Online Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management and Logistics Programs

An efficient supply chain is critical to the success of any business that supplies parts and goods to an end-user. To facilitate this process, professionals must ensure that goods are sourced and shipped from a supplier or manufacturer through a series of steps and across various modalities until they finally reach customers.

This complex system requires highly trained professionals working with shippers, suppliers, purchasers, and warehouses across the country or globe. One way to earn proper training in the field is to complete an online Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management and Logistics.

The Association for Supply Chain Management 2020 report states that the median salary of a supply chain professional with a bachelor’s degree is $78,750 per year. This is 24% higher than those who do not hold such a degree. In this report, 91% of respondents stated that they receive additional compensation such as bonuses or profit-sharing on top of their regular salary.

Interested in learning more? We have compiled a list of every online bachelor’s program in supply chain management, logistics, and related fields. Browse the list to discover which program is right for you and your future career.

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

Online bachelor programs have been around since the early 2000s. However, with the global pandemic and work-from-home initiatives, colleges and universities have opened their virtual doors to include more fully online programs, including supply chain management and logistics. Even top institutions which were once hesitant to allow online programs have joined the fray.

For example, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers a Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management degree focused on modeling, technology, and purchasing within a company’s supply chain. Students can attend the program online, in person, and via web conferencing.

Meanwhile, Purdue Global offers a supply chain and logistics concentration within their Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program. Not only will students learn about the fundaments and execution of a proper supply chain, but they will also earn an SCPro Certification and become a Certified Professional in Supply Management.

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. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is one of the latest programs to launch an online supply chain and logistics option. Recent graduates have found employment at global companies such as Amazon, PepsiCo, Harley Davidson, and SC Johnson.

How Online Supply Chain Management and Logistics Programs Work

While online programs vary between schools, most follow a similar program 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 are usually required
• Four-year completion time

For example, Temple’s Fox School of Business offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Supply Chain Management. The program 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.

Additionally, it is important to consider school location when deciding which program to attend because some may have a set number of on-campus requirements. If family or work responsibilities make travel difficult, focus on programs with 100% online delivery.

Online Curriculum and Coursework

The amount of supply chain coursework will depend on the program type. For example, many institutions attach supply chain concentrations to existing programs in business administration, marketing, engineering, or something else. Alternatively, you’ll find standalone BS or BA in Supply Chain Management and Logistics programs. There’s value in coupling supply chain with a business or marketing program to give students a holistic approach to their education and allow them to enter many different fields if they desire. It’s ultimately up to you to decide which curriculum type is best for your goals.

Consider the University of Houston-Victoria as an example. Their BBA in General Business offers a supply chain management concentration, splitting its program into four sections: the university core, lower-division business core, upper-division business core, and electives.

The university core is required for all students regardless of their major. These general education classes include communication, mathematics, creative arts, and social and behavioral sciences.

The lower-division business core includes first- and second-year classes in program-specific topics, including accounting, macroeconomics, business statistics, and finite math. These classes build a business foundation crucial to supply chain professionals.

The upper-division business core consists of higher-level business and supply chain concentration courses. Students develop their supply chain expertise through coursework in operations and supply chain management, project management, global logistics management, and global supply chain management.

Finally, this program offers students the ability to select electives to fill in any semester credits needed to fulfill the 120 credit hours required to graduate.

Again, programs differ from school to school, but this offers an inside look at what you might expect from an online supply chain degree program.

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

While many of the same fundamental aspects of online and traditional in-person classes are the same, there are various reasons to choose one over the other. Some of the pros and cons for online programs include the following:

Advantages of Online Supply Chain Management Degrees:

• Ability to study from home or anywhere in the world
• Choice of schools 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

Disadvantages of Online Supply Chain Management Degrees:

• You may not have face-to-face contact with fellow students
• More difficult to connect with others and expand your professional network in online programs
• 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 ultimately personal. 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 you and your academic and career goals. Here are some steps to narrow down your options:

1) Choose a Location

Can you travel across the country to complete in-person program requirements on campus? Or, will you need to stay closer to home to make campus visits feasible? Double-check how many in-person sessions each online program requires before you commit.

Another important consideration related to location is program cost. Online students attending in-state may pay lower tuition rates than their out-of-state classmates. But don’t forget about online tuition rates. Many schools offer one tuition schedule for all online students, regardless of their location. Do your homework, calculate the estimated tuition price based on your circumstances, and narrow the list to supply chain programs you can afford.

Before we move on, consider unique costs for online students. For example, are university supply chain scholarships available to online students? Are there other funding opportunities you can pursue? Do financial support programs cover costs like books, a laptop, and related items? Are there fees assigned to online students? Ask a lot of questions!

2) Match Program Curriculum to Your Interests

Do you want an academic major dedicated 100% to supply chain management and logistics? Or, would you prefer to get a broad education in related industries by pursuing a supply chain concentration within a business administration, marketing, or engineering degree? Consider the various types of programs available and how their curriculum matches your career goals.

For example, students interested in management may benefit from a supply chain management concentration within a BSBA program. They’ll cover a broader range of business topics, including management. 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.

3) 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.

To summarize: choose a school with a location and reputation that you’re comfortable with, where the curriculum matches your career aspirations and fits within your budget.

Get Started on Your Journey as a Supply Chain Expert

If you are looking to start a career in a rapidly growing field with long-term growth, supply chain management and logistics is a fantastic option to consider. As global supply chains become increasingly complex, there’s a growing need for business professionals who can manage getting products from point A to point B. The supply chain management and logistics field offers careers that do just that. So whether this will be your first time attending college or you are returning to school, an online program might just be the perfect fit for you.

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