Is a Logistics and Supply Chain Management Degree Worth Pursuing?
Are you thinking about getting a logistics and supply chain college degree? Let’s see if it’s worth pursuing.
Logistics and supply chain is a vast industry. Experts predict that it’ll be worth more than $37 billion by 2027, with an impressive CAGR (Compound annual growth rate) of 11.2%. Now, we can talk about numbers like that all day.
However, much like any industry, supply chain and logistics also depend on the people who keep everyday operations moving. That’s why a supply chain management degree is one of the most sought-out programs in the United States.
But is it worth it? In order to answer that, we need to understand what exactly a supply chain degree is made of. Moreover, we’ll also explore what you can do with a supply chain management school degree. So, let’s get started.
Should You Get a Logistics and Supply Chain Management Degree?
A logistics and supply chain management school degree is an academic program that allows students to understand the rules, regulations, and everyday operations of the supply chain industry. While supply chain and logistics can be considered two separate categories, the degree comprises both.
In many instances, logistics falls under the subcategory of the supply chain, and that’s why a lot of universities simply name it a supply chain management bachelor’s degree—or master’s for graduate students. Speaking of which, this program is usually available in the following categories:
- Undergraduate, which is a supply chain management bachelor’s degree
- Graduate, which is a master in supply chain management
- Online, which is a supply chain management degree online
Depending on the universities, some might only provide one of the following, while other schools might offer all the supply chain management degrees.
Is a Logistics and Supply Chain Management Degree Worth it?
Now to answer the question; of whether a supply chain and logistics degree are worth it or not? The answer is; they definitely are worth it and then some. It’s an ever-growing industry, with an immense job outlook projected from 2021-2031—a whopping 28%.
Besides that, BLS suggests that logisticians and supply chain management experts earn a median wage of around $77,000 in the United States. That is well above par with any common job, as that stands around $37 per hour.
This should tell you how much it is worth to pursue a degree in this profession. So, let’s keep going and find the best degrees for you.
5 Best Undergraduate Logistics And Supply Chain Management Degrees
With an abundance of jobs, people wonder where they can get the best supply chain management schools for bachelors degrees for this industry. In this section, we’re talking about the five best graduate programs for supply chain management in the United States. So, let’s get started.
1. Michigan State University’s B.A. in Supply Chain Management
Michigan State University has the number one-ranked program in the United States for Supply Chain Management. That’s because of its outstanding course curriculum, which includes a variety of necessary logistics subjects, such as:
- Procurement Contracting
- Customs, Compliance, and Security
- End-to-end Supply Chain Management Simulation
- Supply Chain Enterprise Resource Planning
- Advanced Supply Chain Project Management
Besides this, there are plenty of other great subjects in this program. All of this, hands-down, makes it the best supply chain program in the nation today.
2. Syracuse University’s Bachelor In Supply Chain Management (Major)
Syracuse University’s Supply Chain Management program is another great option for logistician aspirants. The reason this program stands out is because of its curriculum, which has an outstanding array of courses like:
- Strategic Sourcing
- Green Supply Chain Management
- Global Supply Management & Risk Management
- Transportation an Distribution Center Management
That’s why this is an ideal program for students of NY/NJ, particularly those in the nearby vicinities of Syracuse.
3. University of Tennessee Knoxville’s B.S In Supply Chain Management
University of Tennessee Knoxville also offers an outstanding supply chain degree called B.S. in Supply Chain Management. This is one of the leading accredited universities in the nation, and the remarkable curriculum of this degree includes:
- Intermediate Supply Chain Management
- Supply Chain Analytics
- Supply Chain Modeling and Analysis
- Supply Chain Operations
- Global Strategies for Supply Chain Management
That’s why the Bachelor of Science in SCM at UTK is one of the leading choices for you today.
4. Penn State’s B.S In Supply Chain and Information Systems
Penn State, or Pennsylvania State University, is one of the most renowned institutions in the State of Independence. That’s why the B.S. in Supply Chain and Information Systems from this university stands out. It also pops up because of its notable curriculum, which is comprised of the following:
- World Language Level One, Two, and Three
- General Supply Chain Education
- Socially Responsible, Sustainable, and Ethical Business Practice
- Business Law I: Introduction to Contracts, Liability Issues, and Intellectual Property
And that’s why it’s a widely accredited program and preferred by supply chain management degree holders and job seekers.
5. University of Texas at Austin’s BBA in Supply Chain Management
University of Texas at Austin also provides a great supply chain management degree program. This is one of the leading universities in the Lone Star state. And the reason this degree is ideal for you is because of its prospectus, and it’s comprised of:
- Organizational Behavior
- Introduction to Operations Management
- Supply Chain Modeling and Optimization
- Strategic Supply Chain Management
- Logistics and Inventory Management
Therefore, anyone looking for a long and prosperous career in the logistics industry will do well with this degree option.
5 Best Graduate Logistics And Supply Chain Management Degrees
Now let’s talk about masters in supply chain management in the USA without GMAT. These are the five best supply chain management schools that can help you get your masters in logistics and supply chain:
1. New York University Stern’s M.B.A in Supply Chain Management and Global Sourcing
NYU Stern is the home of many great programs for business students—and ranked number one in the U.S. for supply chian management. The Master’s in supply chain program at NYU Stern is widely considered the best graduate-level program, and it comprises of:
- Sustainability & Impact in Supply Chains and Procurement
- Global Supply Chain Decarbonization
- Managing Financial Businesses
- Operations Consulting: An Experiential Approach
Besides this, there are other courses in this curriculum, and they make NYU’s MBA in SCM the ideal degree for graduate students.
2. ASU Tempe’s M.S in Global Logistics
Arizona State University also makes the list of universities that offer both graduate and undergraduate SCM programs. That’s why their unique program called MS-GL, or Master of Science in Global Logistics, is on this list. It features:
- Operations and Supply Management
- Descriptive and Predictive Supply Chain Analytics
- Strategic Procurement
- Logistics in The Supply Chain
Therefore, yet another ideal option for graduate students to level up a notch in the supply chain industry.
3. Rochester Institute of Technology’s M.S in Global Supply Chain Management
RIT is yet another accredited institution that offers a great masters and bachelors program. The reason this university is on this list is because of its unique, and perhaps the best option for graduate students; the Global Supply Chain Management.
It’s called that because it focuses on three major continents of the world and their supply chain intricacies. It does so with courses like:
- Advanced Business Analytics
- Quality Control and Improvement
- Managing for Environmental Sustainability
- Marketing Concepts and Commercialization
Therefore, if you are a graduate student, then you won’t find a better program than this for international prowess in supply chain management.
4. MIT’s Master of Applied Science in Supply Chain Management
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is one of the most renowned universities in the United States—and the epitome of great options for M.A. residents. One of the reasons behind that is their incredible Master of Applied Science in Supply Chain Management program, which has a unique curriculum:
- Analytical Methods for Supply Chain Management
- Written Communication for Supply Chain Management
- Logistics Systems
- Databases and Data Analysis for Supply Chain Management
Besides this, there are plenty of other great courses in this degree that make it an ideal option for graduates who wish to elevate their game.
5. University of Houston’s Master of Science in Supply Chain Management
University of Houston’s MS in Supply Chain Management program is weaved for those who wish to take up leadership roles in companies and organizations. That’s why the curriculum courses include the following:
- Demand and Supply Integration
- Project Management
- Process Analysis and Design
- Supply Chain Analytics
- Analytics and Enterprise Operations
And as you can see, all of these indicate a key aspect of supply chain and logistics in any company or organization. That’s why it’s yet another great option for graduate students.
5 Best Online Logistics And Supply Chain Management Degrees
Now let’s explore a few online programs if you are looking for a logistics and supply chain management degree online.
1. Michigan State University’s Online Supply Chain Management Programs
Michigan State University provides great graduate and undergraduate programs. However, the best part about all of that is that the master’s program is available in an online form as well. As you would expect, the online Masters in Supply Chain curriculum is:
- Analysis of Supply Markets
- Introduction to Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Applied Data Analysis
- Distribution Fulfillment
Therefore, yet another great program for those with ambitions to make it big in the logistics industry.
2. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Online Bachelor of Supply Chain Management Online
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has one of the best online programs, and it features one of the strongest curriculums you can find. The online Bachelors of Supply Chain Management is made up of courses such as:
- Quality Management
- Logistics and Production Systems
- Global Supply Chain Management
- Purchasing Management
- Introduction to Supply Chain Analytics
As you can tell by the curriculum, it’s another incredible option for supply chain management aspirants.
3. Portland State University’s B.A. in Supply and Logistics Management
Portland University’s B.A. in Supply and Logistics Management is an incredible option for those who want to work and attend an online school. What makes this option a good one? The curriculum is as follows:
- Upper Division Cluster or Honors
- Global Supply Chain Management Elective
So, if you are someone who just finished high school, then this might be worth looking into.
4. Charleston Southern University Online B.S in Supply Chain Management
Charleston Southern University online offers an incredible array of programs, and one of them is its B.S. in Supply Chain Management. The reason to consider this program is its core courses, which are:
- Operations Management
- Logistics
- Distribution
- Transportation
- Procurement
As is apparent here, it covers all the necessary areas of the supply chain—making it yet another intriguing option.
5. Florida International University’s BBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Florida International University is another accredited name that provides an outstanding online supply chain management program. The BBA in Logistics and Supply chain is comprised of great courses, such as:
- Marketing Channels
- Principles of Transportation
- Logistics Technology
- Principles of Logistics
- Logistics Strategy
- Global Logistics
Thus, making it an ideal kick-start for a career in supply chain and management.
Conclusion
These are some of the best bachelor’s, master’s, and online degree programs. And once again, it’s definitely worth pursuing a career in logistics and supply chain. As long as there is trade around the globe, this industry will never stop looking for people to work for it.
More on Supply Management Schools
10 Best Supply Chain Management Schools and Degrees They Offer
How to Start a Career in Supply Chain and Logistics Management
How to Start a Business Analyst Career
Best Entrepreneur Schools in the U.S.
Best Supply Chain Management Schools In Georgia
