In this article, we profile the top 30 best online master's in supply chain management degree programs for 2018.
Supply chain and distribution managers, according to the United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, require specialized education. The highest earners as supply chain managers and logisticians have received education beyond a bachelor's degree. Valuable work experience is also necessary, making it difficult for individuals to return to school while holding a job. Thankfully, online master's in supply chain management programs are now offered by some of the nation's top institutions.
We evaluated 70 schools that offered master's in supply chain management online degree programs. To be considered for our list of the top 30 online master's in supply chain management, the colleges and universities must be accredited. Also, of the list of schools considered, many on our list are ranked by a major publication like U.S. News and World Report. All data collected, including the graduate tuition, came from the National Center for Education Statistics (College Navigator). Programs were then ranked according to affordability, with our #1 spot going to the most affordable.
Below is our list of the top 30 best master's in supply chain management online degree programs of 2018.
#30 – Boston University
Online Master's in Supply Chain Management
Boston, Massachusetts
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $51,716
Boston University offers an online master's in supply chain management for individuals seeking graduate level training and knowledge in supply chain management and logistics. The Boston University program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and offers students three concentration areas including global business, logistics management, and quantitative approaches. Courses may include doing business in North America, multinational finance and trade, operations management business process fundamentals, and quantitative and qualitative decision-making. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. U.S. News and World Report ranks Boston University #9 in best online graduate business programs.
#29 – University of Southern California
Online Master's in Global Supply Chain Management
Los Angeles, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $44,013
Through its Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California offers a master's in supply chain management online for individuals seeking leadership and management positions within the supply chain and operations career fields. The program consists of 27 credits and is designed for working individuals to attend online courses part-time. While individual programs have unique admission policies, general graduate admission includes satisfactory GRE/GMAT scores, a bachelor's from an accredited college or university, and letters of recommendation. Courses in the USC graduate supply chain include application of Lean Six Sigma, global supply chain management in international settings, international perspective in global supply chain management, and sustainable supply chains. USC is ranked #21 in national universities by U.S. News.
#28 – Adelphi University
Online Master's in Supply Chain Management
Garden City, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $40,492
Adelphi University provides an online master's in supply chain management through its Robert B. Willumstad School of Business for individuals seeking flexible online graduate education from an AACSB business school. The program includes 30-36 credits broken down into four areas including foundation core, supply chain core, elective courses, and a capstone course. The program's curriculum is geared towards teaching and training students to oversee and lead supply chain and logistics operations of organizations of all sizes. Admission requirements include transcripts, a bachelor's degree from accredited institution, GMAT scores no older than five years, resume, letter of recommendation, and 500-word personal statement. U.S. News ranks Adelphi #151 in national universities.
#27 – Syracuse University
Online Master's in Supply Chain Management
Syracuse, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $37,276
Syracuse University offers a master's in supply chain management online for business professionals seeking additional schooling and training across a wide variety of business functions. The degree offers a variety of specialties including supply chain management. Supply chain courses may include global supply chain management, lean Six Sigma, and principles of management science. The 56-credit program can be completed in as few as two years. Students are expected to take two courses per 12-week semester. Additionally, the program includes three 1-credit residencies in the United States and abroad. Admission requirements include GMAT/GRE scores, transcripts, personal essay, two support letters, and a personal interview for select candidates. Individuals with significant work experience may be eligible for GMAT/GRE score waivers. U.S. News ranks Syracuse #61 in national universities.
#26 – University of San Diego
Online Master's in Supply Chain Management
San Diego, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $26,418
The University of San Diego offers supply chain management online programs for students seeking graduate business education from a program accredited by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS) and approved by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). The 36-credit program includes 3-4 days spent on campus at the beginning of each semester. The rest of the curriculum and instruction take place online. The cohort-based program can be completed in approximately 25 months from the time of matriculation. The first six classes detail the three major components of supply chain management and logistics on which all other courses are predicated. Admission requirements include two years of professional work experience, bachelor's degree, statement of purpose, and resume. Those with less than two years of work experience may need to submit GMAT scores. U.S. News ranks USD #90 in national universities.
#25 – Lehigh University
Online Master's in Supply Chain Management
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $26,280
Lehigh University offers an online supply chain management degree within its MBA program curriculum designed for working professionals seeking graduate education for upward career mobility and increased work performance. Lehigh's part-time flex MBA with a supply chain concentration utilizes case method pedagogy allowing students to learn by solving real-world complex supply chain and logistics scenarios. Courses within the supply chain concentration include demand and supply chain planning, strategic supply management, and transportation and logistics management. The program is particularly well suited for individuals with professional work experience within the supply chain and operations/logistic career fields. U.S. News ranks Lehigh #46 in national universities.
#24 – Northeastern University
Online Master's in Business with Concentration in Supply Chain Management
Boston, Massachusetts
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $23,688
Northeastern University offers an online supply chain management MBA degree for professionals seeking upward career mobility and increased knowledge of managing the flow of global goods across complex supply chains. The degree is designed to teach real world skills needed to deal with complex logistical and operational challenges within a variety of business contexts. Supply chain courses may include operations and supply chain management, sustainability and supply chain management, strategic sourcing, and the transportation industries. The program is housed under the auspices of the D'Amore-McKim School of Business and consists of 50 credit hours. The course schedule is built specifically for working students to seamlessly attend school while continuing to work. U.S. News ranks Northeastern #40 in national universities.
#23 – Duquesne University
Online Master's in Supply Chain Management
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,662
Duquesne University offers an online master's in supply chain management accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) that can be completed in less than two years. The program offers flexible evening and online courses that lead to Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification and APICS certification. Admission is a holistic process that looks at all components of the applicant's submissions including personal statement, GMAT/GRE scores, work experience, two letters of reference, and undergraduate degree. Courses include forecasting and demand management, managing inventory in the supply chain, supply chain process improvement, and sustainable supply chains. U.S. News ranks Duquesne #120 in national universities.
#22 – Pennsylvania State University
Online Master's in Supply Chain Management
University Park, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,974
Pennsylvania State University's Smeal College of Business offers a master's in supply chain management online for working individuals seeking graduate education in a flexible online format. The 30-credit program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and includes courses such as global manufacturing and service operations, logistics and transportation management, manufacturing and service operations planning, and supply chain performance metrics and financial analysis. In addition to online courses, students are required to participate in one four-day intensive on-campus experience in University Park. Admission requirements include transcripts, undergraduate and/or graduate GPA, GMAT/GRE scores, vita, one reference, and SOP. Test score waivers are available to highly qualified applicants. U.S. News ranks Penn State #52 in national universities.
#21 – Loyola University
Online Master's in Supply Chain Management
Chicago, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,458
Loyola University Chicago offers an online supply chain management MBA degree that focuses on major components of the industry students need to know to succeed in the complex field. The program achieved STEM designation from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for its focus on solving complex supply chain and logistics problems using quantitative methodology and tools. Courses are conveniently held in the evenings and online. Courses include forecasting and demand management, intro to operations management, lean production concepts and practices, and supply chain analytics. U.S. News and World Report ranks Loyola University Chicago #103 in national universities and #12 in graduate supply chain and logistics programs.
#20 – Rutgers University
Online Master's in Supply Chain Management
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,984
Rutgers University offers supply chain management online programs for students seeking training and knowledge of supply chain and logistics concepts needed for upward career advancement within a variety of industries and economic sectors. The program is 100% online and requires no residency. Additionally, the 30-credit program has three admission cycles per year and can be finished in one year. The Rutgers program integrates all business functions that impact supply chain and operations including accounting, finance, marketing, purchasing, and logistics. Admission standards include undergraduate GPA of 3.0 from regionally accredited school–preferably in Business or Engineering, 3+ years of supply chain-related work experience, statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation. U.S. News ranks Rutgers #69 in national universities.
#19 – Quinnipiac University
Online Master's in Business Supply Chain Management
Hamden, Connecticut
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,900
Quinnipiac University offers a master's in supply chain management online for skilled professionals seeking graduate level education and training with the goal of increased knowledge and career advancement. The 46-credit program includes courses such as financial and managerial accounting for decision-making, organizational behavior and leadership for decision makers, managing marketing channels, and strategic sourcing and supply management. Admission application components include transcripts, resume or vita, letter of intent, three recommendations, and GMAT/GRE scores (waivers are available). The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. U.S. News and World Report ranks Quinnipiac University #13 in regional universities North.
#18 – Southern New Hampshire University
Online Master's in Operations and Supply Chain Management
Manchester, New Hampshire
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,810
Southern New Hampshire University offers a fully online supply chain management MBA that can be completed in just over one year. The program and institution is accredited by multiple organizations and entities including the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Courses include quantitative analysis for decision-making and supply chain management. Students with non-business backgrounds are welcome to apply, but may need to take prerequisite courses. Graduates may go on to careers including operations and logistics manager, quality assurance director, production planner and logistics engineer, and much more. U.S. News and World Report ranks Southern New Hampshire University #86 in regional universities North.
#17 – Michigan State University
Online Master's in Supply Chain Management
East Lansing, Michigan
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,436
Michigan State University offers supply chain management online programs that blend strategically timed face-to-face residencies and online courses for maximum teaching and learning. The residential requirements include three 3-day weekend sessions at the Michigan State main campus in Lansing. Courses may include applied data analysis, communication within the supply chain, global supply chain management, logistics operations methods and systems, and manufacturing planning and control. Admission criteria to the Eli Broad College of Business include undergraduate degree with 3.0 GPA, GMAT/GRE scores (applicants with 3+ years work experience not required to submit scores), two personal statements, three letters of recommendation, resume, and official bachelor's from regionally accredited institution. U.S. News ranks MSU #81 in national universities.
#16 – University of Washington
Online Master's in Supply Chain Transportation and Logistics
Seattle, Washington
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,272
University of Washington offers a master's in supply chain management online in affiliation with the University of Washington's Supply Chain Transportation & Logistics Center, which exists to leverage educational opportunities through industry expertise and cutting edge research. The program is heavily analytical and quantitative as curriculum is grounded in engineering-based practices and principles as related to the supply chain. The program is highly tailored to working professionals who desire to attend part-time in an online environment that includes live interactive courses and lectures. Program highlights include a residency week in the middle of September during the start of the academic year. U.S. News ranks UW #56 in national universities.
#15 – Florida Institute of Technology
Online Master's in Global Supply Chain Management
Melbourne, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,128
Florida Institute of Technology offers an online master's in supply chain management for individuals seeking management positions in the supply chain career field across a variety of business settings. Graduates may go on to positions such as warehouse manager, logistics engineer, purchasing director, inventory control manager, and more. The program is specifically geared towards working individuals who desire to take coursework while continuing their personal and professional obligations. FIT is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to confer the master's degree in supply chain management. Courses include advanced techniques in supply chain management, global supply chain management and international logistics, international business, and supply chain management. FIT is ranked #151 in national universities.
#14 – Portland State University
Online Master's in Supply Chain Management
Portland, Oregon
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,816
Portland State University offers a master's level online supply chain management degree designed to teach students the requisite skills and knowledge needed to succeed in managerial and leadership positions within the supply chain, operations, and logistics career fields. The program holds dual accreditation in accounting and general business from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and is also fully accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Additionally, the PSU program is one of only 13 online master's degree programs to be approved by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). PSU is ranked #231 in national universities.
#13 – Oregon State University
Online Master's in Supply Chain and Logistics Management
Corvallis, Oregon
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,061
Through its College of Business, Oregon State University offers an online supply chain management MBA for students who wish to focus on mastery of supply chain and logistics business functions. The program is specifically tailored towards the service and manufacturing industries as they relate to the supply chain. Graduates may qualify for both domestic and international managerial and leadership positions where overseeing operations and supply chain logistics is paramount to the success of the organization. Courses include advanced strategic management, managing ethics and corporate social responsibility, lean enterprise management, and organizational leadership and management. OSU is ranked #145 in national universities.
#12 – Wright State University
Online Master's in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Dayton, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,880
The Raj Soin College of Business at Wright State University offers supply chain management online programs designed for individuals seeking to become supply chain and logistics specialists across a wide variety of industries including government, manufacturing, health care, and retail. The program is delivered online in addition to four weeks of residencies that students spend on campus throughout the duration of the program. Courses may include foundations of supply chain management, information technology and the supply chain, performance measurement and supply chain, and total quality management and lean supply. U.S. News and World Report ranks Wright State University #231 in national universities.
#11 – Colorado Technical University
Online Master's in Operations Supply Chain Management
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,803
Colorado Technical University provides interested students with an online supply chain management degree designed to prepare graduates for management careers in the supply chain industry. The program's curriculum is curated to prepare its graduates for the complexities of supply chain and logistics operations in a global economy. The CTU program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs and the Higher Learning Commission. The 48-credit degree consists of courses such as logistics and supply chain management inventory and distribution, management capstone, operations management, and operations strategy. U.S. News and World Report ranks Colorado Technical University #172 in best online MBA programs.
#10 – Fontbonne University
Online Master's in Supply Chain Management
Saint Louis, Missouri
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,428
Fontbonne University offers an online supply chain management degree for busy working professionals needing convenient courses delivered via the internet. Admission to the Fontbonne graduate program includes official transcripts, two letters of support, resume/vita, and a 200-300 word personal statement. Additionally, students should have completed a course in statistics and macroeconomics within the last six years with a minimum grade of C- or better. Courses include business components assessment, applied project in supply chain management, finance and negotiation in the supply chain, lean principles in the supply chain, and operations management. U.S. News and World Report ranks Fontbonne University #70 in regional universities Midwest.
#9 – Louisiana State University
Online Master's in Supply Chain Management
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,447
Louisiana State University offers an online supply chain management MBA for students desiring graduate business education with preparation for leadership positions and expertise managing the supply chain. The program consists of 42 credits and can be completed in as little as 18 months. The 14 total courses are divided into 7-week terms. Courses include economic environment of the firm, managing sources of competitive advantage, supply chain management, and understanding international management challenges. Admission requirements include three years of professional managerial work history, two to three letters of support, statement of purpose, resume, and transcripts. Students who do not meet the work experience may need to submit GRE/GMAT test scores. LSU is ranked #133 in national universities.
#8 – University of Alabama
Online Master's in Supply Chain and Logistics Management
Huntsville, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,770
The University of Alabama Huntsville offers supply chain management online programs for busy working professionals seeking training in supply chain practices and theory. The program's curriculum is designed to teach students real world skills to tackle complex logistical situations that occur on a daily basis within the supply chain and operations fields. The 30-credit program offers classes such as advanced quality control, contract pricing and cost analysis, enterprise resource planning systems, introduction to statistical quality control, and supply chain strategy and practices. The UAB Huntsville program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Alabama Huntsville #216 in national universities.
#7 – Kettering University
Online Master's in Supply Chain Management
Flint, Michigan
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,680
Kettering University offers an accredited master's in supply chain management online program approved by the Accredited Council for Business Schools and Programs. The 40-credit program is delivered entirely online and does not require applicants to take or submit GRE or GMAT test scores. Students have the option to take the entire program online while finishing in as little as 18 months. The curriculum is career-focused with the goal of teaching students practical skills and knowledge needed in leading organizational supply chains across a global economy. Graduates may go on to work for Fortune 500 companies in a variety of industries and economic sectors. Kettering is ranked #26 in regional universities Midwest.
#6 – Indiana University
Online Master's in Global Supply Chain Management
Bloomington, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,279
Indiana University offers an online supply chain management degree that can be completed in as little as 15 months. The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and includes courses such as supply chain management enterprise operations and planning, supply chain management project management and process, and supply chain system distribution and inventory management. The curriculum is designed to teach salient industry needed skills and knowledge regarding material sourcing, distribution and inventory control, operations management, and supply chain accounting. Graduates often go on to high-level positions in a variety of industries. U.S. News and World Report ranks Indiana University #90 in national universities.
#5 – University of Wisconsin
Online Master's in Integrated Supply Chain Management
Platteville, Wisconsin
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,758
The University of Wisconsin Platteville provides an online supply chain management degree designed to prepare graduates for leadership positions across a wide variety of business settings and organizations. The degree is specifically built around core supply chain and logistics concepts needed to increase organizational efficiency in the sourcing, distribution, and delivery of goods across a global economy. Moreover, the program also prepares students to manage human capital in an ethical and fair environment where personnel decisions need to be made quickly. The degree is delivered 100% online. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Wisconsin Platteville #99 in regional universities Midwest.
#4 – Liberty University
Online MBA in Supply Chain Management and Logistics
Lynchburg, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,723
Liberty University's online supply chain management MBA degree is geared towards helping working professionals complete graduate level education in a flexible online environment. The program is a total of 45 credits and includes classes such as accounting for decision making, business research methods, contemporary issues in human resources management, and policy and strategy in global competition. Admission requirements to Liberty's accredited supply chain and logistics program include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, 3.0 minimum GPA, college transcripts, and 15 credits of upper division undergraduate business courses. U.S. News and World Report ranks Liberty University #231 in national universities and #139 in best online MBA programs.
#3 – University of Maryland University College
Online Master's in Acquisition and Supply Chain Management
Adelphi, Maryland
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,514
The University of Maryland University College provides students with supply chain management online programs in an online or hybrid format designed for working professionals. The 36-credit program accepts up to six transfer credits. Specialization courses include commercial transactions in a technological environment, contemporary logistics, contract pricing and negotiation, integrative supply chain management, purchasing and materials management, and strategic purchasing and logistics. University of Maryland University College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to confer the master's degree in supply chain management. Additionally, the business program is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. UMUC is recognized by U.S. News in its cohort of best regional universities North.
#2 – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Online Master's in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Daytona Beach, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,680
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers an online master's in supply chain management approved by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. This master's degree prepares graduates for certification as a Certified Supply Chain Professional (offered by the Association for Operations Management) as well as a Certified Professional in Supply Chain Management (offered through the Institute for Supply Management). The program is delivered entirely online and helps students become more marketable in the public and private sectors through acquisition of skills and knowledge of advanced supply chain and logistics concepts. Courses include global logistics and supply chain management, integrated logistics management, and purchasing for logistics and supply chain managers. ERAU is ranked #12 in regional universities South by U.S. News.
#1 – Georgia College & State University
Online Master's in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Milledgeville, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,206
Georgia College & State University provides individuals with an accredited online master's in supply chain management. The entire program is 30 credits and can be completed in approximately two years. The curriculum is delivered in lock-step order at the rate of two classes per term. Students matriculate in a cohort and graduate with the same group. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, transcripts, and GMAT/GRE scores. The current GMAT average for students accepted is 530 (36th percentile). Students with significant work history or a graduate degree may be entitled to a test score waiver. U.S. News and World Report ranks GCSU #31 in regional universities South.
BMD Staff
July 2018