Top 4 Free Online Logistics and Supply Chain Courses

Knowledge about supply chain management and logistics has become a central field of study in the complex global business environment.

Those who work in the field of global and international trade need the knowledge and skills relating to forecasting, risk management, and managing the flow of goods and services from manufacturers to distributors and end-users.

Inventory and warehouse management skills are also key for a career in this field.

If you're mid-career and want to enhance your knowledge in this very significant subfield of business management, you have many different ways to do so.

You can enroll in an online degree-completion program at a major American university to earn your Bachelor of Science (BS), or you might be interested in finding a free course or a certificate program to add to your credentials. Read on to find out more.

Best Free Online Logistics and Supply Chain Courses

Enrolling in these courses provides you access to recorded lectures--often from illustrious professors at elite universities--as well as the course materials, readings, and access to other online learning tools.

Online logistics and supply chain courses have revolutionized the sharing of knowledge and made learning accessible to people in all corners of the globe.

All you need is access to the internet, time to study, and the self-motivation to learn. Here are some places to find them:

1. International Supply Chain Education Alliance

The International Supply Chain Education Alliance (ISCEA), based in Ohio, offers a series of free-to-audit courses that comprise its professional certificate program Certified Supply Chain Analyst (CSCA).

Taught by Jorge Morales and Mike Sheahan, the three skill-building courses together require three months of study at two to eight hours a week:

• Supply Chain Planning and Strategy
• Procurement and Logistics Management
• Supply Chain Management Tools and Techniques

Be aware that verification and certification will incur charges.

2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Established more than 20 years ago, this pioneering university's strategy of sharing Open Educational Resources (OER) from its faculty has led to a revolution in providing free access to knowledge to make education more equitable and inclusive.

Although no credits or certifications are available to users, access to the downloadable course resources is completely free for self-motivated learners.

You can learn what MIT students learn through syllabi, lecture videos, podcasts, free open textbooks, notes, and problem assignments.

Graduate-level courses for self-study include:

• Manufacturing System and Supply Chain Design
• The Theory of Operations Management
• Management of Supply Networks for Products and Services
• Logistics Systems
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Special Topics in Supply Chain Management
• Green Supply Chain Management

3. Rutgers University

Rutgers University has been a pioneer in offering a group of respected courses in Supply Chain Management specialization, with free enrollment. This five-course series taught by Rudolf Leuschner, Ph.D., includes:

• Supply Chain Logistics (8 hours)
• Supply Chain Operations (11 hours)
• Supply Chain Planning (13 hours)
• Supply Chain Sourcing (12 hours)
• Supply Chain Management Strategy (13 hours)

The online courses allow a flexible schedule and work at your own pace, including readings, videos, quizzes, peer reviews, and discussion prompts.

4. University of California, Irvine

'Leverage Data Science for a More Agile Supply Chain Specialization' is a three-course series provided free at the University of California, Irvine, taught by industry specialist and educator Paul Jan. This triptych includes:

• Supply Chain Optimization (5 hours)
• Supply Chain Planning (8 hours)
• Inventory Management (8 hours)

The courses promise to hone your skills in data analysis, demand planning, supply planning, constrained forecast, data-informed decision-making, risk identification, resource and capacity optimization, agile supply chain planning, and metrics analysis.

Where to Enroll in Online Logistics and Supply Chain Management Degree Program

Many U.S. universities offer online bachelor's programs in supply chain management, most of which welcome those seeking to complete a degree.

While these may not be free online logistics and supply chain courses, they can be relatively low in price (especially for in-state residents) about your ROI since they will qualify you for promotions and a higher salary.

Below, we list some of the leading online programs in the nation:

Arizona State University

Arizona State University is home to an online Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management. Tuition for the program is $598 per credit hour for Arizona residents and $690 for nonresidents.

Ball State University

Indiana's Ball State University offers a Bachelor of Science in logistics and supply chain management. Tuition for Indiana residents is $290 per credit hour, while nonresidents pay $550 per credit hour.

Florida International University

You could earn an online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in logistics and supply chain management from Florida International University.

The extremely affordable tuition is only $225 per credit hour for full-time resident students (but $638.50 per credit hour for nonresidents).

Oregon State University

Oregon State University's College of Business is home to an online Bachelor of Science in supply chain and logistics management. Tuition is $375 per credit hour.

Penn State Global

Penn State University's global campus is providing an online Bachelor of Science degree in project and supply chain management. Tuition is $626-671 per credit.

Southern New Hampshire University

A Bachelor of Science (BS) in operations management with a concentration in logistics and transportation is available through online study through Southern New Hampshire University at just $330 per credit hour.

University of Wisconsin, Whitewater

The Whitewater campus of the University of Wisconsin offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management for a relatively affordable $395 per credit hour.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University is home to an online Bachelor of Science degree in Supply Chain and Operations Management (BSSCOM). Tuition per six-month term is $3,575.

Free Logistics and Supply Chain Management Training Programs for Humanitarian Relief Agencies

As an alternative career field to the above-referenced business niche of supply chain and logistics management, which focuses on getting manufactured products from their sources into the hands of consumers, you can also find a career in the non-profit world of humanitarian relief.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) worldwide need the expertise of well-trained logistics and supply chain managers to mobilize aid and the distribution of needed medical, food, and sustenance supplies to populations that have suffered natural disasters or are in war zones.

Several organizations offer free courses to prepare these professional humanitarians to manage the procurement and mobilization of relief supplies such as medicines, food, shelter, and water more efficiently and effectively.

In addition to the movement of relief supplies, other logistical tasks might include procuring relief workers, relocating affected communities, and managing the emergency transfer of casualties.

Where can you find online logistics and supply chain courses in humanitarian logistics?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

MIT's Center for Transportation & Logistics is offering a free online course on humanitarian logistics. The nine-week instructor-paced course, taught by Jarrod Goentzel, will require 4-8 hours per week of study.

Mercy Corps and DisasterReady

A five-hour collaborative, no-cost Procurement and Logistics certificate program for humanitarian professionals is available through the NGOs Mercy Corps and DisasterReady.

This certificate program consists of online courses that include interactive scenarios as well as an exam that reviews best practices of procurement, warehousing, fleet management, and asset management.

Save the Children and Field Managers in Emergencies, Learning & Development (FIELD)

FIELD, in partnership with Save the Children, IKEA Foundation, World Vision, and the Humanitarian Leadership Academy, offers a short (one-hour) online 'Introduction to Humanitarian Logistics' course.

The FIELD program is specifically designed for field managers and other professionals working in local, national, or international NGOs.

Sign Up for Your Free Online Logistics and Supply Chain Courses Today

If you are already working in a field in which logistics and supply chain knowledge are critical, then take advantage of one or more of the free online logistics and supply chain courses or affordable degree programs available to help you advance your knowledge and skills.