Fast Online Supply Chain Management Degrees
Several universities allow students to speed up their supply chain management degrees through accelerated courses, year-round classes, and transfer credits.
A bachelor's degree in supply chain management covers the whole supply chain process, from obtaining raw materials to getting products on shelves. It can lead you to many career paths, including roles like distribution manager, logistician, procurement specialist, and more.
Most supply chain managers need at least a bachelor's degree. Online supply chain management degrees can help you learn at your own pace and speed up the process. If you want to earn your degree quickly, keep reading to discover some of the fastest online supply chain management degrees in the U.S.
7 Accelerated Online Supply Chain Management Programs
Several colleges and universities across the United States offer online accelerated supply chain management programs. They may accelerate these programs with short, intensive courses, summer terms, or by accepting numerous transfer credits.
Learn more: What Is an Accelerated Degree Program?
We've highlighted seven of these programs below. All universities listed hold regional accreditation.
1. Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University is a public university in Boone, NC. It offers an online bachelor's degree in supply chain management that includes coursework on:
- global supply chain management
- operations management
- procurement and sourcing
- quality control
The program concludes with a capstone experience. This is a degree completion program, so students must have an associate degree or at least 24 credit hours already completed.
2. Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers numerous on-campus and online degree programs, including an online Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in supply chain management. These programs help students develop core skills in supply chain and logistics management and strategy.
ASU is a public research university in Tempe, AZ. It allows students to finish their online programs more quickly through accelerated class schedules, summer courses, and multiple start dates each year. Students are also able to transfer up to 64 college credits into undergraduate degree programs.
3. Florida International University
Through Florida International University's R. Kirk Langdon Undergraduate School of Business, students can earn an online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in supply chain management. Florida International University is a public research university in Miami.
Students in this program take foundational business administration courses and others in logistics management, operations management, and transportation management. FIU offers condensed classes year-round that allow students to complete their programs in a shorter time frame.
4. Franklin University
Franklin University's online Bachelor of Science in operations and supply chain management provides students with a comprehensive overview of supply chain management, inventory management, purchasing and sourcing, and project management � and it concludes with a capstone course.
Franklin University is a private, nonprofit university based in Columbus, OH. It's geared toward adult learners, so it offers many ways to help students finish their degrees quickly. This includes allowing up to 94 transfer credits and offering six-week and 12-week terms all year long.
5. National University
At National University, students can earn a Bachelor of Science in logistics and supply chain management in person or online. It's designed to help students understand how to deliver the right product, at the right time, in the right quality, in the right condition, and with all the right documentation.
Courses are offered in accelerated four and eight-week terms year-round. National University is extremely military friendly, and students can earn credit both for prior college experience and military experience. The private, nonprofit university is based in San Diego.
6. PennState World Campus
PennState World Campus is the online campus of the public Pennsylvania State University System. It offers a Bachelor of Science in project and supply chain management that covers topics such as:
- global logistics
- logistics information systems
- operations management
- purchasing and sourcing
The university allows students to transfer in over 80 credit hours and allows students to take a heavier courseload to finish faster. An online master's degree in supply chain management is also available.
7. UMass Global
Through UMass Global's self-paced MyPath programs, students can proceed through a degree at their own pace. You'll start by taking an assessment to determine your knowledge level, then follow the custom curriculum at whatever pace you prefer.
The university's Bachelor of Business Administration in supply chain management and logistics is offered in this format. The program provides students with the fundamentals of supply chain management, sourcing, transportation management, and more.
FAQs About the Fastest Online Supply Chain Management Degree Programs
Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about the fastest online supply chain management degree programs.
How Long Does It Take to Study Supply Chain Management?
In general, a bachelor's degree takes four years of full-time study; however, several things can affect how long a program takes you, including the amount of transfer credits you have and the pace you learn.
If you have an associate degree or a sufficient number of transfer credits, you may be able to use those to fulfill any general education credits and focus specifically on the core online courses and electives remaining. Having an associate degree will allow you to finish in two years or less.
Additionally, many schools offer shorter, condensed terms year-round. By taking on a slightly larger courseload and taking courses in the summer, you can finish your program in fewer years.
What Can I Expect From an Online Supply Chain Management Degree Program?
Online supply chain management degree programs cover the fundamentals of supply chain management, including:
- demand forecasting
- inventory control and management
- logistics management
- operations management
- procurement and sourcing
- project management
- transportation management
- warehousing
These programs also help students hone their soft skills, including communication, critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Some programs require a capstone project or internship, but not all.
How Much Does an Online Supply Chain Management Degree Program Cost?
Several things can impact the cost of your degree program. These include:
- the school you choose and whether that school is public or private
- whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student
- whether you study full-time or part-time
- the financial aid you qualify for
Usually, online programs have about the same tuition rates, if not slightly lower rates, than on-campus programs. The average price for tuition at an in-state, public university is $9,750, and at a private university it's $38,421.
Find an Online Supply Chain Management Degree Today
If you're ready to become a supply chain professional, check out the online supply chain management degrees featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools today for more information on their online learning options, admissions requirements, enrollment process, and more.