In a degree program in transportation and logistics, you'll learn how to plan, manage and carry out the transportation of goods, materials, items and people. You'll not only learn about these vehicles and transportation systems, but you'll also learn about maintaining the equipment. Read on to see program options and get certification information.
What Programs Are Available in Transportation and Logistics?
A bachelor's degree program in logistics and transportation blends business courses with a liberal arts core. They emphasize accounting, management and finance skills and address how these skills apply to various stages within a supply chain. These skills are essential when working with community and corporate businesses in such careers as materials management, logistics management and physical distribution.
Many students in master's degree programs are already working professionals looking to advance their knowledge. Programs at this level teach you how to work with public and private sectors, managing transportation and logistics strategies. Problem-solving skills are also developed at this level; these skills are paramount for working in a leadership position in the global economy.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Levels</b></td><td> Bachelor's and master's degrees are available</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Finance, managerial accounting, crisis analysis, homeland security, marketing</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Certification Options</b></td><td> Certifications are available through the International Society of Logistics (SOLE) and the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Median Salary (2020)</b> </td><td> $76,270 (<i>for all logisticians</i>) </td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 4% growth (<i>for all logisticians</i>) </td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillILearn">What Will I Learn?</h3><p>In the bachelor's degree program, you'll study operations management. Along with supply chain management and management skills, you'll also study operation skills. Auto maintenance, finance, marketing and managerial accounting are among the topics you'll explore in your courses. Schools located near areas rich in air or water shipping will likely cover aerospace and maritime logistics.
</p><p>A master's degree program focuses more on research and problem-solving techniques. You'll learn how to improve efficiency in the operations and scheduling practices of a transportation agency. The ways in which transportation and logistics firms deal with local, national and interstate policies are also explored. You'll study transportation planning, cost optimization, crisis analysis, safety protocols, homeland security, transportation policy and environmental laws.
</p><h3 id="section---HowDoIBecomeCertified">How Do I Become Certified?</h3><p>The International Society of Logistics (SOLE) and the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) offer certifications in this field. SOLE offers professional certification through exams that lead to the title of Certified Professional Logistician (CPL), among others.
</p><p>Some colleges work with APICS's blanket waiver program. Completion of one of these programs means that you won't need to sit for the examination as long as your program meets all the requirements for certification. The APICS website provides a current listing of these accepted college programs (<i>www.apics.org</i>). APICS offers the Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) and the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) credentials, among others.</p>
