Growing Complexities in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Supply chain managers oversee some of the most essential business processes affecting the profitability of corporations today. These managers are responsible for synchronizing the flow of products, information, and funds between their organizations and both their suppliers and customers in a way that adds value for the end consumers of their products. In today’s turbocharged competitive environment, supply chain managers are increasingly part of their organization’s strategic management teams that work to competitively position their organization and their supply chain in a global marketplace.

As supply chain networks become increasingly complex, with tighter deadlines and greater financial risks from disruptions, supply chain professionals can benefit from additional education and credentials to assist them in their current position or to advance their careers in logistics or supply chain management. A master’s degree in supply chain management can give you the higher-order skills and abilities to think in tandem about the people, processes, and technologies required for world-class integrated supply chain management.

Why Supply Chain Management at Penn State

Penn State World Campus has partnered with Penn State’s Smeal College of Business — ranked #1 in supply chain education — to offer this 2-year, 30-credit online master’s degree in supply chain management. As a student in the Master of Professional Studies in Supply Chain Management degree program, you will study proven theory, industry best practices, and new technologies in supply chain management. Upon graduation, you can be prepared to:

• design and manage an effective supply chain
• improve the operational efficiencies of a supply chain
• understand and apply supply chain analytics
• conduct demand forecasting, aggregate planning, and sales and operations planning for a supply chain
• apply project management techniques in a supply chain context
• understand the implications of supply chain initiatives in terms of key financial performance metrics
• recognize and evaluate supply chain vulnerabilities and formulate approaches to mitigate supply chain risk
• assess fundamental dimensions of supply chain strategy, innovation, transformation, and organizational leadership

According to a comprehensive industry report released by Gartner (formerly AMR Research), Penn State’s Smeal College of Business was chosen as the leading U.S. Supply Chain Program in terms of industry value, program depth, and program scope for 2009 and 2010. Supply Chain Management Review has ranked Penn State’s Department of Supply Chain and Information Systems first in supply chain education, based on surveys of both supply chain professionals and academics. Penn State’s Smeal College of Business is AACSB accredited; coupled with the College’s reputation for supply chain education, employers recognize the very high quality of this master’s degree program.

Embedded in the master’s degree program is a 12-credit graduate certificate program. You will receive the certificate after you complete the first three courses — which will give you an added credential even before you complete the degree program. 

Who Should Apply

The Master of Professional Studies in Supply Chain Management degree program is designed for  professionals who want to attain an advanced degree while continuing to work for their respective organizations. Although many individuals in the program have supply chain experience, the program is also appropriate if your education and/or experience may be in disciplines such as the sciences, engineering, or the liberal arts.

Career Opportunities for Graduates

Organizations in virtually every industry, including nonprofit and government sectors, use supply chains in their daily operations. As a graduate of this degree program you can be prepared for a variety of upper-level supply chain management positions such as:

• director of supply chain operations
• senior supply chain management analyst
• performance improvement senior manager
• supply chain technical analyst
• director of purchasing
• logistics management analyst
• commodity manager

Online Education at Penn State

Penn State has a history of 100+ years of distance education and more than a decade of experience in online learning. We strive to create an online learning environment that brings you as close to the face-to-face experience as possible. Learn more about Penn State World Campus.