Shipping Courses and Degree Programs

What You Need to Know

Moving goods from their point of manufacture to the consumer is part of every industry that produces a physical product, so jobs in the shipping industry exist across the country in almost every industry. Careers in the shipping field include everything from warehouse work to managing a supply chain for a large company. Depending on the job you want, you may need to complete a certificate program, or possibly an associate's, bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree. Courses will vary according to your area of interest.

What Kind of Education and Training Can I Get in Shipping?

Work in shipping can vary greatly, and the kind of work you want will determine what kind of courses or degree you need. Jobs in warehousing and distribution may not require any training before hiring or may require job-specific training offered by an employer, community college or private school. Logistics and supply chain management jobs often require a degree.

What Education and Training Do I Need for Warehousing and Distribution?

Entry-level jobs in warehousing and distribution may simply require you be physically capable of doing the work, which can be demanding. Others may have particular requirements, such as having a commercial driver's license or being certified to operate a forklift. This training is offered by many community colleges, private schools and some employers. Basic computer skills are always an advantage, since many jobs require recording and accessing data.

Some colleges offer training in warehousing and distribution, commonly as short certificate programs, but you may also find associate degree programs in the subject. These classes cover basics such as safety, record-keeping and inventory control. Courses offered by colleges and other providers for people working in the field may help with career advancement.

What Education and Training Do I Need for Logistics and Supply Chain Management?

Logistics and supply chain management courses can look at the broad range of skills needed to move goods or can focus on one particular area. Training ranges from the undergraduate level with associate and bachelor's degree programs to master's degree and Ph.D. programs in either logistics or supply chain management. These programs are commonly offered through business schools and programs. Courses can be found offered both on-campus and online.

For a bachelor's degree, you will typically be required to complete business courses, as well as specialized courses. An associate's degree may also have some general business requirements. Some programs focus on specific aspects of shipping, such as importing, exporting, finance or dealing with specialized kinds of cargo. These topics might be covered in an undergraduate degree program, such as an Associate of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management:

• Productions and operations
• Inbound logistics
• Purchasing
• Transportation management
• Information systems management
• Accounting management
• Finance
• Marketing
• Transportation
• Negotiation
• International trade

What About Graduate Programs?

At the graduate level, coursework is typically research-based, and you can study subjects like transportation systems and shipment planning. The completion of a master's thesis or doctoral dissertation in your chosen area of study is typically necessary for graduation from a graduate program. Many related graduate programs exist, such as a Master of Science in Maritime Trade and Supply Chain Management or a Doctor of Philosophy in Supply Chain Management.

What Kind of Job Do Shipping Courses and Degree Programs Prepare Me For?

Logistics and supply chain management jobs exist in every industry that produces a physical product or uses raw materials. Job areas include supply chain planning and analysis, inventory control, transportation management and operations, sales, warehouse management and trucking management.

Work ranges from jobs that involve actually handling goods in a warehouse or driving a truck to jobs in planning that are far removed from the actual movement of goods. Much of the work, though, will be at or near warehouses or transportation hubs.

What Are My Job Prospects?

Your job prospects in supply chain logistics are very good, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov). In occupations involving the movement of materials, the bureau expects good job prospects due to global shipping increases. There are expected to be a lot of opening, particularly for applicants who hold a bachelor's degree or higher.