Best Online Master's in Supply Chain Management

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Updated October 10, 2023 · 5 Min Read

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Supply Chain Managers manage the entire lifecycle of production and distribution for an organization. Discover how to position yourself for this high-growth career.

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During the pandemic, we all got to see firsthand what it means when supply chains are disrupted. Nearly three-quarters of U.S. companies experienced supply chain hiccups in 2020, according to reporting by SupplyChainDive — which meant huge drops in corporate revenue and massive inventory shortages across retailers.

The only upside? Supply chain managers had serious job security when everyone else was in crisis: 95% of them kept their jobs during the pandemic, according to the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM).

Today, the demand for qualified supply chain managers and logistics professionals only continues to rise. So if you're looking for an important, fulfilling, and secure career, consider an online master's in supply chain management.

We will walk you through everything you need to know — including the best programs of 2023.

Why Choose a Master's in Supply Chain Management?

There are several good reasons to choose a master's degree in supply chain management.

  1. 1

    Industry Demand

    The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for logistics professionals like supply chain managers will grow by 18% from 2022-2032 — much faster than the average for all occupations. And every industry needs talented logisticians to analyze and coordinate their supply chains.
  2. 2

    Career Advancement

    A master's degree can open doors to more senior and well-paying positions, like supply chain manager, logistics director, or procurement manager. Average salaries for these roles range from $86,980 a year to $107,053 a year, according to Payscale.
  3. 3

    Important, Specialized Knowledge and Skills

    An online master's in supply chain management will help you dig deeper into areas like logistics, procurement, demand forecasting, data analytics, and strategic decision-making. This expertise will make you highly valuable to organizations and skilled at getting essential products into the hands of consumers.

Featured Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

4 Top Schools for Online Supply Chain Management Master's

Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) offers an online master of science in project management through the W.P. Carey School of Business — one of the top business schools in the country. This program is taught by award-winning faculty who take a data-driven approach to the complexities of supply chain management.

ASU's project management graduate program is 30 credits and can be completed in three years or less. Here's a breakdown of the program requirements:

  • ASU CareerCatalyst Certificate in Foundations in Supply Chain Management (nine months)
  • MIT MicroMastersⓇ in Supply Chain Management (14-18 months)
  • W.P. Carey Master of Science in Supply Chain Management (18 months)

Resident Tuition Cost: $15,845 per academic year

Non-Resident Tuition Cost: $15,845 per academic year

Florida Institute of Technology

The Florida Institute of Technology's online program offers flexibility, small class sizes, and experienced faculty. It's great for industry professionals with several years of experience who are looking to expand their knowledge and advance their careers.

Florida Tech's project management program is a master of science with 30 credits. It typically takes 2-3 years of full-time study to complete, but students may also choose to attend part time. In addition to core courses and electives, students are required to take a capstone course in global supply chain management and international logistics.

Total Program Tuition Cost: $23,310

Johnson & Wales University

Johnson and Wales University offers a 100% online MBA in operations and supply chain management. The career-focused curriculum was developed in collaboration with industry experts who understand the ever-evolving world of logistics. Johnson & Wales students graduate with high-level, industry-relevant skills that result in a 94% career outcomes rate.

JWU's MBA program has 36-42 total credits including a capstone course in Business Policy and Strategy. It takes two years to complete.

Total Program Tuition Cost: $30,312-$35,364

Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University offers an online master's degree in supply chain management through the Penn State World Campus, in close collaboration with the highly celebrated Smeal College of Business. The curriculum allows for a high level of customization that allows you to specialize in areas most aligned with your personal career goals.

The master's program requires 30 total credits that can be completed in as little as 20 months. Students can also take advantage of Penn State's stackable credentialing model to earn valuable certifications along the way and further improve the ROI of their education.

Total Program Tuition Cost: $34,290

Is Graduate School for Supply Chain Management Worth It?

For the right person, a master's degree in supply chain management can have an excellent return on investment. For about $35,000 (not including scholarships, grants, or other forms of aid that may impact your bottom line), this degree can help you compete for a variety of well-paid leadership roles across industries.

Role Median Annual Salary (2023)
Supply Chain Director $145,000
Supply Chain Manager $115,750
Materials Manager $110,342
Procurement Manager $104,000
Logistics Manager $100,000
Inventory Manager $93,000
Purchasing Manager $90,000
Source: Association of Supply Chain Management

On top of that, professionals in this field really like their jobs. An ASCM survey found that 96% of respondents plan to stay in supply chain management for the next five years.

Changing jobs or industries to pursue better opportunities is also easy once you have the right training and experience: 76% of job seekers in the field find employment in as little as three months.

Common Questions About Supply Chain Programs

Is a master's in supply chain management worth it?

A master's in supply chain management is worth it if you are looking to pursue a career in logistics and have leadership aspirations.

The degree can help you stand out in a job market where there is strong demand and growth potential and where 82% of supply chain managers report taking pride in their work.

The pay isn't bad, either: According to the 2023 survey by ASCM, the median pay for supply chain professionals in the U.S. is $98,570 a year. A master's degree can qualify you for leadership roles that pay far more.

What is the best supply chain master's program?

The best supply chain master's program for you will depend on your priorities, career goals, and budget. For students who want flexibility, affordability, and good student outcomes, we recommend an online supply chain management degree from any of the following schools:

What is the best online course on supply chain management?

If you're looking for a free introduction to supply chain management, there are several great Edx/MITx courses through Edx that cover foundational topics:

How long is a master's degree in supply chain management?

Online master's degrees from our top four supply chain management master's programs take between 20 months and three years of full-time study to complete.

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