A bachelor’s degree in supply chain management prepares students to enter a growing professional field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% growth between 2022 and 2032 for supply chain managers alone, with other career options available as well. Graduates can gain employment as operations managers, purchasing agents, distribution managers, quality control systems managers, and logistics and supply chain consultants. Exact salaries depend on the industry, location, and experience, but the median pay is $77,520 per year.
Most supply chain management degree programs require four years of full-time study and 120 to 126 credits to complete. The average yearly cost for tuition and fees is $14,688.
How to Choose a Supply Chain Management Degree Program
Choose your area of study
To choose your area of study, identify your career goals, and consider your interests, strengths, and the job market. For supply chain management, degree options are:
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) — Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Focuses on the foundations of supply chain management, with attention to various theoretical, analytical, and technological frameworks and academic research. Graduates can pursue consulting, operations management, and many other careers.
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) — Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Targets career-focused skills and theoretical application. Students may complete internships and work co-ops that prepare them for roles like operations manager or quality control systems manager.
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA): Some BBA programs offer a supply chain management specialization, in which students focus on problem-solving, organizational goals, and other aspects of supply chain management.
Keep the end goal in mind when selecting your degree, and consider what each program can offer you in terms of career trajectory and earnings. Some programs focus more on work co-ops and practical experience more than others, which can be helpful in securing a job after graduation.
Various degree programs also offer students the opportunity to minor or specialize in topics like global supply chain management, sustainability risk management, advanced analytics, and risk management. Public and private institutions also usually have large average tuition gaps, which can be a major factor if your scholarships, grants, or other funds are limited.
Program logistics vary and offer certain advantages, depending on the student’s needs. For instance, a part-time schedule may suit those who are already in the workforce and are updating their qualifications, but it can extend the time it takes to complete a bachelor’s degree program. Online education can allow for additional accessibility, flexibility, and sometimes lower costs, but students may miss out on the benefits of a hands-on experience and face-to-face interactions with classmates and instructors.
Research schools and programs
As you research supply chain management degree programs, look for accredited institutions. Accreditation ensures schools and programs meet high educational standards — and many employers and postsecondary institutions won’t recognize a degree from a school that’s not accredited. For supply chain management degree programs, look for accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
To narrow your search, outline factors you value in your university experience, such as location, housing options, and student amenities. Learn more about potential schools by visiting their website, official social media channels, and student association social channels to get a sense of the culture. Speak to admissions counselors and tour the campuses of your top choices, or opt for a virtual tour or webinar if available.
Prepare for tests and applications
Most supply chain management programs follow general admission requirements, including academic transcripts, a personal essay, a resume, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities. They usually require SAT or ACT test scores — but those that don’t will still consider your scores if you submit them with your application. Application requirements vary by school — if you have questions, talk to an admissions counselor, who can provide you with specific details.
Select your program
If multiple institutions have accepted your application, it’s time to choose the best one for you. Compare program costs, living expenses, coursework, and grant and scholarship opportunities. Consider other aspects of the school that are important to you, such as sports and extracurricular activities, student amenities, alumni organizations, and job placement opportunities.
Choose the school that best supports your career goals — talk to an educational advisor if you’re having trouble deciding among programs.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
In addition to tuition and fees, you’ll need to cover expenses like books and materials, housing, transportation, and living expenses. If you need financial aid, fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine whether you qualify for need-based financial assistance in the form of loans, scholarships, grants, and other options. See if your employer offers tuition reimbursement, and research organizations in the supply chain management industry to see if they offer scholarships or grants. You can also apply for private loans to help you pay for your degree. Speak with your school’s financial aid officer for information about other funding opportunities.
The Top 50 Supply Chain Management Degree Programs
Discover More Options
How we rank schools
This research covers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs in supply chain management. Graduates are prepared to work as logistics managers, configuration analysts, and business operation specialists. Degree options include Associate of Arts in logistics and supply chain management, Bachelor of Science in supply chain management, Bachelor of Science in supply chain and operations management, and Master of Science in management.
All of the programs on this list are offered at regionally accredited institutions. Many of these options also have programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), or Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
What Can You Expect From a Supply Chain Management Degree Program?
A degree in supply chain management prepares students to improve supply chain and logistics processes and directly impact an organization’s bottom line. Graduates will come away with a functional understanding of business modeling and forecasting, transportation logistics, purchasing and inventory management, and many other skills. In addition to building critical-thinking skills necessary for analyzing logistics and supply chain management, students also develop leadership skills and an understanding of how ethics, culture, and diversity intersect with the global economy.
During a four-year, full-time supply chain management degree program, students may complete internships and capstone projects to develop hands-on skills and real-world experience. Many programs offer networking and academic connection opportunities, such as regular development meetings, mentorships, student case competitions, and industry conferences.
Potential courses you’ll take in a supply chain management degree program
- Economics: Courses in economics, including microeconomics and macroeconomics, examine the economic factors that affect a business. Students learn how to apply factors such as price determination, regulation, production costs, opportunity cost, market structure, inflation, unemployment, and more to planning and decision-making in supply chain management.
- Logistics and Transportation Management: Courses on transportation logistics explore the methods for distributing and warehousing products, including various models for warehouse layout and function. In addition to learning about terms of trade, international trade, and freight forwarding, students explore topics like unloading and loading practices, cargo security, and hazardous materials and dangerous goods protocols.
- Inventory Management: This course introduces students to managing and strategizing their approach to product demand. Topics may include manufacturing and distribution planning, warehousing, materials management, inventory control, and operational functions.
- Business Law: Courses in business law cover federal and global applications. Students gain an understanding of fundamental business processes for dealing with legal, policy, regulatory, social, and other issues that intersect with the supply chain.
- Business Finance: Business finance courses teach students to interpret financial statements, strategize management of capital structure, analyze profit planning, and examine the cost of capital. Other financial management topics include liquidity vs. profitability, asset management, and investment decisions.
Supply Chain Management Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to a supply chain management degree program?
Applying to a supply chain management degree program typically starts at your chosen institution’s website. The school’s admissions page outlines basic requirements, such as transcripts and application fees, and the program page should include other special requirements.
Admissions requirements vary by institution and program, but most require an essay or personal statement, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and either SAT or ACT scores. Speak with an admissions counselor to verify accurate information, proper documentation, and other requirements.
How much does a supply chain management degree cost?
On average, a bachelor’s degree costs $14,688 per year for tuition and fees, and room and board costs an additional $12,985 for a total of $27,673 per year. The total cost of your degree depends on whether you attend a public or private institution, the cost of living in the area, the number of credits required for graduation, and whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state student.
Program logistics, such as in-person or online classes, full-time or part-time studies, or a hybrid study model, can also affect total costs. Include housing, food, transportation, and other living expenses in your education budget.
How long does it take to earn a supply chain management degree?
A bachelor’s degree in supply chain management usually requires about four years of full-time study. Across core and elective courses, programs typically require between 120 and 126 credits for graduation. Internships and work studies may influence how long the program takes to complete.
Part-time studies can increase the program length by several years, but not all programs permit part-time schedules. Likewise, online courses can offer flexibility but aren’t available with all programs.