SNHU graduate, Matthew Seawright checking warehouse inventory. With the text Matthew Seawright '19

Master's in Supply Chain Management Online Operations MBA

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Register By: September 12 Classes Start: September 14

Earn a Master's in Supply Chain Management

  • $627/credit (36 credits total)
  • Transfer up to 12 graduate credits
  • Courses developed in consultation with industry experts

 

  • Complete in as few as 15 months
  • Join the fast-growing field of supply chain
  • Build analytical thinking, problem-solving and other vital skills

 

Online Master's in Supply Chain Management and Operations MBA Overview

Learn how you can help your organization improve strategic management with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Operations and Supply Chain Management from Southern New Hampshire University.

This MBA degree can deepen your understanding of procurement, transportation planning, inventory control and warehouse management. It can also help strengthen your knowledge of customer service standards in both national and global markets.

SNHU's online MBA program is one of the most affordable in the nation. Coursework can be completed in just over a year. The curriculum is designed to give you the comprehensive business training you'll need to pursue upper-level positions in the operations and supply chain industry. You'll learn the fundamentals of management, production, quality control, distribution, logistics, inventory control and more.

Learn how to:

  • Integrate, synthesize and apply business practices
  • Establish legal and ethical conduct guidelines and implement corporate social responsibility
  • Create intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial opportunities
  • Manage cross-functional teams using quantitative, analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as effective oral and written communication
  • Explore functions, practices and strategies of management design
  • Implement operations and supply chain systems
Student Perspective Story Rick Drumm Alumni

Online Education Leads to Success in Operations and Supply Chain Management

Southern New Hampshire University alum Rick Drumm tells how his online experience with SNHU instilled the knowledge and confidence to further his career within the manufacturing industry.

Career Outlook

A growing understanding of the critical nature of supply chain operations makes this program a highly valued degree. The MBA in Operations and Supply Chain Management from Southern New Hampshire University combines quantitative, analytical and problem-solving skills. This results in an education that can prepare you to succeed in a high demand industry.

The ability to combine operational function with technology, data analysis and automation are crucial for a wide array of business operations. With the workforce more remote than ever, the more skilled you are in business practices, finance, economics and especially decision-making, the better positioned you may be to lead.

Our master’s in supply chain management MBA program is designed to set you up for success in this increasingly important and in-demand field.

Earning your MBA in Operations and Supply Chain Management degree online at SNHU can help you develop a diverse set of leadership and management skills. This program may position you for an exciting career in the following roles:

  • Logistician: Analyze and coordinate an organization’s supply chain. In this role, you would be responsible for the life cycle of creating a product, including production, distribution and delivery.
  • Operations or supply chain manager: Manage a company’s overall supply chain, including logistics strategy and operations. Strong interpersonal skills are helpful in this role, because managing relationships with vendors and distributors is key.
  • Operations research analyst: Use data mining and statistical analysis to solve high-level problems for your organization. An interest in economics, math and finance are helpful with this role.
  • Management analyst: Seek ways to reduce costs and increase revenue for your company. Strong analytical and communication skills are helpful here.
  • Purchasing manager: Apply a high level of finance and accounting skills. You’ll negotiate contracts, assure product quality and purchase goods and services needed for your business to run smoothly.
  • Inventory control manager: Manage large inventories for organizations. You’ll put your logistics skills to work in this role.
  • Quality assurance manager: Coordinate your organization’s quality control policies while improving efficiencies. This role can involve increasing profitability by reducing waste.
  • Industrial production manager: Oversee daily operations of a factory or other business. You could be responsible for the staffing and processes that result in creating a wide array of goods and services.
  • Plant, warehouse or materials manager: Monitor storage and shipping logistics for an organization. This role involves logistical and analytical skills as well as strong staff management and teamwork skills.

Job prospects for those with an MBA in supply chain management appear to be on pace with all occupations in the coming years.2 The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of logisticians to hold steady at the national average of 5% growth between now and 2028, with a median annual salary of $74,750.2

Furthermore, job opportunities for operations research analysts are predicted to grow quite a bit, at 26% predicted job growth between now and 2028, with a median annual salary of $84,810.2

Dr. Zuzana Buzzell with the text 'Dr. Zuzana Buzzell'“This is a very sought after career,” said Dr. Zuzana Buzzell, associate dean of business programs at SNHU. Working in supply chain management “is beneficial for learners looking to enter the field of operation management or someone switching careers with other experiences.”

Start Your Journey Toward an Online MBA in Supply Chain Management & Operations

Why SNHU for Your MBA in Supply Chain Management & Operations

Flexible

With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.

Affordable

Take advantage of some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation, plus financial aid for those who qualify. We also make it easy to transfer to SNHU by accepting up to 12 credits from your previous institution.

Respected

Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 100,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), 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:

  • “Most Innovative” regional university honors from U.S. News & World Report each year since 2015
  • A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
  • Recognition as a 2017 Digital Learning Innovator by the Online Learning Consortium

Network

At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 200,000 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.

Extensive Business Alumni Network

Since our first MBA graduate class in 1974, we’ve welcomed more than 17,000 MBA graduates to our alumni network. For current students, that means an extensive business networking group, an opportunity to seek out college mentorship opportunities and learn from students who have already walked the path. With estimated job growth and an economy that values supply chain management more and more, the connections you make with SNHU alumni and faculty can help position you for a rewarding, fruitful career.

96.5% of students would recommend SNHU.* Discover why SNHU may be right for you.

Admission Requirements

Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 5 graduate terms. You can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials. To apply, simply contact an admission counselor, who can help you explore financial options. Your counselor can also walk you through the application process, which involves completing a graduate application ($40 fee) and providing undergraduate transcripts.

How to Apply

Simply contact an admission counselor, who can help you explore financial options, answer all your questions, and walk you through the application process, which includes:

  • Completing a graduate application
  • Providing undergraduate transcripts

Courses & Curriculum

The MBA in Operations and Supply Chain Management online program exposes you to the latest topics in the field, preparing you to make critical management decisions. Our knowledgeable faculty bring real-world expertise and applications to both operations management and supply chain management courses.

This degree program “provides a balanced skills-based curriculum to provide learners with a fast track career advancement opportunity,” said Dr. Zuzana Buzzell, associate dean of business programs at Southern New Hampshire University.

The master’s in supply chain management online program involves 36 total credits. Some students may need to take foundation courses depending on their existing undergraduate courses. From there, the first courses in the major are designed to provide a solid foundation in business concepts. You’ll take courses in entrepreneurship, accounting and leadership. You’ll also cover marketing, ethics and the government impact on business processes. Finance, economics and decision-making round out the coursework. Those with non-business academic backgrounds may be required to take foundation courses.

You’ll have 9 credits of courses that make up the concentration dedicated to the close application of operations and supply chain principles, including courses such as:

  • Quantitative Analysis for Decision Making: Survey the mathematical, probability and statistical tools available for assisting in the operation and management of industrial organizations.
  • Operation Management: Study key concepts of production and operations. It includes study of a variety of methods and techniques used in their management. Background preparation in economics is required.
  • Supply Chain Management: Analyze the role and activities of those involved in supply chain management decision making. The course emphasizes the importance of all aspects of managing the supply chain, including transportation planning, inventory control and warehouse management.

Every student working toward an MBA in supply chain management will complete a capstone course. The capstone is the culmination of the business plan that you will work on as you progress through the MBA courses. The capstone is comprehensive across multiple business segments with elements of operations. The supply chain courses provide supplemental material to that of the major core. You'll graduate knowing how to provide the right product at the right time in the right quantity to meet customer needs.

Online MBA students can also pursue a graduate certificate in operations and supply chain management beyond the standard degree program. This option allows you to list another significant credential on your resume with minimal additional coursework. The certificate consists of 4 required courses plus an additional 6 credits of your choice of several different operations and supply chain management courses. This allows you to customize the certification to tailor your educational experience even more.

A solid mix of quantitative, analytical and problem-solving skills are key for success in this growing, dynamic field. Of course, communication skills are also important, as are case studies, logistics and real world problem-solving. These are just some of the areas where online education is particularly strong. Automation, data collection and use of the internet are more important than ever to keep the supply chain functioning.

“Our curriculum is designed to incorporate the necessary specialized skills such as communication with supervisors, peers or subordinates and organizing, planning and prioritizing work," Buzzell said. "We have also incorporated case studies and assignments that require advanced Excel skills and inductive reasoning, which are all very in-demand skills.”

View Full Curriculum in the Catalog

MBA - Operations & Supply Chain Management

Courses May Include

QSO 510 Quantitative Analysis for Decision Making
This is a survey of the mathematical, probabilistic and statistical tools available for assisting in the operation and management of industrial organizations.
QSO 630 Supply Chain Management
This course analyses the role and activities of those involved in supply chain management decision making. It emphasizes the importance of transportation planning, inventory control, warehouse management, development of customer service standards, and procurement in the design and operation of supply and distribution systems. The importance of information systems and the internet in supporting such activities is also discussed. Special attention is given to the close working relationships with managers in other functional areas including information systems, marketing, and international operations.

Total Credits: 36

Program Outcomes

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates for SNHU's online degree programs are among the lowest in the nation. We offer a 25% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.

Online Graduate Programs Per Course Per Credit Hour Annual Cost for 15 credits 
Degree/Certificates $1,881 $627 $9,405 
Degree/Certificates
(U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty) 		$1,410 $470 $7,050 

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

Additional Costs:
$150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you do with a master's in supply chain management?

If you have a head for business, a love of systems and logistics and you enjoy providing good customer service, a rewarding career in operations and supply chain management awaits.

Some of the growing and dynamic ways you can apply your master’s in supply chain management are:

  • Consultant work. Apply your logistics and management skills to lead a company with its vendor relations and inventory management.
  • Project management. Help a company devise processes to coordinate resources and activities in order to increase revenue.
  • Supply chain management. Manage all aspects of the life cycle of a product, from raw materials to production and delivery.
  • Logistics. Coordinate transportation services, fleet management or inventory design.
  • Strategy. Collaborate with others to identify and execute goals to streamline processes.

One thing each of these roles has in common is the need to deeply understand the operational logistics of any organization. Being able to understand and design internal systems as well as manage the full life cycle of a product can provide you with a rewarding, long-term career.

Is a master’s degree in supply chain management worth it?

If you have a knack for business and enjoy logistics and all things systems related, a career in supply chain management could be very rewarding.

This is an in-demand field that is expected to grow even more given the recent worldwide health crisis. One thing that became apparent very quickly with the global pandemic is the need for a healthy, functioning supply chain. In fact, warehouse and other supply chain personnel quickly became known as essential.

The supply chain field is increasingly automated and dependent on the internet, which makes supply chain a field that is poised to take full advantage of increasing artificial intelligence (AI) and automation changes in every industry.

A career in supply chain management incorporates quantitative, analytical and problem-solving skills, coupled with strong customer service and communication skills. If that describes you, you may enjoy a career in logistics, systems management or operations strategy.

What is the scope of an MBA in Supply Chain Management?

A strong supply chain is important for a healthy economy. With that in mind, an MBA in supply chain management ensures you have the skills and knowledge required to keep a business running smoothly.

First, you’ll gain a solid foundation of business courses. The online MBA in supply chain management curriculum covers principles of business and entrepreneurship, finance and accounting, and marketing and strategy. Because every business involves working with people, you'll cover ethics, corporate culture and customer service as well.

From there, you can use your capstone course to pull together all you have learned so that you are ready to lead any organization to providing the right products at the right time to the right customer.

Finally, you can build on your business knowledge and experience with courses specifically focused on organizational management and supply chain. These courses cover the effective management of resources and business activities that produce goods and services in the manufacturing industry. They also address the strategies and concepts for integrating different aspects of businesses, including supplies, warehouses, transportation and retailers.

Is supply chain management a good career?

The field of supply chain offers something for everyone. Grounded in business and economics, there are ample opportunities to put your strategic thinking and logistics skills to work. Perhaps you enjoy logistics and functional processes or the thought of leading a team. No matter your interest, there is room to put your strengths and interests to work within the growing field of supply chain management.

“The pandemic really brought to the forefront the importance of having specialists in the supply management field,” said Dr. Zuzana Buzzell, associate dean of business programs at Southern New Hampshire University. An MBA that focuses on operations and supply chain helps managers “better understand the needs of their business, how to update their inventory policies and plan new parameters for ordering.”

In this degree program, you'll learn to “focus on production, agility and also evaluate business preparedness from a global point of view,” said Buzzell.

Do you need an MBA for supply chain management?

No, but like with most career opportunities, the right degree can help you advance. In an increasingly competitive job market, the need to stand out among the best can help you get ahead.

With an MBA in Operations and Supply Chain Management from Southern New Hampshire University, you’ll earn a top-notch degree that marries advanced business fundamentals and supply chain know-how to help businesses function effectively and efficiently.

Plus, the simple act of learning online can be an asset. Not only will you have the ability to complete the degree on your schedule, you'll also demonstrate a level of technology and internet savvy that can make you extra-competitive in today’s tech-heavy job market.

Because this degree has such a strong foundation in business and economics, you can pivot your career as the field changes, as well.

Are supply chain jobs in demand?

Yes, perhaps more than ever before. As the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us, it's clear that a strong supply chain is the cornerstone of a healthy economy. Drastic overnight shifts in protocols and demand favored only the most advanced supply chains. Furthermore, it helped organizations identify gaps in their systems and use their advanced abilities to adapt to significant supply and demand changes overnight.

The need for strong critical thinking and communication skills will also remain in demand in any business environment. Applying analytical and problem-solving skills to a variety of business practices will help you stay at the top of your field.

“This MBA provides a well-rounded education,” said Dr. Zuzana Buzzell, associate dean of business programs at Southern New Hampshire University. “Learners gain a lot of soft skills which are now in high demand. Having a specialization differentiates candidates and makes them stand out on the job market.”

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.

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*According to a survey responses from over 9,200 SNHU online students conducted in the fall of 2019.

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 May 9, 2020)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/industrial-engineers.htm (viewed May 9, 2020)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/operations-research-analysts.htm (viewed May 9, 2020)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.