Do you need a Master’s in Supply Chain Management for a rewarding career? Maybe, maybe not. But in the global economy, the supply chain is everything, and managerial positions are increasingly important, rewarding, and competitive. A master’s degree can make all the difference in advancing your position and standing out on the job market. There are numerous reasons why a person would want to earn a masters of supply chain management.
For one, a supply chain management masters opens up more opportunities than a bachelor’s in supply chain management. A master of supply chain management can better prepare a person for a position. The masters of supply chain management degree makes a person more marketable to a prospective employee. In some cases, completing a supply chain management masters is a qualification that a prospective employer requires. This means that a master of supply chain management degree can open up new opportunities that weren’t previously available to a person.
Featured Programs
Methodology: Ranking the Best Supply Chain Management Master’s Programs
For our ranking of the best master’s degree in supply chain management, Great Business Schools editors sought out traditional, on-campus programs known for quality, mentorship, and job market reputation. Only accredited, trusted institutions were considered, and ranked according to data from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and Niche.
1. Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University’s Chaifetz School of Business offers one of the best supply chain management masters programs in the country. SLU’s best master supply chain management degree program includes coursework that prepares degree candidates to make sound decisions in product design, storage, shipping, and e-commerce. As a best masters degree in supply chain management, SLU’s MS in supply chain management requires the completion of 42 credit units to graduate. The Chaifetz Business School’s MS in supply chain management has received accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Saint Louis University was established in 1818 and is recognized as the oldest institution of higher education that is west of the Mississippi River. The school is affiliated with the Roman Catholic (Jesuit) Church. Saint Louis University’s urban campus covers more than 270 acres and serves more than 12,500 students.
Highlight Saint Louis University operates an international campus in Spain.
Degree MS in Supply Chain Management
2. Michigan State University
Michigan State University’s Broad College of Business offers one of the best masters degree in supply chain management degree programs. Broad College’s best master supply chain management program has been recognized as the number one graduate supply chain management degree program in the country. Degree candidates for these best supply chain management masters programs require the completion of 31 credit units through their hybrid delivery option. Students can complete the supply management program in about 21 months through on-campus classes and relevant distance learning components.
Michigan State University was established in 1855. MSU is recognized as a public, land grant, and sea-grant institution of higher learning. Michigan State University’s student enrollment exceeds 50,000, which makes the university one of the largest in terms of student enrollment.
Highlight Michigan State University was one of the first post-secondary schools in the United States to offer a degree program that covered scientific agriculture.
Degree MS in Supply Chain Management
3. Georgetown University
Georgetown University’s offers one of the best masters degree in supply chain management programs in the nation. Georgetown’s best master supply chain management program is available online and on-campus. The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Supply Chain Management degree requires the completion of 33 credit units, which can be completed full time in two years; or part-time in up to five years. Georgetown University’s best supply chain management masters programs prepare degree graduates to enter the workforce to manage complex supply chain systems effectively.
Georgetown University was established in 1789. Georgetown University is recognized as the oldest Catholic (Jesuit) institution of higher education in the nation but operates academically separately from the Church. The school’s urban campus is home to more than 19,000 students studying for degrees offered by the university’s ten colleges/schools.
Highlight Georgetown University’s acceptance rate is only 14%, which makes it a highly selective school with regard to student applications.
Degree MPS in Supply Chain Management
4. University of Michigan
The University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business offers one of the best supply chain management masters programs in the country. UM Ann Arbor’s best masters degree in supply chain management prepares degree graduates for the complex global marketplace that must be negotiated to succeed as a successful supply chain manager. The curriculum for UM’s ten-month best master supply chain management includes Applied Business Analytics, Supply Chain for Global Management, Logistics, and Strategic Sourcing, to name a few.
The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor was established in 1817. UM Ann Arbor is a public, space-grant, sea-grant, and flagship institution of higher education and is the state of Michigan’s oldest post-secondary school. The school operates an arboretum and serves more than 46,000 students.
Highlight The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor was established two decades before Michigan was adopted as a state.
Degree Master of Supply Chain Management
5. University of Colorado
The University of Colorado’s Leeds School of Business offers an MS in Supply Chain Management is recognized among the best supply chain management masters programs available. CU Boulder’s MS in Supply Management prepares students to effectively manage the complex global supply marketplace. The placement and graduation rate for graduates of CU Boulder’s best masters degree in supply chain management is 100%. The best master supply chain management provided by CU Boulder is available on campus with a full-time commitment and part-time commitment online.
The University of Colorado was established in 1876, several years before Colorado became a state. CU Boulder is recognized as the flagship school of the University of Colorado system. CU Boulder’s 750+-acre campus is home to more than 35,400 students studying for the 150+ academic degree programs offered by CU Boulder’s nine colleges/schools.
Highlight The University of Colorado boasts that more than 20 astronauts have been affiliated with the school.
Degree MS in Supply Chain Management
6. Purdue University
Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management offers one of the best masters degree in supply chain management degree program in the country. Purdue’s MS in Global Supply Chain Management degree program prepares graduates in the areas of operations, business analytics, and supply chain management. Purdue’s best supply chain management masters programs are available in a traditional format and an accelerated format for supply chain professionals with six or more years of relevant experience. Degree candidates for this best master supply chain management must complete 30 credit units to graduate.
Purdue University–West Lafayette was established in 1869 under the Morrill Land Grant Act. The school is a space-grant, sea-grant, land grant, and flagship institution of higher education for the Purdue University System. The school’s large-town campus covers more than 2,500 acres and serves more than 43,000 students.
Highlight Purdue University has more than 20 alumni who were astronauts.
Degree MS in Global Supply Chain Management
7. Arizona State University
Arizona State University’s Carey School of Business offers one of the best master supply chain management degree programs in Global Logistics. Arizona State’s MS in Global Logistics is recognized among the best graduate schools by US News. ASU’s nine-month best supply chain management masters programs require degree candidates to complete eleven logistics courses in management, plus an applied supply chain project. Coursework for Arizona State University’s best masters degree in supply chain management program prepares students for the challenges found in solving global supply initiatives.
Arizona State University was established in 1885. ASU’s on-campus student enrollment exceeds 90,000 (for all campuses) and another 37,000+ students studying for degrees online. Arizona State University offers undergraduate students more than 325-academic degree opportunities and other 400-degree options for a graduate degree and certificate programs.
Highlight Arizona State University operates five campuses throughout the greater Phoenix metro area, with another several regional academic centers throughout the state.
Degree MS in Global Logistics
8. University of Tennessee–Knoxville
The University of Tennessee’s Haslam College of Business offers one of the best master supply chain management programs either as a Master of Science (MS) degree or as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. UTK’s best supply chain management masters programs offer an online option as well as a tri-continent option where the students study in the US, China (Tonghu University’s School of Economics & Management), and Germany (Kuehne Logistics University. Degree graduates of UTK’s best masters degree in supply chain management prepares students to manage the fast-paced logistics industry.
The University of Tennessee—Knoxville was established in 1794, several years before Tennessee. UTK is the flagship campus for the University of Tennessee system. UTK’s campus covers more than 600 acres and is home to nearly 29,000 students.
Highlight The University of Tennessee is recognized among the top 50 public institutions of higher education in the country.
Degree MS or MBA in Supply Chain Management
9. Northwestern University
Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Business offers a Master of Business Administration degree program with a concentration in Operations Management that is considered one of the best supply chain management masters programs in the country. This best master supply chain management degree can be completed in either one or two-year curriculums. NU’s best masters degree in supply chain management includes coursework of Strategic Decisions in Operations, Financial Decision, Applied Advanced Analytics, and an Analytical Consulting Lab, plus several field studies in the discipline.
Northwestern University was established in 1851. NU’s main campus covers more than 225 acres, and the Chicago campus covers more than 20 acres. The school’s total student enrollment exceeds 21,000. NU’s endowment is among the top endowments of all schools across the country.
Highlight Northwestern University operates campuses in Evanston and Chicago, IL, and Qatar, with learning centers in Florida, California, and Washington, DC.
Degree MBA in Operations Management
10. Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business offers one of the best masters degree in supply chain management degree programs through their Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with a concentration in Operations Management. CMU’s best master supply chain management degree program prepares students for the planning, organizing of the development and shipment of services and products. Coursework for this best supply chain management masters programs includes the areas of Risk Analysis, Strategic Operations, Price Optimization, and Supply Chain Management. Degree candidates from CMU’s best masters in supply chain management degree program participate in the country’s national MBA case study competition.
Carnegie Technical School was established in 1900. The school merged with Mellon Research Institute in the late 1960s to form Carnegie Mellon University. CMU’s campus near downtown Pittsburgh is home to nearly 15,000 students studying for degrees offered by the university’s seven colleges/schools.
Highlight:Carnegie Mellon University operates more than ten education facilities across six continents and has more than 19 professional research partnerships.
Degree MBA in Operations Management
11. University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business’ Operations Information and Decisions Department offers one of the best masters degree in supply chain management available. UPenn’s best master supply chain management degree program offers three academic tracks – The Decision Process Track, The information Systems Track, and the Operations Management Track. The University of Pennsylvania’s best supply chain management masters programs is offered online through the school’s accredited (from IACET – the International Association for Continuing Education and Training distance learning option.
The University of Pennsylvania was established in 1840. UPenn’s campuses cover more than 1,000 acres and serve nearly 22,000 students. UPenn is ranked among the top six national universities in the country and first in the country by College Factual.
Highlight The University of Pennsylvania is recognized among the nine colonial colleges (schools that were established before the signing of the Declaration of Independence) in the United States.
Degree MBA in Operations, Information, and Decisions
12. University of Wisconsin Madison
The University of Wisconsin Madison’s School of Business offers a Master of Science (MS) degree program in Supply Chain Management that is recognized among the best supply chain management masters programs in the country. Degree candidates for the best master supply chain management degree complete the Supply Chain Management program in one year and take classes in cross-functional business procedures, inventory management, global integration, and distribution channels, to name a few. Work experience is NOT required for those students applying to enroll in this best masters degree in supply chain management.
The University of Wisconsin Madison was established in 1848 under the Morrill Land Grant Act. UW Madison is a public seat grant and land grant university and the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin system. UW Madison’s campus is home to more than 44,000 students studying for a degree offered by the university’s twenty schools/colleges.
Highlight The University of Wisconsin Madison is recognized as the official school of the state and the first public institution of higher learning established in Wisconsin.
Degree MS in Supply Chain Management
13. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Center for Transportation and Logistics offers one of the nation’s best master supply chain management degree programs. MIT’s best supply chain management masters program is available on campus and through a hybrid delivery and is ranked number one by EDUniversal. Degree candidates enrolled in MIT’s best masters degree in supply chain management must complete 90 units, which includes a twelve-unit thesis. Coursework includes Leading Global Teams, Business Writing, Database Analysis for Supply Chain Management, and Data Science, to name a few.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology was established in 1851. MIT is a sea-grant, space-grant, and land grant institution of higher education. MIT’s urban campus runs over a mile along the Charles River, directly opposite to Boston University’s campus. The school is home to more than 11,500 students.
Highlight The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is ranked among the top five universities in the nation by many college ranking services.
Degree Master of Supply Chain Management
14. Fairleigh Dickinson University
Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a top MS in Supply Chain Management on the east coast. Supply chain management is more than just a matter of logistics. It also has to do with timing. Students who enroll in this degree program learn the skills they need to manage not only supply chains but also various operations that are involved in the process. Students must be highly organized and be able to work quickly and efficiently. Enrolling in one of the best Supply Chain Management Masters programs is a great choice if you want to guarantee yourself a job in the field.
Fairleigh Dickinson University is one of the most well-known universities in New Jersey and the surrounding states. Completing the degree program offers graduates an opportunity to pursue a fast-paced and exciting career.
Highlight By offering state of the art technology and professional faculty members, the university ensures that every student receives the best possible education in terms of supply chain management.
Degree MS in Supply Chain Management
Featured Programs
15. Case Western Reserve University
Case Western Reserve University offers one of the best MSM in Operations Research & Supply Chain Management degrees for students who want to work in the field. They are offered the skills they need to manage supply chains and complete operations efficiently in order to keep businesses running smoothly. Students who are looking for the best Masters degree in Supply Chain Management can find what they are looking for at Case Western Reserve University.
Case Western Reserve University is well-known for offering top of the line courses and respected faculty members to students who want the best learning opportunity possible. The education they provide within their structured Supply Chain Management degree program allows the graduate to apply for upper-level employment in companies that require highly skilled professionals. Having the right degree program when it comes to Supply Chain Management will make all the difference when it comes to finding the right job.
Highlight Students learn how to effectively use SAP ERRP Software and also earn their certificate in Business Analytics.
Degree MSM in Operations Research & Supply Chain Management
16. North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University offers the Jenkins MBA in Supply Chain Management to students who are ready to complete their education and move forward with their careers. Graduates complete coursework involving logistics, purchasing, inventory control, distribution, manufacturing, purchasing, and product development. By offering the best Master Supply Chain Management degree programs, North Carolina State University offers graduates the skills they need to advance through the ranks.
North Carolina State University has been offering quality educational programs for several years. Degree programs are organized in such a way that students graduate with the skills they need and the potential for a lifelong career in the industry of their choice. After graduation, the student can use the skills they have learned to good use by finding a job that allows them to grow and move forward.
Highlight Faculty members are professionals in their field and have extensive years of experience to back up their credentials.
Degree Jenkins MBA – Supply Chain Management
17. University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas in Austin offers an MBA in Supply Chain and Operations Management for students who are interested in advancing their careers and moving into a management position. Strategic sourcing, pricing, revenue optimization, project management, supplier management, procurement, and supply chain management and organization are all skills that are taught to students who enroll in the MBA in Supply Chain and Operations Management degree programs offered by the University of Texas.
The University of Texas in Austin is well-known for its advanced degree programs. Students can pursue their education at their own pace and utilize the resources that are available on campus. After graduation, they can put those skills to work in an environment where they can thrive and advance.
Highlight Courses are well-organized and faculty members use their experience to teach students valuable skills and abilities both in the classroom as well as in the real world.
Degree MBA in Supply Chain and Operations Management
18. Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology provides an MS in Supply Chain Engineering that allows students to take advantage of incredibly lucrative employment opportunities. Students are given engineering skills that enable them to establish and coordinate very complex supply chains on a global level. They are taught to analyze trends and manage the operations and processes that supply chains must go through to remain efficient. Georgia Institute of Technology offers the best Master Supply Chain Management degree programs available.
Georgia Institute of Technology (Scheller) offers a learning environment that is second to none in the southeastern states. Learning in the classroom gives the students access to the faculty members as it is needed without having to wait on an email or phone call. Students get the best possible education when it comes to Supply Chain Management degree programs. After graduation, the skills the students have received will provide lifelong benefits for as long as they choose to use them.
Highlight The classroom environment offers a variety of hands-on learning opportunities that are unique to the Institute.
Degree MS in Supply Chain Engineering
19. University of Maryland
The University of Maryland in College Park provides students with the best Master Supply Chain Management degree programs in the Maryland area. Graduates leave the program having a number of skills to help them do their job more efficiently. Courses in logistics, freight handling, buying, operations management, and procurement are all part of the supply chain process. Students who want to earn the best Master of Supply Chain Management degree can enroll in the University of Maryland and complete the program.
The University of Maryland in College Park offers a degree program that has been developed to provide the necessary skills that graduates will need after graduation. The university offers each student access to many resources they can use while attending school. The support offered by these resources is invaluable in terms of experience and hands-on learning.
Highlight By attending class on the campus, students are able to take advantage of many programs that allow for hands-on learning as well as face to face interaction with faculty members.
Degree MS in Supply Chain Management
20. University of Texas at Dallas
The University of Texas in Dallas offers an MS in Supply Chain Management to students who want to pursue a degree involving logistics and global supply chain management. Through the use of high-quality course materials and resources, students are able to gain the knowledge and skills they need to handle any size operation, whether it be big or small. The University of Texas in Dallas offers the best Masters degree in Supply Chain Management for students who want to complete their education and earn their degrees.
The University of Texas in Dallas provides a curriculum that has been developed by professionals in the field. Once a student receives their degree, they have the capability to effectively manage a supply chain operation, no matter what the size or scope. In many cases, the skills the student learns while attending class on campus can be used in other areas of their life as well.
Highlight The school offers resources and class materials that are designed to both educate as well as reinforce hands-on learning techniques that are used while the student is on the job.
Degree MS in Supply Chain Management
21. Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Chicago offers one of the best Supply Chain Management Masters programs available in the Midwest. The school provides each student with the skill sets they need to organize and manage supply chains and also to establish routes and logistics protocols. By offering these lessons, graduates are able to go after employment opportunities in the career field that interests them the most. By offering students the best Masters Degree in Supply Chain Management, the university ensures that each graduate has the ability to perform their duties in a professional and effective manner.
The faculty members chosen to teach the courses have spent years working in their field and bring to the table the experience that is needed to teach students everything they need to know. The face to face connection the student has with the teacher encourages more questions and reinforces the learning process. After graduation, the student can then begin to apply their expertise to the job of their choice.
Highlight Loyola University in Chicago is one of the most prestigious and well-respected institutes of higher learning in the Midwest.
Degree MS in Supply Chain Management
22. Ohio State University
The Ohio State University’s Master of Business Logistics Engineering is one of the most cutting-edge and technologically advanced supply chain management master’s degrees in the US. Unlike typical business degrees, OSU’s MBLE program is explicitly STEM-centered, with a focus on not only understanding and using current logistics tools, but advancing the field with real-world experiential learning.
Ohio State’s location in Columbus, OH, puts it at one of America’s centers for transportation and distribution, which means MBLE students have access to some of the best internship and employment opportunities in the industry. OSU is one of the Midwest’s leading public research universities, with a job market authority that makes it an ideal choice for supply chain management.
Highlight OSU partners with industry giants like FedEx, DHL, and Honda for Business Logistics Engineering students.
Degree Master of Business Logistics Engineering
23. Stanford University
Stanford University offers an MBA in Operations Management that provides each student with a wide variety of skills they will need to apply for and win a top-level job in the supply chain management field. Course topics include leadership, human resources, global management, finance, entrepreneurship, and managerial economics. When used in conjunction with one another, these skills allow the graduate to be a successful and professional asset to any company with the best Master in Supply Chain Management degree programs.
Stanford University is one of the most prestigious universities on the West Coast, from an award-winning faculty to state of the art technology that provides each course with the foundation that is needed to back up the knowledge that is offered. Supply Chain Management degree programs offer students the key to a better, more fulfilling future.
Highlight Graduates have access to the software and programs that drive many of the systems and operations that are used in supply chain organization and management.
Degree MBA in Operations Management
24. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
The MS in Supply Chain Management program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute brings the full expertise of the historic STEM university to a logistics education. RPI takes an interdisciplinary approach to the field, combining technical skills and knowledge with professional and managerial development. Rensselaer’s approach creates fully-rounded leaders for the industry.
Rensselaer is a major influence in technology and business, and its MS in Supply Chain Management program continues to transform the field. Students benefits from top-tier professors, cutting-edge research, and wide industry connections to not only get the highest level of education, but a serious job-market advantage.
Highlight Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is nearing its second century, making it the oldest polytechnic institute in America.
Degree MS in Supply Chain Management
25. University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas offers students one of the best Master Supply Chain Management degree programs. The campus setting also provides skill sets that include procurement, operations management, logistics, inventory control, and supply chain management. The best MBA in Supply Chain Management offered by the University of Arkansas offers students everything they need to succeed in the careers they choose.
The University of Arkansas is well-known for having some of the highest quality degree programs in the country. The faculty members are of the highest caliber and work diligently to provide each student with the education they deserve. Students who graduate from the University of Arkansas have a degree in Supply Chain Management that they can use to get top-ranking jobs in a variety of companies. Earning a Masters in Supply Chain Management is the first step in reaching their career goals.
Highlight Students who attend class on campus at the university also receive additional resources and programs that may not be offered to those who take online classes
Degree MBA in Supply Chain Management
Is Supply Chain Management a Good Career?
Earning a supply chain management master’s can mean more income. Additionally, possessing a degree in supply chain management opens up a variety of career choices. So, what can I do with a master’s in supply chain management?
For one, a person can become a supply chain manager or a quality assurance manager. Additionally, supply chain management careers with a master’s include a commodity manager. Another option for what can I do with a master’s in supply management is a director of purchasing. This is one of the supply chain management careers with masters where a person is the one responsible for determining which products will generate the most income and making negotiations on the price.
Another example of a master’s in supply chain management career is a logistics management analyst. A person may also choose to become a director of supply chain operations as a master’s in supply chain management career.
Masters of supply chain management careers are often leadership positions. These masters of supply chain management careers allow a person to manage the staff, deal with purchasing, or take on various other responsibilities.
How Do I Choose the Best Supply Chain Management Master’s Program?
A simple search for supply chain management master’s programs will give a person a list of search results of schools. It’s important for a person to visit each site and see what the program entails. In other words, a person should look into what the curriculum covers. An individual should also take into consideration the cost of the program. A person wants to choose a program that’s affordable. Additionally, it’s important for a person to look at the reputation of the school and if it has a reputation for adequately preparing a student for a career.
Another vital aspect to consider is if the school is accredited. A person can also look at whether or not the program received accreditation. Supply chain management accreditation is important because it shows that a school’s program in that field can adequately prepare a student for a career. To receive supply chain management accreditation, a program must pass through a rigorous evaluation. The accreditation shows an employer that a person can successfully take on a leadership role within a company. In addition, if a person wants to go on to earn a doctorate, he or she will need to have attended an accredited program. If not, he or she may not be able to further his or her education.
What Kinds of Jobs Can I Get with a Master’s in Supply Chain Management?
Jobs for masters in supply chain management are numerous. For instance, one of the masters in supply chain management jobs is a supply chain manager. This one of the jobs after masters in supply chain management where a person can oversee a supply chain. A person makes sure that employees perform their duties as necessary and will execute many of the jobs associated with supplies.
Some roles are MBA supply chain management jobs. This is because jobs for masters in supply chain management require knowledge that’s not taught in a standard master’s degree program for supply chain management. These roles may be for companies that deal with clients internationally.
One example of the MBA supply chain management jobs is a quality assurance manager. This person is the one responsible for making sure supplies meet standards. This person will need to work with suppliers. Another of the MBA supply chain management jobs is a supply chain manager.
One other option for masters in supply chain management jobs is a commodity manager. A person looking for jobs after masters in supply chain management will also find positions as a director of purchasing. This individual oversees everything related to purchasing. A person could also become a logistics management analyst or a director of supply chain operations.
Another perk of earning a masters in supply chain management is the earning potential. Once a person earns a masters in supply chain management, he or she can earn nearly $100,000 per year or possibly more. The income generated from these positions can earn a person close to $100,000 per year. Some individuals make over this amount. It’s vital to review averages of income for these positions when choosing the ideal one for a person.
Carrie Morris
Author
Warren Dahl
Editor-in-Chief