Here’s a roundup of some of the top programs to consider, whether you’re looking to major in supply chain at the undergraduate level, obtain an MBA with a supply chain concentration, or find the right executive education or certificate programs to further your career.
The next generation of supply chain professionals have an array of dynamic choices when it comes to determining their educational path. Premier institutions across the nation offer an extensive range of courses encompassing the broad spectrum of supply chain management, from strategic planning, sourcing, and procurement to transportation, inventory management, operations, data analytics, information technology, and sustainability.
And, today’s supply chain management education programs extend beyond traditional academic boundaries. In addition to undergraduate and graduate degrees, there’s also a wealth of programs tailored for industry practitioners eager to hone their strategic skills in the rapidly evolving supply chain landscape.
Frequently run or taught by renowned faculty, these courses seek to deliver a practical, real-world perspective, equipping students aiming for supply chain careers or professionals seeking advancement opportunities with the tools to thrive.
Here’s a roundup of some of the top programs to consider, whether you’re looking to major in supply chain at the undergraduate level, obtain an MBA with a supply chain concentration, or find the right executive education or certificate programs to further your career.
Supply chain management is one of the hottest fields in business today. As companies expand their operations globally, there is an increasing need for professionals who can oversee and optimize complex distribution networks. A degree in supply chain management provides students with the analytical, technological, and leadership skills needed to thrive in this rapidly growing profession.
In this article, we reveal the top 10 best colleges for studying supply chain management based on factors like academic reputation, real-world experience opportunities, career outcomes, and more. Whether you’re a high school senior exploring college options or looking to change careers, read on to discover the premier supply chain management programs across the United States.
1. Michigan State University
Michigan State University tops our list as the #1 school for supply chain management MSU offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science focused entirely on global supply chain management through the Eli Broad College of Business,
With a curriculum blending technical and business coursework, students gain expertise in areas like procurement, logistics, transportation, analytics, and more. MSU also provides ample opportunities for real-world experience via case competitions, consulting projects, simulation labs, and corporate partnerships with companies like Amway, Meijer, and Steelcase.
Within six months of graduation, 96% of supply chain majors at MSU secure full-time employment, with top hiring companies like Amazon, Chrysler, and General Mills. The average starting salary exceeds $58,000.
2. University of Tennessee
The University of Tennessee (UT) offers an undergraduate major and minor in supply chain management through the Haslam College of Business. The program provides training in forecasting, transportation, warehouse management, and global trade.
Students can apply their knowledge in UT’s cutting-edge analytics lab and Global Supply Chain Institute They also benefit from the school’s partnerships with over 500 corporations, including FedEx, Caterpillar, and AutoZone
Within three months of graduating, over 90% of supply chain majors at UT have received at least one job offer with an average salary of $61,000. Top employers include Amazon, Dell, Boeing, and more.
3. Arizona State University
At Arizona State University, undergraduates can earn a B.S. in Supply Chain Management through the W.P. Carey School of Business. The program features innovative classes like Securing the Supply Chain and Supply Chain Modeling as well as hands-on learning opportunities.
Students operate the Chain Reaction Supply Chain Learning Center which features a command center, distribution center, and manufacturing plant simulations. They also have access to research centers like the Center for Services Leadership.
Within six months of graduation, 83% of ASU supply chain grads have secured full-time employment with leading companies like Intel, Pepsico, Honeywell, and Starbucks.
4. Penn State University
Penn State’s Smeal College of Business offers one of the country’s oldest and most reputable programs in supply chain and information systems. Undergraduates can pursue concentrations in logistics, procurement, and more.
Coursework incorporates the latest technology like SAP ERP software and real-world scenarios through partnerships with over 90 corporate sponsors. Students also benefit from faculty expertise in Penn State’s Center for Supply Chain Research.
Within three months of earning their degrees, 98% of Smeal College graduates have secured full-time employment with average starting salaries of $62,000. Top hirers include Amazon, Lockheed Martin, Johnson & Johnson, and more.
5. University of Maryland
The University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business is home to an acclaimed undergraduate major in Supply Chain Management. The program provides training in sourcing, transportation, analytics, and global logistics strategies.
Students gain hands-on experience through internships at over 500 corporate and government partners in the Washington D.C. metro area. They also have access to resources like the Center for Excellence in Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
Within six months of graduation, 91% of Maryland supply chain majors have obtained full-time jobs with leading employers like Amazon, PepsiCo, IBM, and Deloitte. Average starting salaries exceed $65,000.
6. Rutgers University
At Rutgers Business School, undergraduates can major in supply chain management and analytics. The program combines foundational business knowledge with specialized training in logistics, procurement, forecasting, and more.
Students participate in activities like case competitions, simulations, and consulting projects. They also benefit from the Supply Chain Management Research Center and partnerships with over 80 Fortune 1000 companies in the New York/New Jersey metro area.
Within six months of earning their degrees, 89% of Rutgers supply chain grads have secured full-time employment with average starting salaries of $67,000. Top recruiters include Amazon, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Unilever, and more.
7. Michigan Technical University
Michigan Tech offers a B.S. in Supply Chain Management through the Pavlis Honors College. The curriculum provides integrated training in logistics, procurement, analytics, and lean management principles.
Students gain hands-on experience via projects like managing the school’s central stores inventory. Many also complete paid co-ops and internships with employers like Oshkosh Defense, Kohler Engines, and PepsiCo.
Within six months of graduation, 100% of supply chain majors at Michigan Tech have obtained full-time employment with average starting salaries of $61,000. Leading hiring companies include Amway, Meijer, General Motors, and more.
8. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California (USC) offers a B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Supply Chain Management through the Marshall School of Business. The program blends business foundations with specialized training in procurement, transportation, forecasting, and more.
Students benefit from USC’s prime location in Los Angeles near major ports and logistics hubs. They can also join clubs like the Supply Chain and Operations Management Association. Within six months of graduating, over 90% of USC supply chain majors secure full-time jobs, primarily in consulting, manufacturing, and transportation. Top employers include Deloitte, SpaceX, Toyota, and more.
9. University of Houston
At the University of Houston, undergraduates can major in Supply Chain Management through the C.T. Bauer College of Business. The program provides integrated training in procurement, logistics, risk management, and global trade.
Located near the Port of Houston, students gain hands-on learning opportunities through partnerships with shipping leaders. They can also get involved in UH’s Supply Chain & Logistics Technology Forum.
Within three months of graduation, 97% of supply chain majors from UH have obtained full-time employment with average starting salaries exceeding $65,000. Leading recruiters include ExxonMobil, Phillips 66, Target, and more.
10. University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas offers an undergraduate major in Supply Chain Management through the Sam M. Walton College of Business. The program provides broad-based training applicable to any industry.
Students develop expertise through activities like facility tours, case competitions, and the Operations Management Society. Over 25% complete internships gaining hands-on experience.
Within six months of graduation, over 90% of supply chain majors from Arkansas have secured full-time employment with average starting salaries of $58,000. Top recruiters include Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt, Walmart, and more.
Key Takeaways
Earning a degree in supply chain management opens the door to a wide range of lucrative careers managing the flow of goods and services locally and globally. This field will continue to expand as companies place greater emphasis on distribution networks and logistics.
The colleges profiled here offer premier undergraduate programs blending theoretical and applied training with ample hands-on learning opportunities. Their graduates consistently secure employment with leading corporations at starting salaries nearing or exceeding $60,000.
When researching schools, look for factors like dedicated majors, corporate partnerships, analytics labs, and internships. Leveraging these resources helps ensure you will gain the necessary expertise to excel as a supply chain management professional.
Ohio State’s Fisher College of Business
The online Master of Supply Chain Management (MSCM) degree at the Ohio State University Fisher College of Business is designed to build and refine valuable supply chain skills through a rigorous curriculum that combines online coursework with hands-on learning experience. The program culminates in a capstone project that addresses a real business challenge and delivers tangible results to a student’s current employer of an assigned organization.
Michigan State University – Eli Board College of Business
The faculty in the Department of Supply Chain Management (SCM) at Michigan are global industry leaders and according to the university, are considered the voice of the SCM field. The intent is to equip graduates with a competitive edge. Through an integrative educational approach, the university prepares students for the next era of supply chain management and careers in areas including procurement, manufacturing, inventory management, warehousing, logistics, and transportation.
Supply Chain Management: Everything You Need to Know (Supply Chain Management Degree)
What colleges offer supply chain management majors?
Here are 10 of the best colleges for supply chain management majors: 1. Arizona State University Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business has a rigorous undergraduate program for aspiring supply chain management professionals.
Where can I get a supply chain management degree?
University of Arkansas The University of Arkansas offers a supply chain management bachelor’s degree through its Sam M. Walton College of Business. Students learn about topics ranging from planning and sourcing to distribution and sales.
What courses do you need to become a supply chain manager?
Courses in project management, strategic spending and logistics management prepare you for advanced positions in your field. By completing only six additional hours of electives, you can earn a certificate in analytics, strategic sourcing or energy supply management. Here are 16 other colleges for supply chain management:
How many bachelor’s degrees in supply chain management are there?
College Factual looked at 129 colleges and universities when compiling its 2024 Best Supply Chain Management Bachelor’s Degree Schools ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 7,246 bachelor’s degrees in supply chain management to qualified students. What’s on this page: * Our Methodology
