7 Easiest Online Supply Chain Management Degrees
Busy students can find online bachelor's degrees in supply chain management through universities that offer extensive services to make learning easier.
Supply chain management degrees teach students how to manage the entire supply chain, from sourcing raw materials to getting products into the hands of consumers. With a degree in supply chain management, you can pursue career opportunities like a logistician, distribution manager, purchasing manager, or warehouse manager.
If you have a lot going on in your life, you may be wanting to choose a degree program that isn't too strenuous. Online supply chain management degrees provide flexibility as you further your education. Keep reading to find some of the easiest online supply chain management degrees.
How To Find an Easy Supply Chain Management Degree
You aren't going to find any supply chain management degrees from regionally accredited, nonprofit institutions that are inherently ''easy.'' All college degrees require some amount of hard work.
However, there are ways that a college or university can make the overall process of earning a degree, especially an online degree, easier. These include:
- Flexible scheduling: Flexible scheduling is the biggest benefit of online courses. Flexible courses are asynchronous, meaning you don't log on at a specific time. Instead, you log on when it's convenient for you.
- Self-paced courses: Self-paced courses are a type of online courses that allow students to progress at their own pace. There are no set deadlines, which allows students to speed through easier sections or take their time on more complex topics.
- Accelerated programs: Accelerated programs aren't always ''easier,'' as they are often more condensed. However, the faster pace of these programs allows students to complete the program faster.
- Having an associate degree: By having an associate degree, you'll usually have fulfilled your bachelor's degree general education requirements and can focus solely on core major courses and electives.
- Transfer credits: Transfer credits work similarly to holding an associate degree, allowing you to fulfill credit requirements with courses you've already completed.
- Simplified admissions process: Some colleges have lengthy admissions processes, requiring letters of recommendation, essays, and sometimes even interviews. A simple admissions process allows students to start their programs stress-free.
- Supportive learning environment: Many online colleges offer student support services that help students not only navigate online learning but their entire higher education experience.
- User-friendly technology: Even the most computer-savvy student can be affected by complicated online platforms. Keeping the online programs user-friendly and intuitive makes online learning overall easier.
7 Easiest Online Supply Chain Management Programs
Several colleges and universities across the country use the methods above to offer simplified online supply chain management degrees. We've highlighted seven of these programs below.
1. Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a public research university in Tempe, AZ. It offers a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in supply chain management online, both of which cover core supply chain management competencies like:
- global supply chain management
- logistics management
- problem-solving
- supply chain strategy
ASU offers multiple support services for students, including academic services like online tutoring, technology support, disability resources, and mental health and wellness resources. Programs include terms that are seven and a half weeks long, and students can bring in a high number of transfer credits.
2. Florida International University
Students at the R. Kirk Landon Undergraduate School of Business at Florida International University can earn an online Bachelor of Business Administration in logistics and supply chain management. Florida International University is a public research university in Miami.
This program prepares students to tackle business problems through a core business administration curriculum, with courses in logistics and transportation management. An online supply chain and logistics program is also available � and all students can take advantage of FIU's student services, including student success coaches, 24/7 Canvas assistance, professional development opportunities, and more.
3. Franklin University
At Franklin University, students can earn a bachelor's degree in operations and supply chain management online. It includes coursework on:
- decision-making
- inventory control
- project management
- quality management
Franklin University is a private, nonprofit university in Columbus, OH, that focuses specifically on adult learners. As a result, it offers several support services, such as tutoring, personal advisement, and library databases, and also offers accelerated course schedules and accepts up to 94 transfer credits.
4. National University
National University's Bachelor of Science in logistics and supply chain management is offered on-campus and online. It includes a strong business core, as well as courses on global logistics, procurement and inventory management, and operations management.
As a university designed specifically with veteran and military service members in mind, National University offers many ways to make online learning as stress-free as possible. These include academic and wellness services, shortened terms, and offering credit for prior education and military experience.
5. PennState World Campus
PennState World Campus is the online campus of the public Pennsylvania State University System. It offers only online programs, including a Bachelor of Science in project and supply chain management that teaches valuable logistics skills for local and international business.
The university offers flexible online courses and allows students to study both full-time and part-time. It also offers various student support and disability support services for online students.
6. UMass Global
UMass Global is another college that only offers online programs. This includes a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in supply chain management, which covers core business fundamentals, as well as supply chain topics like procurement and operations management.
This business program is offered through UMass Global's self-paced MyPath format. In this format, students get credit for prior learning and then receive a personalized curriculum. They then move through that curriculum at whatever pace they choose. While UMass Global is a private university, it's nonprofit and affiliated with the public University of Massachusetts System.
7. University of Arkansas
The Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas offers an online Bachelor of Science in business administration in supply chain management. This program covers a range of topics, including:
- environmental sustainability in supply chains
- forecasting and inventory management
- information systems in supply chain management
- transportation management and warehousing
The University of Arkansas is a public research university located in Fayetteville, AR. It offers numerous resources for online students, including student liaisons, online coaches, free tutoring services, and even an online student union.
FAQs About Easy Supply Chain Management Degree Programs
Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about easy supply chain management programs.
Is Supply Chain Management Easy?
Supply chain management isn't one of the most difficult programs out there, but whether it is ''easy'' for you will depend on your experience in the field and the program you choose. Those with work experience in warehouses or different aspects of the supply chain will likely have an easier time.
Additionally, some programs require capstone projects or internships, which can make a program more difficult to complete, especially if you're already working full-time. On the other end of the spectrum, self-paced programs will be easier, as you can take more time to understand topics that you're struggling with.
Can You Get into Supply Chain Without a Degree?
While most supply chain managers have at least a bachelor's degree, if not a master's degree, it is possible to get into the field without one. This usually requires starting in entry-level roles (e.g., warehouse associate or inventory clerk).
It may take several years of work experience before you can earn a supply chain management role. The benefit of a supply chain management degree is it will teach you all the fundamentals of supply chain management, including sourcing, transportation management, warehousing, logistics, and more.
How Fast Can I Earn a Supply Chain Management Degree?
The average bachelor's degree program takes four years of full-time study. However, if you have transfer credit hours or choose an accelerated program, you may be able to complete your degree in less time.
Earn Your Bachelor's Degree Online Today
If you're ready to begin your career path in supply chain management, check out the featured online bachelor's degrees on Learn.org. Reach out to schools to learn more about prerequisites, enrollment requirements, tuition rates, and more.