's degree in a flexible and affordable way.
Featured Online Supply Chain Programs
How Much Do Logistics and Supply Chain Majors Make?
Many logistics careers have above-average salaries, as the chart below details. You can become a logistician or purchasing manager, earning a salary that exceeds the national mean wage of $61,900.
| Jobs | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) |
|---|---|
| Logistician | $79,400 |
| Purchasing Manager | $136,380 |
| Operations Research Analyst | $83,640 |
| Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager | $99,200 |
| Management Analyst | $99,410 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Most Affordable Online Logistics and Supply Chain Management Programs
How Much Does a Logistics and Supply Chain Management Degree Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of tuition and fees at public four-year colleges was $9,375 in the 2020-21 school year. At private four-year colleges, undergraduates paid an average of $32,826 in tuition and fees.
You can make your college education cheaper by applying for scholarships, federal grants, or enrolling in work-study programs. Also, studying online can save you money. Online programs may offer flat tuition rates and accelerated formats, which can make college cheaper.
Featured Online Supply Chain Programs
Courses in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Supply chain management programs cover the processes and practices that make goods and services available to consumers. You study topics such as procurement and manufacturing to help you build business knowledge and management skills.
If you already know what you want to study, many programs also offer concentration options such as transportation management and reverse logistics.
Check out three common courses in supply chain management programs below, but keep in mind that course titles and descriptions vary by program.
Logistics Management
This introductory course covers the industry's most commonly used processes and technologies. You learn about businesses' logistical functions and how supplies move between storage sites. You also study inventory planning and warehouse management.
Supply Chain Management
This course focuses on global supply chain planning. Businesses depend on supply chain management to decrease their operating costs and minimize purchasing risks. You examine supply chain components as part of a coordinated system while also studying inventory placement and integrated planning.
Transportation Management
Businesses depend on various transportation methods to move supplies, including air, ground, rail, and water. This course offers an overview of transportation strategies and operations. You study transportation-related public policy issues, as well as the pros and cons of various transportation methods.
3 Steps to Become a Logistics Manager
Many paths can lead you to a career as a logistics manager. Here we explore three steps you can take to become a logistics manager and earn a professional certificate.
1. Define Your Goals
You need to envision your future career to achieve it. Define the role you want and think of the setting and your desired salary. Especially if you want to pursue a specialized degree, you'll need to set your goals in your mind. This will help you to choose the best online logistics degree to support your goals.
2. Earn an Accredited Degree
Your logistics bachelor's degree should be accredited. Associations such as the International Accreditation Council for Business Education and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business award programmatic accreditation. The accreditation process ensures the value of your education. Attending an accredited logistics degree program assures you of its quality and makes you eligible for employment.
3. Complete a Professional Certificate
You can demonstrate your knowledge of supply chain management by getting professional certifications. Credentials can help you qualify for leadership roles. The Association for Supply Chain Management and the Institute for Supply Management offer certifications that can advance your career. To get certified, you need to pass an exam and meet educational and work experience requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Logistics and Supply Chain Management Degrees
What is a supply chain and logistics degree?
Logistics degrees combine the principles of business, marketing, accounting, and finance. The courses you take in a logistics degree teach you practical skills and techniques you need to create efficient supply chains and logistics plans.
And because you learn about the supply chain lifecycle from end to end, you qualify for jobs in logistics, purchasing, distribution, and operations jobs.
What jobs can I get with a supply chain and logistics degree?
You can pursue many careers. You may work as a logistician, management analyst, or industrial production manager. Plus, with advanced education, you can pursue upper-level management positions.
Are supply chain managers in demand?
Logisticians and supply chain managers are in demand. According to the BLS, some 195,000 logisticians were employed as of 2021. By 2031, jobs for supply chain managers should grow 28%, with employers adding 54,100 new jobs.
Is a logistics and supply chain degree worth it?
A logistics degree can offer a good return on investment as many logistics and supply chain careers offer higher-than-average salaries. Plus, nearly every company needs people knowledgeable in delivering products to consumers, so the demand for supply chain managers should continue to grow.
What degree is best for a career in logistics?
A logistics bachelor's degree gives you practical skills in supply chain and logistics management that qualify you for entry-level positions. For managerial and supervisor roles, you may need a master's degree in logistics.
