Supply Chain Management Degrees in Texas

Students interested in global trade should consider supply chain management degree programs in Texas. As of 2022, Texas has been America’s largest exporter for 21 consecutive years, supported by its road, rail, seaport, and airport transportation infrastructures.

With numerous commodities, including oil, electronics, machinery, and agricultural, students will find many opportunities for internships and jobs within the Texas supply chain.

Read on to learn more about opportunities for students in the Lone Star state, including every supply chain and logistics degree program offered.

The Supply Chain Industry in Texas

Spanning 1,254 miles, Texas’s international border is the longest stretch in the continental United States, making Mexico the state’s number one trade partner through 28 border crossings.

In addition to ground transport, Texas’s seaports account for nearly $450 billion of the state’s economy and are ranked #2 for waterborne commerce in the U.S.

Texas also supports small- and medium-sized businesses with international trade through the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). In fact, 93% of Texas exporters are considered small businesses. Companies looking to increase their reach into international markets can receive financial assistance, training, and counseling.

Study Supply Chain Management in Texas

Career growth for logisticians (those coordinating an organization’s supply chain) and operations research analysts is expected to “grow much faster than average,” according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

When considering degrees, students need to understand what the program includes, the opportunities it offers, and the coursework that will get them ahead in their careers.

Undergraduate Programs

Students seeking a well-rounded supply chain management program have many choices in Texas.

Texas A&M University’s BBA in Supply Chain Management provides practical experience, networking, the Aggie Supply Chain Professionals (ASCP) student organization, the Supply Chain Consortium, industry connections, and exposure to special topics such as blockchain.

For one of the first and largest programs in the country, students should explore the University of Houston’s BBA in Supply Chain Management.

The University of Texas at Dallas provides a BS in Supply Chain Management that focuses on analytics and business operations. Additionally, students gain experience in Lean and Six Sigma, project management, and spreadsheet modeling. The program also boasts required internships and community service, company site visits, mentoring, résumé building, and scholarships.

Many schools focus on preparing students for industry-standard certifications:

Baylor University, for example, qualifies students to become a Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) and a Project Management Professional (PMP). Meanwhile, the University of North Texas at Dallas offers a BBA in Supply Chain and Marketing Management. The school partners with APICS and offers internships with transport companies like JB Hunt and TxDOT.

Students looking to pursue a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) career related to supply chain can find some interesting choices:

Texas A&M University has a BS in Industrial Distribution with a curriculum focused on engineering and business. They offer labs, field trips, and study-abroad opportunities. Similarly, the University of Houston has a BS in Supply Chain and Logistics Technology. And the University of North Texas offers a BS in Aviation Logistics, specializing in the movement of goods by air.

Graduate Programs

When students want to further their education or specialize within the supply chain field to improve their knowledge and career prospects, they can find numerous master’s and PhD options available in Texas.

Lamar University offers a Master of Engineering Management with a Supply Chain and ERP focus that prepares students for the essential software used in businesses across the globe.

For online options, the AACSB-accredited Sam Houston State University has an MBA with a concentration on Supply Chain Management, and Texas A&M International University offers an MBA in International Trade and Logistics. Both provide a well-rounded education for those pursuing leadership positions in organizations.

There are also opportunities for PhD programs focusing on the theoretical and research skills necessary for academic faculty positions. Options include the University of North Texas, the University of Houston, or Texas A&M University, which provides a monthly stipend and covered tuition.

Certificates/Continuing Education

Supply chain certificates are beneficial for undergrads, graduates, or current professionals to enhance their knowledge and boost their résumés. Many universities offer the option for current students or those already in the workforce.

For those looking to enter careers involving international trade and customs brokering, Texas A&M International has a Certificate in Transportation, International Trade, and Logistics.

For a more general certification, the University of Texas Austin Supply Chain Certificate requires six credits that can be completed over three years. Students can take courses around analytics, strategy, and supply chain design.

The University of North Texas at Dallas also offers a Logistics Supply Chain Management Certificate for professionals or current students.