Best Online Operations Management Degree Programs of 2025

10 Best Online Bachelor’s in Operations Management Degree Programs (4-Year)

Rankings from SupplyChainGuide.org are based on industry credibility and real-world outcomes. Our algorithm pulls on data from trusted government sources like IPEDS, external awards, and in-depth manual program research. To ensure statistical accuracy, we collaborate with a Ph.D. statistician who reviews our methodology and oversees the ranking calculations.

• University Status: Our rankings of the best online bachelor’s degrees in operations management only feature non-profit universities with regional accreditation.
• Program Focus: To be included in our operations management rankings, programs had to offer a substantial amount of coursework in the field. That means we were willing to consider undergraduate programs in Operations & Supply Chain Management (OSCM).
• Delivery Format: For our 2025 rankings, we have only considered undergraduate programs in operations management that are 100% online or online with minimal campus requirements.
• Program Quality: Our rankings algorithm incorporates key indicators such as admissions selectivity, student completion rates, debt rates, and median graduate earnings to assess the overall program’s strength.
• Reputation Signals: We also recognized programs that have been highlighted by respected outlets, including U.S. News & World Report. These received an additional boost in our scoring system.
• AACSB Accreditation: Institutions with a School of Business accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) received a rankings boost. Even if the featured program is housed in a different department, AACSB accreditation is a strong indicator of academic excellence.

To help you create a shortlist of potential degrees, we have divided our 2025 rankings into two categories: 4-year online programs in operations management that are willing to consider recent high school graduates and online degree completion programs that are designed for associate degree holders or those with existing undergraduate-level credits. Keep in mind that most 4-year online programs are happy to accept transfer students.

5 Best Online Operations Management Degree Completion Programs

Bachelor’s in Operations Management: Degree Options

Bachelor’s in Business Administration (BBA or BSBA)

A BSBA or BBA in Operations Management combines core business education with training in managing the processes that produce goods and services. Before business administration students are allowed to focus on operations management concerns, they are always schooled in key business functions such as finance, marketing, economics, accounting, and organizational behavior. See Kansas State University’s Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Operations/Supply Chain Management for an example.

Earning a BSBA or BBA at the undergraduate level gives students the option to apply for a wider range of business and general management roles upon graduation. It’s also the standard degree for those who are eyeing an MBA later down the track. Each university takes a slightly different approach to business administration coursework, so examine the curriculum carefully. Some BBA and BSBA programs only devote 2-3 courses to operations management.

Bachelor of Science (BS)

A BS in Operations Management is a specialist degree that offers a deep dive into operations, logistics, quality management, and related areas. This kind of program may also be more focused on technical, analytical, and quantitative skills. Colorado State University Global’s Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Operations and Supply Chain Management is a classic example. It explores every aspect of operations management. Students can refine it even further by selecting a degree specialization.

Students who select a BS degree in operations management are typically passionate about the field. They have a strong interest in areas such as process efficiency or systems. Or they may be gunning for specialized roles in areas such as supply chain analytics, process improvement, or manufacturing systems.

As long as you’ve earned your degree from a reputable university, most recruiters don’t see a huge amount of difference between the BBA/BSBA and the BS in Operations Management. They may be much more interested in your internships, work experience, Lean Six Sigma qualifications, and APICS certifications than your degree title.

Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) and Degree Completion Programs

A BAS in Operations Management is designed to help associate degree holders and students with pre-existing college credits finish their bachelor’s degree quickly and efficiently. These programs typically launch straight into upper division courses in business & operations management. Take a look at the degree completion programs in our rankings to get a sense of how they work. Applicants should check the admissions section before applying to learn which credits will be transferable. Some schools are willing to grant transfer credits for professional certifications and work experience.

It’s worth noting that traditional 4-year programs in operations management are also open to transfer students. A number of universities will accept up to 90 transfer credits. You may wish to consider this option if you want a more academically balanced or research-based education or you’re looking to take advantage of the university’s career resources (e.g. internships, student organizations, alumni networks, etc.). Some 4-year programs will also offer an accelerated pathway into a master’s degree such as an MBA or MS in Supply Chain.

Operations Management Degrees vs. Logistics Degrees vs. Supply Chain Management Degrees

Operations Management Degrees

Operations management (OM) is primarily concerned with how organizations manage their internal processes to produce goods and deliver services. That means coursework for a bachelor’s degree in OM may focus on areas such as production planning & control, quality management, process optimization, inventory management, capacity planning, and Lean systems and Six Sigma.

Logistics Management Degrees

Logistics management is concerned with the efficient flow and storage of goods, services, and information from a point of origin to a point of consumption. Logistics managers want to deliver the right product at the right time to the right place. That means coursework for a bachelor’s degree in logistics may explore areas such as order fulfillment, transportation & fleet management, warehousing & distribution, customs, and shipping.

Supply Chain Management Degrees

Supply chain management (SCM) goes beyond internal operations. It’s concerned with the flow of goods, services, and information across a number of organizations. That means coursework for a bachelor’s degree in SCM often covers areas such as logistics & transportation, procurement & sourcing, demand forecasting, global trade & compliance, supply chain strategy, and risk management.

Combined Undergraduate Majors

You don’t have to sacrifice one field of interest for another! Many of the online programs in our rankings combine operations management and SCM into one tidy major called OSCM. There are also plenty of combined logistics & SCM programs in our rankings and directory of Online Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management Programs. Check the curriculum to learn how much coursework will be devoted to each field.

Operations Management Career Paths

A bachelor’s degree in operations management will help you qualify for entry-level roles in operations management and supply chain domains. Use our list of job titles and AI to learn more about each role.

It’s important to note that companies will also be looking for real-world experience, professional certifications, and a practical understanding of ops tools & systems (e.g. Excel, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, business analytics, etc.). This is why we have highlighted internship opportunities, capstone projects, industry partnerships, and certification preparation opportunities in our online degree rankings.

Most ops management professionals recommend prioritizing APICS certifications, including the Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) and Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) from the ASCM, and Lean Six Sigma certification.

Entry-Level to Mid-Level Roles

These are typical job titles for recent operations management graduates or those with 1–5 years of experience:

• Operations Analyst
• Production Planner
• Logistics Coordinator
• Supply Chain Analyst
• Inventory Analyst
• Procurement Specialist
• Manufacturing Supervisor
• Quality Control Coordinator
• Process Improvement Associate
• Demand Planner

Management-Level Roles

These operations mangement jobs may require 3–7+ years of experience and relevant professional certifications:

• Operations Manager
• Plant Manager
• Supply Chain Manager
• Warehouse Manager
• Project Manager (in operations-heavy contexts)
• Production Manager
• Purchasing Manager
• Logistics Manager
• Facilities Manager
• Service Delivery Manager

Specialized or Technical Roles

Specialist roles in operations management can often be found in the tech, consulting, or industrial sectors:

• Business Process Analyst
• Industrial Production Analyst
• ERP Implementation Specialist
• Continuous Improvement Coordinator (Lean/Six Sigma)
• Scheduling Analyst
• Operations Research Assistant

Senior-Level Roles

Operations management graduates can also grow into more strategic roles with years of experience and/or relevant certifications:

• Director of Operations
• Senior Operations Analyst
• Global Supply Chain Planner
• Operational Excellence Manager
• Lean Manufacturing Manager

Is an Operations Management Degree Worth It?

A bachelor’s degree in operations management can be worth the investment if you have a clear job strategy. Although a number of folks have secured a position as an operations analyst or manager with a high school diploma or associate degree, a bachelor’s qualification is a “tick box” for a number of entry-level and early career roles. You won’t be able to pass the résumé filters at some companies without it.

Evaluate your circumstances before you make a decision:

• Recent High School Graduates: Focus on 4-year programs that provide a lot of practical training and career support, including internships, introductions to corporate partners, and project-based coursework. You want to accrue as much real-world experience as possible before graduating.
• Associate Degree or Existing Credits: Consider an online degree completion program or 4-year program that accepts transfer credits. These degrees will have flexible schedules for working professionals. They may grant you credits for certifications & work experience. And they can help you find cheap ways to take prerequisite courses.
• Currently Employed in an Ops-Related Role: Talk to your employer about your plans and career ambitions. Your company may be willing to subsidize the price of a low-cost online degree in operations management or OSCM, especially if you are receiving training in advanced tools and business skills (e.g. accounting).