MBAs in Supply Chain Management
An MBA in supply chain management can help prepare business leaders to effectively coordinate the flow of goods and services for small-scale and large-scale operations.
First established at Harvard University in 1908, the MBA became a cornerstone degree for business professionals. More recently, institutions have begun combining the standard MBA curriculum with specialized training in areas such as supply chain management.
Supply chain managers oversee the flow of goods as they move from raw materials to finished products. During the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disturbances caused household goods, such as toilet paper, to become difficult to purchase.
MBAs in supply chain management can equip professionals with the skills to pursue leadership roles in the field. Learn more about how to earn this degree, top programs to consider, and career pathways with the following in-depth guide.
Why Choose an MBA in Supply Chain Management?
Career Advancement
A master’s degree can provide the specialized knowledge and skills needed to stand out as a valuable asset in a competitive job market. This degree can also lead to higher wages. In Sept. 2023, Payscale reported that the average person with an MBA in supply chain management earns $93,000 a year, compared to $71,000 for those with a bachelor’s in supply chain management.National Credibility and Recognition
A study from the Graduate Management Admission Council found that four in five candidates believe a graduate degree helps you stand among coworkers. A master’s degree can also establish your credibility and expertise on a national or even global scale, positioning you for a role as a researcher, consultant, or writer.Eligibility for Other Educational Programs
EAt many schools, you can pair an MBA with an MS in finance, a juris doctor, or a master’s in public policy. The degree can also set you up to pursue a professional doctorate in business administration or a Ph.D. in business or supply chain management.
Colleges With Supply Chain Management Programs
We have compiled a list of institutions with this degree program, ranked from most to least expensive. Use the table below to compare average net prices, acceptance rates, and graduation rates among schools.
| School | Location | Average Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethel University | Saint Paul, MN | $29,915 | 72% | 75% |
| University of Dallas | Irving, TX | $27,250 | 59% | 72% |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | $25,103 | 74% | 63% |
| Oregon State University | Corvallis, OR | $21,163 | 83% | 70% |
| University of Nebraska Lincoln | Lincoln, NE | $16,805 | 79% | 65% |
| University of Maryland, College Park | College Park, MD | $16,210 | 45% | 89% |
| University of Wisconsin Whitewater | Whitewater, WI | $13,322 | 82% | 62% |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson, TX | $10,351 | 94% | 44% |
3 Schools for Online Supply Chain Management Master’s
University of Maryland, College Park
The University of Maryland, College Park offers a flexible, online MBA in supply chain management through the Robert H. Smith School of Business. This degree requires 54-56 credits, including an opening residency and a capstone residency.
Courses include corporate finance, supply chain management, global trade logistics, and supply chain risk management. Students can complete the program in as little as 24 months. The school of business holds program accreditation with AACSB International and maintains an alumni base of 66,000 people worldwide.
Applicants need strong quantitative skills, but GRE or GMAT scores are optional for admission.
University of Texas at Dallas
The Naveen Jindal School of Management at the University of Texas at Dallas offers an MBA with a concentration in supply chain management to help prepare business leaders for success in a global economy. This 33-credit degree, available in on-campus, online, and flex delivery formats, offers opportunities for customizability.
Supply chain management courses include global supply chain management, operations analytics, and applied supply chain management for new products, along with an internship. Students can add another concentration or an academic certificate to their curriculum. Each applicant needs a bachelor’s degree and qualifying GRE/GMAT scores or a standardized testing waiver.
University of La Verne
This private, nonprofit university is one of the most diverse schools in the country. University of La Verne offers an MBA in supply chain management for professionals with at least three years of experience.
This 1-3 year program requires 33 units of study across foundational courses and electives. Supply chain courses include supply chain management and strategy, compliance issues in supply chains, and e-business. Each credit costs $935.
Each candidate needs a bachelor’s degree in any field, and new students can begin with five start dates each year. The program is available in a 100% online and asynchronous format, although students can take in-person courses at several locations.
Is Graduate School for Supply Chain Management Worth It?
Attending graduate school for supply chain management can be a worthwhile venture. The NCES reported that graduate school tuition averaged $19,749 annually in the 2020-2021 academic year. On average, individuals with MBAs in supply chain management earn $93,000 a year, according to Sept. 2023 Payscale data, indicating a strong return on investment.
Besides the financial payoff, an MBA can open doors to fulfilling and interesting leadership roles. A graduate degree can provide the math, business, and leadership training needed to solve critical and complex problems in supply chains. While supply chain professionals with bachelor’s degrees may serve as buyers or analysts, professionals with MBAs often hold management or director positions.
Common Questions About Supply Chain Programs
What is an MBA in supply chain management?
An MBA in supply chain management is a 1-2 year graduate degree in business that emphasizes leadership, administration, and supply chains. These programs prepare students to serve as leaders in supply chain management.
Is an MBA good for supply chain management?
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in business or supply chain management, an MBA may be the next logical step in your career journey. You can use this degree to advance a career in global logistics, purchasing, or operations management.
Which MBA is best for supply chain management?
Many top universities offer MBAs in supply chain management. The best degree for you should align with your career goals, carry an affordable price tag, and allow for a reasonable completion timeframe.
How much does a supply chain MBA cost?
In the 2020-2021 academic year, graduate school tuition averaged $19,749 per year, according to NCES data. A supply chain MBA may cost more or less depending on whether you choose a public or private school, along with other factors.
