Most Affordable Online Operations Management Degrees in Illinois 2025

Operations managers can work in numerous industries, including healthcare, retail, tech, and more. They usually need a degree in operations management, business, or a related field.

While higher education can often be expensive, there are several affordable online operations management degrees students can pursue. Keep reading to discover affordable online operations management programs in Illinois.

Affordable Online Operations Management Degree Programs in Illinois

While operations management is a common course topic in business degrees, there aren't many schools that offer online operations management degrees at an affordable price. Of the low-cost online colleges in Illinois, only one offers a degree in operations management. Keep reading for more information about this program.

University of Illinois Springfield

The University of Illinois, Springfield is a public institution in Springfield, IL. It offers an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in operations and supply chain management that includes coursework on:

• human resources management
• information technology management
• lean operations
• strategic management

This MBA degree costs $509 per credit hour, or roughly $15,270 in total for all 30 credits. Financial aid options are available to students in this online program.

Other Affordable Online Operations Management Programs

Although there is only one affordable online operations management degree in Illinois, online learners can earn their degrees through colleges across the U.S. We've highlighted some additional affordable online operations management programs below, and all schools listed hold regional accreditation.

1. Briar Cliff University

At Briar Cliff University, students can earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in operations management online. The private Catholic university is based in Sioux City, IA.

The bachelor's degree covers topics like project management, inventory management, and occupational safety. The tuition rate is $375 per credit hour, and the school offers scholarships to help students pay for their degrees.

2. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University offers an online bachelor's degree in management with a concentration in operations management. The program includes courses on business analytics, lean systems, operations research, quality management, and more.

FHSU is a public university located in Hays, KS. It charges $257.33 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students, and various scholarship opportunities are available.

3. Minnesota State University Moorhead

Minnesota State University Moorhead is based in Moorhead, MN but offers online programs. This public institution offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in operations management online with three specialization options:

• construction technology
• project management
• technical management

MSUM charges a tuition rate of $294.59 to all undergraduate online learning students, regardless of state of residence. Students studying full-time at 12 to 18 credit hours pay a flat rate of $4,418.81 per semester.

4. Southern New Hampshire University

Students at Southern New Hampshire University can earn an online Bachelor of Science in operations management or an MBA with a concentration in operations and supply chain management. SNHU is a public university and while it serves primarily online students, it has a campus in Manchester, NH.

In the bachelor's degree program, students can pursue a concentration in logistics and transportation or project management. Tuition is $330 per credit hour before financial aid is applied.

The online MBA program includes core courses in business, as well as decision-making, organizational leadership, and strategic management. The tuition rate before financial aid is $637 per credit hour.

5. Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in operations management. It features courses on logistics, management information systems, project management, and supply chain management.

This public university is based in Trenton, NJ. It charges a tuition rate of $3,419 per semester for in-state full-time students and $4,428 per semester for out-of-state full-time students.

6. University of Arkansas Grantham

The University of Arkansas Grantham is a public online school headquartered in Little Rock, AR. It offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in operations management that includes coursework on:

• entrepreneurship
• human resource management
• performance management
• quality management

Tuition is $305 per credit hour for students, no matter where they live. The university offers scholarships and financial aid options to help students pay for online courses.

FAQs About Online Operations Management Programs

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about online operations management degrees.

Will My Online Operations Management Degree Be Taken Seriously?

While there was a time when online degrees weren't taken as seriously as on-campus ones; however, many companies now view them the same as traditional degrees. Today, many students, especially business students, earn their degrees online.

If you're concerned about your online degree being taken seriously, look for programs offered by business schools that are accredited by institutions like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Is an Online Operations Management Degree Worth It?

For many students, an online operations management degree is worth the time and money. It can help students land career opportunities like:

• inventory control analyst
• production supervisor
• project manager
• quality assurance analyst
• supply chain planner

These degrees give students hands-on experience in operations management while also honing their competencies in soft skills like critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving.

Which Degree Is Best for Operations Management?

If you're looking to pursue a career in operations management, a major in operations management is a good choice. However, these aren't always easy to find. Often, business programs will offer electives so you can tailor your program to your career goals, so if you can't find an operations management major, you can choose a business degree that allows you to select operations management electives.

Some students may choose to continue their education with a master's degree. This isn't always necessary but can help further your career. Master's degrees usually require a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA and may require test scores like the GRE or GMAT.

Find Accredited Online Bachelor's Degrees Today

Start your path toward achieving your operations management career goals by exploring the online bachelor's degrees featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools today for more information on the application process, enrollment, and financial aid.