Guide to MBA in Supply Chain Management and Logistics Programs

With supply chains now a top priority for companies, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Supply Chain Management is becoming increasingly valuable! In this guide, you’ll discover the purpose of an MBA in SCM, what to expect when you enroll, and why you might wish to earn one. Learn more about unique supply chain specialties and valuable industry experiences embedded in MBA coursework. Or skip ahead to our comprehensive directory of MBA programs with concentrations in supply chain management and closely related fields.

What Are MBA in Supply Chain Management and Logistics Programs?

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Supply Chain Management and Logistics is a graduate-level program for students interested in gaining leadership, technical, and business skills to apply to the world of supply chain management.

MBA programs always contain advanced coursework in all realms of business management, including finance, accounting, marketing, and more. However, when you select a specialization or concentration in supply chain management (SCM), you’ll also acquire industry-specific knowledge and skills that you can apply to your work on a daily basis.

Overall, MBA programs in SCM tend to suit two types of students:

• Professionals who have some experience in supply chain management and logistics and want to move into a more senior role can fast-track the process by earning a specialized MBA.
• Professionals who are already in leadership positions can sharpen their SCM skills to be more effective in their current roles or pursue higher positions (e.g. director, COO, etc.).

Supply Chain MBA vs. Master’s Programs in SCM – What Are the Differences?

When you start your search for graduate degrees in supply chain management, you’ll discover that some institutions offer MBA programs in SCM, while others offer Master of Science (MS), Master of Arts (MA), or Master’s of Supply Chain Management (MSCM) programs. Some Schools of Business even have a range of options. So which is right for you?

MBA Programs in Supply Chain Management

An MBA in Supply Chain Management and Logistics is rooted in a business administration program and focuses on the fundamentals of senior management. Core coursework will be in business with an emphasis on effective management skills (e.g. finance, accounting, law, strategy, marketing, operations, etc.). The supply chain concentration takes those business fundamentals and applies them to the supply chain and logistics industry. For example, you might learn how to manage procurement or distribution teams or even entire supply chain systems. Take a look at Rutgers University’s MBA in Supply Chain Management to get a sense of the MBA approach. It emphasizes the skills that are needed to streamline supply chain operations from leadership positions.

Use our MBA in SCM listings to compare your options!

Master’s Programs in Supply Chain Management

Are you interested in entering the supply chain industry after working in a related field? You may benefit more from an MS, MA, or MSCM that leans toward advanced supply chain coursework over general business coursework. Master’s programs in supply chain management focus on the practical & technical aspects of supply chain and logistics, giving students a deep understanding of this specific industry. When you examine the curricula of MS in SCM or MSCM programs, you’ll see that the business foundations found in MBA programs are missing. For example, the University of Colorado-Boulder offers a 10-month MS in Supply Chain Management (MSSC) that’s specifically designed to teach innovative ways of operating supply chains using big data.

Explore our Master’s in SCM guide & listings to learn more!

MBA in Supply Chain Management Overview

Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements for an MBA in Supply Chain Management and Logistics will vary from school to school, but many will require candidates to provide the following:

• Completed undergraduate degree and official transcripts
• 2.5 or higher overall GPA for all completed undergraduate courses; more prestigious universities may wish to see a minimum 3.0 GPA
• Résumé demonstrating your business and/or supply chain experience; candidates with at least 2-5 years of prior work experience may be more competitive
• Letter(s) of recommendation from former professors or employers
• Written essay
• GMAT or GRE scores*

*Since the outbreak of COVID-19, many MBA programs have been rethinking the GMAT or GRE requirement. You’ll notice that some schools have removed the requirement altogether. Others may offer GRE waivers for competitive candidates or ask for low minimum scores. Check with admissions staff to learn more about the GRE requirement and if you qualify for a waiver.

Program Curriculum

Since MBA programs in SCM are designed to address both business and supply chain management, most Schools of Business will divide the curriculum into three parts: a business foundation or core, supply chain specialty coursework, and a final project (thesis, capstone, or other).

For example, in Bowling Green State University’s MBA in Supply Chain Management, the curriculum has been structured around:

• Foundational Coursework: The MBA begins with 15 credit hours in coursework that develops crucial business skills. Examples of course titles include Financial Accounting and Analysis, Managerial Accounting, Quantitative Analysis for Managers, and the like.
• Business Core: This section of the MBA is intended to help you develop managerial skills. It requires 23 credit hours, including courses such as Topics in Leadership and Management, IT for Managers, and Marketing Management & Strategy, among others.
• Supply Chain Management Specialization: For the SCM specialization, you’ll complete 12 credit hours in Customer-Driven Design, Integrated Logistics Planning & Analytics, Demand-Driven Supply Chain Planning & Operations, and Supply Chain Management & Negotiation. This is where you can apply your business and managerial skills to the supply chain industry.
• Capstone Project: The Capstone is a 3-credit course that is focused on the design and implementation of corporate strategies. You’ll assume the role of a general manager and gain valuable experience resembling real-world scenarios.

This is just one example. Each supply chain MBA program will vary in the depth of their business and supply chain classes, as well as student experiences and experiential learning opportunities. Use the curriculum links in our listings to create a shortlist of MBA programs that align with your professional interests and SCM career goals.

Types of Supply Chain MBA Programs

When you browse through our comprehensive listings, you’ll also discover MBA programs in unique realms of supply chain and logistics management. These kinds of tailored programs will allow you to pursue managerial & leadership positions within specific areas of the supply chain industry.

Examples of specialist MBA in SCM programs include:

• Global or International Supply Chain Management (e.g. Baylor University’s Executive MBA in International Trade & Supply Chain Management)
• Supply Chain Integration Management (e.g. St. Leo University’s MBA in Supply Chain Global Integration Management)
• Maritime Port Management (e.g. New Jersey City University’s MBA in Supply Chain and Maritime Port Management)
• Health Care Supply Chain Management (e.g. Wayne State University’s MBA in Healthcare Supply Chain Management)
• Supply Chain Analytics (e.g. Central Connecticut State University’s MBA in Supply Chain Analytics)
• Sustainable Supply Chain Management (e.g. Rowan University’s MBA – Sustainable Business and Supply Chain and Logistical Systems Emphasis)

With so many unique facets of a global supply chain, there are countless opportunities to further your education in whatever field you are most interested in!

Professional Experiences

One of the most valuable parts of a graduate-level education is the ability to network with like-minded individuals within the supply chain and logistics industry. To that end, many MBA programs in SCM will go out of their way to organize internship opportunities, networking events, global trips, and unique professional experiences. For instance:

• Michigan State University’s full-time MBA in Supply Chain Management includes an immersive series of workshop experiences called “Extreme Green” that take place two times during the MBA program. The purpose of these workshops is to put students in scenarios resembling real-world business challenges and challenge them to find innovative solutions. This MBA also includes team-based case competitions, mandatory financial analysis and team effectiveness labs, and a rotating roster of visiting business executives & guest lecturers.
• North Carolina State University’s full-time MBA in Supply Chain Management takes full advantage of the univeristy’s Supply Chain Resource Cooperative (SCRC). Part of the SCRC’s work includes partnering graduate students with global businesses, allowing MBA students to work on challenges from the field. This type of experience not only trains students beyond the classroom but provides valuable networking opportunities. In addition, NCSU’s MBA in SCM challenges students to participate in conference presentations, internships & practicums, and international immersion opportunities.

Take the time to ask the MBA program coordinator and recent SCM alumni about the value of these real-world elements. With the money you’re investing into a graduate business program, you deserve to have the very best career training possible.

MBA vs. Executive MBA

MBA

A traditional MBA in Supply Chain Management and Logistics can be completed in 1-2 years on a full-time basis. Students are expected to commit to their learning—coursework usually takes place on-campus during traditional university hours. Graduates will exit their programs with a greater understanding of the leadership and management skills required to assume high-level supply chain positions, including managers, directors, and executives.

Executive MBA (EMBA)

An Executive MBA in Supply Chain Management and Logistics is typically aimed at mid- and senior-level professionals with substantial work experience (e.g. 7+ years) and busy schedules. EMBA programs can often be completed within 1-1.5 years. Coursework is usually a blend of online learning, intensive residence periods, and global learning experiences. Graduates aspire to lead their organizations in executive positions.

Online MBA in SCM Programs

Our listings include mostly campus-based options for aspiring MBA students. For a more flexible path, browse our rankings of the best online MBA in Supply Chain Management programs, where we rank the nation’s top programs and list every accredited online supply chain MBA available.

Here are the two types of online MBA in Supply Chain Management programs you can expect to find in our listings:

• 100% Online: These programs are completed entirely online without any campus visits. Coursework can be a mix of asynchronous “learn on your own time” studies and synchronous “real-time” elements. Many traditional MBA experiences, including group projects, are replicated through an online format. And students may be able to complete internships close to home or participate in other student experiences (e.g. international travel).
• Hybrid: Hybrid MBA programs in Supply Chain Management are a mixture of online and in-person learning. As such, MBA students typically need to be near the campus to complete in-person requirements. Schools of Business know many students are working professionals, so much of the on-campus coursework is held in the evenings or on weekends. As a result, students get the convenience of an online program with the value of an on-campus degree.

Online supply chain MBA programs have their pros and cons. For example, the flexible learning environment will allow you to accelerate your learning by completing more coursework at once or learning part-time to accommodate a busy schedule. But a potential drawback can be the lack of face-to-face time with fellow students and faculty. MBA programs train future managers and supply chain leaders, so in-person experiences can be valuable to your skill development.

If you’re concerned about this challenge, consider a program like Indiana University’s Online MBA in Supply Chain Management. Coursework is 80-99% online, with two on-campus requirements at the beginning and end of the program. These on-campus experiences allow MBA students to network with fellow classmates and work together with a company on one of their current challenges. Up to 50% of the courses in this program will be focused on supply chain and logistics so that students can enhance both their management and supply chain skills.

Career Opportunities with an MBA in Supply Chain Management

Earning an MBA in Supply Chain Management can open the door to SCM leadership careers in a variety of industries, including global distribution, government agencies, military contractors, shipping, and direct-to-consumer businesses.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) publishes detailed job & salary statistics on a large number of management occupations in the supply chain management and logistics field. Potential MBA students might wish to explore the following profiles and state wage maps for:

• Purchasing Managers: In 2021, the mean annual wage was $134,590. Employees in oil & gas extraction and data processing & related services tended to earn the highest wages, although the federal executive branch was a significant employer.
• General and Operations Managers: In 2021, the mean annual wage was $115,250. Monetary authorities, banks, and computer manufacturers were paying the highest salaries.
• Transportation, Storage and Distribution Managers: In 2021, the mean annual wage was $105,580. The highest salaries were being offered by computer equipment manufacturers, scientific research & development services, and the oil industry.
• Operations Research Analysts: In 2021, the mean annual wage was $95,830. OR analysts work within the realms of data science & data analytics, so supply chain analysts would fall into this category.
• Logisticians: In 2021, the mean annual wage was $79,230. Salaries were high in the realms of oil & gas extraction, computer equipment manufacturing, and educational support services, although freight & aerospace manufacturing had the highest concentration of jobs.

As you might expect, individuals with an MBA in SCM often command a higher overall salary than those without a similar degree. A Director in Supply Chain Management might be earning $45,000 more per year than a Supply Chain Manager. Have a look at Payscale and Glassdoor statistics to get an estimate of current numbers.

Is an MBA in Supply Chain Management Worth It?

Probably. If you are looking to advance your supply chain career, move into a leadership role within the industry, or increase your annual salary, a first step can be to obtain an MBA in Supply Chain Management and Logistics.

Professionals who have completed these types of programs report a higher level of satisfaction in their overall career and an increased level of knowledge and confidence in their current jobs. They emerge from the MBA with an expanded network of industry contacts and long-lasting friendships.

Before you take the plunge, we recommend you compare program costs to your earning potential to find out if an MBA in SCM is financially feasible and worth the investment. You may also wish to skim through our guide to Master’s in Supply Chain Management and Logistics programs to see if a less business-focused SCM degree would suit your aims.