Guide to Graduate Certificate Programs in Supply Chain Management and Logistics

A graduate certificate in supply chain management and logistics is the logical next step for working professionals who are not ready to pursue a master’s degree. Use our guide to learn how to choose one! Discover what kinds of specialized SCM certificate programs are available. Explore the differences between undergraduate & graduate certificates. And find answers to FAQs about costs, credit transfers, and career benefits. Ready to make a decision? Skip ahead to our complete directory of SCM graduate certificates.

What are Graduate Certificates in Supply Chain Management and Logistics?

Graduate certificates in SCM are designed for supply chain and logistic professionals who want to increase their knowledge, skills, and understanding to maximize their effectiveness within an organization. They only require a handful of courses, are often available online, and can be finished off within a year. Individuals who have already completed a bachelor’s degree and have relevant professional experience will benefit the most from these types of programs.

Organizations rely on supply chain professionals to oversee a complex system of interconnecting pieces of a global process that includes products, data, and shipping. With globalization and advancement in recent technologies, an accredited graduate certificate in SCM may be the ideal way to improve your company’s performance and advance your career. It also gives you the option to pursue a master’s degree or MBA in the future.

Types of Supply Chain Management & Logistics Graduate Certificates

Graduate Certificates in SCM & Logistics

Many schools and institutions offer graduate certificates in either supply chain management, logistics, or a combination of both. Depending on your ultimate career goal or reason for pursuing the certificate, it is important to understand which type of program is best for you.

• Supply Chain Management: Supply chain management certificates are integrated programs that explore supply chain systems from end-to-end. They often feature courses in management concerns, including topics such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), operations management, supply chain design, and strategy.
• Logistics: Logistics is generally considered to be a sub-set of supply chain management. It’s concerned with how products, materials, and services in the supply chain are acquired, stored, and delivered. So you may see certificate courses in subjects such as warehousing systems, inventory & materials management, quality control, and lean logistics operations.

Each program is unique, so take a moment to examine the curriculum links in our listings to get a sense of the possibilities. You have so many options that you can afford to be choosy in selecting a certificate.

Graduate Certificates in Niche SCM Fields

Within our listings, you’ll also discover offerings in niche subjects such as supply chain analytics, maritime management, and global supply chains. Standard SCM graduate certificates may touch on these topics, but specialized programs will dive much deeper. For example:

• Auburn University offers a Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Planning that could work well for current logistics planning managers. This certificate highlights connections between business strategy and supply chain capabilities. It analyzes issues related to distribution and fulfillment and explores the possibilities of aggregate planning for capacity allocation.
• Interested in digging into supply chain data? The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a practical Certificate in Supply Chain Analytics. You’ll discover how to work with big data and quantitative methods in order to bolster your company’s supply chain reporting and analysis and create a more efficient supply chain system.

These types of certificates are ideal for current SCM professionals who need to “upskill” their work in order to qualify for more senior-level positions or specialist jobs (e.g. supply chain analyst).

Overview of Graduate Certificates in Supply Chain Management & Logistics

Admissions Requirements

To pursue a graduate certificate in supply chain management, you’ll need the following to apply:

• A bachelor’s degree in supply chain, logistics, or a related field
• A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5-3.0 on a 4.0 scale and a 3.0 GPA on any previous graduate coursework
• Professional experience related to supply chain management

You may also be required to submit a résumé, transcripts for all completed courses, and a nominal application fee.

Curriculum

Most graduate certificate programs in SCM fields feature three to six courses for a total of 9-18 credit hours. In many cases, you’ll tackle a number of required core courses and then have the option to select electives.

For example, Wright State University’s nine-credit Supply Chain Management Graduate Certificate allows students to choose three courses from the following list:

• Foundations of Supply Chain Management
• Global Logistics and Trade
• Performance Management and Supply Chain Transformation
• Supply Chain Design and Integration
• Supply Chain Operations and Control
• Total Quality Management and Lean Supply Processes
• Info-Tech and Supply Chain
• Strategic Sourcing

With electives, you can build a certificate program focused on the skills that will benefit you the most and skip those that may not apply to your day-to-day responsibilities.

Note: Always review on-campus requirements when considering online certificate programs to budget for travel expenses. For instance, Wright State’s online certificate program includes a one-day, on-campus residency for each course.

Undergraduate vs. Graduate Certificates in SCM

When considering supply chain management certificates in our listings, you may notice that some schools offer undergraduate and graduate certificate programs. Both programs provide knowledge and skills that are needed to thrive in a supply chain or logistics role. So how do you decide which certificate to pursue?

Undergraduate Certificate in Supply Chain Management and Logistics

Undergraduate certificates are usually designed for students who do not currently possess a four-year bachelor’s degree in SCM. Credits earned in these programs are almost always available to transfer into a four-year program once completed. Students who benefit the most from undergraduate certificate programs are:

• Entry-level professionals looking to start their careers in supply chain management
• Early-career supply chain professionals who wish to expand their current knowledge base
• Job seekers who want to add authority to their résumé
• Associate’s degree holders testing their ability to complete a full bachelor’s program

Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Management and Logistics

Graduate certificates in SCM focus on advanced supply chain topics. They are designed for bachelor’s-educated professionals who already have some experience with supply chain management and logistics. For example, Penn State World Campus offers a Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Management where students focus on:

• Supply chain strategy and network design
• Purchasing and negotiations
• Inventory cost analysis, planning, and control
• Performance measurement
• Information technology and decision support
• Transportation systems operation and third-part logistics services providers

These high-level supply chain and logistics topics require a certain level of skill and understanding before enrollment. They may be difficult for students who lack a base knowledge in this field.

FAQs: Graduate Certificates in Supply Chain Management and Logistics

Should I Earn a Graduate Certificate or Master’s Degree in SCM?

The answer depends on your job, your budget, and your time. A graduate certificate in SCM is a useful qualification, but it is not a degree. A short-term program doesn’t carry the same weight in the employment market as a top-notch MBA or MS. It also doesn’t include career-focused elements such as capstone projects and networking events. If you want to have a graduate degree on your résumé, you will need to complete additional coursework.

Luckily, many schools are happy to accept credits from an accredited graduate certificate program and apply them toward a Master’s in Supply Chain Management. You’ll have a strong head-start on your studies and eliminate the need to take the same coursework twice. Before you embark on this journey, identify a few potential master’s degree programs and ask the program coordinator about transfer policies. You need to be sure your credits will be recognized.

How Much Do Supply Chain Management and Logistics Certificates Cost?

Supply chain management and logistics graduate certificates are an affordable education milestone for any student. While a graduate degree in SCM can cost anywhere from $30,000-$80,000 (or more), an affordable graduate certificate can cost under $10,000. For example, a Master’s Certificate in Supply Chain Management and Procurement from Michigan State University can be completed in 24 weeks for under $7,000.

You can reduce your tuition in other ways as well. Some graduate certificate programs offer discounts to applicants who are first responders, active or retired military, and alumni of the hosting institution. Many employers also offer a reimbursement program for employees to continue their professional development. If you are unsure if your company offers these services, reach out to your manager or human resources representative.

Is a Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Management and Logistics Worth It?

If you are looking to qualify for a promotion, change career paths within SCM, or simply brush up on developments in the field, a graduate certificate in supply chain management and logistics may be a great fit. These programs offer a quick and affordable opportunity to sharpen your skills, deepen your knowledge, and open more doors for your future.

Speak with colleagues and employers, including upper-level managers, to learn more about how valuable a certificate program can be to your career. If the certificate enables you to advance into a better job title or increase your salary, then it’s an excellent investment in your future.

All Supply Chain Management Certificate Programs

Explore our comprehensive directory of certificate programs in supply chain management from regionally accredited institutions. To accommodate working SCM professionals, many of these part-time certificates are offered in online or hybrid formats. Use the admissions, tuition, and curriculum links to kick-start your research!