Online Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management and Logistics Programs

Advance your career in supply chains without sacrificing the things that matter most. Use our guide to online bachelor’s degrees in supply chain management (SCM) and logistics to find a distance learning program that allows for work and family. Learn more about online SCM coursework, concentrations, and quality markers. Compare the pros & cons of virtual undergraduate programs. Or jump ahead to our directory to browse through every online SCM bachelor’s degree in the country.

Why Earn an Online Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management and Logistics?

An efficient supply chain is critical to the success of any business that supplies parts and goods to an end-user. It’s an interconnected system that requires highly trained SCM professionals who can work with shippers, suppliers, purchasers, and warehouses across the country or globe. These supply chain experts must be adept in business and data-driven fields, as well as good managers. That’s why many students who are interested in SCM start with an undergraduate degree.

The benefits of earning an Online Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management and Logistics are clear. It’s the baseline qualification for many SCM roles. And it’s a lucrative investment. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the role of logistician is forecast to have a skyrocketing job growth rate. In a 2020 salary report, the Association for Supply Chain Management noted that:

• The median salary of a supply chain professional with a bachelor’s degree was 24% higher than those who do not hold such a degree.
• 91% of respondents stated that they received additional compensation such as bonuses or profit-sharing on top of their regular salary.

An online bachelor’s degree in SCM may also be the ideal solution for working professionals and career changers who can’t afford the time or money to invest in a traditional on-campus program.

How Common Are Online Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management and Logistics Programs?

Increasingly common! With the advent of a global pandemic and work-from-home initiatives, schools have been throwing open their virtual doors to include more 100% online programs, including undergraduate degrees in supply chain management and logistics. Even top institutions which were once hesitant to allow online programs have joined the fray.

In our listings, you’ll discover a wide range of distance learning SCM programs from regionally accredited universities and colleges. You’ll notice that these schools often play to their strengths in business, engineering, or niche areas of expertise. For example:

• Purdue Global offers a well-respected Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a supply chain and logistics concentration. Not only do Purdue students learn about the fundamentals and execution of a proper supply chain, but they can also earn an SCPro Certification and become a Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM®). Better yet, Purdue Global is a member of the SAP University Alliances program.
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers an Online Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management that focuses on modeling, technology, and purchasing within a company’s supply chain. Students can attend the program online or in-person at a global location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, aerospace product & parts manufacturing is one of the top five industries employing logisticians.
• The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is one of the latest public universities to launch an Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management from its AACSB-accredited College of Business and Economics. The program features internship options, co-curricular opportunities, and a 100% placement rate within six months of graduation. Recent graduates have found employment at global companies such as Amazon, PepsiCo, Harley Davidson, and SC Johnson.

As the need for academically trained professionals continues to rise, more and more institutions will begin offering fulling remote or hybrid SCM and logistics programs.

How Online Supply Chain Management and Logistics Programs Work

Online Bachelor’s in SCM: Overview

Although online undergraduate programs in SCM fields vary from school to school, most bachelor’s degrees in our listings have a similar structure:

• 120+ total credit hours
• General education coursework unrelated to the major
• Lower- and upper-level major coursework in supply chain and logistics topics
• Primarily online coursework completed at home
• Some in-person campus visits
• Four-year completion time

For example, Temple’s Fox School of Business offers an Online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Supply Chain Management that includes 124 total credits and covers courses in transportation, logistics, procurement, and warehouse management. Most courses will consist of three credits each for 41 classes spread across four years.

Online Bachelor’s in SCM: Curriculum

U.S. universities tend to split undergraduate coursework into four sections: the university core, lower-division courses, upper-division courses in your choice of major, and electives.

• General Education: The university core is required for all students regardless of their major. These general education classes often cover areas like communication, mathematics, creative arts, and social and behavioral sciences.
• Lower Division Credits: The lower-division core includes first- and second-year classes in program-specific topics (e.g. business fundamentals, supply chain management foundation courses, etc.).
• Upper Division Credits: With an online SCM degree, you could be developing your supply chain expertise through coursework in operations and supply chain management, project management, logistics, and specific elements of the supply chain (e.g. warehousing, procurement, etc.).
• Electives: You can customize your degree with courses of your own choosing. For example, if you’re interested in supply chain analytics, you might look at electives in data mining, business analytics, and econometrics.

Online Bachelor’s in SCM: Standalone Degree vs. Concentration

At the undergraduate level, you have a choice to make. You can opt for a standalone Online BS or BA in Supply Chain Management Logistics or decide to study SCM as a concentration within a bachelor’s degree in business administration (BBA or BSBA), marketing, engineering, or the like.

Our listings feature both degree pathways. However, once you start digging into the curriculum links, you may discover that they share a lot of characteristics. For example:

• Online Bachelor’s in SCM and Logistics: If you apply for an online undergraduate degree that’s dedicated to SCM, you’ll explore every element of the supply chain. For instance, Spring Hill’s Online Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management includes eight 300- and 400-level courses in SCM subjects (e.g. Enterprise Resource Planning, transportation management, database management systems, principles of procurement, etc.). Business courses are also heavily featured.
• Online Bachelor’s with SCM as a Concentration: Bellevue’s Online Bachelor of Science in International Business is founded on that subject. Before you can focus on the Supply Chain Logistics emphasis, you’ll be expected to complete lower and upper division credits in all kinds of business administration topics, including finance, accounting, business law, and transnational marketing. But you’ll still have plenty of exposure to topics such as supply chain sourcing, global logistics management, and SCM systems.

It’s ultimately up to you to decide which degree is best for your goals. There’s a value in coupling your supply chain studies with a business or marketing program. You’ll give yourself the option to enter a number of different fields upon graduation. However, if you’re already working, you may decide that you’re ready to go “all in” with a supply chain degree.

Pros and Cons of Online Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management and Logistics

Advantages of Online Supply Chain Management Undergraduate Degrees

• Ability to study from home or anywhere in the world
• Choice of regionally accredited universities all around the country
• Some programs are self-paced, allowing you to complete them on your schedule
• Some schools offer online tuition rates that rival or beat costs at traditional universities
• Accelerated pathways enable students to finish their studies more quickly
• Designed for working professionals and those with family responsibilities

Disadvantages of Online Supply Chain Management Undergraduate Degrees

• Lack of face-to-face contact with fellow students
• More difficult to connect with others and expand your professional network
• Increased need for self-motivation and time management skills
• Certain programs will require a higher level of technical expertise before starting
• Completing the program can be challenging if you do not have a conducive in-home environment for studying

The choice between an on-campus and online supply chain management degree program is a personal one. Weigh the pros and cons, consider your circumstances, and go with the option that gives you the best chance of completing your studies.

How to Choose an Online Supply Chain and Logistics Degree Program

Once you have decided to pursue an online degree in supply chain management and logistics, it is essential to determine which school, program, and concentration will be the best fit for your academic and career goals. Here are some steps to narrow down your options:

1) Choose a Location (It Does Matter!)

Although online bachelor’s degrees in SCM are intended to be flexible, many undergraduate programs have a set number of on-campus elements. Can you travel across the country to complete in-person requirements? Or, will you need to stay closer to home to make campus visits feasible? If family or work responsibilities make travel difficult, focus on programs that guarantee 100% online delivery.

Location also matters when it comes to price. Some public universities offer the same online tuition price to all students, regardless of their state of residence. However, that’s not a hard-and-fast rule. At certain public universities, you may qualify for an in-state or neighboring state tuition rate. Always look at prices for online SCM undergraduate programs in your regional area.

2) Create a Comprehensive Budget

To help you calculate the cost of your education, we’ve included tuition links in our listings. You can use these to get a sense of the estimated total price. We also recommend you speak to the program coordinator about your individual situation. You may have previous undergraduate credits you can transfer. Some schools will also grant you credits for certifications and work experience.

Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions. For example, are additional fees assigned to online courses? Are university supply chain scholarships available to online students? Are there alternative funding opportunities you can pursue? Do financial support programs cover costs like books, a laptop, and related items? When in doubt, request a sample budget for online undergraduates.

3) Match the Curriculum to Your Interests

Do you want to pursue an academic major that’s dedicated 100% to supply chain management and logistics? Or would you prefer to get a broad education in related industries by choosing a supply chain concentration within a business administration, marketing, or engineering degree? Examine the online program titles and curriculum links in our listings to decide if the coursework matches your career goals.

For example, students interested in management may benefit from a supply chain management concentration within a BSBA program. This would cover a broad range of business topics, including leadership concerns. On the other hand, students interested in supply chain analytics should opt for a more technical degree with coursework in mathematics, computer science, and engineering.

4) Speak with Program Alumni and Professors

The best way to learn about an online supply chain management program is to speak with its graduates. Try connecting with graduates via Facebook or LinkedIn. Did the curriculum challenge them? Was completing coursework online intuitive and straightforward? Would they recommend the program to others? Ask these questions and more to learn about the ROI from specific supply chain management degrees.

Alternatively, you can reach out to faculty or program advisors for their insights. Ask about online coursework delivery and requirements, networking opportunities or clubs for online students, and how prepared you’ll be to enter the supply chain workforce. They may update you on program changes or unique opportunities available to their online supply chain students.

All Online Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management and Logistics Programs

Simplify your search for an accredited online bachelor’s degree in SCM. Skim through the titles and select a few that look promising. Then take a close look at the admissions requirements, curricula, and tuition prices for each program. Whether this will be your first time attending college or a return to university, you’re sure to find an online bachelor’s degree in supply chain management that meets your expectations.