Best Logistics and Supply Chain Management Degrees

Overview

Founded in 1865, Lehigh University is a private research university in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The university provides a rigorous academic community for over 7,000 students. Lehigh boasts over 100 majors and degree programs, as well as more than 20 interdisciplinary programs spanning multiple colleges. Ninety-six percent of graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for graduates is $61,000. Lehigh offers a Supply Chain Management major.

Program Features

The Supply Chain Management major emphasizes advanced cost analysis, negotiation, product development, and e-business. Students study supply management, logistics, cost and risk management, and operations management topics. This innovative program integrates core business courses with supply chain major coursework. The 18 credits of required major courses include:

• Supply, Cost, and Risk Management
• Negotiations and Conflict Management
• Integrated Logistics and Transportation Management
• e-Business Enterprise Applications
• Integrated Product Development

Notables

Lehigh’s Supply Chain Management major includes an optional internship or experiential project. Students also develop cross-functional team skills by working with engineering students in the Integrated Product Development program. Graduates typically work in purchasing and supply management, transportation and logistics, operations management, inventory management and control, or demand and supply chain planning.

Overview

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida and Prescott, Arizona. In 1971, the school also became one of the first to offer distance learning. Embry-Riddle Online and the school’s Worldwide campus feature state-of-the-art technology delivering flexible learning opportunities. The private, not-for-profit institution is recognized as one of the nation’s best colleges by U.S. News and World Report. It offers a BS in Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

Program Features

Embry-Riddle’s Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management can be earned online or in person. The 120-credit program trains students in the concepts and competencies central to best practices, regulations, and professional ethics. Topics include warehousing, distribution, transportation operations, inventory management methods, purchasing and procurement, and metrics for tracking and analyzing supply chain performance. Students take courses like:

• Principles of Purchasing
• Advanced Professional Logistics
• Management of Air Cargo
• Transportation Science
• Principles of Supply Chain Management

Notables

Embry-Riddle Logistics and Supply Chain Management graduates are in high demand. The program prepares students to distinguish themselves as leaders in the field or to pursue graduate studies. To complete the program, students must take a comprehensive exam in Strategic Management.

Overview

Michigan State is a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan. It was founded in 1855 as the prototype for land-grant universities. MSU is a nationally ranked university and a Best Value college. In addition, it’s known as one of the world’s top research universities. Twenty-five of the school’s degree programs are ranked in the top 20 nationally by U.S. News and World Report. MSU offers over 200 academic programs, including a BA in Supply Chain Management.

Program Features

MSU’s Bachelor of Arts in Supply Chain Management is a 120-credit program. It focuses on value-adding components from manufacturing operations, purchasing, transportation, and physical distribution that are critical to the enhancement of global competitiveness. Students develop the skill needed to plan and control value-creating processes in both private and public enterprises. Required courses include:

• Procurement and Supply Management
• Manufacturing Planning and Control
• Logistics and Transportation Management
• Supply Chain Application and Policy
• Supply Chain Industry Applications

Notables

Students may select concentration such as physical distribution system design and administration, purchasing techniques and strategies, computer integrated manufacturing, and manufacturing strategies. In addition to supply chain management coursework, students take a variety of courses from the MSU business core.

Overview

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a public research university in Champaign County, Illinois. The school was founded as a land-grant institution in 1867. It is ranked as the number 13 public university in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. The university offers programs in more than 150 fields of study. The Gies College of Business provides a major in Supply Chain Management.

Program Features

The rigorous Supply Chain Management program spans processes such as procurement, purchasing, plant and transportation logistics, demand fulfillment, and promotion management. Curricular and practical training prepare students to effectively manage the supply chain in global and hyper-competitive environments. In this program, expect to take courses such as:

• Marketing to Business and Government
• Purchasing and Supply Chain Management
• Supply Chain Management Basics
• Information Technology for Networked Organizations
• Logistics Management

Notables

Students are required to complete a summer internship before graduating. Students must fill out an application and interview with faculty to ensure that Supply Chain Management is the right fit. This selective program has been very successful in training and placing undergraduate students. Graduates work for consulting, manufacturing, and logistics companies as analysts and project managers.

Overview

A private university in Bellevue, Nebraska, Bellevue University is a non-profit institution founded in 1966. BU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It’s routinely recognized as one of the nation’s top military-friendly universities. The university offers flexible, rigorous majors and degree programs both online and on campus. Programs receive input from area businesses to ensure students develop the skills employers seek. BU offers a BS in Supply Chain and Logistics Management.

Program Features

BU’s 127-credit Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain and Logistics Management covers leading-edge supply chain strategies. Hands-on, applied learning is integrated with theory on topics such as global sourcing, supplier, and inventory management; demand planning and order fulfillment; quality management; relevant information systems and technology; international trade regulations and global logistics; and types of supply chains. Coursework includes:

• Transnational Marketing Strategies
• Supply Chain Sourcing
• Supply Chain Management Strategies
• Global Logistics Management
• Global Procurement and Strategic Sourcing

Notables

To help students build a well-rounded skill set, the Supply Chain and Logistics Management degree program incorporates foundational knowledge in several related disciplines, including accounting, economics, finance, information systems, and management.

Overview

Recognized by U.S. News and World Report as the nation’s most innovative school, Arizona State boasts over 40 programs ranked in the top 20 in the United States. The public university is based in Tempe, Arizona. It has four campuses across the Phoenix metropolitan area and four regional learning centers throughout the state. ASU is nationally ranked for its affordability and for producing some of the country’s best-qualified graduates. The university offers a business degree in Supply Chain Management.

Program Features

The W.P. Carey business degree in Supply Chain Management develops skills and expertise critical to the success of industries around the world. Students learn how to build and maintain an efficient and effective supply chain. Graduates can immediately take on leadership roles as supply chain managers or consultants. In this program, students take courses like:

• Business Decision Models
• Global Supply Operations
• Logistics Management
• Marketing and Business Performance
• Quality Management and Measurement

Notables

The Supply Chain Management degree is one of the top-ranked programs at ASU. Students have plentiful opportunities to apply and diversify their degree through undergraduate research, internships, targeted career programs, and organizations like the Supply Chain Management Association.

Overview

Founded in 1883, the University of Texas at Austin is the flagship institution of the University of Texas System. It’s ranked one of the top 20 public universities in the country by U.S. News and World Report. More than 15 undergraduate programs and 40 graduate programs are ranked in the top 10 nationally. Home to 51,000 students, UT Austin is one of the biggest and best research universities in the United States. Its many programs include a BBA in Supply Chain Management.

Program Features

UT Austin’s Bachelor of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management requires 120 semester hours. Coursework blends core business courses with classes specific to the supply chain and operations management. Students learn how information technology integrates all elements of the supply chain, giving enterprises a competitive advantage. If you enroll in this program, expect to take courses including:

• Organizational Behavior
• Operations Management
• Procurement and Supplier Management
• Supply Chain Modeling and Optimization
• Logistics and Inventory Management

Notables

Students work closely with the faculty adviser in the Department of Information, Risk, and Operations Management. They are prepared for careers including buyer, materials manager, risk management analyst, logistics planner, and staff consultant.

Overview

North Carolina State University is a leading public research university in Raleigh, North Carolina. It’s ranked by both Princeton Review and U.S. News and World Report as one of the top five Best Value universities in the country. NC State also boasts some of the nation’s best undergraduate teaching and a variety of top-ranked programs. The university’s mission is to solve problems and provide leadership that transforms lives. It offers a BS in Supply Chain Management.

Program Features

NC State’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Supply Chain Management focus prepares students to become tomorrow’s supply chain leaders. Students learn how to develop and evaluate business processes, perform strategic and tactical supply chain planning, and manage the activities and resources that transform inputs into finished goods and services. Courses include:

• Business Policy and Strategy
• Business Process Management
• Operations Planning and Control Systems
• Supply Chain Strategy
• Logistics Management

Notables

Students are required to complete a practicum, a semester-long experiential learning project. The project pairs student teams with an industry partner to solve a specific supply chain problem the company is experiencing. Students gain both valuable work experience and professional contacts.

Overview

Kennesaw State is a public university with primary campuses in Kennesaw, Georgia and Marietta, Georgia. The university offers more than 150 degrees to over 35,000 students. KSU is a member of the university system of Georgia and is the third largest university in the state. Its business, engineering, and information technology programs are nationally ranked. Kennesaw State offers a BAS in Supply Chain Logistics.

Program Features

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Supply Chain Logistics is designed for students who have already completed an Associate of Applied Science or Associate of Applied Technology Degree. It prepares students in the areas of manufacturing, operations, logistics, and supply chain through an industry-driven curriculum. This curriculum encompasses manufacturing processes, quality principles, engineering economy, work measurement, and facilities layout. Students enroll in courses such as:

• Advanced Logistics
• Statistical Quality Control
• Quality Concepts and Systems Design
• Warehousing Systems
• Sustainability Engineering

Notables

The requirements for this degree may be completed online. Online participants can attend class “virtually”, meaning the student can attend class at a designated time/day via the Internet. Optionally, students can choose not to attend virtually and catch up through video lectures, recorded archives, and/or discussion groups The program is designed to be completed within two years.

Overview

The only public four-year university in Dallas, the University of North Texas at Dallas is growing rapidly. The university’s first residence hall is now in place, and a $63 million student center is under construction. Established in 2010, UNT Dallas currently serves over 3,500 students. The university offers over 40 academic programs, including a BS in Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

Program Features

The Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management provides a well-rounded education using a “learn today, apply tomorrow” classroom philosophy. Students are required to participate in a 240-hour paid internship. Major coursework includes 21 credit hours of business foundation courses, 27 credit hours of logistic courses, and 6 credit hours of logistics electives. These courses include:

• Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Logistics and Business Analysis
• E-Logistics in Supply Chain Management
• Logistics Application of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems
• Logistics Systems Modeling/Simulation

Notables

The curriculum was developed with input from an advisory board of 20 senior logistics executives, the North Texas Commission’s Logistics Development and Marketing Committee, and the Dallas/Fort Worth Roundtable of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. This ensures that students stay up-to-date on current industry trends. Gartner Research recently ranked the program sixth among all logistics and supply chain management programs in the nation.