Guide to Master's in Supply Chain Management and Logistics Programs

Invest in your future with a master’s degree in supply chain management and logistics. Use our handy guide to evaluate MS, MA, MSCM, and MBA programs. Explore what types of specialties are available for SCM graduate students. Delve into details on admissions requirements, coursework, and capstone project topics. Find answers to FAQs on tuition prices & STEM designations. Or jump ahead to our program listings to compare every supply chain master’s degree in the country!

What is a Master’s in Supply Chain Management and Logistics?

A Master’s in Supply Chain Management and Logistics is a specialist degree that’s designed to prepare graduates for intermediate and senior-level positions within the field of supply chain management (SCM).

A strong SCM graduate program will school you in the strategic, operational, and tactical aspects of supply chain management and logistics. You’ll learn how to plan, organize, direct, and control an organization’s procurement, production, and distribution channels.

Ultimately, the choice to earn a master’s degree in supply chain management will come down to your career goals. For instance:

• If you’re eager for new professional challenges, you may decide to pursue a master’s degree in SCM after working in a relevant field such as purchasing, product development, transportation, operations, logistics, or the like.
• In order to qualify for certain supply chain positions, you may need specialized training in topics such as financial modeling, automation, global sourcing, and business analytics.
• In some cases, your employer may expect you to upgrade your technical & managerial skill sets so you can progress to a leadership role within the company.

Types of Master’s in SCM and Logistics Programs

Graduate programs in supply chain management and logistics are available in a wide array of flavors! When we were compiling our listings, we discovered SCM degrees in everything from maritime trade and global fashion to the automotive industry. The most common majors for SCM graduate students include:

• Master’s in Supply Chain Management and Logistics: This degree is a good fit for working professionals who want to move into the SCM field or qualify for a senior position. You’ll usually be able to tackle coursework in the SCM lifecycle (e.g. design, procurement, production, logistics, operations, etc.), as well as credits in IT & analytics, leadership, project management, finance, and more.
• MBA Programs with SCM Concentrations: MBA programs often appeal to folks who aspire to leadership positions. In fact, a number of CEOs and COOs get their start as supply chain managers. Schools of Business don’t have a “one-size-fits-all” approach to supply chain management studies—some MBA programs with SCM concentrations will focus on strategic leadership concerns; others will have a more practical or technical feel.
• Master’s in Supply Chain Analytics: Master’s programs in supply chain analytics will teach you how to transform data into operational & logistical insights and make data-driven decisions that help supply chains run more efficiently. Thanks to the rise of automation and AI-driven solutions within supply chains, SCM analytics experts are now in high demand.
• Master’s in Supply Chain Engineering: Supply chain engineers design, plan, and create complex supply chain systems. They offer practical solutions to a company’s needs. Sample courses for this master’s degree might include warehouse design (e.g. creating the ideal size, layout & technologies for a facility), process mapping (e.g. visualizing workflows & processes), transportation management, and distribution logistics.
• Master’s in Operations Management: Operations management is loosely defined as the management of business practices within an organization. Think of the production of goods & services, the maintenance of buildings & equipment, staffing, company budgets, and other internal processes. That’s why these degrees may feature courses in business strategy, lean concepts, production planning, finance, and more.
• Master’s in Facilities Management: A Master’s in Facilities Management will teach you how to manage and operate the physical infrastructure of an organization. You’ll gain an understanding of topics such as vendor management, risk management, sustainability, and security.

Examine the curriculum links in our listings to get a sense of the possibilities. You’ll see plenty of SCM degrees that concentrate on real-world challenges involving operations, inventory management, pricing & demand, and the like. But you’ll also spot MBA programs that focus on high-level areas such as international trade logistics, manufacturing design, corporate responsibility, and sustainable business practices. Each degree is unique.

Master’s in Supply Chain Management and Logistics

Admissions Requirements

For a Master’s in Supply Chain Management and Logistics, universities will be looking for candidates with a strong academic background and relevant work experience. Admission requirements vary from school to school, but most SCM graduate programs ask for:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; many applicants have a STEM background
• A minimum 2.5 GPA on all previous coursework; some schools may want to see a 3.0 GPA or higher
• Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
• GMAT or GRE scores may be mandatory, optional, waived for certain candidates, or simply not required

Bear in mind that some SCM graduate programs will expect applicants to have at least 2-3 years of work experience in a related field. However, this stipulation varies from program to program. And—in some cases—an internship can be used to help fulfill this requirement.

Coursework

Most master’s programs in supply chain management will focus on key elements of the SCM lifecycle, including procurement, production, operations, transportation, logistics, IT integration, project management, and leadership.

But Schools of Business are at liberty to customize their SCM curricula to suit their strengths. For example:

• Thanks to its strategic location near NYC, Fairleigh Dickinson’s MS in Supply Chain Management (MS-SCM) has more of an international feel, with core coursework in global supply chain finance, global sourcing & procurement, and Lean Six Sigma concepts.
• The University of Pittsburgh’s Dual MS in Supply Chain Management and MS in Industrial Engineering will appeal to students who are interested in the area’s rust belt renaissance. It has core courses in manufacturing systems, process engineering, IT in global supply chains, and more.

Considering a management career in business operations? Check out all the fascinating MBA programs with SCM concentrations in our listings. MBA programs can cover all aspects of the field, from purchasing and logistics to business strategy and international trade.

For an MBA, you’ll be expected to complete foundational coursework in important business concepts before you can tackle the SCM concentration. We’re talking about mandatory credits in accounting, economics, marketing, finance, and management. Once you’ve laid the groundwork, you’ll be able to focus on SCM courses & electives.

Capstone Projects & Theses

Many master’s programs in supply chain management will ask you to complete a thesis or capstone project as part of your degree. You’ll be able to apply your skills and knowledge to a real-world SCM challenge provided by an industry partner. Here are few examples of those challenges:

• Create an efficient logistics planning system for new products
• Optimize a network for the global distribution of materials
• Develop a framework for assessing global supply chain risks
• Discover hidden efficiencies in production processes

A number of Schools of Business post links to student projects on their websites (e.g. MIT’s section on Supply Chain Management Capstone Projects). You can also ask the program coordinator to send you examples. Skimming through recent capstone projects is a great way to determine whether the master’s program in SCM will be a good match for your skill level and career goals.

Internships & Other Opportunities

When you’re evaluating SCM graduate programs, always ask about internship opportunities and job placement rates. Schools of Business or Management tend to be well-endowed and well-connected. Some even have their own SCM initiatives that fund conferences, site visits, research projects, and more. UTA’s Supply Chain Management Center is just one example.

If you’re looking into MBA or Executive MBA programs in SCM, you’re also going to see a lot of “perks” such as career coaching & mentoring, global learning experiences, case competitions, and more. These elements are important. For the money you’re paying, a School of Business should be able to help you plan your SCM journey from the start of your degree to your final interview with your chosen employer.

FAQs: Master’s Degrees in Supply Chain Management

What’s the Difference Between a Master’s and an MBA in SCM?

MA, MS, and Master’s in Supply Chain Management (MSCM) programs are completely devoted to SCM topics. You’ll spend the entire master’s degree studying foundational SCM concepts (e.g. procurement) and specialist subjects (e.g. supply chain analytics). If you’re interested in a deep-dive into the subject, choose one of these programs.

MBA programs tend to have a broader leadership focus. In addition to SCM coursework within a concentration, they’ll include mandatory credits in every area of business (e.g. accounting, finance, economics, marketing, etc.) and management. They may also address top-level supply chain issues (e.g. sustainability).

What is a STEM-Designated Program?

A STEM-designated program is a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) that has official approval from the U.S. Department of Home Security (DHS) for a STEM OPT Extension.

• Most international students with an F-1 visa are able to apply for a 12-month period of Optional Practical Training (OPT) work in the United States after graduation.
• However, if you graduate from a STEM-designated program, you can apply for a 24-month OPT extension after the initial 12 months. That means you may be able to work for up to 36 months (3 years) in the U.S.

A large number of on-campus MA and MS degrees in supply chain management are STEM-designated programs. Some MBA programs also have STEM designations (e.g. IUP’s MBA in Supply Chain Management), but it pays to check with the program coordinator.

How Much Does a Master’s Degree in Supply Chain Management Cost?

The answer depends on your choice of SCM program. If you follow the tuition links in our listings, you’ll notice that:

• Public universities are usually cheaper than private universities.
• Public universities usually offer reduced tuition rates to students who live within the state.
• Some MBA programs are significantly more expensive than MA or MS programs.

You pay for the privilege of reputation. A master’s degree in supply chain management from a prestigious private university (e.g. MIT) might cost upwards of $80,000 in tuition. Tuition for a master’s degree from a lesser known state university could be less than $20,000.

Campus-based students will also need to budget for expenses such as food & housing, transportation, university fees, and books & supplies.

What Should I Look for in a Graduate Program in SCM?

In our listings, you’re liable to find a number of SCM master’s degrees that appeal to your interests. But how do you narrow your choices down to a reasonable shortlist? Look for:

• Coursework that focuses on end-to-end supply chain management
• Industry-savvy professors with practical experience
• Plenty of opportunities to work on real-world SCM case studies & projects
• Recent alumni capstone projects that align with your professional interests
• STEM designation (for international students with an F-1 visa)
• SCM programs that have strong name recognition with your potential employers
• Diverse students within the program (e.g. age, nationality, background, etc.)
• Ties to relevant industry sectors (e.g. Michigan and auto manufacturers, etc.)
• Unique scholarships & financial assistance for SCM students

You don’t have to go to USC or the University of Michigan to earn a great SCM degree (although these schools are usually ranked very highly!). You may find an affordable option in our listings that has just the right combination of technical & business coursework to suit your aims. If reputation is important to you, consider the finalists in our best online supply chain management master’s degree rankings.

What Can You Do with a Master’s in Supply Chain Management?

Job Opportunities for SCM Master’s Degree Graduates

The growth of eCommerce, rising labor costs, and recent supply chain struggles have organizations looking to do things faster, more efficiently, and at a lower cost. Supply chain expertise is in high demand as organizations look to address all of these areas!

Your career options after graduation will depend on a few factors, including your previous work experience and your choice of an SCM master’s degree. A graduate with an MS in Supply Chain Analytics is going to have a different employment trajectory than someone with an MBA in Global Supply Chain & Operations Management. It’s important to pick the right degree in our listings.

Talk to the program coordinator about your goals. We also recommend you look at job postings on LinkedIn, Indeed, and other popular employment websites. Employers will always provide a list of preferred educational qualifications for intermediate and senior-level SCM positions.

Top 5 SCM Job Titles for Master’s Degree Holders

1. Supply Chain and Logistics Manager/Director

Supply chain and logistics leaders are responsible for developing and implementing the logistics plan for a company, maintaining relationships with suppliers, and ensuring that the right supplies are available when needed. They also work to optimize the supply chain network to reduce costs. This includes selecting the right shipping company, coordinating with suppliers, and ensuring that orders are delivered on time.

2. Operations Manager/Director

The operations manager is responsible for all of the day-to-day operations of a company. This includes ensuring that the production process is running smoothly, overseeing inventory levels, and making sure that the company’s facilities are up to code.

3. Director of Supply Chain Operations

A supply chain operations director is responsible for developing and implementing the strategy for the supply chain. They work with other departments in the company to make sure that the products being produced align with the company’s goals. They also work with suppliers and distributors to make sure that the company has access to the necessary supplies.

4. Procurement Manager

The procurement manager is responsible for acquiring the right supplies and materials for a company. This includes negotiating contracts, evaluating suppliers, and making sure that the company is getting the best deals possible.

5. Transportation Manager

The transportation manager is responsible for arranging the transportation of goods to and from the company. This includes selecting the right mode of transportation, negotiating rates, executing last mile strategies, and ensuring that deliveries arrive on time.