Supply chain management is a rewarding and hard industry, so you might be wondering what your college course of study would look like.
A bachelor’s degree is required for most logistics and supply chain management professions.
You’ll need to take basic business coursework as well as logistics-specific ones to acquire your bachelor’s degree in this industry.
Supply chain management experts who hold a master’s degree are generally eligible for promotion and raises in pay because of their advanced and specialized studies in areas like global supply chains, business analytics, and data management.
Core business courses for undergraduates
In the context of supply chain management, this means overseeing, coordinating, and managing the systems and procedures that deliver the resources and items a business requires.
Depending on the type of business, the supply chain may include securing the delivery of raw materials and conveying completed products to be sold.
If you’re working for a branch of the military, the supply chain may include everything from meals and hygiene products to ammo for weapons.
The methods, techniques, and technology used to coordinate supply chains must be understood in conjunction with how supply chain management fits into the context of the business as a whole if you want to succeed in this field.
In order for a company to function, it must have a strong supply chain. Most supply chain management programs require students to take beginning courses in business, financial and managerial accounting, as well as the fundamentals of finance, economics, and marketing.
Despite the fact that not all supply chain management professionals are in charge of supervising other personnel, excellent management abilities are essential.
Project management and general management classes are frequent in this degree program.
Logistics and supply chain management
Your key supply chain management courses may be built upon your knowledge of business fundamentals after you have acquired that knowledge.
A course like Introduction to Supply Chain Management is a good place to start for students who are new to the field.
Purchasing and Sourcing, Demand Management and Fulfillment, Logistics, and Inventory and Warehouse Management are other common subjects for undergraduates.
These specializations include Internet-enabled supply chains and Value Delivery Networks for Marketing for supply chain management students.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most relevant classes for aspiring logisticians are those in system dynamics, operations, and database administration. (BLS).
According to the BLS, you should also learn about logistics and supply chain management software and systems, including radio-frequency identification (RFID).
Students can get practical job experience through internships, co-ops, and client project courses. Internships and co-ops commonly lead to full-time supply chain management careers after graduation, although this is not always the case.
The average bachelor’s degree holds by 67% of supply chain managers. 19 percent of supply chain managers hold a master’s degree, the second most frequent level of education for this job path.
Supply Chain Management Graduate Coursework
Supply chain management master’s degree programs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. In some cases, students can earn a Master of Professional Studies in Supply Chain Management.
These courses focus on the abilities needed to operate as a team in a corporate, government agency, or non-profit context.
Degrees in Supply Chain Management that are more technical or scientific in character include the Master of Applied Science (MASc-SCM) and the Master of Engineering (MEng-SCM).
As a rule, students interested in careers in logistics and supply chain management should pursue an applied science degree rather than a Ph.D. in engineering since applied science degrees typically lead to jobs in industry or consulting.
A supply chain management specialization is available as part of an MBA program, as well as a more comprehensive Master of Supply Chain Management degree.
Students may anticipate taking advanced courses in supply chain management theory and techniques as well as studying in specialty areas within the discipline, however, the precise curriculum may vary greatly depending on the business school you pick and the sort of degree you are seeking.
Master’s degree programs in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Big Data Management, and Applied Business Analytics often contain courses in these areas.
Studio or colloquium experiences that allow students to obtain practical experience and study contemporary topics in the supply chain management field are also available to students.
Some supply chain management degree programs require a master’s thesis, while others provide both thesis and non-thesis options.
Full-time study for a supply chain management master’s degree might last anywhere from 10 months to two years. Some programs need no in-person attendance at all, while others demand a substantial amount of in-person time.
