What Is a Supply Chain Management Degree?

Whether you're a high school student, a recent graduate, or an adult looking for a career change, you may be wondering about your job options. You've heard about supply chain management, and you're wondering what it is exactly. What degrees are available in supply chain management, and what are some career paths you can follow in this field?

There are many options, including affordable online supply chain management degrees. Keep reading to learn more about supply chain management degrees. In this article, we'll answer these and other questions you may have so you can become a supply chain manager.

What Is Supply Chain Management?

Supply chain management, also known as SCM, is a broad field encompassing all aspects of a company's production flow. It covers everything from sourcing raw materials to producing the final product.

Supply chain managers oversee all aspects of this process, ensuring a smooth and efficient flow of goods. They must have excellent decision-making and communication skills, as they are responsible for coordinating with other professionals throughout the process.

Learn more: What Can You Do With a Supply Chain Management Degree?

Supply Chain Management Degrees

Supply chain management professionals typically hold a degree in their field. There are different levels of supply chain management degrees. Let's take a closer look at each of the options.

Associate Degree in Supply Chain Management

Associate degrees are commonly available at community colleges, but many four-year schools offer them. Associate degrees in supply chain management are commonly designed to transfer to bachelor's degree programs, but they may also lead to some entry-level supply chain jobs as well.

These undergraduate degrees typically consist of at least 60 credit hours and take about two years of study to complete.

Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management

Many colleges and universities offer supply chain management bachelor's degrees. These programs may come with various degree specializations and can lead to many different careers in the supply chain.

Programs are commonly offered as Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Business Administration degrees. They consist of at least 120 credit hours and usually take about four years for graduation.

Master's Degree in Supply Chain Management

Master's degree programs are graduate degrees designed for students who hold a bachelor's degree in another field or who want to take their supply chain career to the next level.

Often, schools offer these programs as Master of Science degrees. They contain advanced coursework for students hoping to pursue high-level supply chain management careers. They commonly consist of 30 to 36 credit hours and can be completed within one to two years.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Supply Chain Management

Some schools offer a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a concentration in supply chain management. This type of program provides a more well-rounded business education, in addition to focusing on supply chain management.

Like other master's degrees, these programs typically comprise at least 30 credit hours and can be finished in one to two years.

Specializations Within a Supply Chain Management Degree Program

Both bachelor's and master's degrees in supply chain management often provide program concentrations, or specializations, allowing students to tailor their degrees to specific interests or career goals. Some common specializations include:

• global supply chain management
• operations management
• logistics management
• inventory management
• transportation management

Skills Gained Through a Supply Chain Management Program

Supply chain management degrees teach various skills relative to business production processes. Students gain both hard and soft skills through diverse coursework and capstone or internship opportunities, which allow them to gain hands-on experience.

Common hard skills gained through a supply chain management program include:

• inventory control
• business analytics
• materials management
• procurement of goods
• information systems
• budgeting

Common soft skills students learn in supply chain management programs include:

• communication
• interpersonal skills
• problem-solving
• leadership
• critical thinking
• decision making

Supply Chain Management Careers

There are many different careers you can pursue with a supply chain management degree. Most of these roles are in leadership positions either managing an entire supply chain or a specific area within the supply chain.

Some job titles to consider as a supply chain management major include:

• purchasing agent
• production planner
• logistician
• distribution manager
• transportation manager
• operations manager
• commodity manager
• procurement analyst
• business analyst

FAQs About a Supply Chain Management Major

If you still have questions about getting into supply chain management, keep reading. Below, we'll answer some frequently asked questions you may be wondering about.

Is It Worth It to Get a Supply Chain Management Degree?

Supply chain managers play essential roles in ensuring that goods and services get to the right people and places at the right time. These professionals have various in-demand career paths, most of which pay well.

If you like the idea of being in a leadership role and overseeing various supply chain processes, then a supply chain management degree may be well worth the time and money you spend to earn it.

How Long Is a Supply Chain Management Degree?

Bachelor's degrees in supply chain management typically take about four years to complete, but it may take you more or less time depending on whether you study full-time or part-time and whether or not you have transfer credits. Associate degrees typically take about two years to complete, while master's degrees take an average of one to two years.

Again, various factors may influence how long it takes to complete the coursework necessary to graduate with your degree.

What Can You Expect from a Supply Chain Management Degree Program?

Depending on the type of program you enroll in, you may be able to complete your degree online or on-campus. When completing your program, you can expect to take various general education courses along with more targeted classes that teach the fundamentals of supply chain management.

You may also have opportunities to take electives, pursue minors or certificates, or complete specializations. Your program will likely include capstones, practicums, or internships you will need to complete to gain real-world experience in project management before graduation.

Find a Supply Chain Management Degree Program

If you're ready to start your supply chain management journey, reach out to one of the schools listed here on Learn.org. Exploring the different options available will help you choose the degree program that's right for you.