The people who maintain the supply chain are an invisible part of our smoothly running consumer culture. Since the pandemic revealed problems in the supply chain, the whole world knows how important it is to our economic health and our ability to get the goods that we need—food, clothing, building materials, cars, and pretty much everything! It you want to be part of the solution to supply chain problems, then it might just be time to invest in a supply chain and logistics management degree online. No matter where you are in your education or career, you can add logistics and supply chain management to your skills and improve your career options in the process. From associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, to graduate certificates and master’s degrees, we have found the best online supply chain management degrees to get you into this booming area of business.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Top Jobs in Supply Chain Management | What Level Degree Do I Need? | Career Outlook | Most Affordable Programs: Associate, Bachelor, Graduate Certificate, Master
Top Jobs in Supply Chain Management
There are many job titles that you may look at after you get your supply chain and logistics management degree online, and salaries are good at all levels of the profession. From warehouse managers to supply chain planning, there are entry level and management jobs in all types of industries. The supply chain covers the movement of raw materials to factories, the movement of manufactured parts to different manufacturing facilities or distribution centers, and the movement of finished goods to stores for consumers to buy. Everything that we use in business or homes follows a supply chain to get to us, and there are many jobs that help this happen efficiently.
People who are natural problem solvers make excellent logistics and SCM employees. Communication, customer service, organization, and critical thinking skills are also required. The jobs are fast-paced and the stress of keeping things on schedule is routine. Working in warehouses, trucking centers, and other operations centers is common, though some people work in office buildings as well. The need for qualified SCM and logistics workers is extraordinarily high, so becoming qualified for this profession by getting a supply chain and logistics management degree online is a great way to go.
Supply Chain and Logistics Management Degree Online: What Level Do I Need?
The main topics for a major in supply chain management (SCM) revolve around the planning and execution of the movement of goods. Thus, courses in subjects such as SCM, logistics, transportation management, purchasing management, operations, and distribution will be offered in all programs. Degree programs will also include many business management courses, which can include analytics, finance, HR, statistics, and organizational behavior. Undergraduate degrees will also include general education topics such as writing, mathematics, humanities, and other business skills like computer literacy.
What level of degree you choose will depend on where you are in your education or career. If you have just finished high school, you will want to look at associate’s or bachelor’s degrees. If you want to get to work fast, an associate's degree will take less time, and you can plan to complete your bachelor’s degree at a later date. A bachelor's degree will qualify you for higher levels of responsibility and the pay to match, but you will spend at about four years in school to get the credential.
GetEducated's Picks
- Grand Canyon University Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain & Logistics Management
- Western Governors University Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain & Operations Management
A graduate certificate could be the perfect credential if you already have a bachelor’s degree and want to add this skill. Some programs will want you to have work experience in addition to a degree, but others are happy to teach you what you need to know even without much on-the-job familiarity. If you have a master’s degree, but lack this skillset, a graduate certificate would be the quickest and cheapest way to add this specialty to your resume.
GetEducated's Picks
- University of Scranton Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Management
- Ohio University Graduate Certificate in Operations & Supply Chain Management
For those who want to get higher level management jobs in logistics, getting a master's degree, which is usually an MBA, is the way to go. Not only will you learn the ins and outs of warehousing and transportation, but you will learn business principles which will make you able to handle the most complex logistics problems for a large or small company.
GetEducated's Picks
- Grand Canyon University Master of Business Administration / Supply Chain Management
- University of Scranton Master of Business Administration / Supply Chain Management
Supply Chain Management Career Outlook
Huge job growth is one of the attractions of this profession right now. Global trade becomes only more complex and interconnected and scheduling the movement of materials is crucial to keeping business running, so there are many jobs openings in SCM. With a tight labor market and a need for better logistics, graduates of online supply chain management programs will find that jobs are available and hiring could be quick. However, some areas are predicted to actually decline, such as purchasing managers, so it will depend on what your specialty and job goal is for this area of business. Here are some possible job titles and their average pay:
- Global Logistics Manager: $97,852
- Integrated Logistics Program Director: $90,960
- Logistics Engineer: $86,288
- Supply Chain Manager: $112,102
- Purchasing Manager: $72,270
- Management analyst: $94,555
- Operations Manager: $107,139
- Fleet Manager: $90,233
- Supply Chain Planner: $89,500
With an associate’s degree, you may start in a position with less management responsibility and lower salary, but with some job experience or a higher level degree, the industry is looking for qualified managers to help get goods where they are needed in the most efficient and economical way. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the job category for Logisticians, which requires a bachelor’s degree, is predicted to grow by 30% between 2020-2030, which is a huge jump for a profession. In this category, they have found the median salary to be $76,270. No matter how you slice it, there are good jobs in this sector, so those who have the training are poised to be pursued by employers.
Most Affordable Online Supply Chain Management Degree Programs
Associate Level
Coastline Community College
Degree: Associate of Arts in Logistics/Supply Chain Management
Total Cost (In-State): $2,824
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $19,924Coastline Community College’s supply chain management associate’s degree is great for students with credits to transfer, as it is possible to transfer up to 40 credits of the 60 credit program to get this degree. There are 21 credits of coursework for this major, include required courses such as Principles of Management, Human Relations in Business, and Logistics/Supply Chain Management. Elective courses for the program include Introduction to Marketing, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Operations and Management, and Office Management. Students can choose a pathway that is designed for transfer to a 4-year college in the UC or CSU system, or for those who are undecided about continuing their education. For a convenient budget option to get a degree quickly, Coastline Community College is a great choice. Also particularly well suited for military students, the supply chain associate’s is a great pathway to employment in an in-demand field.
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Associate of Arts in Logistics/Supply Chain ManagementForsyth Technical Community College
Degree: Associate in Applied Science in Supply Chain Management / Distribution Management
Total Cost (In-State): $5,196
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $17,484For an online associate in applied science degree with a specialty in distribution management, the program from Forsyth Technical Community College fits the bill. In addition to general education requirements for the degree, students will take courses in the major such as Introduction to Logistics, Distribution Management, Global Logistics, and Fleet Management. The general education requirements include courses in writing, mathematics, economics, computers, humanities, and business. There is no application fee and SAT or ACT test scores are not required. International students are welcome in this distance education program but will have additional application requirements. Transfer credits can be awarded for comparable courses completed at another college with a grade of “C” or better. Forsyth Technical Community College is a great choice for students from around the country or around the world who seek a solid education at a budget price.
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Associate in Applied Science in Supply Chain Management / Distribution ManagementDavidson County Community College
Degree: Associate in Applied Science in Supply Chain Management
Total Cost (In-State): $5,271
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $17,943Davidson County Community College has the online AAS in supply chain with a global emphasis, and it is great for students who want the majority of their degree program to be directly in the field they seek to enter. There are 48 credit hours of required courses in the major, including Transportation Logistics, Principles of Macroeconomics, Import/Export Management, Database Utilization, and Advanced Global Logistics. The general education requirements for the 66-credit program include Student Success Strategies, Quantitative Literacy, Writing and Inquiry, and World Regional Geography. The program is tailored to maximize student success, with courses all directly relating to the field of logistics. This focused online program offers students the support and coursework to help them gain employment in logistics, and low tuition makes this a very attractive associate degree program.
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Associate in Applied Science in Supply Chain Management
Bachelor Level
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science in Logistics
Total Cost (In-State): $13,284
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $26,738For a great online supply chain management degree, the BAS in Logistics from Florida State College at Jacksonville offers the lowest price along with continuous admission, meaning you can start at any time. The degree requires a minimum of 120 credits, but students can get an AA or AS at any Florida State school to cover their general education requirements or have 60 transferable college credits before applying to the program. The college also has a language requirement that students can fulfill by taking eight credits of one language, having two sequential high school credits in a foreign language, a translated transcript from coursework in a country of origin, or passing a College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exam. Courses include Warehouse Management, Elementary Statistics, Purchasing, Business Ethics, Operational Decision Making, Sustainable Business Strategies, and Logistics Technology. To get the degree, students must get a minimum of a C in all classes and complete at least 25 percent of the degree credits at Florida State College at Jacksonville. For students who seek a quick, cheap, and comprehensive logistics bachelor’s, the FSCJ program makes an excellent choice.
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Bachelor of Applied Science in LogisticsClayton State University
Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration / Supply Chain Management
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $22,776
Clayton State University’s supply chain and logistics management degree online has three start dates per year, in the fall, spring or summer semesters. The BBA includes 120 credits of coursework, and an internship and capstone project are required. Classes in the major include Intro to Transportation & Logistics, Operations & Warehouse Management, Global Sourcing in SCM, and Performance Measurement in SCM. There are also study abroad options in this program. Transfer credits are accepted from regionally accredited colleges as long as the student earned a C in the course. CSU’s location near important hubs in the international supply chain make industry expertise available in the program, and distance education students benefit from this access. For students serious about getting a job in a top company, the CSU supply chain degree offers high-quality education at a low price.
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Bachelor of Business Administration / Supply Chain ManagementFort Hays State University
Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration in Management / Operations Management
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $27,226
The Fort Hays State University’s online BBA offers a concentration in operations management for those who want to work in logistics or SCM. The 120-credit program is divided into business core, management core, and operations management courses. Some of the business and management courses include Principles of Accounting I, Business Policy, Organizational Behavior & Development, and Human Resource Management. For the concentration, courses include Lean Systems, Project Management, and Total Quality Management. Students work with their advisor to choose two elective courses in topics such as business intelligence, training, research, labor relations, process analysis, or others. For students interested in the applying popular management theories and processes to SCM, the program at FHSU is a superior distance option.
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Bachelor of Business Administration in Management / Operations ManagementFlorida International University
Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration / Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Total Cost (In-State): $28,287
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $42,334The supply chain and logistics management degree online from Florida International University is a business degree with three start times per year. The fully online program offers strong logistics and business curriculum taught by industry leaders. Students will be introduced to the latest technology in SCM as well as earn professional certification. In addition, there are internship opportunities available through the FIU Logistics Advisory Board that can lead to full time employment. Classes in the major include Export Marketing, Principles of Transportation, Logistics Technology, and Logistics Strategy. Each student is paired with a success coach and students can also join the honors college for more involvement in the community. Florida International University’s online BBA makes an excellent choice for students who have ambitions and are looking for a convenient and affordable program.
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Bachelor of Business Administration / Logistics & Supply Chain ManagementGrantham University
Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration / Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $32,885
Grantham University’s online BBA with a concentration in logistics and SCM has start dates every month for maximum convenience, and is designed to be completed in 38 months fully online. With transfer credits, some students may be able to finish in a shorter time. Courses in the business core include Management Information Systems, Business and Society, Organizational Behavior, and Business Policy & Strategy. The program offers a strong foundation in business principles along with expert faculty in logistics to give students grounding in transportation and logistics management strategies, forecasting capabilities, and the design of logistics operations. An affordable option for a logistics degree, Grantham is especially attractive for students who seek expert business education along with logistics expertise.
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Bachelor of Business Administration / Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Graduate Certificate
East Carolina University
Degree: Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Management
Total Cost (In-State): $3,469
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $12,235The 12-credit graduate certificate in logistics and supply chain from East Carolina University takes at least two semesters to complete because of course scheduling. Required courses are Purchasing & Materials Management, Strategic Logistics Management, and Strategic Supply Chain Management. Then students have a choice between analytics, project management, and quality management for their elective. The program requires applicants to have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.7, and a bachelor’s plus five years of work experience, a graduate degree, or to be enrolled in a graduate program in the UNC system. No prior SCM experience is required, making this a great certificate program for those who want to add competence in logistics to their other skills to expand employment opportunities.
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Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain ManagementFitchburg State University
Degree: Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Management
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $3,753
Fitchburg State University’s graduate certificate in SCM is just nine credits of coursework that can be completed in as little as five months. There are five possible start dates per year, and all of the courses from the certificate can apply to an MBA degree for students who want to continue their studies. To apply, students should have a bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.8 GPA, though those with a lower GPA along with professional experience or recommendations may be considered for admission. No GMAT is required, but international students will need to prove language proficiency. Courses in the program are GIS & Decision-Making, Transportation & Logistics Management, and Supply Chain Management. Fitchburg State’s certificate is great for people who only have a bachelor’s degree and who want a very quick way to add this specialty to their skillset.
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Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain ManagementBall State University
Degree: Graduate Certificate in Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Total Cost (In-State): $5,788
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $8,332
At 12 credits long, the Ball State University online certificate program offers the option of completing all courses 100% online, or taking some courses in-person and some online. The program includes classes in supply chain management, project management, quality management, and then a choice between Fundamentals of Management & Marketing or Information Systems. The business school at Ball State University has numerous certificate programs, and they are expert at delivering quality education in the small package of a certificate to advance careers in industry. A convenient and high-quality option, Ball State’s certificate is especially good for students who may wish to do some face-to-face classes within their program.
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Graduate Certificate in Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Master’s Level
Fayetteville State University
Degree: Master of Business Administration / Supply Chain Management
Total Cost (In-State): $8,410
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $19,973Fayetteville State University offers the online MBA with the SCM concentration as a 39-credit sequence that include 27 credits of core classes, plus 12 credits—or four classes—of electives. The core courses include Managerial Accounting, Leading Organizations, Data Analytics, and Modern Marketing. A capstone is not required for this concentration. Applicants should have a bachelor’s with a 2.75 GPA or a graduate degree with a 3.0 GPA plus GMAT scores. GMAT waivers may be granted for those with a 3.6 undergraduate GPA, 10 years of professional experience, military service, or a completed graduate degree. Most students complete the MBA in about two years, but there is flexibility to finish in as little as 12 months or to take as long as 72 months to go through the coursework. Students can take up to three of their MBA courses at other UNC campuses through the UNC online portal. The master’s degree in logistics and supply chain management online from Fayetteville State offers students flexibility and quality education at a great price.
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Master of Business Administration / Supply Chain ManagementAthens State University
Degree: Master of Science in Global Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $10,300
The master’s in logistics online from Athens State University offers students three tracks for specialization: Executive Leadership, Logistics Information Systems, or Artificial Intelligence. Along with the more focused concentrations, students may achieve industry certifications that will be valuable when they seek employment. Operating on the cohort model, students can choose an 18-month track that starts in either the fall or spring term, or a 12-month track that begins in the fall. For unconditional admission, applicants need a 3.0 GPA on their bachelor’s degree, while a 2.5 GPA may qualify for conditional admission. Those with a GPA over 2.0 may also qualify for admission with certain GMAT scores. Students with a portfolio of professional experience do not need to take the GMAT unless they have a lower GPA. Students who have a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than business will need to take some prerequisites. Courses include Supply Chain Governance, Management of Distribution & Inventory, and Supply Chain Simulation Modeling and Analysis. The excellent educational quality, convenient scheduling, plus the fellowship of peers in your cohort make this master’s in supply chain management worth it.
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Master of Science in Global Logistics & Supply Chain ManagementAlbany State University
Degree: Master of Business Administration / Supply Chain & Logistics Management
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $11,060
The master’s degree in logistics and supply chain management online from Albany State University is part of a robust MBA program with other track options. Core courses in the 33-credit program include Accounting Analysis for Decision Making, Organizational Behavior and Effectiveness, and Marketing Management. The special courses for this concentration include Global Supply Chain Management, Procurement and Contract Management, and Advanced Quality Management. Applicants with a 3.0 GPA on the last 60 credits of undergraduate work are eligible for regular admission. Those with a 2.5 GPA may be given provisional admission, with the ability to take 9 credits of courses in the program while maintaining a B grade in all courses to continue. The master’s in logistics online from Albany State is great for busy professional who want a convenient and affordable graduate degree in SCM.
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Master of Business Administration / Supply Chain & Logistics ManagementFitchburg State University
Degree: Master of Business Administration / Supply Chain Management
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $12,510
Fitchburg State University’s online program is one of the best online supply chain management degrees for those who want a solid MBA along with the specialized knowledge for this in-demand field. Students can start in the fall or choose one of two spring or two summer terms to start. Business core courses include Management Information Systems, Corporate Finance, and Strategic Management, while concentration classes are GIS and Decision-Making, Transportation and Logistics Management, and Supply Chain Management. Applicants should have a 2.8 GPA from their undergraduate degree but no GMAT is required. The master’s degree in logistics and supply chain management online from FSU is a great choice for budget-conscious students from the US and internationally.Fitchburg State University’s online program is one of the best online supply chain management degrees for those who want a solid MBA along with the specialized knowledge for this in-demand field. Students can start in the fall or choose one of two spring or two summer terms to start. Business core courses include Management Information Systems, Corporate Finance, and Strategic Management, while concentration classes are GIS and Decision-Making, Transportation and Logistics Management, and Supply Chain Management. Applicants should have a 2.8 GPA from their undergraduate degree but no GMAT is required. The master’s degree in logistics and supply chain management online from FSU is a great choice for budget-conscious students from the US and internationally.
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Master of Business Administration / Supply Chain Management
An In-Demand Career Awaits You
With so many choices for affordable online programs, it should be easy to find the best online supply chain management degree for your career goals, no matter where you are in your journey. Getting a supply chain and logistics management degree online is a convenient way to learn the skills that will allow you to help save the world—one shipment at a time—and you can start down this path today.