Supply chain and logistics professionals ensure the smooth flow of goods and services from raw materials suppliers to manufacturers and producers and finally to the consumer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports median annual salaries between $44,510-$156,580 for these professionals depending on work experience, educational background, and industry. The BLS reports a median annual salary of $39,810 for all other occupations.
Graduates from a bachelor's in supply chain management and logistics program can enter a robust professional environment with career options in diverse fields and high income potential.
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Supply Chain Logistics Programs FAQ
What can you do with a degree in logistics and supply chain management?
A bachelor's in supply chain management and logistics typically qualifies graduates for jobs such as operations managers, logistics analysts, purchasing agents, and production planners.
Is logistics and supply chain management a good career?
A supply chain management and logistics bachelor's degree opens several career paths in diverse industries. As such, the program may deliver employment longevity and various professional opportunities.
Does supply chain management pay well?
Many of the jobs that degree-seekers usually qualify for receive above-average median annual salaries, including management analysts and logisticians.
Does supply chain management involve a lot of math?
Most supply chain management programs include coursework in statistics, linear algebra, and differential calculus.
Why Get a Degree in Supply Chain Management and Logistics?
Supply chain management and logistics program graduates often find employment in diverse industries including manufacturing, energy, and transportation. Students develop skills in planning, procuring, distributing, warehousing, and several other operational fields crucial for productivity and profitability.
Professionals with this background and training often enjoy higher-than-average salaries and plenty of career growth opportunities. According to the BLS, operations managers (a common career path for degree-holders) earn a median annual salary of $100,780, and the industry reports over 2.4 million total employment.
How Much Does a Supply Chain Management and Logistics Degree Cost?
Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) shows a total attendance cost at four-year public institutions of $24,900 for the 2018-2019 school year. Students at four-year, private nonprofit schools paid $51,900. Both amounts include on-campus room and board. The typical cost of a bachelor's in supply chain management and logistics for on-campus enrollees likely approximates these amounts.
The average attendance cost without on-campus housing comes to $14,600 for public institutions and $41,100 for private nonprofit colleges and universities. Online enrollees often pay these lower amounts since they do not require on-campus accommodations.
Some online programs offer accelerated delivery schedules; classes follow six-week or eight-week terms rather than the regular 16-week semester. Many students who pursue an accelerated online program graduate earlier than on-campus enrollees. They also pay less for tuition since they enroll for fewer semesters.
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How Much Do Supply Chain Management and Logistics Majors Make?
Supply chain management and logistics professionals' salaries often depend on their industry, academic background, and relevant work experience. Degree-holders in the transportation, warehousing, and distribution industry report a median annual salary of $94,560. The highest-paying industries in this field include telecommunications ($149,360), crude oil pipeline transportation companies ($148,070), and aerospace parts manufacturers ($145,820). While not the highest-paying industry, warehousing and storage companies employ the most workers in this field (12,500).
The District of Columbia paid transportation and distribution managers a mean annual salary of $138,000, serving as the field's top-paying state. States that paid the next highest salaries include the following: Delaware ($132,540), New Jersey ($124,890), New York ($120,700), and Rhode Island ($120,580). As with many other professional fields, an advanced degree can significantly improve career options and income potential.
Courses in Supply Chain Management and Logistics
The duties and responsibilities of supply chain management and logistics professionals often depend on their company's industry type and size. The logistics and supply chain needs of a global corporation will understandably differ from that of a local business. In addition to industry-specific topics such as logistics software, production and inventory control, and transportation management, supply chain and logistics practitioners need a solid background in business policy, economics, marketing, and strategic management.
Many schools offering a bachelor's in supply chain management and logistics feature the courses described below.
Information Technology and Business Analytics
The course familiarizes students with different types of statistical data commonly used in business. Students learn to identify relevant patterns and trends embedded in the data which they then apply to the decision-making process. Topics include data mining and data management techniques, order fulfillment, manufacturing flow, and other business processes.Manufacturing Planning and Control
Students explore various inventory management and production issues related to the supply chain field. They learn how to apply information systems technologies and quantitative models in production and resource planning. The course includes topics such as demand management, enterprise resource planning, and production activity control.Simulation, Modelling and Optimization
The course introduces students to the principal modeling approaches commonly employed in the supply chain management and logistics field, including optimization, queueing, and simulation. Students learn how to identify and address operations and logistics planning problems using the appropriate model. Students become proficient in using spreadsheets and other software to solve modeling and optimization challenges.
Certifications and Licensure for Supply Chain Management and Logistics
Earning a supply chain management credential may boost a practitioner's professional credibility and salary potential. The degree can help focus their skills and demonstrate their knowledge in a specific supply chain management and logistics area. Practitioners can earn a credential at varying stages of their career.
Hailing from the Association for Supply Chain Management, the CSCP credential receives industry-wide recognition. Candidates must possess at least one of the following: three years of relevant work experience, a bachelor's degree, or a recognized credential in the supply chain management and logistics field.
Internationally recognized and administered by the Institute for Supply Management, the CPSM credential presents the holder as a knowledge expert in the major competencies of supply management including negotiation, financial analysis, and supply chain strategy. Candidates must hold at least three years of industry experience and a bachelor's degree or five years of full-time managerial experience in the field without a bachelor's degree.
Candidates must hold at least a bachelor's from an accredited college or university or four years of relevant work experience in the supply chain management field. The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals administers an exam requiring candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of the eight cornerstones of supply chain management: planning, inventory, source, information, production, location, transportation, and return of goods.
Scholarships for Supply Chain Management and Logistics
Colleges and universities offering a supply chain management and logistics program often support their students through various scholarship and networking opportunities. Several professional organizations and nonprofit groups with industry ties also maintain various financial assistance programs for supply chain management and logistics bachelor's degree students.
Scholarships for Supply Chain Management and Logistics
| Scholarship |
Amount |
Who Can Apply |
NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship |
Up to $25,000 |
The National Retail Federation Foundation offers this award to students pursuing a career in retail who demonstrate leadership skills. Applicants must hold a minimum 3.0 GPA and previous experience in a retail job or internship. |
The John Galt Scholarship for Future Supply Chain Leaders |
$10,000 |
Full-time students pursuing a degree in supply chain management at an accredited institution can apply for the scholarship. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and provide a personal statement that shows dedication to personal growth. |
Online Bachelor's In Supply Chain Management and Logistics Programs
#1 Online Supply Chain Management And Logistics Degrees
Murray State University
- Murray, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Murray State University offers an online bachelor's in logistics and supply chain management for busy learners who want to earn their degree while maintaining employment. The public institution delivers 126 programs, including 25 online programs for distance students.
Bachelor's candidates complete coursework in a virtual classroom environment. While completing core coursework, students gain transferable skills they can apply to a variety of professional roles. Degree-seekers gain transferable critical thinking and communication skills, which apply to careers in a variety of fields. Undergraduates can complete internships to gain experience and bolster their resume.
Online degree-seekers can access support services such as academic advising and career counseling. Students with financial need can submit the FAFSA to apply for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Enrollees can discuss funding options, including grants and scholarships, with qualified financial aid counselors.
Percent Online Enrollment
40%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Online Supply Chain Management And Logistics Degrees
Northern Arizona University
- Flagstaff, AZ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Graduates of Northern Arizona University's online bachelor's in logistics and supply chain management program can pursue a variety of positions in the field. Created with working students in mind, the program lets undergraduates take classes on their schedule.
With a main campus in Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a public institution. In addition to on-campus offerings, the school delivers 70 online programs. Degree-seekers with personal or professional responsibilities often enroll in one of the institution's 18 online bachelor's programs.
Degree candidates complete general education requirements, which foster transferable skills they can apply to field-specific classes. The school requires at least 120 credits for the bachelor's degree. The curriculum features core and specialized business management classes.
Learners can benefit from the school's support services, which include academic and professional resources. Online undergraduates can receive professional assistance and resources from the institution's career counselors. Financial aid counseling can help students reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Online Supply Chain Management And Logistics Degrees
Western Illinois University
- Macomb, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Degree-seekers at public Western Illinois University can attend classes in person or online. With 26 online programs, the school educates learners based in Macomb and throughout the country. Students interested in business management can pursue the institution's flexible bachelor of business in supply chain management.
The program requires general education courses and major classes. Specialized electives allow degree-seekers to customize the program based on their goals and interests. Faculty advisors and career counselors help undergraduates and alumni locate job placements in their field.
The institution holds accreditation, which means enrollees can receive federal grants and loans. Prospective students can contact the school for specific application details.
Western Illinois University Facts:
Total Bachelor's Programs: 72
Online Bachelor's Programs: 14
Number of Online Students: 3,688
Admission Rate: 57%
Graduation Rate: 51%
Per-Credit Price: N/A
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
Percent Online Enrollment
48%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Online Supply Chain Management And Logistics Degrees
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
- Daytona Beach, FL
- 4 years
- Online
The bachelor of science in logistics and supply chain management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide ranks as one of the top online programs in the field. At the private institution, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, undergraduates enroll in on-campus and online programs. The flexible learning format makes it easier for students to balance school with work or other responsibilities.
During the online bachelor's program, enrollees gain a foundational and advanced understanding of business management. Students work closely with faculty mentors and academic advisors to individualize their degree based on their interests and career goals. Services like online tutoring, financial aid advising, and career counseling also help distance learners reach their goals.
As an accredited institution, enrollees can submit the FAFSA and use federal financial aid programs like the Pell Grant to pay for college. Degree-seekers also use scholarships, grants, and loans to cover their expenses.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide Facts:
Total Bachelor's Programs: 16
Online Bachelor's Programs: 16
Number of Online Students: 12,828
Rate of Acceptance: 62%
Student Graduation Rate: 28%
Fee Per Credit: N/A
Transfer Credits Counted: No
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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