The Value of a University Education
Businesses realize that being competitive in the 21st century requires leading-edge thinking around supply chain management and logistics. Companies large and small are looking for talented individuals with a strong mix of education, potential, and motivation to manage and lead their global supply chains.
If you want to be a future leader in this trillion dollar industry, your best course of action is to pursue an appropriate college degree. Focus on logistics, transportation, purchasing, and/or operations in your studies to effectively prepare for supply chain careers. The coursework will be challenging, yet interesting, and the payoff for your hard work will be great. By the time graduation rolls around, you'll be primed for SCM positions of significant responsibility with very competitive starting salaries (see the Salary outlook page).
SCM Coursework
SCM courses are available from community colleges, universities, and specialized schools. Typically, SCM is housed within the business school at most universities, though the industrial engineering department is another option. While many schools offer only one or two courses, some have a four-year degree program that allows you to dive deeply into key SCM topics. After completing general coursework and the business core (accounting, management, marketing, etc.), you'll study:
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Sample course descriptions can be found from the following links:
- Introduction to Logistics & SCM
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The study of logistics and supply chain management involving the movement and storage of supplies, work-in-progress and finished goods. Logistics cost trade-offs within the firm and between members of the supply chain are examined.
Source: University of Maryland, Robert H. Smith School of Business, Logistics, Business and Public Policy.
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- Logistics Operations Management
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Analysis of logistics operations and management techniques applied to warehousing/distribution center operations, purchasing and operation of transportation services, and logistics personnel management.
Source: University of Tennessee, College of Business Administration, Department of Marketing and Logistics.
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- International Transportation & Logistics
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Logistics activities in international business with special emphasis on transportation, global sourcing, customs issues, governmental influence, facility location in a global environment, and import-export opportunities. Special emphasis is placed on current events and their effect on the marketing and logistics activities of U.S.-based organizations.
Source: University of Arkansas, Sam M. Walton College of Business, Department of Marketing & Logistics.
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- Manufacturing & Service Strategies
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This course examines manufacturing and services strategies, with special emphasis given to quality management concepts, methods, and issues.
Source: Pennsylvania State University, Smeal College of Business, Department of Supply Chain and Information Systems.
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- Supply Chain Performance Management
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Understanding and managing supply chain performance through the use of metrics, analysis, and improvement strategies.
Source: Auburn University, College of Business, Aviation and Supply Chain Management.
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- Supply Chain Application & Policy
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Analysis and problem solving of supply chain management cases in the areas of purchasing, manufacturing, logistics, and transportation as an integrated supply chain.
Source: Michigan State University, The Eli Broad College of Business, Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management.
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Education Options
A geographically diverse group of universities offer supply chain programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. For a listing of these institutions, click CSCMP University Listing.