Supply Chain Management Degrees in California

Students considering a supply chain degree have numerous options to choose from in California. Boasting three of the largest container ports in the country, California also has two Class I railroads, twelve cargo-capable airports, and a booming trucking industry. With a large quantity of goods moving in and out of the state, supply chain degrees are in high demand.

The supply chain industry within the state contributes to millions of direct and indirect jobs, making it a lucrative career choice. Fortunately, California offers many programs, degrees, and certificates to choose from.

Skip to the end of this guide to view a list of available supply chain programs in California.

The Supply Chain Industry in California

The amount of product that crosses California’s borders directly correlates to its logistics industry. According to the World Shipping Council, the Port of Los Angeles ranks #17 in the world and is the #1 port in the United States. $294 billion worth of cargo moved through the port in 2021 alone.

California has also initiated the California Supply Chain SUCCESS Initiative to solidify its role as a global supply chain leader. The initiative is working to modernize the state’s supply chain with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

While logistics and transportation play a significant role in California’s revenue, there are also numerous supply chain management, planning, operations, and analytics opportunities.

Study Supply Chain Management in California

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that logisticians (those coordinating an organization’s supply chain) and operations research analysts show career growth potential as “much faster than average” through 2031.

To get started on a supply chain career path, learn about California’s numerous opportunities for undergraduate degrees, graduate programs, and certifications.

Undergraduate Degrees

Many supply chain jobs require a bachelor’s degree, which some of California’s top universities offer.

California State University

With 23 campuses to choose from, California State University offers a handful of business administration and supply chain-related degrees, including:

• Production & Inventory Control
• Logistics & Supply Chain Strategies
• Supply Chain Management
• Global Supply Chain Management

University of San Diego

Due to the complex nature of supply chains, the University of San Diego helps its students with a varied curriculum, a supply chain-specific career fair, and a supply chain management student organization. The Supply Chain Management degree includes courses in:

• Global Purchasing and Supply Management
• Sustainable Global Supply Chain Management
• Supply Chain Analytics

Graduate Programs

California offers multiple graduate programs to gain real-world experience and skills before entering the job market.

California State University

Both the MS in Supply Chain Management and Master of Business Administration through California State University (Long Beach & San Bernardino) help prepare students for a career with training around best practices, project management, analytics, strategy development, and more.

Santa Clara University

With a focus on analytics, the MS in Supply Chain Management provides students easy access to gaining experience with companies such as Google, Apple, and Intel. Coursework includes systems, product development, data science, and more.

University of San Diego

Students seeking an online degree can explore an MS in Global Supply Chain Management from the University of San Diego. The program offers access to internships, study abroad opportunities, and student networking groups. Coursework includes strategy, cost management, negotiations, and sustainability.

Scholarships are offered for Women in Supply Chain, Excellence in Supply Chain, Study Abroad, United States Military Achievement, and USD Alumni.

University of Southern California

The University of Southern California offers both an online and on-campus MS in Global Supply Chain Management. Students gain experience with real-world projects for companies and site visits to domestic and international hubs. Subjects include procurement, logistics, and distribution.

• Earn Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
• Collaborate with the Randall R. Kendrick Global Supply Chain Institute

Certificates/Continuing Education

A certificate program might be a good place to start for professionals with supply chain experience or students trying to decide which full-time degree best meets their needs.

California State University

The Logistics and Supply Chain Strategies Certificate, which is completed after an internship, includes coursework for supply chain management, purchasing, and logistics. A Global Logistics certificate is also available for those looking to work in shipping or warehousing.

University of Southern California (Online)

Primarily for graduate students at USC, the graduate certificate in Optimization and Supply Chain Management helps students expand their technology and data analysis knowledge to manage global supply chains.

All California Supply Chain Management and Logistics Degree Programs