2023 Best Online Master's in Supply Chain Management Degrees

Through the University of Washington - Seattle, which is a public university, students can earn an online Master of Supply Chain Transportation & Logistics. Online learners typically complete this 43-credit hour program in one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study.

Using the Canvas learning management system (LMS), students take some classes asynchronously — on their own schedules — and some synchronously through live streaming one night a week. Some of the core courses include Facility Design & Operations Management, Inventory Management, and IT Systems & Supply Chain Integration. Other graduation requirements include a mandatory three-day residency, which is now available on campus or online, and a practicum project.

Georgetown University is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Roman Catholic church. Students who plan to earn an online Master of Professional Studies in Supply Chain Management must select one of three areas of emphasis: logistics and fulfillment management, planning, or procurement management. Full-time students usually complete the 33-credit hour program in two years, while part-time students may need three to four years.

Georgetown students access their online courses — some asynchronous and some synchronous — through the Canvas LMS. The program begins with introductory courses on operations, cost and financial analysis, supply chain design, and project management. To graduate, students must also complete a course in ethics, four courses in their chosen concentration, and a capstone project.

The University of Southern California (USC) is a private, nonprofit institution that offers an online Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management. The degree requires the completion of 30 credit hours, which most students achieve in two to three years.

USC's program includes online courses in strategic procurement, outsourcing, logistics and distribution, and the role of information technology in supply chains. However, it also includes live, on-site learning experiences conducted in partnership with major companies and industry leaders like UPS and Walmart. To graduate, students must participate in two week-long trips to supply chain hubs such as Singapore and Los Angeles, where they will conduct research projects and give presentations.

Lehigh University's 36-credit hour Flex MBA programs are designed for working individuals who want to complete their degree on a part-time basis. Students interested in logistics can enroll in an online Flex Master of Business Administration with a concentration in supply chain management. Lehigh is a private, nonprofit university.

Enrollees in this program access a mix of synchronous and asynchronous courses through the Moodle platform. In addition to taking core MBA courses such as management, finance, and accounting, students with this concentration take classes in supply chain planning, strategic supply chain management, and logistics. Coursework also helps students develop skills in decision making, leadership, social responsibility, and communication, all with a global perspective.

The University of Arkansas, which is the state's public university, offers an online Master of Science in Supply Chain Management. Most students complete the required 30 credit hours in two to three years.

With an overarching focus on systems, some of the core courses for this program include Strategic Fundamentals: Strategic Integration, Foundations of Supply Chain Management, and Demand Planning and Inventory Operations. Students can then customize their programs by choosing electives such as Supply Chain Performance Management and Analytics, Supply Chain Financial Management, Sustainable Logistics and Supply Chain Management, and Supply Chain Risk, Disruption, and Resilience.

The University of Maryland - College Park (UMD) is a public university offering an online Master of Business Administration totaling 54 credit hours. Full-time students can expect to complete this program in approximately two years. This online master's program is divided into foundation courses, a global or an international business course, and residencies.

UMD facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning through the learning management system Canvas. This graduate program includes MBA core courses, with a career-focused specialization in supply chain management. Sample courses include Global Trade Logistics, Innovative Solutions to Supply Chain Challenges, and Supply Chain Risk Management. Students must complete an opening and capstone residency. Graduates may pursue careers like materials managers, operations leaders, and inventory control managers.

At Auburn University, a public institution, students can pursue an online Dual Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Supply Chain Management equaling 57 credit hours. Completing this program online with a full class schedule can take two years. In this program, students take business and supply chain management courses.

Auburn’s online students complete coursework available on Canvas in asynchronous and synchronous formats. This program allows students to obtain two master’s degrees in MBA and supply chain management. Some of the program’s courses include Supply Chain Planning, Demand Management and Fulfillment, and Inventory/Warehouse Management. An integrated business project and case analysis are required. Prospective careers for graduates include inventory managers, purchasing agents, and logistics analysts.

Kettering University (KUO) is a private, nonprofit institution offering an online Master of Science in Supply Chain Management, totaling 40 credit hours. Full-time students can finish this program in as little as 18 months. This online master's program allows students to add one of seven certification options, such as Global Leadership, Management and Leadership, and Operations Management.

At KUO, online students complete coursework delivered asynchronously and synchronously on Blackboard. A master’s in supply chain management helps working professionals advance their skillset. Sample courses are Customer Relationship Management, Supply Chain Logistics, and Financial Management. Students must complete a supply chain planning capstone in order to complete the program. Potential career options include supply chain directors, transportation managers, and data analysts.

Rutgers University - Camden is a public institution with an online Master of Science in Supply Chain Management totaling 30 credit hours. This program can be completed within one year. Students can take the residency option with this online program.

Rutgers facilitates synchronous online learning on Canvas. This program aims to build upon a student’s supply chain and business management knowledge. Some of the program’s courses include B2B Marketing, Demand Management, and Supply Chain Finance. Graduates may go on to careers like market research analysts, distribution managers, and business analysts.

Boston University (BU) is a private, nonprofit university that offers an online Master of Science in Supply Chain Management equaling 40 credit hours. Students can spend 12 to 20 months finishing this degree program online. BU offers three concentrations in supply chain management: (1) Analytics, (2) Logistics Management, and (3) Risk Management.

At BU, online students complete courses, which are available in asynchronous and synchronous formats, on Blackboard. A master’s in supply chain management helps students develop technical, communication, and leadership skills to assume supply chain management roles. Sample courses include Financial Concepts, Global Supply Chains, and Operations Management: Business Process Fundamentals. A capstone project is required to graduate. Prospective careers for graduates include operations research analysts, logisticians, and sales managers.

At the University of Tennessee - Knoxville (UTK), a public institution, prospective students can pursue an online Master of Science in Supply Chain Management totaling 30 credit hours. Full-time students can expect to spend 18 to 24 months completing this program. A three-day immersion session is required for all students in this program.

UTK facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Canvas. The program’s curriculum covers supply chain concepts, functions, and enablers. The program’s courses are Supply Chain Finance, Supply Chain Information Management & Technology, and Distribution, Logistics, and Network Management. Students must complete a capstone project. Potential career options for graduates include logistics analysts, global logistics managers, and purchasing managers.

Syracuse University is a private, nonprofit institution offering two online master’s in supply chain management: (1) a Master of Science in Supply Chain Management (30 credit hours) and (2) a Master of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management (36 credit hours). Both online programs can take between 15 to 24 months to finish. The first program provides a deep understanding of supply chain management, while the second focuses on achieving an MBA with electives in supply chain management.

Syracuse facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Blackboard. Both programs expand students’ supply chain management knowledge. Example courses include Business Analytics, Managerial Finance, and Strategic Sourcing. The first program requires a capstone course. Prospective careers are logisticians, supply technicians, and operations analysts.

The University of Michigan - Dearborn (UM Dearborn) is a public university that offers an online Master of Science in Information Systems and Technology - Supply Chain and Information Systems Design totaling 30 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to spend two years completing this program, which is divided between core courses, concentration-focused courses, and electives.

At UM Dearborn, online students complete courses asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. This information systems program focuses on business processes and ERP software development across various industries relating to the supply chain. Sample courses include System Simulation, Intelligent Manufacturing, and Big Data Analytics & Visualization. Potential careers for graduates are project managers, supply chain consultants, and transportation directors.

At Arizona State University (ASU Online), a public institution, prospective students can pursue an online Master of Science in Supply Chain Management totaling 30 credit hours. Full-time students can complete this program in around two years. In total, this online master's degree is composed of ten courses.

ASU Online delivers asynchronous and synchronous online learning through Canvas. The curriculum helps students develop the skills necessary to become competitive for supply chain careers. Some of the program’s courses are Project Management, Strategic Procurement, and Supplier Management and Negotiation. Students must complete a seminar to graduate. Graduates may pursue careers like category managers, inventory managers, and sourcing leaders.

Baylor University is a private, nonprofit institution that offers an online Master of Business Administration - Global Trade and Supply Chain Management totaling 48 credit hours. Future students can expect to spend two years completing this program on a full-time class schedule. Students have the option to complete communications or marketing courses alongside the concentration.

At Baylor, online students complete coursework, which is delivered asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. A master’s in supply chain management gives students the skills and knowledge to pursue supply chain management careers. Sample courses include Business Statistics, Managing for Higher Performance, and Global Trade Compliance Strategy. Potential career options include project managers, purchasing managers, and logistics analysts.

Pennsylvania State University (PennState) is a public university that has an online Master of Business Administration - Supply Chain Management equaling 48 credit hours. Full-time students can expect to spend two years finishing this program online. It is divided into 39 core MBA credit hours and nine credit hours of supply chain management concentration courses.

PennState’s online students complete courses at their own pace, and all classwork is available through Canvas. The program uses the ICE (Integration, Collaboration, and Engagement) framework. Some sample courses are Operations Management and Demand Fulfillment, Supply Chain Performance Metrics and Financial Analysis, and Data Analysis for Decision Making. Alums with this online degree may pursue careers like logisticians, operations analysts, and supply management managers.

The University of Nebraska - Lincoln (UNL) is a public institution offering an online Master of Science in Supply Chain Management totaling 30 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to complete this degree program in two years, and this includes the required 18 credit hours of supply chain fundamental courses and 12 credit hours of business fundamentals courses.

At UNL, online students complete coursework in both asynchronous and synchronous formats through the learning platform Canvas. Students can expect to learn about the following topics: logistics, production planning and control, project management, and other topics. The program’s courses include Business Analytics, Global Supply Chain Management, and Managerial Finance — to name a few options. Potential career options include operations managers, logistics managers, and transportation managers.

At North Carolina State University (NCSU), a public institution, prospective students can pursue an online Master of Engineering Management - Supply Chain Engineering and Management requiring 30 credit hours. Fifteen of those 30 credit hours are focused on supply chain engineering and management courses. It can take two years to complete this program if students maintain a full-time pace.

NCSU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Moodle. This program helps students develop supplier relationships, manage information flow, organize sourcing processes, and other skills. The program’s courses are Logistics Engineering, Supply Chain Relationships, and Modeling and Analysis of Supply Chains. Students must complete a master’s project or management practicum in order to graduate. Prospective careers for graduates with this degree are inventory managers, industry analysts, and project managers.

Ohio University - Main Campus (OHIO) is a public institution offering an online Master of Business Administration - Operations and Supply Chain Management totaling 35 to 36 credit hours. Future students can expect to spend at least two years finishing this program, as it includes nine credit hours of supply chain management courses.

At OHIO, distance learners complete courses asynchronously and synchronously via Canvas. A master’s in supply chain management at OHIO explores topics like statistics, production planning, and logistics. Example courses include Supply Chain Risk Management, Management of Lean Six Sigma Programs, and Supply Chain Project Management. A capstone and international immersion are also required for graduation. Alumni in this field may go on to pursue careers like logistics analysts, logistics directors, and project managers.

The University of Wisconsin - Platteville (UW - Platteville) is a public university that has an online Master of Science in Integrated Supply Chain Management, which equals 33 credit hours. Full-time students can complete this program in around two years. This online program offers six emphases, such as Analysis, Management, and Customer Relations.

UW - Platteville facilitates asynchronous online learning on Canvas. The graduate degree program in integrated supply chain management gives students real-world applications to enhance their online learning experience. Sample courses include International Supply Chain Management, Production Planning and Control, and Customer Relationship Management. Additionally, students must complete a capstone project, seminar paper research, or thesis research before they can graduate. Common career options include transportation directors, logisticians, and supply chain managers.

At the University of Hartford — a private, nonprofit institution — prospective students can pursue an online Master of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management totaling 36 credit hours. It can take two years to complete this program with a full class schedule. Students take one supply chain management course each semester.

At Hartford, online students take virtual courses on the Blackboard platform, and these can either be at their own pace or on a set schedule. The master's program helps students develop skills to manage the flow of goods and services in their careers. Example courses include E-Commerce, Bargaining and Negotiations, and Logistics and Supply Chain Engineering. Prospective careers for graduates include supply chain project managers, manufacturing and operations directors, and global logistics managers.

The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) is a public university that offers an online Master of Science in Supply Chain Management requiring 33 credit hours. Future students can expect to spend at least two years finishing this program, but students may also choose to finish it on a part-time basis.

CU Boulder‘s online students complete courses that are delivered asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. Students can develop sought-after supply chain management skills, with courses ranging from Advanced Data Analytics to Procurement and Contracting. An experiential project class is also required for graduation. Those who graduate with their online master's in supply chain management may pursue careers like industry analysts, global logistics managers, and supply chain directors.

At Portland State University (PSU), a public institution, students can pursue an online Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management, which totals 45 credit hours. This program is one of three approved by the Institute For Supply Chain Management (ISM). Students can expect to study for at least 18 months before earning their degree.

PSU’s online students take classes in asynchronous and synchronous formats on Canvas. In this curriculum, students learn to integrate and align end-to-end supply chain functions by taking courses titled New Product Introduction & Innovation, Global Leadership & Ethics in Supply Chain, and Principles of Strategic Global Logistics. In addition to online classes, a seminar, field study, and capstone consulting experience are also required. Potential career options include logistics directors, supply chain directors, and independent consultants.

Norwich University is a private, nonprofit university offering an online Master of Business Administration - Supply Chain Management that requires 36 credit hours. This online graduate program can take 18 months to finish. It may be ideal for students who prefer small class sizes, as it only allows a maximum of 15 students per class.

At Norwich, distance learners complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously, depending on the class. The curriculum combines MBA core courses and supply chain management concentration courses, which include Supply Management Strategy, Planning and Operations, Strategic Resources Management, and Managerial Finance. Students must also complete a comprehensive exam to graduate. Graduates may go on to careers like supply chain managers, industry analysts, and logisticians.

The University of North Texas (UNT Online) is a public institution with an online Accelerated Master of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management equaling 36 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to spend two years completing this program. This program includes 24 credit hours of core courses and 12 credit hours of required supply chain management courses.

UNT Online delivers online courses asynchronously and synchronously. The program’s courses include Financial Management, Operations Management, and Strategic Supply Management. A seminar is also required to graduate. Overall, the program is designed to help students develop the skills necessary to advance their careers, which include roles such as distribution managers, transportation managers, and research analysts.

At Wayne State University, a public university, students can pursue an online Master of Business Administration in Global Supply Chain Management totaling 36 credit hours. It can take two years to finish this program with a full-time study schedule. Students take three courses, or nine credit hours, to complete this supply chain management program.

Wayne’s online students complete coursework on Canvas, and it is delivered by professors on an established schedule. A master’s in supply chain management at Wayne helps students develop their leadership, analytical, communication, and technical skills. Sample courses include Strategic Procurement, Managing Risk in Automotive Supply Chains, and Supply Chain Decision Tools. Potential career options include logistics analysts, transportation managers, and data analysts.

The University of Denver (University College) is a private, nonprofit institution that offers an online Master of Science in Supply Chain Management requiring 48 credit hours. This program can be finished in as few as 18 months. If an applicant to the program already has an idea of the specific field they want to enter, University College also has a supply chain management concentration that can be applied to majors like Healthcare Management or Organizational Leadership.

At University College, online students complete classes asynchronously and synchronously through the platform Canvas. This master's program covers the six pillars of supply chain management through courses like Supply Chain Cost Management, Analytic Methods for Supply Chain Management, and Industrial Engineering and Operations Management. Graduates may pursue careers like logisticians, systems support managers, and operations analysts.

The University of South Dakota (USD) is a public university offering an online Master of Business Administration in Operations and Supply Chain Management, which totals 36 to 42 credit hours. Full-time students can complete it in two years, and the degree also offers a thesis or nonthesis track.

USD facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on D2L Brightspace. The operations and supply chain management graduate program helps students develop a wide range of skills that can transfer across industries. This advanced degree includes courses like Lean Management, Data Management and Warehousing, and Quality and Six Sigma Management. A thesis may also be required, depending on which track a student is eligible for. Potential career options include transportation specialists, logisticians, and product lifecycle managers.

At the University of Rhode Island (URI Online), a public institution, future students can pursue an online Professional Master of Science in Supply Chain Management and Applied Analytics totaling 30 credit hours. It can take two years to finish this program, but students can choose between one or two-year completion program timelines.

URI Online offers master's-level courses that are available in asynchronous and synchronous formats. The learning management system it uses is called D2L Brightspace. The supply chain management and applied analytics program aims to equip students with the skills necessary to succeed in this industry, with courses such as Resiliency in Supply Chains, Customer Analytics, and Supply Chain Network Design. Students must also complete a capstone experience in order to graduate. Prospective careers for graduates are materials managers, operations leaders, and supply chain analysts.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide (ERAU) is a private, nonprofit institution offering an online Master of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management that equals 30 credit hours. Completing this program with a full class schedule can take two years. The program is split into 24 core credit hours and six credit hours of electives.

ERAU’s online students complete courses available on Canvas in asynchronous and synchronous formats. The program’s areas of study include acquisition, sustainability, integrated logistics, collaborative supply chains, and more. Example courses include Transportation, Business Analytics for Operations, and Production and Material Control. Graduates may pursue careers as purchasing managers, logisticians, and data analysts.