Earning a bachelor's degree in supply chain management

Supply chain managers work to ensure that their company's supply chain runs smoothly and is cost effective. In order to pursue a career in supply chain management, students need the proper training.

Education for Supply Chain Management Professionals

While a degree is not required for a job in supply chain management, most employers prefer potential candidates to have the education and skills that can be obtained from a supply chain management degree program. A bachelor's degree in supply chain management typically requires at least four years of full-time study, offering coursework in the following areas:

• Administration and management
• Production and processing
• Economics and accounting
• Law and government
• Human resources

While certification is not required, many professionals seek certification in order to remain competitive in the ever-changing industry. The Institute of Supply Management offers The Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM). In order to become CPSM, you must meet the following requirements:

• Three years of full-time supply chain management experience
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Pass three different CPSM exams
• Re-certify every three years with 60 hours of continuing education courses

By earning CPSM certification, you give yourself an extra edge in a competitive market. Note that a bachelor's degree is required for applicants.

Online Supply Chain Management Degree Programs

If you want to pursue your studies, but are unsure of the time commitment, you may want to consider an online degree program. You can earn an online bachelor's degree in supply chain management, logging on from anywhere to complete your studies. Online bachelor's degree in supply chain management can provide you with the same education you would receive from an in-house educational institution, with the added flexibility of a self-paced schedule.

Supply Chain Management Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities for supply chain managers are expected to grow 7 percent from 2008 to 2018. Companies will need qualified professionals for the rising demand of goods and services they provide. Some of the top careers for supply chain management professionals include but are not limited to:

• Purchasing managers, who handle the purchases of goods and services that are used by a company. Managers usually handle the very large purchases and supervise purchasing agents who handle the smaller purchases. The BLS reports that the mean annual salary was $89,160 in 2008.
• Operations research analysts, who formulate and apply models to develop and interpret information that helps management make key decisions about the business operations. The mean annual salary as reported by the BLS in 2008 was $69,000.
• Buyers, who evaluate suppliers to find the most cost-effective options. They research suppliers and make connections with new clients. Buyers earned mean annual wages of $49,670 in 2008, according to the BLS.

While no degree program can guarantee a particular career or salary, supply chain management degrees can provide you with the training and education you need to pursue a new career in many different industries. Explore your supply chain management degree options and take your first step to gaining the educational experience you need to become a professional in supply chain management.

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