Supply Chain Management Degrees in Illinois

Illinois, home of the windy city of Chicago, is a great state for students considering Supply Chain Management degrees and experience.

Potential supply chain management students will find a vast network of professionals in the state, as three globally renowned supply chain organizations are headquartered near Chicago. These include the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), and the Warehousing Education and Research Council.

This guide concludes with a list of available supply chain programs in Illinois. Scroll down to browse all Illinois SCM degrees.

The Supply Chain Industry in Illinois

Due to its O’Hare International Airport, transportation infrastructure, and business landscape, Illinois is central to domestic and international trade. Being so centrally located, it’s especially vital for trade with Canada as well as the distribution of products domestically.

Surprisingly, Illinois is also home to the largest inland port, CenterPoint Intermodal Center, with eight major rail lines, distribution routes, and extensive warehousing facilities.

Study Supply Chain Management in Illinois

The last few years has made “supply chain” a well-known term, and for a good reason. Supply chain professionals deal with complex international systems, demand planning, and manufacturing practices—all to get products to the right place at the right time. Everything from medical products to food falls under the supply chain, making the field a lucrative career choice for the foreseeable future.

Undergraduate Programs

Students have multiple undergraduate programs to choose from across the state of Illinois.
Bradley University offers a degree with a Marketing Major and concentration in Supply Chain Management, culminating in a research project for a local business or nonprofit organization. Students also have access to domestic and global conferences, internships with businesses such as Frito-Lay, and networking through the local APICS chapter.

For the more analytically-minded student, Bradley University offers a Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering with a Supply Chain Analytics concentration. Students learn best practices for demand forecasting, procurement, and optimizing supply chains while also gaining the opportunity for networking, internships, and study abroad programs.

Alternatively, Lewis University has a BS in Supply Chain Management that allows students to explore courses such as Motor Freight Administration, and Airline Management and Economics. The University of Illinois, one of the largest schools in the state, offers both a BS in Operations Management and a BS in Supply Chain Management. Both focus on projects, internships, and real-world problem-solving, as well as involvement with student-run organizations such as the Supply Chain Management Association (SCMA).

Meanwhile, DePaul University’s combined Bachelor’s and Master’s program allows students to work toward their Master’s in Supply Chain Management while undergrads. Similarly, Western Illinois University offers a dual Bachelor of Business/MBA in Supply Chain Management that can be completed in five years.

Students that wish to complete an undergraduate degree online should explore DeVry University’s programs. Multiple degrees are available, including Business Administration, Management, and Technical Management, all focusing on global supply chain management. The University of St. Francis also offers an online BBA in Supply Chain Management and boasts an impressive internship program with plenty of local business connections.

Graduate Programs

In addition to the dual bachelor’s and master’s programs at DePaul University and Western Illinois University, students can find many supply chain management graduate options in the state.

The University of Illinois Chicago offers an MS in Supply Chain and Operations Management, MBA in Operations and Supply-Chain Management, and a PhD with an Operations Management specialization. The MBA program incorporates unique learning experiences, including courses titled in “Improv and Leadership” and “Social Entrepreneurs Leading Change.”

For online programs, DeVry University has an MBA specializing in Global Supply Chain Management. Students have the potential to waive up to three applicable courses, shortening the program. Governors State University also offers an online MBA in Supply Chain Management, and Elmhurst University has an online MS in Supply Chain Management.

Anyone undecided between an MBA or an MS in Supply Chain Management can earn both with Loyola University’s Dual MBA/MS Supply Chain Management program, which allows for focused expertise in supply chain and general business knowledge.

Certificates/Continuing Education

Professionals looking to boost their résumés can find certificates available through multiple Illinois schools.

DePaul’s 17-week program prepares students for the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) exam.

The University of St. Francis allows students to use their Graduate Professional Certificate in Logistics toward a graduate degree at a later date. Similarly, Western Illinois University’s post-baccalaureate certificate for Supply Chain Management can be applied to their MBA program in the future.