The best online MBA in Supply Chain Management programs feature well-rounded curriculums that emphasize advanced business administration principles and practices combined with effective supply chain management concepts.

Supply Chain Management is considered an umbrella term that refers to the:

Management of the processes, procedures and people involved in the flow of raw materials and services necessary in the manufacture of products and delivery of services to the end consumer,
Streamlining of the supply-related activities to maximize value for the customer and, thus, enable the business to gain a competitive edge,
Planning, implementation and evaluation of effective, efficient and economic supply chains including but not limited to advanced enterprise systems and management information systems

Students in the best supply chain management programs learn the best principles and practices in controlling and linking everything involved in product distribution and service delivery. Their knowledge and skills become valuable in businesses and other organizations with supply chains because effective supply chain management improves product quality, customer service, and profit margins. For this reason, students in MBA programs with a supply chain management specialization must have a mastery of its five key elements – supply chain planning, raw materials sourcing, product manufacturing, product delivery, and product returns.

Note that the best online MBA in Supply Chain Management programs are, first and foremost, programs that emphasize business administration knowledge and skills. The typical curriculum for online MBA programs includes business-related courses like:

Managerial and financial accounting
Managerial economics
Quantitative analysis for managers
Marketing management
Operations management
Human resource management
Organizational behavior
Business law and ethics

MBAs with a specialization in SCM programs feature concentration courses, usually between two and three courses, in addition to electives. While the course description and outcomes vary, the most popular are:

Logistics management
International supply chain management
Innovation management
Global operations strategy
Quality management and operations issues
Distribution and inventory control

Online MBA in Supply Chain Management - fact

Most online MBAs in Supply Chain Management have a capstone course, which summarizes the learnings of students and usually requires the completion of a capstone project. Few online supply chain management programs have an internship component, which is usually optional.

Students in online MBA in Supply Chain Management programs program develop practical management skills that prepare them for leadership roles, including:

Design and development, as well as management of effective supply chains
Explain and apply the principles of supply chain analytics
Analyze and demonstrate the interconnected relationship between supply chain management and organizational performance metrics (e.g., net income)
Use supply chain management software like Excel Solver, SPSS, and Minitab
Train people in logistics, supply chain sales and management, and operations planning, among others

Students in the best supply chain management programs are also encouraged to develop their transferable skills. Every supply chain manager, after all, must deal with people – from his peers and subordinates to vendors and customers – and soft skills are a must in these interactions. Soft skills include communication, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills, as well as customer service, organizational and problem-solving skills.

Getting into the best online MBA in Supply Chain Management programs isn’t easy with selective admissions criteria including a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a professional resume required. International students have to present proof of English proficiency, too.

And that’s only the beginning of the battle to earn a Supply Chain Management MBA degree! While online programs have the benefits of the flexibility of schedules and the convenience of 24/7 access, these have rigorous coursework and academic expectations. Students must participate in synchronous classes, submit assignments on time, and complete academic requirements based on predetermined standards, say, earning at least a “B” grade on all coursework.

There’s also the matter of the total cost of attendance of earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. While online programs vary in tuition and other fees, it’s common for students to spend $30,000 to $60,000 for the entire program. Students are well-advised to consider their financial aid options, such as federal financial aid, military discounts, and institutional scholarships, for this reason.

The question remains: Is a degree in supply chain management worth it? Yes, it is! Supply chain management professionals develop management and leadership skills that prepare them for excellent career advancement opportunities. These career opportunities result in greater job security, earning potential, and diversity of employment.

At A Glance

Earning an online MBA in SCM degree leads to numerous personal and professional benefits that make it worthwhile. You will be qualified for leadership positions, earn higher incomes and better job security, and enjoy diversity in your choice of occupations. You also have a strong foundation for continuing education, whether in a doctorate in supply chain management or professional certifications.

The best online MBA in Supply Chain Management programs usually have a two-year time-to-completion, but accelerated online programs allow students to earn the MBA degree in 12-18 months. Students complete at least 30 credit hours consisting of core business courses, supply chain management courses, and electives, as well as a capstone course or project.

An MBA in Supply Chain Management degree program equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become effective leaders in business supply chains. It is a cross-disciplinary degree that includes an array of topics related to business, technology, logistics, and operations management.

Best Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Schools

The best online MBA programs offered in reputable business schools are recognized by accrediting bodies, namely:

the AACSB-Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business,
the IACBE-International Accreditation Council for Business Education,
the ACBSP-Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

On this list of the best online MBA in Supply Chain Management programs, we put the MBA programs with accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) first. This is because AACSB is considered the gold standard of accreditation among business schools – less than 200 have said accreditation, thus, its elite reputation.

Saint Leo University

Online MBA – Supply Chain Global Integration Management Program

Saint Leo received its ACBSP accreditation in 2014, and its MBA in Supply Chain Global Integration Management program has soared higher ever since. Students train to become the best supply chain management professionals in organizations that demand economic, flexible, and reliable supply chains.

The online degree program is offered in two versions regarding time-to-completion – the traditional two-year program with students taking one course and the accelerated one-year program with a two-course per term requirement. Both conventional and accelerated formats, however, require completing the 36-credit curriculum.

Students study several supply chain management courses in addition to the MBA core courses. These specialization courses cover strategic supply chain integration and its best practices, dynamic risk modeling, and integrated global systems. Students also develop their skills in Six Sigma and Lean production through didactic coursework and hands-on learning opportunities.

The faculty members have professional certifications in addition to their terminal degrees and professional work experiences.

University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Program

UNC is known for offering the best online programs for working professionals, and its AACSB-accredited MBA in Supply Chain Management program is among its most popular. Here, students acquire business management skills that complement their supply chain management know-how throughout the supply chain cycle (i.e., origin to consumption).

This online MBA has a 12-month time-to-completion and features a 36-credit curriculum. Students start their MBA education with core business administration courses in managerial accounting, finance and economics, organizational theory and behavior, and a capstone course in strategic planning. Then, they progress to the elective and supply chain management courses, including operations management, strategic supply management, and management information systems.

Students with non-business bachelor’s degrees must complete foundation courses, including finance, accounting, economics, and business statistics.

Admission into the supply chain management program is made on a holistic and competitive basis. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and present satisfactory GMAT/GRE scores; waivers are provided.

Syracuse University

Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Program

The AACSB-accredited Whitman School of Management takes pride in offering the first MBA in Supply Chain Management program in the United States (1919). Then and now, students learn risk mitigation and management and operations management of global supply chains using the latest tools and technologies.

The 36-credit curriculum consists of core courses in business administration and specialization courses in supply chain management. The concentration courses include Supply Chain and Logistics Management and Principles of Management Science. Students also choose one subject from Business Analytics, Project Management, and Lean Six Sigma.

The supply chain management program has a 24-month time-to-completion, on average. During their stay, online MBA students participate in live classes, learn via case studies, and submit weekly assignments. Students also complete three immersive in-person, multi-day residences that expand their learning and networking opportunities, as well as access excellent career services.

University of West Florida

Online MBA – Supply Chain Logistics Management Program

The AACSB-accredited College of Business at UWF offers the standout MBA in Supply Chain Logistics Management program, where students gain vital skills in running a global business. Students learn the analytical and strategic skills in using supply chain management to achieve business objectives, from improving customer value to increasing profits.

The learning outcomes of the online MBA in Supply Chain Logistics Management program combine technical skills in the management of supply chains and the transferable skills for business administration. Students develop their teamwork and leadership skills alongside their expertise in logistics management.

Students start their training in the supply chain management program with core courses in business administration, including organizational behavior, financial management, and marketing management. The supply chain management courses, such as global logistics management and logistics systems and analytics, come next. The 36-credit curriculum can be completed in 16 months.

University of Illinois Springfield

Online MBA – Operations and Supply Chain Management Program

Ambitious professionals who want an up-and-up career trajectory must look into UIS’ MBA in Operations and Supply Chain Management program. Students in the AACSB-accredited program learn vital skills in the effective use of applications, including lean supply chain management, KAIZEN, Six Sigma, and Lingo.

The online MBA in supply chain management degree can be earned in as few as 12 months, but students must be fully committed to its rigorous coursework. The 30-credit curriculum consists of 10 courses, in addition to the two gateway courses for students without a business administration degree.

Students start with the core business administration courses, including production and operations management, management accounting, and business strategy. The supply chain management program requires students to take two required concentration electives in supply chain and logistics management and quality systems and lean operations. Students must complete a capstone project as a group.

University of Maryland

Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Program

Offered by the AACSB-accredited Robert H. Smith School of Business of the University of Maryland, the MBA in Supply Chain Management program trains students in data-driven tools and technologies for business applications. Students develop their business acumen through rigorous courses that cover data analytics, information systems, and financial accounting, as well as leadership and negotiation skills.

The online MBA in SCM program has a 54-credit curriculum with a 24-month time-to-degree. The extensive coursework is divided into Foundation One and Two courses (48 credits), a choice between International Business or Global Study (2 credits), and an opening and capstone residency (4 credits). The coursework has a sequential design that students must follow to earn the online MBA in Supply Chain Management degree.

This is a modern supply chain management program, as evidenced by its specialization courses including cutting-edge supply chain technology applications. Students learn about SAP and Resilinc, risk management, and planning of supply chain systems at the national and international levels.

Arkansas State University

Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Program

The AACSB-accredited MBA in Supply Chain Management program prepares students for challenging, yet rewarding, occupations in logistics and supply chain management. Students build their business management skills while also developing their abilities in creating and managing supply chain systems on the domestic and global fronts.

Full-time students earn the online MBA in Supply Chain Management degree in just 12 months. The 33-credit curriculum consists of 24 credits of core courses in business administration, six credits of supply chain management courses, and a three-credit business elective course.

Students gain advanced skills in project management, business analytics, and accounting, among other business-related areas, and then proceed to the required supply chain management specialization courses. The latter includes a seminar in logistics management and a lesson in global supply chain management. Students choose one elective course – either in sourcing and procurement or in logistics operations.

Baylor University

Online MBA in Global Trade and Supply Chain Management Program

Among Baylor’s AACSB-accredited online MBA programs, the MBA in Global Trade and Supply Chain Management program stands out for its emphasis on international logistics, trade, and supply chain systems. Students learn the knowledge and skills it takes to become leaders in the global scene including learning the entire process, from design and development to decision-making and evaluation.

The learning outcomes in the online MBA in supply chain management emphasize the end-to-end nature of supply chains, as well as their risks and rewards. Students learn about import and export regulations, business performance metrics, and sustainability in supply chains.

Students earn 48-60 credits depending on their bachelor’s degree – students with non-business degrees complete foundation courses, thus, the added credits. The business administration courses are in business finance, strategic management, and statistics, while specialization courses include global supply chain strategy.

Ohio University

Online MBA – Operations and Supply Chain Management Program

Ohio University takes pride in its AACSB-accredited online MBA program, and its MBA in Operations and Supply Chain Management specialization is among its most popular. Ohio itself is the largest conferrer of MBA degrees in the state and among the oldest programs, not to mention that its outstanding career support services contribute to high graduate outcomes.

This program attracts working professionals for its exceptional academic quality and affordability (i.e., excellent value). Students attest to the convenience of its 7-week classes, the rigorous quality of its comprehensive curriculum, and the real-world applications of its lessons. These lessons are delivered in several modes, too, such as discussions, case studies, projects, and how-tos.

The 35-credit curriculum of the two-year program consists primarily of core business courses, including organizational behavior, descriptive analytics, and strategic marketing. The three supply chain courses are in Lean Six Sigma project management as well as supply chain project management and risk management.

Online students are eligible for financial aid. There’s an in-person residency requirement known as the Leadership Development Conference.

Bowling Green State University

Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Program

The AACSB-accredited Allen W. and Carol M. Schmidthorst College of Business, one of the few business schools with business and accounting accreditations, offers a standout MBA in Supply Chain Management program. Students can earn the supply chain management degree in 12 months but must brace themselves for the academic rigor and fast-paced study.

The online MBA in SCM program features a 30-credit hour curriculum. Half – or 15 credits – are dedicated to business administration courses, while 12 credits are for elective courses and three credits are for a capstone course. This is true for students with bachelor’s in business administration or business management degrees.

But for non-business students, foundational courses are a must for completion, but these can be taken simultaneously with core courses. The core courses are in marketing management, financial management, and managerial accounting, among others. Students also tackle a series of courses that cover supply chain strategies and technologies.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and at least three years of professional work experience to be considered admission into the online supply chain management program.

Clayton State University

Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Program

The AACSB-accredited MBA in Supply Chain Management program at Clayton trains students in the complexities of domestic and international supply chain management and its related operations. Students benefit from Clayton’s partnerships with logistics companies and its proximity to the region’s key transportation hubs. Many of its talented graduates have become leaders in Fortune 500 companies like FedEx and Delta.

Students in the online MBA in Supply Chain Management degree program can take between 12 and 24 months to earn the degree. The eight-week core courses allow students the flexibility to study at their own pace while also meeting assignment deadlines. Students can take courses during the fall, spring, and summer semesters to fast-track their completion.

The learning process in the 33-credit curriculum includes class discussions and lectures, team projects, and case studies. Aside from the business administration core courses, students take supply chain management concentration courses. The capstone course is in global strategic management.

Governors State University

Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Program

The AACSB-accredited MBA in Supply Chain Management program offered at Governor State’s College of Business features a structured curriculum delivered in a 100% online format. Students train to become the best supply chain managers in business and non-business organizations under the guidance of full-time faculty members. Their skills include the creation and optimization of supply chains both domestically and internationally.

Students can earn the online MBA in Supply Chain Management degree in 18 months of full-time matriculation; part-time enrollment is allowed. Business management foundation courses may be required for students with non-business bachelor’s degrees.

Skills development in business administration areas is emphasized through a series of core courses in operations management, strategic management, managerial accounting, and more. The three supply chain management concentration courses supplement business skills, including global supply chain management, logistics, transportation and warehouse management, and strategic procurement and materials management. Students complete a final project in strategic leadership with an international perspective.

University of North Texas

Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Program

Offered at UNT’s G. Brint Ryan College of Business, among the handful of business schools with continuous AACSB accreditation, the MBA in Supply Chain Management program trains the next generation of logisticians and supply chain management professionals. Full-time students can earn the supply chain management degree in as few as 14 months, while part-time students can take between 18 and 24 months.

The supply chain management MBA program has a 36-credit curriculum consisting of 12 classes. These online courses are delivered in an asynchronous format, meaning no set log-in times, and last for eight weeks per course.

Students in the online MBA in supply chain management program may or may not be required to take background courses in microeconomics and macroeconomics, business law, and financial accounting. The requirement will be based on the evaluation of their undergraduate transcripts, but their grades aren’t reflected on their master’s degree transcripts.

Shippensburg University

Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Program

The AACSB-accredited John L. Grove College of Business takes great pride in its MBA in Supply Chain Management program because of its outstanding value. Students are assured of world-class academic quality and affordable tuition plus financial aid options at the public university, a component university of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

This Supply Chain Management online MBA program can be completed in two years and is intended for working professionals who want the flexibility and convenience of distance education. Students complete the 30-credit curriculum consisting of 10 core and elective courses.

Students choose seven core business courses from eight choices, including managerial accounting, financial management, and organizational leadership. These courses build business management skills that underline every successful professional’s success. Students who have completed four core courses can take the capstone course in supply chain management. As for the supply chain management concentration courses, these cover topics in quality management, procurement management, warehousing, and distribution management.

Liberty University

Online MBA – Supply Chain Management & Logistics Program

Liberty University’s online MBA programs are accredited by the ACBSP, and it’s a regionally accredited institution by the SACSCOC. The Online MBA – Supply Chain Management and Logistics program welcomes business professionals who want to boost their skill sets and career advancement opportunities.

The online MBA in Supply Chain Management degree program features eight-week classes and a 45-credit curriculum. Students can complete the program requirements in two years, on average, but can shorten their time-to-degree by transferring credits. Liberty has a generous transfer credit policy – up to 50% of the degree’s total credits can be transferred upon transcript evaluation.

The rigorous coursework is a combination of core business administration courses and supply chain management concentration courses. The well-rounded education that students receive is proof of Liberty’s commitment to outstanding academic quality underlined by Christian values. Financial aid is available for military personnel, veterans, and first responders.

Southern New Hampshire University

Online MBA – Operations and Supply Chain Management Program

The ACBSP-accredited MBA in Operations and Supply Chain Management from SNHU has a new curriculum revised in 2021 in accordance with the changes in technology and tools related to the industry. Students gain practical knowledge and skills in transportation and logistics planning, warehouse management, and inventory control, among other aspects.

This is also among the more affordable online MBA programs that deliver great value for working professionals who want a leg up the competition without losing an arm and a leg. The average time-to-completion for full-time students is 12 months.

Students must complete the academic requirements for ten classes – or 39 credits – of which seven are core business courses. The three operations and supply chain management concentration courses are operations management, quantitative analysis, and supply chain management. Students learn through several formats, including scenario-based learning and multimedia resources.

Anderson University

Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Program

The ACBSP-accredited MBA in Supply Chain Management program features knowledgeable faculty members whose professional work experiences include top-level leadership positions in diverse industries. The program of study covers advanced topics in quality management, data analysis, logistics, and operations management in public and private organizations.

This is a 45-credit online supply chain management degree program that includes Six Sigma certification – and its cost is even included in the MBA tuition package! Six Sigma certification is a highly sought-after credential for supply chain management professionals with a cost of up to $1,500.

Students can choose part-time enrollment with one course at a time or full-time enrollment for accelerated completion. The classes are fast-paced but are designed for maximum learning and engagement. The core courses are operations management, business analytics, Six Sigma, Agile, Lean Systems, and more.

The supply chain management concentration courses cover project management, logistics and distribution, and supply chain management and procurement. Online MBA students may also choose an internship experience, but it’s optional.

Wayne State College

Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Program

The ACBSP-accredited online MBA program at Wayne State College features faculty members with terminal degrees in their field of specialization. The MBA in Supply Chain Management program is led by experienced and credentialed professors known for their commitment to quality education.

The online MBA program neither requires on-campus visits nor the completion of a thesis. The 36-credit program features Canvas as the learning management software (LMS) that allows students and professors to access learning materials, conduct classes, and engage in virtual interactions. Lectures and discussion boards are common in the online supply chain management program.

Core courses include managerial accounting and economics, decision science, and marketing and financial management. Supply chain management concentration courses include predictive analytics, project management, and information systems technology.

Campbellsville University

Online MBA – Supply Chain and Logistics Management Program

Campbellsville University’s IACBE-accredited MBA in Supply Chain and Logistics Management program has a two-year time-to-completion. Despite its private university status, Campbellsville has affordable tuition for its degree programs – the MBA program, for example, has a per-credit tuition rate of under $500. Students receive excellent academic instruction from a respected university and gain vital skills for their professional success in supply chain management-related occupations.

Courses are designed for 8-week completion, and the curriculum consists of 36 credits. Students complete a series of required business courses in managerial accounting and finance, marketing management, and management information systems, among others. The concentration courses cover logistics and transportation management, procurement and supply management, and international trade laws and logistics.

Fitchburg State University

Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Program

Fitchburg State’s MBA in Supply Chain Management program has IACBE accreditation. Students develop business management skills that contribute to their success as industry leaders. Students also gain specialized skills in the development and management of supply chain systems in diverse organizations.

There are ten courses for completion in the 30-credit program of study in the online MBA program. The accelerated program of study means completing it in 12 months.

Students complete advanced MBA courses in marketing management, strategic management, and accounting before advancing to concentration courses. The latter includes supply chain management, GIS and decision-making, and transportation and logistics management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What professional paths does MBA in Supply Chain Management graduates take?

Many supply chain professionals work as logisticians who are in charge of everything from supply chain planning to supply chain visibility. But an MBA in Supply Chain Management degree can also lead to occupations such as management analysts, operations analysts, demand planning managers, and commodity managers.

What salaries can Supply Chain Management professionals expect?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, logisticians earned a median annual wage of $77,030 (May 2021) – and that’s only with a bachelor’s degree. Graduates of MBA programs with a supply chain management specialization can earn higher amounts due to their advanced education and extensive work experience. Logistics in the highest 10% of earners raked in $122,390 annually.

And the good news is that logisticians are among the most in-demand professionals, with projected job growth of 28% (2021-2031). The development of complex supply chains makes their work even more valuable in modern society and its consumerist lifestyle.

What’s next for Supply Chain Management professionals with MBA degrees?

Professional certifications are highly recommended since these demonstrate above-average competence and establish credibility. Famous examples include CPIM-Certified in Production and Inventory Management, CSCP-Certified Supply Chain Professional, and CPSM-Certified Professional in Supply Management.

Supply chain managers and professionals may also look into Six Sigma certifications and the PMI Project Management Professional certification.

Do I need an MBA in Supply Chain Management to excel in the field? And, if so, why?

No, you do not need to earn an MBA in Supply Chain Management to excel in the field. An MBA in Supply Chain Management can certainly enhance your knowledge and provide you with the tools and strategies for optimizing supply chain processes, but it is not a necessity to excel in the field.

However, depending on the type of role you aspire to, an MBA in Supply Chain Management could certainly be beneficial and allow you to move into more advanced roles.

Wrap Up

Becoming a supply chain management professional with an MBA degree from the best schools will definitely boost your career! Start by looking at the abovementioned programs and choosing the one that best fits your unique needs. Indeed, it’s a decision you will benefit from for the rest of your professional career.

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