If you’re looking into degrees in supply chain management, then it’s probably because you have the talent and passion to take on one of the most dynamic and lucrative careers of the 21st century. Supply chain management colleges have sprung up in recent years to prepare logistics management professionals. Here are a few reasons for considering a supply chain management degree:
- You have strong organization skills.
- You’re comfortable in leadership positions.
- You can multitask.
- You enjoy math and technology.
- You have great communication skills.
If the above list sounds a lot like you, then some degrees in supply chain management may provide your best path forward. If you do want to go into supply chain management, then a supply chain management degree is a must. Most supply chain managers have at least a bachelor’s degree.
Employers look for candidates with supply chain management degrees. That’s because supply chain management requires a wide array of skills. Supply chain management degrees come from the best supply chain schools that teach those skills.
Methodology: Ranking the Best Supply Chain Management Programs
For the Bachelor’s Degree Center ranking of the best supply chain management schools, editors researched fully accredited colleges and universities recognized for quality. Programs are ranked according to tuition rate, student reviews, and salary potential, using data from IPEDS and Niche. Many of these schools are AACSB-accredited. If you’re looking for the top supply chain schools, look no further!
1. Lehigh University
Lehigh University offers a BS in Supply Chain Management. The degree is one of the best supply chain management programs available, and it shows students how to handle the complexities and challenges of overseeing a supply chain. Students get a firm grasp on vital supply chain knowledge. They learn how to lead teams effectively. This program includes field study options for hands-on experience.
Lehigh University is a private school with a beautiful campus. The school helps students take flight in their lives and careers. It imparts important skills for future success. This school has a low student-to-faculty ratio. Students will benefit from a close-knit community and personalized learning opportunities. Lehigh University emphasizes rigorous academics and forward-thinking innovation.
What We Like: 96% of Lehigh students have completed an internship or similar hands-on learning opportunity.
Degree: BS in Supply Chain Management
2. University of Illinois Urbana — Champaign
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has one of the best supply chain management degree choices for today’s students. This BS in Supply Chain Management draws students who are organized, aware, and detail-oriented. The program helps students build onto those skills with things like leadership and communication. Of course, the program also covers technical and business knowledge. The curriculum focuses on real-world situations.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a land-grand university that focuses on current issues. It’s an innovative and forward-thinking university. It has high rankings across several categories. At this school, learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom. Students benefit from a hands-on approach. This school’s urban location also helps students make important career connections.
What We Like: The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has one of the nation’s top 20 supply chain management programs.
Degree: BS in Supply Chain Management
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
3. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University offers a BBA in Supply Chain Management. The program teaches students how to build better, more efficient, and more sustainable businesses. Professors in this program have field and research experience, which is one reason why this program ranks among the best supply chain management programs. Students gain skills for a wide range of supply chain careers. They prepare to thrive in an in-demand, high-salaried job.
Texas A&M University is a large and highly recognized university where students can make important career connections. This school sets an example in both knowledge and research. A&M values and promotes entrepreneurial thinking, so students learn how to find unique solutions and think outside the box. Students develop high-quality academic and professional skills.
What We Like: Money’s Best College Report ranked Texas A&M #5 on its 2020 “Best College for Business Majors” list.
Degree: BBA in Supply Chain Management
4. North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University has a BSBA with a Supply Chain Management concentration. This program is one of the best supply chain management degree options for those who want a well-rounded approach to business knowledge. The program combines knowledge with hands-on experience. Students prepare to meet today’s supply chain needs. They also learn core general business skills, so they can thrive in a variety of business settings.
North Carolina State is a big, bold, public research university. It excels in areas like business, engineering, and math. Students learn through experience, both inside and outside the classroom. The school uses the latest technology in learning. It’s a good school for making connections and developing a network of like-minded peers.
What We Like: Money ranks NC State as the #1 university in North Carolina for value.
Degree: BSBA in Supply Chain Management
North Carolina State University
5. University of Maryland — College Park
The University of Maryland’s BS in Supply Chain Management is based on real-world business needs. That’s one reason why this program is one of the best supply chain management degree options. Faculty members in this program have real industry experience. The program takes an entrepreneurial approach to business. It promotes efficiency and organization. Students also have the opportunity to double major in another business topic.
The University of Maryland is Maryland’s flagship university. This school is a leader in impactful research. Students pursue new ideas and then turn those ideas into meaningful work. They take their achievements to new levels. Students learn from faculty members who have relevant field experience. As a result, students get in-depth preparation for their future careers.
What We Like: The Princeton Review ranks the University of Maryland as the #3 public university for undergraduate entrepreneurship.
Degree: BS in Supply Chain Management
6. Rutgers University
The Supply Chain Management program from Rutgers University is one of the best supply chain management degree choices in the Northeast. The program recognizes that supply chain management is vital to the economy. It teaches students how to become the kind of supply chain managers that companies can rely on. Students build practical skill sets and comprehensive business knowledge. They gain the skills they need to work in all kinds of supply chains.
Rutgers University is one of the top universities in New Jersey. It’s also the oldest university in the area. This school is a leader in research and public university education. It performs especially well in business. Rutgers University provides the kind of education that serves New Jersey, bolsters the state’s economy, and helps students thrive.
What We Like: Rutgers University is the #1 university in New Jersey, according to US News and World Report.
Degree: Supply Chain Management
7. Michigan State University
Michigan State University’s BA in Supply Chain Management is one of the best supply chain management programs in the area. It’s a highly ranked program among US schools. The program covers a broad rang of important supply chain and business topics. It blends those business topics with skills like critical thinking and communication. Students learn how to create better businesses and become more competitive in the job market.
Michigan State is a top research university. This school helps students make the most of their current talents while imparting essential knowledge for their careers. Michigan State is one of the top-ranked schools in the US, thanks to its challenging academics and career training. Thanks to its high-achieving alumni network, students have lots of opportunities to make connections.
What We Like: Michigan State University has a 94% placement rate for recent graduates.
Degree: BA in Supply Chain Management
8. Pennsylvania State University
Penn State University’s BS in Supply Chain and Information Systems helps students thrive in the business world. It’s one of the best supply chain management degree choices for those who want to learn about business and technology. Students learn how to build supply chains with efficiency and value. They learn how to design and manage these supply chains effectively. The program covers all aspects of the supply chain, from raw materials to order fulfillment. Students in this program prepare for careers across multiple industries.
Penn State University is a top public university with a reputation for strong academics. This school also provides top-tier career training. Penn State focuses on the most relevant and recent career knowledge, and it provides quality in everything that it does. Penn State is a school where people go when they want to make a difference.
What We Like: US News and World Report ranks Penn State’s business programs among the top business programs in the US. The Supply Chain Management program is ranked #2 in the nation.
Degree: BS in Supply Chain and Information Systems
9. University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas has one of the best supply chain management programs for people who want options and variety. The Supply Chain Management degree program comes with seven possible minors to choose from. The program studies the important intersections of supply chain topics and overall business topics. Students get a strong foundation of knowledge and skills, plus specialized training to become competitive in the job market. Students learn the kinds of skills that will make them assets to their companies.
The University of Arkansas is one of the top public research universities in the United States. The school is dedicated to research that makes a difference in people’s lives. It also provides great academics and career training. Arkansas programs emphasize creativity and problem-solving. The school has a low student-to-faculty ratio, so it offers opportunities for personalized learning.
What We Like: The University of Arkansas is one of the top 3% of research universities in the United States.
Degree: Supply Chain Management — 7 minors
10. University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The University of Nebraska Lincoln has a BSBA in Supply Chain Management. It’s one of the best supply chain management degree choices in the region. Students in this program become skilled supply chain management specialists. They learn about each aspect of the supply chain. They also learn how to lead teams and keep things running smoothly. Courses cover common supply chain issues and effective solutions for those issues.
The University of Nebraska Lincoln empowers students to forge their own pathways for the future. Students build essential career skills, but they also get a strong academic foundation for their knowledge. This school is highly ranked for its value. It focuses on helping students take their strengths to new heights. Students learn how to use their skills to give back to the community.
What We Like: The Princeton Review ranks the University of Nebraska Lincoln as a Best Value School.
Degree: BSBA in Supply Chain Management
University of Nebraska Lincoln
11. University of Houston-Downtown
The University of Houston-Downtown offers a BBA in Supply Chain Management. It’s one of the best supply chain management programs, since it helps students build complex and rewarding skills. Students learn key business skills and how to make the most of them. They build supply chain knowledge and abilities while sharpening their current talents.
The University of Houston is a highly innovative and dynamic school. It performs well in many areas, including business and related fields. This school is committed to helping students find success. The students at this school are deeply engaged. The school has won awards for faculty, research, and several other things.
What We Like: US News and World Report has ranked the University of Houston among the best colleges for 2021.
Degree: BBA in Supply Chain Management
University of Houston-Downtown
12. University of Alabama in Huntsville
The University of Alabama in Huntsville has one of the best supply chain management programs for today’s students. It’s a BSBA in Supply Chain Marketing. This program is a challenging and multifaceted program that includes the liberal arts and sciences, core business skills, and specific supply chain knowledge. Students learn how to manage supply chains effectively. They gain a broad range of skills for career success.
The University of Alabama in Huntsville is a challenging research university. It’s known for its innovation and use of technology. This school offers a high ROI, making sure that students get a lot in return for their tuition dollars. Students learn a range of skills that transfer to their career fields. The University of Alabama in Huntsville has relatively small class sizes compared to similar universities.
What We Like: UAH is ranked #1 in return on investment among Alabama schools.
Degree: BSBA Supply Chain Marketing
University of Alabama in Huntsville
13. Colorado State University
Colorado State University offers a BSBA with a concentration in Supply Chain Management. Students in this program develop the skills, experience and connections necessary to excel as supply chain professionals. Learning from leading supply chain faculty, students gain critical insights into the industry through innovative curriculum and hands-on learning opportunities while developing a well-rounded understanding of the business world, enabling them to succeed across a variety of professional roles.
CSU’s College of Business also has a dedicated Career Management Center committed to helping students prepare for fulfilling careers where they can combine their skills and passions to use business for a better world. Supply chain faculty draw on years of experience and cutting-edge research in fields like logistics and transportation, supply management, sustainability and innovation. The College’s supportive community is also full of resources to help students succeed, like first-gen peer mentoring, professional networking events, career exploration seminars, hands-on entrepreneurship workshops and more.
What We Like: More than 70% of supply chain management students complete an internship before earning their degree and 9 out of 10 find a job or educational placement within 180 days of graduation, with an average starting salary of $54,600.
Degree: BSBA in Supply Chain Management
14. Syracuse University
Syracuse University’s Supply Chain Management degree is one of the best supply chain management programs. It includes a deep study of all supply chain aspects. Students get to know how different parts of the supply chain work. They learn how to manage each of those parts to maximize effectiveness. Students learn how to think outside the box.
Syracuse University stays at the forefront of new knowledge and research breakthroughs. It doesn’t just react to changes but actively creates many of them. Syracuse students find success in their career fields. The school has good job placement outcomes. Students at Syracuse can customize their learning experiences to get the most out of their educations.
What We Like: 90% of Syracuse alumni who enter the workforce are working in positions related to their field of study.
Degree: Supply Chain Management
15. University of Tennessee — Knoxville
The University of Tennessee Knoxville offers one of the best supply chain management programs in the Southeast. It’s a BSBA in Supply Chain Management. The in-depth curriculum explores all aspects of overseeing a supply chain. Students increase their knowledge, confidence, and leadership abilities. The program includes networking and hands-on learning opportunities, and it comes from UTK’s well respected school of business.
The University of Tennessee Knoxville is the flagship university of the UT system. It’s an energetic learning community where students maximize their skills and use those skills to serve others. Students benefit from challenging academics and relevant career training. They also get plenty of opportunities for networking and making career connections.
What We Like: 92% of first-year students at UTK receive financial aid and/or scholarships.
Degree: BSBA in Supply Chain Management
University of Tennessee Knoxville
16. Drexel University
Drexel University offers a BSBA in Operations and Supply Chain Management. It covers the behind-the-scenes aspects of business, and it’s one of the best supply chain management degree options available today. Students learn organizational and management skills. They also learn other business skills like marketing, legal knowledge, and other essentials. The courses cover what it takes to communicate effectively with team members.
Drexel University is a high-value urban university where students make connections. It’s a thriving campus in a thriving city. This school emphasizes engagement, career building, and academic success. Drexel University partners with local employers to give students a hands-on experience. Most of these opportunities are paid, and they help students kick off their careers with professional resume credits right out of the gate.
What We Like: 94% of Drexel graduates are working or obtaining further education. 63% of job applicants had at least one job offer by graduation.
Degree: BSBA in Operations and Supply Chain Management
17. Ferris State University
Ferris State University offers a BS in Operations and Supply Management. It’s one of the best supply chain management programs available. In this program, students learn about the people, systems, skills, and materials that make up a supply chain. Students also learn how products are created, marketed, and sold. Courses are based on real-life scenarios. Students learn how to use critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a business context.
Ferris State University is a mid-sized university focused on quality, ethics, and forward movement. It provides an education that lets students make the most of learning opportunities. Ferris State is all about career-focused education. Its training is based on current industry landscapes, so students know that they’re getting a relevant education. The school’s small class sizes allow for meaningful connections.
What We Like: Most Ferris State classes have fewer than 20 students.
Degree: BS in Operations and Supply Management
18. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee has a BBA in Supply Chain Management. This program is one of the best supply chain management degree options. It covers all aspects of the supply chain from start to finish. Students learn how to use resources and technology effectively. They learn how supply chain management works in all kinds of industries, not just manufacturing. This program also emphasizes the IT aspects of managing a supply chain.
The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee focuses on building careers and providing hands-on experiences. This approach helps students build their confidence. The school is one of the top research universities in the United States, so it uses a lot of the latest technology in learning. Students here are empowered to forge their own pathways forward.
What We Like: The average starting salary of UW Wisconsin alumni is $50,200.
Degree: BBA in Supply Chain and Operations Management
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
19. University of Rhode Island
The University of Rhode Island has a BSBA in Supply Chain Management. The program is one of the best supply chain management programs. It recognizes that supply chain management is one of the most important fields in business and economics. Students get training to meet the most pressing business needs. They learn all about business, logistics, strategic planning, and leadership. By the end of the program, students earn professional certification.
The University of Rhode Island is all about innovation and seeking solutions. This school is made up of an active community of learners. Students pursue answers to big questions, and they get relevant career training. Students also learn how to maximize their skills to become competitive in the job search. The University of Rhode Island has a long history of service and moving forward.
What We Like: The University of Rhode Island has one of the top supply chain management programs in the United States. It’s well-recognized in the industry, so it can have a positive impact on employment.
Degree: BSBA in Supply Chain Management
20. University of Scranton
The University of Scranton offers a BS in Operations Management, which focuses on important business operations, including supply chain management. It’s one of the best supply chain management degree programs. Students learn how to make supply chains as efficient and effective as possible. The program is one of the fastest-growing majors at the school. It prepares students to become high earners.
The University of Scranton is a Jesuit Catholic university. It’s committed to service, excellent academics, and making a difference for students and the community. This school provides a relevant and practical education that helps students meet their goals. It also helps students to deepen their faith and explore big questions. Scranton offers personal attention and a close-knit community.
What We Like: The Economist has ranked Scranton in the top 2% of colleges for impact on student earnings. The school is known for providing a great ROI for its tution costs.
Degree: BS in Operations Management
21. University of South Dakota
The University of South Dakota offers a BBA in Operations and Supply Chain Management. This program is one of the best supply chain management programs for those who want an in-depth look at the business world. Students learn how to keep things organized while managing people, businesses, and suppliers. Courses teach students how to handle complex systems and issues. They also teach students how to analyze, design, and improve supply chains while keeping things efficient and cost-effective.
At the University of South Dakota, students become leaders and thinkers who make a difference in their careers. The school focuses on overcoming hurdles. It has the largest campus in the state. For that matter, this school was founded before North Dakota even became a state. This school is a leader across several areas, and it helps students develop their own leadership skills, too.
What We Like: UND is ranked as one of the top universities in the US for value.
Degree: BBA in Operations and Supply Chain Management
22. Elmhurst College
Elmhurst University offers a BBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. It’s one of the best supply chain management degree options that offers a comprehensive approach. Students learn how different aspects of the supply chain work. They also learn how to make the best purchasing, production, and delivery decisions. They learn how to communicate with team members across different departments. Students get the opportunity to learn in a major metropolitan business area.
Elmhurst University is a small school in a big city, so it offers a combination of benefits. The school combines liberal arts education with career-based training. The school is growing, which is why it recently changed its name from Elmhurst College to Elmhurst University. This school has a long history of strong academics. It has earned high rankings in many categories, so students can rest assured that they’re getting a lot of quality in their education.
What We Like: According to US News and World Report, Elmhurst is one of the best regional universities in the Midwest.
Degree: BBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
23. Northeastern State University
Northeastern State University has a BBA in Supply Chain Management. It’s one of the best supply chain management programs in its region. It provides the knowledge and flexibility that students need to thrive in a quickly-changing field. Students learn how to juggle several responsibilities as effectively as possible. They study hard skills and soft skills to make the most of their careers. Students also have options to get a fully-rounded business education.
At Northeastern State University, students live up to high expectations and learn how to reach beyond their perceived limits. The school was founded on the principles of quality teaching and excellent academics. Northeastern State helps students realize their full potential. Students then take that potential into their careers and lives after college. This school is a service-oriented university that focuses on bettering the community.
What We Like: Northeastern State University is a military-friendly university.
Degree: BBA in Supply Chain Management
Northeastern State University
24. Wright State University
Wright State University has one of the best supply chain management degree options. This program helps students prepare for business success. Students learn the skills and knowledge they need to oversee all aspects of the supply chain. They prepare for a wide range of career possibilities. The program focuses on experience-based learning, which helps students gain confidence in their skills.
Wright State University is named for the Wright brothers, so this school knows the importance of having big dreams. It also provides all the resources and support that students need to reach those dreams, whatever they may be. It’s an affordable university with a low student to faculty ratio, so students can make the most of their learning opportunities. The school offers great academics with hands-on career training. As a result, students can reach their goals and make the most of their careers.
What We Like: Wright State has earned high rankings for both program excellence and affordability.
Degree: BSB in Supply Chain Management
25. Rider University
Rider University offers a BS in Global Supply Chain Management. It’s one of the best supply chain management programs for those who want to focus on a global scale. This program takes an interdisciplinary approach. Students learn a broad understanding of business and commerce. They learn how supply chain management works on a large scale, and they gain far-reaching leadership and organization skills.
Rider University helps students explore their passions and deepen their knowledge. It also helps students define and achieve their goals. It offers lots of resources and a highly supportive academic environment. Students learn how they an make a positive impact in their communities. Many of Rider University’s courses include hands-on learning experiences. This way, students can gain confidence in their skills before moving into the career field.
What We Like: Rider University is one of the top Best Value schools, according to US News and World Report.
Degree: BS in Global Supply Chain Management
Why is Supply Chain Management Important?
What is the value of supply chain management? To understand why supply chain management is so important, you’ll first need to understand what supply chain management is. So, what is supply chain management? And for that matter, what is global supply chain management?
A supply chain is how goods go from raw materials to fully usable products. Supply chains have different stages and departments. The manufacturing team makes up one part of the supply chain, the shipping department makes up another, and the sales department, which gets the product into the hands of consumers, also takes a role.
Supply chain management is a specialty of business administration. Supply chain management responsibilities include overseeing that that entire process from start to finish. They keep an eye on inventory, correct any discrepancies, and make sure that everything runs smoothly. Logistics programs teach professionals to do these tasks.
Now you’ve seen the answer to the “what is supply chain management” question, so what is global supply chain management? It’s supply chain management for multinational companies. In this case, supply chain management responsibilities occur on a larger scale. Products may be shipped to consumers around the world. Plus, materials and personnel can also come from around the world. Therefore, the operations and supply chain management job description can get a lot bigger for these companies.
So, what is the value of supply chain management? Supply chain management is important because it covers so many vital tasks that help businesses run smoothly. Businesses couldn’t run as effectively without operations and supply chain management. Job description requirements include creating specific goals for the supply chain and different pieces of the supply chain. Supply chain management job requirements also include communicating those goals to each division, helping team members understand their role in achieving those goals.
Supply chain managers must also spot and address potential problems and inefficiencies. They work with various departments to minimize costs to the company. Supply chain management job requirements also include
- inventory management
- sourcing
- procurement
All of these tasks come from having a “big picture” view of the supply chain, which is a view that only supply chain management can provide. The best schools for supply chain management prepare you for all of it.
What Does a Supply Chain Manager Do?
Supply chain managers (also called logistician or distribution manager) play an important role for businesses that sell goods. They oversee the entire supply chain, from original materials to the final product and distribution. Supply chain managers keep this process organized.
When people ask “What is a supply chain manager?” what they’re really asking is “What does a supply chain manager do?” They want a supply chain manager definition that includes a practical supply chain manager job description and salary information.
It’s an understandable question. If you google “What is a supply chain manager?” you’ll get a lot of broad definitions about the supply chain manager role. And that’s fine if you want a very general supply chain manager definition. But if you’re thinking about taking on the supply chain manager role yourself someday, then you’ll want to know what the supply chain manager job description looks like on an average day. What are some supply chain manager job responsibilities? What’s included in regular supply chain manager tasks? What does a supply chain manager do?
On an average day, the supply chain manager description includes a lot of supervision, delegation, and checking in with different departments. For example, the roles of a supply chain manager can include checking in with a company’s different warehouses. One supply chain manager responsibility is to receive updates from the different warehouses about inventory, staff, and other things. If changes need to be made, the supply chain manager description includes handling or delegating these changes.
Other roles of a supply chain manager include checking in with team members. Supply chain team members can oversee different parts of the supply chain. One of the key supply chain manager tasks is to hear updates from these team members and make changes as necessary.
Another supply chain manager responsibility may involve working with project managers to increase supply chain efficiency. As you can imagine, supply chain manager job responsibilities also vary based on the size, scope, and type of company.
In a supply chain management major, you’ll take on-campus or online courses to learn to apply these skills to industries from healthcare to warehousing. Elective courses will round out your credit hours. Most programs will require a capstone where students choose a real-world project to study. Supply chain management is usually a bachelor of science degree and typically take four years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that graduates often enter their career paths right away.
Now, what about the supply chain manager job description and salary? You’ll find more salary information in the next section.
How Much Does a Supply Chain Manager Make?
Now, what is the average supply chain manager’s salary? While supply chain management salaries can vary, the full-time average supply chain management salary is $111,485 per year.
For the lower earners, a supply chain management salary can be $85,683. It’s important to note, however, that even though this number is on the low end for a supply chain manager salary, it’s still higher than the overall average salary in the United States. Supply chain managers, in general, are compensated well for their work. Meanwhile, on the upper end of the scale, the top supply chain manager salaries can reach nearly $145,000.
And then there’s the average global supply chain manager’s salary, which is about $116,000 per year. These supply chain management salaries are so high because global supply chain management comes with extra challenges and responsibilities.
Of course, when it comes to supply chain management, average salary numbers don’t tell the whole story. A lot of factors can impact a supply chain management salary.
For example, education can make a difference. You may start your career with an associate’s from community college, but higher education can make a big difference. A supply chain manager salary can often be higher for those who have a master of science instead of a bachelor’s degree alone. There are MBA programs dedicated to logistics today. The top undergraduate supply chain management schools prepare you for a master’s degree too.
Experience can also make a difference in a supply chain management average salary. The supply chain management entry-level salary may be lower, for example, than the supply chain manager average salary. That said, there’s almost no such thing as a supply chain management entry-level salary anyway, since most of these positions require years of experience in the field.
The size and type of company can also impact supply chain manager salaries. Bigger companies can usually afford to pay bigger salaries, which is another reason why the global supply chain manager average salary is higher than the salary for non-global positions.
The best colleges for supply chain management prepare students for greatness. Supply chain management rankings are the place to start finding the top undergraduate supply chain programs. Learn more about enrollment at one of our top picks!
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