Supply Chain Management Degree Programs

What a Supply Chain Manager Does

Every business must have supplies and materials in order to run a successful operation. Supply chain managers are employed to ensure that needed suppliers are always available to employees. The job entails dealing with suppliers, meeting with business executives in order to make important contractual decisions, as well as predicting what the company’s needs shall be in the future. Indeed, a good supply chain manager is also a good negotiator in that he or she should be able to get quality materials for their company at a low price.

Other names for supply chain managers include contract managers, buyers, purchasers, and inventory managers. All sorts of businesses, industries, stores, and restaurants employ supply chain managers in order to take care of their inventory and needed supplies.

Taking a degree in supply chain management helps one get a strong foothold in the fields of finance and business. You can expect to take courses in computer systems, contract analysis, marketing, and finance in order to complete these qualifications.

Supply chain management can be quite a rewarding and lucrative field. In the year 2004, the average income of purchasing managers was around $78,020 a year, while buyers made around $48,450. It is expected that a 4.8% growth will take place in the field in the coming years. Financial managers earn around $91,610 a year.

Studying Supply Chain Management Online

As online education becomes increasingly popular in today’s technologically advanced and “on the go” world, students frequently prefer to pursue their studies in the virtual classroom. Below, we will review some of the more reputable supply chain management programs. The vast majority of these programs terminate in some sort of degree or certificate.

Strayer University: Strayer University offers an Associate of Arts degree in Acquisition and Contract Management. The school is appreciated by students for its flexible schedules and online courses, which allow students to study on their own time.

The university’s contract management program provides students with up to date knowledge of contemporary contract management policies and regulations. Students eager to pursue careers in the world of government or in corporations will find this program highly useful. Students who wish to continue their studies beyond the Associate of Arts level may apply their credits towards a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.

Strayer, which is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, also offers diplomas and undergraduate certificates in Contract Management and Acquisition.

University of Maryland University College: The University of Maryland University College’s program is perfect for students who wish to pursue an advanced degree to further their career in supply chain management. The University offers an online Master of Science in Management or in Procurement and Contract Management. This program is intended for people who already have experience in the field of procurement or contract administration. The aim of the course is to provide a background for understanding all aspects of procurement, from strategy to operation. Integrated in to the regular course work are both general and specialized fields of knowledge.

Villanova University: Villanova University offers a variety of online programs for the ambitious supply chain management student. The vast majority of programs can be completed in anywhere from eight to sixteen weeks, depending on the program. Contract management certificate programs include Mastering Contract Management, Advanced Contract Management, Essentials of Commercial Contract Management, and Essentials of Government Contract Management.

Villanova also offers several Master Certificate programs. Students who are committed to knowing more about supply chain management and furthering their careers might wish to pursue such a certificate. Master Certificates are available in both Commercial Contract Management and Government Contract Management.

George Brown College: Situated in Ontario, Canada, George Brown College instructs students from all over the world in its online supply chain management certificate program. It offers a certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. The courses it offers that lead to the certificate take in to consideration today’s industry needs. The course has been designed with help from supply chain leaders who work for companies such as Tompkins Associates, Wheels International, Intellitrade, MSR, Organic, Celestica, Tibbet & Britten, and more.

Northeastern University: Northeastern offers two online supply chain management programs. One is an Associate’s Degree, while the other is a Certificate option. The university is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Lehigh University: Lehigh offers a Supply Chain Management Certificate online program to highly self motivated students. The program utilizes practical applications in order to focus on the proactive management of supply chain operations such as overseeing the movements of goods and services. Lehigh offers the online program as either a for credit or no credit basis. The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Lehigh University.

Michigan State University Eli Broad School of Business: Widely regarded as one of the nation’s best schools for supply chain management studies, Michigan State University’s Eli Broad School of Business offers two higher degrees through their online service. The first is a Master of Science in Logistics, while the second is a Master of Science in Manufacturing and Innovation Program.