Degree Overview: Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree in Supply Chain Management
Majors Overview May 24, 2015Get information about Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree programs in Supply Chain Management and their coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and professional certification and continuing education choices.
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) Programs in Supply Chain Management
The primary focus of an MBA in Supply Chain Management is on subject areas relating to management, supply and delivery such as financial strategies, quality management, communicating with suppliers, pricing and customer behavior.
Students could take two or more years to complete these programs that could include an international experience. Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. Augmenting work experience, students who complete the master’s degree in supply chain could use it as a start to additional professional credentials and certifications.
Coursework
Coursework covers numerous aspects of supply management and production. Common courses cover economics, finance and marketing. Students enrolled in the program are also taught about handling vendors and contract negotiations and overseeing the methods employed by a firm in purchasing, storing and marketing supplies to other firms. Core coursework may also include subject areas such as:
•Operations management
•Supply change management negotiations
•Project management
•Logistics
•Supply chain design and cost
Career Choices
Armed with a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Supply Chain Management, graduates may seek careers in procurement or purchasing and inventory management. They may choose from popular careers options such as:
•eBusiness manager
•Distribution and storage manager
•Logistician
•Supply chain manager
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a job growth rate of 22% has been predicted for logisticians. In 2012, logisticians brought in an average annual wage of $72,780 (BLS). The lowest ten percent earned under $45,190, and the top ten percent earned over $112,100.
Professional Certification and Continuing Education Choices
Program graduates may seek continued education by pursuing a Ph.D. in Supply Chain Management; admittance criteria typically require incoming students to hold a master’s or bachelor’s degree in a related area. Students are commonly required to complete coursework in areas such as research, logistics, and retail supply chain management, in addition to a dissertation.
Program graduates may also seek professional certifications to enhance their career prospects; organizations such as the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) and the Association for Operations Management (APICS) offer such credentials. The Certified Supply Chain Professional credential is offered by APICS to individuals after the passage of an exam and meeting of education and/or experience requirements. ISM offers multiple certifications; these include the Certified in Supply Management (CSM) and Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) credentials.
Eligibility criteria for the CPSM exam include a bachelor’s degree and three years professional supply management experience. A high school diploma or associate degree and 3-5 years of experience should make candidates eligible for the CSM depending on their education level.
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