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Bachelor of Science inProject and Supply Chain Management

Program summary

Position yourself for career success in almost any field by gaining the skills and knowledge needed to be an effective manager of projects, programs, and supply chains. Learn valuable logistics skills in this online supply chain management and project management degree program.

100% Online

Complete your Penn State course work at your own pace and 100% online.

Application deadline

Apply by June 30 to start August 26

Credits and costs

120 Credits$626/$671 per credit

Nationally Recognized

US News and World Report Bachelor's badge
Our bachelor's degrees are highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

Excel in the Fields of Supply Chain and Project Management 

  • Develop vital project management skills including scheduling, resource coordination, and risk control.
  • Learn integrated supply chain management skills including operations, logistics, purchasing, and distribution.
  • Gain analytical and people skills needed to design and operate complex management systems.
  • Attain a hands-on working knowledge of SAP processes, transactions, and terminology, as they relate to data, operations planning and control, Material Requirements Planning (MRP), purchasing, and materials management. 

Project Management and Supply Chain Certification

Graduates of this program can be prepared to obtain one or more of the following certifications after experience leading projects and/or completing a qualifying exam:

  • Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) 
  • Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
  • Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM)
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)

Gain Broad Business and Management Knowledge

In order to succeed, businesses must hire skilled and versatile professionals who can effectively manage their supply chains as well as their projects. Penn State’s online project and supply chain management bachelor’s degree program covers foundational skills and knowledge that can position you to succeed in a wide variety of positions in almost any field. Prepare for a rewarding career by learning:

  • accounting
  • business communications
  • economics
  • resource management
  • project management
  • supply chain management

A Trusted Leader in Online Education  

Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. This program’s convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.

Courses

All prescribed courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.

  • 4
    credits

    Introduction to the role of accounting numbers in the process of managing a business and in investor decision-making.

    • Prerequisite

      MATH 21 or a higher math course or a satisfactory score on the mathematics placement examination

  • 3
    credits

    Introduction to speech communication: formal speaking, group discussion, analysis and evaluation of messages.

  • 3
    credits

    Methods of economic analysis and their use; price determination; theory of the firm; distribution.

  • 3
    credits

    National income measurement; aggregate economic models; money and income; policy problems.

  • 3
    credits

    Writing reports and other common forms of business communication.

    • Prerequisite

      (ENGL 15 or ESL 15 or ENGL 30) and 4th-semester standing OR (ENGL 137H and ENGL 138T) and 4th-semester standing

  • 3
    credits

    Nature of finance function; risk and return concepts; working capital; dividend policies; mergers; security markets; acquisition and management of corporate capital; analysis of operations; forecasting capital requirements; raising capital; and planning profits. Available to baccalaureate students only.

    • Prerequisite

      (ENGL 15 or ENGL 30) and ACCTG 211 and (ECON 102 or ECON 104) and (SCM 200 or STAT 200)

  • 3
    credits

    Study of fundamental principles and processes available to the understanding of management.

    • Prerequisite

      (ENGL 15 or ENGL 30) and (ECON 102 or ECON 104) and (MATH 021 or higher or satisfactory score on the mathematics placement examination)

  • 3
    credits

    Introduction to the strategic planning and implementation of human resource management, including staffing, development, appraisal, and rewards.

    • Prerequisite

      BA 304 or MGMT 301

  • 3
    credits

    Advanced course in project management focusing on a more in-depth approach to project planning and scheduling and resource management.

    • Prerequisite

      SCM 301 and (MGMT 409 or MGMT 410 or BA 421)

  • 3
    credits

    Provides an overview of the role of information systems in business process design; the current technologies used for obtaining, storing, securing, and communicating information in support of operations and decision-making within a business organization; as well as the concepts and principles for developing and using popular spreadsheet and database tools.

  • 3
    credits

    Covers terminology and important concepts related to marketing in the business environment. Domestic and international environments that impact marketing are included, with particular emphasis on the marketing environment, segmentation, positioning, and targeting.

    • Prerequisite

      ENGL 015 or ENGL 030; ECON 102 or ECON 104; MATH 021 or higher or satisfactory score on the mathematics placement examination.

  • 3
    credits

    Supply chain management concepts, principles, and methodologies.

    • Prerequisite

      ACCTG 211 and ECON 102 and (SCM 200 or STAT 200)

  • 3
    credits

    Aggregate production planning procedures, disaggregation methods in hierarchical production planning, sales and operations planning, master production scheduling, material requirements planning, production activity control, lot-sizing, and capacity planning.

    • Prerequisite

      SCM 301

  • 3
    credits

    Purchasing policies, procedures, order specifications and agreements, supplier selection, and the role of purchasing in production planning and inventory management.

    • Prerequisite

      SCM 301 or SCM 310

Additional Courses (27 credits)

All additional courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.

  • 4
    credits

    Explores the ethical, political, social, legal and regulatory, technological, and demographic diversity environment of business.

    • Note

      A student may not receive credit toward graduation for both BLAW 243 and BA 243.

  • 3
    credits

    Study of strategic planning and implementation in multi-industry, multicultural, and multi-national settings with emphasis on sustaining competitive advantages.

    • Prerequisite

      BA 321 and BA 322 and BA 421 and FIN 301 and MGMT 301 and MKTG 301 and SCM 301

    • C or better

      A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.

  • 3
    credits

    Prepares students both to understand the communications that surrounds them and to succeed in their own communication efforts. The course focuses specifically on analyzing verbal and visual texts (reading) as well as on producing such texts (writing), always in terms of rhetorical principles.

    • 4
      credits

      Introduces and develops the mathematical skills required for analyzing change, and the underlying mathematical behaviors that model real-life economics and financial applications. Develops student knowledge of calculus techniques, and how to use a calculus framework to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

      • Prerequisite

        MATH 022 or satisfactory performance on the mathematics placement examination

    • or:
      4
      credits

      Introduces and develops the mathematical skills required for analyzing change and creating mathematical models that replicate real-life phenomena. Develops student knowledge of calculus techniques and how to use the calculus environment to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

      • Prerequisite

        MATH 22 and MATH 26 or MATH 26 and satisfactory performance on the mathematics placement examination or MATH 40 or MATH 41 or satisfactory performance on the mathematics placement examination.

  • 3
    credits

    Gain the ability to exert leadership in managing project teams, an understanding of people and behavioral skills, and the ability to effectively use computer-based scheduling and tracking software.

    • Prerequisite

      MGMT 301 and (SCM 301 or SCM 310)

  • 3
    credits

    An advanced course in project management focusing on portfolio planning and control within the context of specific organizational challenges.

    • Prerequisite

      SCM 301 and (MGMT 409 or MGMT 410 or BA 421)

  • 3
    credits

    Customer service, inventory management, transportation, warehousing, purchasing, international logistics, site location planning and analysis, and total cost analysis.

    • Prerequisite

      SCM 301 or SCM 310

  • 4
    credits

    Descriptive Statistics, frequency distributions, probability and normal distributions, statistical inference, linear regression, and correlation.

    • Prerequisite

      Placement into MATH 21 or higher.

International Business Courses (select 3 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Business organizations and the sociocultural environment; current issues; corporate responsibility; international and multinational business environments.

    • Prerequisite

      ENGL 202D and MGMT 301

  • 3
    credits

    Financial decision-making in an international environment. Emphasis on topics relevant to small businesses and entrepreneurs.

    • Prerequisite

      FIN 301

  • 3
    credits

    A survey of the major aspects of international business environment and operations with an emphasis on the cultural dimension.

  • 3
    credits

    Examines issues of nations and cultures including motivation, communication, negotiation, leadership, ethics and social responsibility, and women in management.

    • Prerequisite

      BA 304 or MGMT 301

  • 3
    credits

    Role of international marketing in the global environment; political, economic, geographic, historical, cultural conditions; developing and implementing international marketing strategies.

    • Prerequisite

      BA 303 or MKTG 301W

Additional Analytics Courses (3 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Introduces strategic, tactical, and operational supply chain concepts including demand forecasting, risk analysis, revenue management, distribution, and facility location.

    • Prerequisite

      SCM 301

Supporting Business Courses

Select 6 credits of 300 or 400-level courses such as MIS 404 and MGMT 430.

Supporting Courses and Related Areas (select 14 credits)

Select 14 credits from any business major field or any non-business major field, except for all KINES (GHW) courses, any ENGL course below ENGL 15, and any MATH course below MATH 110. Exceptions may be petitioned through the applicable department chair.

General Education Requirements

Some General Education requirements may be satisfied by courses required for the major. Students should work with an adviser to select courses.

  • Foundations: 15 credits  
    All courses require a grade of C or better. Inter-Domain courses may not be used for foundations requirements. 
    • Writing/Speaking: 9 credits 
    • Quantification: 6 credits 
      3-6 credits are selected from mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics; 3 credits may be selected from computer science or symbolic logic. 
  • Knowledge Domains: 15 credits  
    Inter-Domain courses may not be used for knowledge domain requirements.
    • Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits 
    • Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits 
    • Arts (GA): 3 credits 
    • Humanities (GH): 3 credits 
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits  
  • Integrative Studies: 6 credits
    • Inter-Domain course work: 6 credits  
  • Exploration: 9 credits 
    • Natural Sciences (GN) (may be Inter-Domain): 3 credits
    • GA, GH, GN, GS, and Inter-Domain courses: 6 credits  
      May include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the requirements of the student’s degree program or at the 12th credit level, whichever is higher.

These General Education Requirements are for students who started in summer 2023 or later. Students who started earlier can review the prior version of the general education requirements. 

Among the degree requirements, students should incorporate at least:

  • 3 credits in U.S. cultures
  • 3 credits in international (IL) cultures
  • 3 credits in writing-across-the-curriculum courses

This course list includes only courses offered by World Campus. An official degree audit or the recommended academic plan for this program may include additional course options and detailed requirements. All students are expected to complete at least 36 Penn State credits to earn this degree. Please consult an academic adviser for details.

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

Costs and Financial Aid

Undergraduate Tuition

Undergraduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register and the number of total credits you have accrued at or transferred to Penn State.

Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2023–24 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2023, spring 2024, and summer 2024 semesters.

How many credits do you plan to take per semester?If you have 59 or fewer creditsIf you have 60 or more credits
11 or fewer$626 per credit$671 per credit
12–19$7,602 per semester$8,206 per semester

Undergraduate students taking more than 19 credits will be charged the flat tuition rate plus the regular per credit hour rate for each credit above 19. 

2024–25 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2024, spring 2025, and summer 2025 semesters.

How many credits do you plan to take per semester?If you have 59 or fewer creditsIf you have 60 or more credits
11 or fewer$632 per credit$678 per credit
12–19$7,678 per semester$8,288 per semester

Undergraduate students taking more than 19 credits will be charged the flat tuition rate plus the regular per credit hour rate for each credit above 19. 

Financial Aid and Military Benefits

Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

How to Apply

Deadlines and Important Dates

Your degree application, including receipt of all transcripts, must be received by the following deadlines to be considered complete.

  • Fall Deadline:  Apply by June 30 to start August 26
  • Spring Deadline:  Apply by October 31 to start January 13
  • Summer Deadline:  Apply by March 15, 2025, to start May 19, 2025

New students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA by March 1. Please visit the Office of Student Aid website for more information about applying for financial aid and recommended deadlines.

Admissions Help

Thank you for your interest in applying to this program. Contact an admissions counselor to discuss your educational goals, financial aid options, and application deadlines.

Admission Requirements 

To apply for this program, you must be a high school graduate or have completed your GED.

Entrance-to-Major Requirements

For students transferring directly into the major:

  • Completion of 29.1 credits or higher
  • Successful completion of 5 entry-to-major courses: ACCTG 211, ECON 102, ENGL 015 or ENGL 030, MATH 110 or MATH 140, and SCM 200 or STAT 200, or their equivalents. Each course requires a C or better grade for successful completion.

A Behrend campus dean's review is required for all students in order to enter the major directly as well as for all students who have earned 45 or more transferable credits.

Note: A current Penn State student needs a grade-point average of 2.0 or higher to enter the major. Transfer students require a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade-point average to enter the major.

What You Need

Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need the following items as part of your application:

High school transcripts or GED transcript — First-year applicants are required to submit Self-Reported Academic Records (SRAR). Official high school transcripts will only be required at the time a student accepts an offer of admission to Penn State.

Official college or university transcripts, if you attended another institution, and/or official military transcripts (if applicable) — All college or university transcripts are required regardless of the length of time that has passed, the grades earned, or the accreditation of the institutions attended. Acceptance of transfer credit toward your degree is subject to final approval by the academic department. For detailed information, see the Transfer Students page.

Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Please send your transcripts by mail or electronically through Parchment, eScrip-Safe, or the National Student Clearinghouse directly to Penn State from the college/university where coursework was attempted.

Submit official documents by mail to:

Undergraduate Admissions Office
The Pennsylvania State University
201 Shields Building
University Park, PA 16802

English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Language Proficiency section on the Undergraduate Admissions International Requirements page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

Start Your Application

Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.

If this is your first time applying to Penn State, you'll need to complete the following steps:

  1. Review the application instructions before beginning.
  2. Complete the online application and submit all official documents.
  3. Pay the application fee.

Checking Your Status

You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form and choosing "MyPennState — Check Application Status." Your decision letter (confirming your acceptance or denial) will be mailed four to six weeks after receipt of all application materials. An admissions counselor will contact you if additional information is required.

Technical Requirements

Review the technical requirements for this degree program.

Ready to Learn More?

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State bachelor's degree?

Apply by June 30 to start August 26. How to Apply 

Start or Advance Your Career

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You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.


Job Titles Related to This Degree

The following roles are often held by people with this type of degree:

  • Business Operations Analyst
  • Global Logistics Analyst
  • Logistics Operations Manager
  • Operations Manager
  • Production Control Manager
  • Project Manager

Employment Outlook for Occupational Fields Related to This Degree

Estimates of employment growth and total employment are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to change. While these occupations are often pursued by graduates with this degree, individual outcomes may vary depending on a variety of factors. Penn State World Campus cannot guarantee employment in a given occupation.

Project Management Specialists

6.2%
employment growth (10 years)
843,910
total employment

Logisticians

18.3%
employment growth (10 years)
202,970
total employment

Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers

8.2%
employment growth (10 years)
169,910
total employment

Industrial Production Managers

1.6%
employment growth (10 years)
211,710
total employment

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

Student having a virtual meeting on a laptop with a career counselor

From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

Contact Us

Have questions or want more information? We’re happy to talk. 

World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
[email protected]

Faculty

  • Ozgun Caliskan Demirag

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology
    • Degree
      M.S., Operations Research, Georgia Institute of Technology
    • Degree
      M.S., Industrial Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology

    Dr. Ozgun C. Demirag is a professor of operations and supply chain management at the Penn State Behrend Black School of Business. She teaches courses in the areas of supply chain management, operations planning and control, and quantitative methods for business at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Her research has been published at leading journals in operations and supply chain management. She is a recipient of the Penn State Behrend Council of Fellows Faculty Research Award and the Penn State Excellence in Advising Award.

  • Muhammad Odeh

    • Degree
      Doctor of Engineering, Engineering Management, George Washington University
    • Degree
      M.S., Computer Science, Pratt Institute
    • Degree
      B.S., Computer Science, Missouri State University

    Dr. Muhammad Odeh is an assistant teaching professor of project and supply chain management. He has worked as a management consultant, senior program manager, and director of professional services for 30 years at EMC, HP, and Dell Technologies. His research interests include innovation in project management and PMOs, as well as emerging and disruptive technology’s impact on project management.

  • Peerasit Patanakul

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Systems Science/Engineering Management, Portland State University
    • Degree
      M.S., Engineering Management, Portland State University

    Dr. Peerasit Patanakul is a professor of management at Penn State Behrend. His research interests include project portfolio management, managing multiple projects, human aspects of project management, and managing government programs. He has published three books and multiple book chapters. His works also appear in Journal of Product Innovation Management, IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, International Journal of Project Management, and Project Management Journal. He has received several research grants from the Project Management Institute.

  • Richard Peng

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Management Science, The University of North Texas
    • Degree
      MBA, Operations Management & Supply Chain Management, The University of Texas at Dallas
    • Degree
      B.E., Information Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics

    Dr. Richard Peng is an associate professor of project and supply chain management at Penn State Behrend. His research articles have been published in journals includingIEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, International Journal of Production Economics, International Journal of Production Research, Journal of Cleaner Production, Quality Management Journal, and Resources, Conservation & Recycling. His research and teaching interests include health care operations, operations management, project management, quality management, supply chain management, and technology management.

  • Hafez Shurrab

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Technology Management and Economics, Chalmers University of Technology
    • Degree
      M.S., Industrial Engineering and Management, Karlstad University

    Dr. Hafez Shurrab's research focuses on supply chain planning processes (e.g., capacity planning, demand planning, S&OP, MRP) and digitalization (e.g., extended reality).

  • Ray Venkataraman

    Degree
    Ph.D., Management Science, Illinois Institute of Technology

    Dr. Ray Venkataraman is a professor and department chair of project and supply chain management and marketing at Penn State Behrend. He has more than forty years of teaching experience and has taught a variety of courses in project management and supply chain management. He has several research publications in top-tier operations and supply chain management journals and has co-authored four books.

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State bachelor's degree?

Apply by June 30 to start August 26. How to Apply