Maximize Your Future's Potential
- $320/credit (120 credits)
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- Your military services could earn you credit and tuition savings
- Program accredited by ACBSP
- Receive credit for prior learning
- Prepare to take the CAPM®
Operations Management Program Overview
Operations managers are a key component to any successful management team. They're responsible for developing, improving and managing the processes used to produce and transport products, services and even people. They're often tasked with reducing costs, maximizing profits and increasing customer satisfaction - critical areas to any organization's sustainability.
Southern New Hampshire University's Bachelor of Science (BS) in Operations Management online degree program provides students with the knowledge and skills they'll need to effectively run a business.
Leadership skills are key to success in this field. That's just one of many reasons that military students are especially well-suited for the BS in Operations Management. Some students are also able to receive credit for their military service in addition to tuition discounts, allowing them to advance their career without putting their life on hold. Contact an admission counselor to learn more.
Become a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®
Want to earn a certification that can help position you for success in the field? As part of SNHU's online operations management degree program, you can take QSO-345: Project Management for CAPM® Certification course, which can prepare you to take the PMI® Certified Associate in Project Management® exam.
Receive Credit for Prior Learning
You've earned it. Now take advantage of it. If you have the following certifications, you may be eligible to waive certain courses, helping you save time and tuition.
- Active Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® Certification for QSO-345: Project Management for CAPM® Certification
- Six Sigma Green Belt Certification (with an exam score of 280 or above) for QSO-360: Six Sigma Quality Management
What You'll Learn
- Continuous improvement practices
- Process, procedure and product
- Operations management theory and best practices
- Low-risk operations management decisions
- Procedures that influence business sustainability
- Accountability, sustainability and effectiveness
How You'll Learn
At SNHU, you'll get support from day 1 to graduation and beyond. And with no set class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom, and helpful learning resources along the way, you'll have everything you need to reach your goals.
Concentration Options
Choose the bachelor's in online operations management degree alone, or elect a concentration: Logistics and Transportation or Project Management.
Logistics & Transportation
Play a crucial role in the supply chain with the Bachelor of Science in Operations Management with an online logistics degree concentration.
This concentration will help prepare you to oversee the successful delivery of goods including purchasing, transportation, inventory and warehousing. You'll use software programs and manage logistical functions and challenges across the entire life cycle of a product, all in service of a superior consumer experience.
Courses may include:
- Sustainable Operations
- Transportation Management
- Reverse Logistics
Project Management
Earn your project management degree online at Southern New Hampshire University and gain the knowledge and skills you need to manage and execute projects on time, on budget and within scope.
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Operations Management with a concentration in Project Management degree provides students an opportunity to apply the knowledge and techniques needed to execute and manage projects in almost every industry, including manufacturing and services.
If you enjoy the rewards and challenges of managing people and processes, this project management degree online is the right fit for you. You'll learn effective communication skills, creative and analytical problem-solving strategies, and explore the vital role that project management plays in moving a company forward.
Career outlook:
According to a Project Management Institute® report, the number of project management jobs in project-oriented industries in the U.S. will grow through 2030.1 In the same time period, the report stated over 128,000 roles will open each year in the U.S. for those working in project management-oriented roles.1
Courses may include:
- Project Management
- Human Behavior in Organizations
- Leading in an Organization
Those interested in this concentration may also want to explore our BS in Business Administration with an online project management degree concentration.
Operations Management Career Outlook
Employment continues to grow as more businesses transport goods in the global economy.
Operations managers are highly valued in a number of high-demand industries, including transportation, retail, military, e-commerce, healthcare, financial services, higher education, insurance, food service, manufacturing and hospitality.
Graduates with a bachelor's in operations management can pursue a number of roles including:
Inventory Control Analyst
Analyze inventory data to inform decision-makers in relation to pricing, inventory capacity levels and need – helping organizations control expense and maximize profitability.
Supply Manager
Manage the acquisition, negotiation and purchasing of materials through various vendors in support of and in preparation for the construction of a finished product.
Production Planner
Plan and prioritize the equipment, raw materials, manpower and capacity needed to optimize production and meet demand with minimal delay.
Production Supervisor
Organize the workflow of team members within the production environment to meet deadlines and production quantity output.
Project Manager
Establish parameters, roles and goals of a cross-departmental project team to help ensure success within an estimated time frame and budget.
Purchasing Manager
Track inventory, provide pricing assessments, manage project-specific supply needs and work with vendors to negotiate pricing and scheduling.
Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst
Review production of materials with specialized tools, technical design documents and quality specs – helping you ensure your product meets quality standards and identify areas for process improvement.
Supply Chain Planner
Review current processes and establish supply chain schedules in order to help your organization navigate various factors that can impact movement within a supply chain such as customs, weather, breakdowns and more.
An online operations management degree from SNHU will not only help prepare you through its curriculum – it'll give you opportunities to get out into the world and build skills employers want to see.
One such opportunity is the SNHU LEADS Conference, an annual event that brings online students together to network and share ideas on leadership. While the event represents students across all of our 200+ online degree programs, it's an especially impactful experience for those looking to grow into a management role.
For Student Advisory Board member Megan McKinney, who is earning her BS in Operations Management with a concentration in Project Management, an important takeaway of the conference was “learning to put yourself out there and connecting with others and learning to grow.”
Job Growth and Salary
Across the board, good managers are needed. In a variety of industries, over 880,000 new management jobs could be created through 2031.1
Job Growth
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for logisticians will increase by 28% through 2031 – much faster than the average of all occupations.2 The need for facilities managers will increase by 7% in the same time period.2
Salary
In 2021, facilities managers earned median annual wages of $97,930, while logisticians brought in $77,030. Both are above the median annual wages for all workers.1
Start Your Journey Toward an Online Operations Management Degree
Why SNHU For Your Operations Management Degree
Flexible
With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.
Affordable
As part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. In fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.
Prior coursework could also help you save time and money. SNHU’s transfer policy allows you to transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree and 45 credits for an associate degree from your previous institutions—that means you could save up to 75% off the cost of tuition. You could also save time and money by getting college credit for previous work experience, or by taking advantage of military discounts and employer tuition assistance if available to you.
Respected
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 160,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a regional accreditor, which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report named SNHU the 2021 Most Innovative University in the North and one of the nation's "Best Regional Universities"
- Awarded the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology by The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
- A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Network
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
93.6% of online students would recommend SNHU (according to a 2022 survey with 17,000+ respondents). Discover why SNHU may be right for you.
Admission Requirements
Expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials:
- Completed free undergraduate application
- Prior transcripts, which we can retrieve at no cost to you
- Test scores are not required as part of your application
Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going:
- Complete a free undergraduate application
- Submit any additional documents required
- Work with an admission counselor to explore financial options and walk through the application process
If you have questions or need help filling out your application, call 1.888.387.0861 or email enroll@snhu.edu.
What SNHU Students Are Saying
Marilyn Comstock ’21
"Each class taught me something new and allowed me to get closer to my dream. And this degree helped me land a career for a company that I am very excited to be a part of."
Courses & Curriculum
SNHU's operations degree provides a solid foundation of knowledge for managing operations in manufacturing, service and other sectors. The curriculum builds upon a business core, emphasizing communication, ethics and globalization.
The bachelor's program culminates in a capstone course, meant to assess students’ ability to synthesize and integrate the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout their coursework.
This program gives you the option to take QSO-345: Project Management for CAPM Certification course. Designed to teach the five process groups and nine knowledge areas in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®), this course helps to prepare students to take the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) certification exam.
SNHU's BS in Operations Management program includes:
Business Core
Business programs require learners to complete the Business core program, which includes a variety of business-specific courses. This program focuses on 10 core competencies to prepare you for success wherever you go.
General Education
All bachelor's students are required to take general education classes. Through these foundation, exploration and integration courses, students learn to think critically, creatively and collaboratively, giving you the edge employers are looking for.
Technology Resources
We provide cloud-based virtual environments in some courses to give you access to the technology you need for your degree – and your career. Learn more about our virtual environments.
Earn Math Credits
Save time and tuition with our Pathways to Math Success assessments. Depending on your scores, you could earn up to 12 math credits – the equivalent of 4 courses – toward your degree for less than $50 per assessment. For additional information, or to register for a Pathways to Math Success assessment, contact your admission counselor or academic advisor today.
| View Full Curriculum in the Catalog |
|---|
| BS in Operations Management |
| Courses May Include | ||
|---|---|---|
| BS in Operations Management Online | ||
| QSO 320 | Management Science through Spreadsheets | Apply management science techniques to analyze data to inform business decisions that align to strategic organizational objectives. |
| QSO 325 | Continuous Improvement Tools and Techniques | This course examines continuous improvement tools and techniques used in problem solving supporting sustainable operations. Topics include lean techniques, quality management, TQM, JIT, and product experimental design. |
| QSO 328 | Sustainable Operations | This course focuses on manufacturing and service operations control and the importance of making operations decisions that support the long-term sustainability of organizations while meeting the needs of the customers. Students explore topics such as brand management, closed loop supply chains, competition, environmental management, safety and compliance, and social responsibility. |
| QSO 330 | Supply Chain Management | This course focuses on effective supply chain strategies for companies that operate globally with emphasis on how to plan and integrate supply chain components into a coordinated system. Students are exposed to concepts and models important in supply chain planning with emphasis on key tradeoffs and phenomena. The course introduces and utilizes key tactics such as risk pooling and inventory placement, integrated planning and collaboration, and information sharing. |
| QSO 415 | Trends in Operations Management | This course focuses on contemporary topics in operations management. Examples of topics that will be explored included assessing and managing disruptive change, agile project management, automation, innovation, and technology trends. |
| QSO 489 | Capstone in Operations Management | This capstone course is the culminating experience for the B.S. in Operations Management program. The aim of the capstone is to assess students' ability to synthesize and integrate the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout their coursework, rather than introducing new concepts. This course is structured to support student success in fulfilling program requirements. |
| Total Credits: 120 | ||
Minimum Hardware Requirements
|
Component Type |
PC (Windows OS) |
Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|---|
|
Operating System |
Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
|
Memory (RAM) |
8GB or higher |
8GB or higher |
|
Hard Drive |
100GB or higher |
100GB or higher |
|
Antivirus Software |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
|
SNHU Purchase Programs |
||
|
Internet/ Bandwidth |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
Notes:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
University Accreditation
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.
This program and its concentrations are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Student achievement data can be found on College Navigator.
The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a registered mark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.
The PMI logo is a mark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.
Tuition & Fees
As a private, nonprofit university, we’re committed to making college more accessible by making it more affordable. That’s why we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.
We also offer financial aid packages to those who qualify, plus a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.
| Online Undergraduate Programs | Per Course | Per Credit Hour | Annual Cost for 30 credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree/Certificates | $960 | $320 | $9,600 |
| Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)* | $675 | $225 | $6,750 |
Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually. *Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional Costs No Application Fee, $150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of degree do you need to be an operations manager?
Typical entry-level education for operations managers is a bachelor's degree in operations management, supply chain management or a related field.
Some operations management positions may also benefit from a business administration degree due to its holistic approach to all facets of how a business runs and operates. Earning a business degree with a concentration in an area such as project management offers the experience you need to succeed in operations management, project management and a multitude of other business operations positions.
For those looking to continue their education in operations management once they earn their bachelor's, SNHU also offers an online master's in project management.
What are the roles and responsibilities of an operations manager?
Broadly speaking, operations managers are responsible for guiding critical business decisions within an organization.
They use mathematical and analytical methods to identify, analyze, interpret and solve operational challenges, as well as promote successful business practices. They have the power to examine and improve processes in almost every area of an organization – from supply chains and resource allocation to setting prices and production schedules.
It's important to note that, while people tend to associate operations managers with retail and home improvement industries, these areas only scratch the surface of what can be done with an operations management degree. Virtually every business and industry needs the knowledge and skills of an operations manager – whether it's a high-end dining establishment, a local bank or fashion retail.
Generally, an operations manager will be responsible for at least one of the following:
- Front end operations management – which is the customer-facing side of operations, such as customer support, communication and sales; or
- Back end operations management –which is the behind-the-scenes side of operations, such as inventory, distribution and delivery
You may work in a single retail location or distribution center, or as a regional or area manager – overseeing multiple stores in an assigned area. In any case, your contributions will play a major role in the success of a company.
What is a typical salary for an operations manager?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021 logisticians earned an annual median pay of $77,030, industrial production managers earned an annual median pay $103,150, and facilities managers earned an annual median pay of $97,930.2 By comparison, the national annual wage for all workers was $58,260 in the same year.2
These wages vary by industry. For example, in May 2021, logisticians working for the federal government earned a median annual wage of $88,710, the highest among all industries.2 With data playing an increasingly pivotal role in the way organizations operate, it's expected that job prospects for qualified professionals who can interpret this data will continue to grow.
What are the skills an operations manager needs?
There are several key skills an operations manager must possess, including:
- Leadership
- Organizational planning
- Adaptability
- Risk management
- Strong communication
- The ability to understand complex systems
These skills and many others are demonstrated regularly by military service members in the numerous organizational leadership positions that span across all branches of our military.
Military operational support roles, for example, require service members to execute timely decisions, coordinate leadership operational directives, allocate resources or prioritize operational needs that can change at a moment's notice. The operations management degree helps our valued service members take these skills – many of which were developed through their service experience – and translate them into a successful civilian career.
Beyond a curriculum that builds upon military skills, SNHU has a longstanding track record of empowering military service members and their families – a commitment we've stuck to since we first introduced online learning for active military students back in 1995.
Here are just a few ways we proudly support our men and women in uniform:
- Military tuition benefits. We offer online tuition discounts of up to 30% for service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty. We also accept Tuition Assistance (TA), VA education benefits and military scholarships for spouses through MyCAA.
- Transfer-friendly enrollment. At SNHU, you can transfer up to 90 credits toward your undergraduate degree – which includes earning credit for your military training.
- Academic and career support. Here, you can count on support from dedicated academic and career advisors with a strong military background, helping you succeed as you transition to a civilian career.
It's also worth noting that, in more recent years, advances in technology – such as automation, mobile communication and the use of third-party delivery systems – have evolved the role of an operations manager. As a result, those looking to break into these roles need a solid grounding in tech, to help them master software and platforms that can help businesses run more smoothly.
By pairing an online learning environment with coursework in continuous improvement, trends in operations management and sustainable operations, SNHU's BS in Operations Management is built to help you stay ahead of an ever-changing field.
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References
Sources & Citations (1, 2)
1 Project Management Institute, on the Internet, at Project Management Job Growth and Talent Gap 2017-2027 at http://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/learning/job-growth-report.pdf (viewed online April 30, 2021)
2 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the Internet at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/logisticians.htm (viewed Oct. 27, 2022)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/industrial-production-managers.htm (viewed Oct. 27, 2022)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/administrative-services-managers.htm (viewed Oct. 27, 2022)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/home.htm (viewed Oct. 27, 2022)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® is a registered mark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.
The PMI® logo is a mark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.