Supply chain management revolves around the idea of managing the flow of services and goods. It also focuses on transforming raw materials into an end product. An online degree in supply chain management prepares students to optimize the process of transportation and bring efficiency into it. Those who want to pursue a career in supply chain usually start with a bachelor’s degree.
What Is Supply Chain Management?
Our day-to-day commerce requires people with sufficient knowledge about the movement of goods and materials. Supply chain management refers to a broad range of activities that are needed to plan, control, and execute the process of the production of a product. From production to the development of the product, the process incorporates everything. It includes planning, sourcing, logistics, inventory management, and transportation. Organizations use both, business strategies and specialized software, during these processes.
Students can either pursue an associate’s, bachelor’s or a master’s degree in supply chain management.
What Can You Do with A Supply Chain Management Degree Online?
With a degree in supply chain management, students get to apply for various job opportunities. They can apply in various fields like transportation, logistics, management, and consulting, etc. The employment opportunities depend on the degree level and the interest of an individual.
Following are some of the career options for supply chain management program graduates.
Logisticians
These professionals coordinate and analyze the supply chain of an organization. Logistics is a system that transports a product from the suppliers to the customers. Logisticians manage the lifecycle of a product, including its allocation, and delivery. They oversee multiple activities such as warehousing, transportation, and purchasing.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $74,750 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 5% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $78,680 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 23,020 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | District of Columbia | $95,870 |
Sales Managers
Sales managers direct the sales teams of a firm. They analyze the data, set goals, and organize training programs for the whole team. Usually, their responsibilities vary with the size of the firm; however, they usually direct the distribution of services and goods.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $126,640 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 5% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $141,690 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 80,610 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | New York | $194,090 |
Purchasing Managers
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $121,110 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | -6% (Purchasing Managers, Buyers, and Purchasing Agents) | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $128,400 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 7,830 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | New Jersey | $166,940 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
What to Expect from an Online Supply Chain Management Degree?
An online degree in supply chain management focuses on building skills related to the field of business, such as accounting, financial management, managerial decision making, and financial management. Students also get a lot of knowledge about an efficient supply chain system. Some schools offer a degree in business with a specialization in supply chain management. Lectures are uploaded in the form of PowerPoint presentations, notes, or videos, etc.
How to Choose an Online Supply Chain Management Degree?
This degree is offered by multiple colleges and universities all over the country. These are some of the things you should consider before choosing a program:
- Choose an accredited program
- Check if there are scholarships available
- Consider the total time required to finish the program
- Consider the cost needed to complete the degree
- Check if your desired specialization is being offered
Online Supply Chain Management Degree Admission Requirements
To purse an online degree in supply chain management, applicants are required to have a high school diploma or GED. Some schools may require a CGPA, SAT, or GRE score.