Application deadline
Credits and costs
Nationally Recognized
Master of Supply Chain Management — 100% Online
Tighter deadlines, fear of disruptions, globalization, changing technology, and more. As logistics and supply chain networks become increasingly complex, professionals like you are enhancing their skills hoping to earn their place at the strategic leadership table.
With the Master of Supply Chain Management, delivered completely online through Penn State World Campus, you can gain the higher-order skills and abilities to think in tandem about the people, processes, and technologies required for world-class integrated supply chain management.
For the last decade, Gartner, Inc. consistently ranks Penn State’s supply chain program as a top graduate supply chain program in the United States. Led by the internationally ranked Smeal College of Business, this convenient online program is designed to fit your busy lifestyle and career goals.
Why Penn State's Supply Chain Management Program?
Nationally Recognized. Penn State is also top ranked by U.S. News & World Report, and is AACSB accredited, an honor reserved for the top 5% of business schools worldwide. Recruiters seek out our graduates.
Top Value. This online program is competitively priced compared to other AACSB accredited programs. Plus, you earn at least one graduate certificate while in pursuit of your master's degree.
New 100% Online Format. Our required residency has been replaced with optional engagement opportunities. You may choose to earn your degree without ever setting foot on campus, or take advantage of special events where you can network with faculty and peers at University Park campus.
Strong Partnership with Smeal College. You will have access to faculty experts from the Penn State Smeal College of Business. Students in this Smeal-led program can receive specialized career coaching, personal advising, access to global immersion trips, and additional networking opportunities. Learn more about the Penn State Smeal Advantage.
Online Curriculum with Flexible Options
The Penn State Master of Supply Chain Management allows for a higher degree of customization. You may select elective courses, both in supply chain management as well as other business-related fields, to create a degree that caters to your unique career goals.
You will do more than explore best practices and new technologies in supply chain management. The program uniquely focuses on the practical applications of knowledge and the analytical techniques you need to effectively solve complex supply chain-related problems.
- design and manage an effective supply chain
- understand and apply supply chain analytics
- conduct demand forecasting, aggregate planning, and sales and operations planning for a supply chain
- 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 logistics strategy, innovation, transformation, and organizational leadership
- develop the cross-functional business savvy needed for business success
Information for Military and Veterans
Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, or application instructions.
Courses
The online Master of Supply Chain Management is a 30-credit graduate degree program that working professionals can complete on a part-time basis in as little as 20 months.
This program spans the typical academic calendar across fall, spring, and summer semesters. All courses are asynchronous, meaning you are not required to log in at a particular time each week. Optional synchronous discussions, however, will be available for those students who prefer a higher level of engagement.
Practical Skills with a Customized Degree
This interdisciplinary master's degree curriculum offers both an in-depth understanding of today's complex supply chain and how to manage it to improve efficiency and create a competitive advantage in your organization, as well as the flexibility to select course work from another business discipline to broaden your skill set. You can gain the knowledge, problem-solving skills, and leadership techniques that are critical to advancing a business's goals through integrated supply chain planning and execution.
Collaborative Learning
Each course in the degree program includes small-group projects to encourage peer interaction and to build a learning community among the online students. These projects simulate real-world business environments, where individuals frequently work in small teams to solve problems. Online discussions are also utilized, allowing learning from the broad variety of experience had amongst the students.
Multi-Credentialing for Faster ROI
You don't have to wait until graduation to update your résumé. The degree curriculum is uniquely structured to give students the opportunity to earn one or more graduate certificates while in pursuit of the master's degree — you can earn the Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Management after taking the initial required courses from the degree program. You also have the freedom to pair elective courses together by topic to potentially meet most of the requirements for a second graduate certificate in one of many in-demand disciplines, including:
- accounting foundations
- business analytics
- business architecture
- business sustainability strategy
- corporate innovation and entrepreneurship
- strategic leadership
A separate application and program acceptance are required for each credential. Please consult with a program representative to discuss your options. Email us at [email protected].
Required Courses (12 credits)
The four required courses also meet the requirements for the 12-credit Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Management. If you would like to add this credential to your transcript and have questions about the application process, please contact the program office at [email protected] for assistance.
Advanced Courses (12 credits)
Once a student completes the core courses, s/he is eligible to take the advanced courses and electives below, in any order and based on course availability.
Electives (select 6 credits)
Select any two courses from the full Smeal Professional Graduate Programs portfolio to personalize your degree. Courses may be taken at any time throughout the program, based on availability. Courses may be added or removed to meet market demand, so the following list may change over time. As a reminder, credit from select courses may double count toward requirements for a graduate certificate in that discipline. Please email the program office at [email protected] with questions.
Supply Chain Management Electives
Other Electives
Optional Global Immersion Experience
This learning experience is designed to enhance your ability to communicate cross-culturally, adapt to evolving business environments, and manage some of the key risks and benefits of operating on a global scale. The Global Immersion trip may include visits to corporate headquarters and manufacturing facilities, as well as meetings with executives and government officials to learn about international business from those experiencing it firsthand in the country you are visiting.
The Global Immersion trip and corresponding course(s) will be offered each spring.* Please note that course work is required both before and after the trip. Online students may pursue the Global Immersion experience/courses in one of two ways:
- Option 1: Take BA 836 for 1 credit in a spring semester. The 1-credit course will include the trip and associated pre/post-work. BA 836 would be an additional credit on top of the 30 required to graduate.
- Option 2: Take BA 836 for 1 credit AND BA 835 for 2 credits during the spring semester. Together, the 3 credits will involve more extensive course work in this subject area than just the 1 credit alone and will include the trip. The 3 combined credits for BA 835 and 836 may replace one 3-credit program elective course with approval. Please contact the program office with any questions.
We aim to have enough students across programs to allow students to choose from 3–4 locations each spring. Past trips for the full-time and executive students have included Johannesburg, South Africa; Shanghai, China; Prague, Czech Republic; and Santiago, Chile. The trip choices will be made by the program faculty directors based on global business climate, and corporate and alumni relationships, that will allow for the most fruitful experience. Please contact the program office for more details, including fee structure, upcoming dates, and locations. Please note that students pay course tuition as well as an additional trip fee to participate in the Global Immersion experience.
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
Graduate Tuition
Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | Cost |
|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $1,121 per credit |
| 12 or more | $13,452 per semester |
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
Applications are accepted year-round for the Master of Supply Chain Management program. Students may begin the program in either the fall or spring semester.
Admissions Help
Students applying to the Master of Supply Chain Management (MSCM) degree program must be admitted by both the MSCM program and the Graduate School at Penn State. The Graduate School will notify the applicant whether or not they meet the Graduate School requirement for a baccalaureate degree. Please note, however, that acceptance to the Graduate School is not the same as acceptance to the MSCM program. Separate correspondence will be sent from the program office, indicating whether or not an applicant has been accepted into the MSCM program.
Admission Requirements
For admission to the Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.
The master's degree curriculum is designed for working professionals with at least two years of post-baccalaureate work experience in business, engineering, or science. Applicants must possess a strong quantitative background. Professionals could also consider the Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Management.
What You Need
Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:
Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State, but must list Penn State as part of your academic history. If you are admitted, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript. You will receive instructions at that time.
GPA — An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or a grade average of “B” or better in at least six credits of graduate coursework. Applicants with a GPA of less than 3.0 may be admitted under limited circumstances; however, that student may be asked to complete additional coursework to fill in gaps in prior education.
GRE/GMAT scores are NOT required.
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 Proficiency section on the Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
References (2) — You will need to initiate the process through the online application by entering the names, email addresses, and mailing addresses of two references. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent requesting that they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your professional capabilities and readiness for graduate study. Please inform your recommenders that they must submit the form in order for your application to be complete. Recent work or military supervisors are preferred.
Program-Specific Questions/Materials
Vita or Résumé — A one- to two-page listing of your professional experience and education. Applicants should have at least 2 years of relevant work experience.
Statement of Purpose — Describe how your professional experience and goals align with the Master of Supply Chain Management program. This statement should be approximately two pages in length and indicate why the applicant is applying to the program.
Start Your Application
You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.
Begin the graduate school application
- Choose Enrollment Type: "Degree Admission"
- Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus
- Choose "Master of Supply Chain Management" as the degree
Checking Your Status
You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form.
Technical Requirements
Review the technical requirements for this degree program.
Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.
Start or Advance Your Career
Start or Advance Your Career
Organizations in virtually every industry, including nonprofit and government sectors, use supply chains in their daily operations. 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.
Earn a Valuable Credential along the Way
Earn a Valuable Credential along the Way
Show mastery of specific subjects before your degree is complete. Thanks to shared courses across programs, students can often earn a certificate along with their degree in less time than if they earned them separately.
Contact Us
To learn more about the Master of Supply Chain Management program, please contact:
Penn State Smeal College of Business
Professional Graduate Programs Office
Phone: (814) 865-5290
Email: [email protected]
For general questions about the application process, please contact:
World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: (814) 863-5386
Email: [email protected]
Faculty
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Norm Aggon
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DegreeMBA, James Madison University,
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DegreeB.S., Mining Engineering, Penn State
Norm Aggon has 26 years of experience in various executive and supply chain management positions, including work for Pfizer, Engelhard and Tarmac, Ltd., and Chemstone Corporations.
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David Huff
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DegreePh.D., Business Administration, University of Rochester
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DegreeM.S., Mathematics, Brigham Young University
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DegreeB.A., Mathematics, Utah State University
Dr. David Huff is clinical professor of supply chain management and director of Online Graduate Programs in Supply Chain Management. Previously, he held visiting professorships at NYU and Utah. He teaches supply chain management, operations management, business statistics, and management science for undergraduate, graduate, and executive students. He consistently receives top ratings and teaching awards, receiving the award for best MBA Supply Chain Professor in 2017.
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C. John Langley Jr.
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DegreePh.D., Supply Chain Management, Penn State
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DegreeMBA, Finance, Penn State
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DegreeB.S., Mathematics, Penn State
Dr. C. John Langley Jr. is clinical professor of supply chain management and director of development in the Center for Supply Chain Research. He is a former president of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, and a recipient of its distinguished service award. Dr. Langley has had significant involvement in the supply chain and logistics industries, and has served on multiple boards of directors.
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Heather Lutz
Assistant Clinical Professor, Supply Chain & Information Systems, Penn State
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DegreePh.D., Supply Chain Management, Syracuse University
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DegreeMBA, Logistics, Operations, and Materials Management Emphasis, The George Washington University School of Business
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DegreeB.S., Mathematics, Systems Analysis Option, Penn State
Dr. Heather Lutz is an assistant clinical professor of supply chain and information systems with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. She previously taught operations management at both the undergraduate and graduate levels at the University of St. Thomas and has served as a consultant, providing training on strategic planning, forecasting techniques, and make-buy analysis.
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Susan B. Purdum
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DegreeMBA, University of Massachusetts at Amherst
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DegreeB.S., Industrial and Management Systems Engineering, Penn State
Susan B. Purdum, CTL, is a senior instructor of supply chain management and a faculty affiliate with the Center for Supply Chain Research (CSCR). After an extensive industry career in engineering, manufacturing, logistics, and consulting, she joined CSCR to lead research efforts in supply chain and design course content for executive education. She now teaches and specializes in strategic procurement, supplier development, and supply chain strategy and transformation.
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Kusumal Ruamsook
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DegreePh.D., Supply Chain Management, Penn State
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DegreeMBA, Business Administration, University of Missouri, Columbia
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DegreeB.B.A., Marketing, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
Dr. Kusumal Ruamsook is an instructor of supply chain and information systems and a research associate of the Center for Supply Chain Research at Penn State. Her research interests are in global sourcing, international logistics and supply chain management, supply chain and logistics technologies, and alternative energy supply chain management. Dr. Ruamsook's work has been published in academic journals, managerial journals, and other publications.
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Evelyn Thomchick
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DegreePh.D., Engineering Management, Clemson University
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DegreeM.S., Management, Clemson University
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DegreeB.S., Psychology, Penn State
Dr. Evelyn Thomchick, CTL, is an associate professor of supply chain. She is a research affiliate at the Larson Pennsylvania Transportation Institute and the Center for Supply Chain Research. She has taught a wide variety of courses in logistics and supply chain management. Dr. Thomchick served as editor of the Transportation Journal and was a member of the APICS Supply Chain Council Board of Directors. She currently serves on the APICS Research, Innovation, and Strategy Committee.
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Penn State Smeal Advantage
More options, greater flexibility and a commitment to lifelong learning
The desire for knowledge and professional growth spans a lifetime. That is why the Penn State Smeal College of Business offers a portfolio of professional graduate programs for all stages of your career. In partnership with Penn State World Campus, Smeal makes it easy to customize a learning plan to your unique career aspirations and busy schedule. Penn State Smeal offers you a lifetime of learning with more concentrations and one of the most integrated, flexible offerings of online and residential programs in the United States.
An entire team dedicated to your success
Personal advising – Our experts will explain the many options that Penn State Smeal offers and will help you refine your career strategy and craft the educational experience best suited to your interests. It all starts with a simple, but critical question: “What are your goals?”
Career coaching* – Our Alumni Career Services team will support you across all career stages with professional advancement opportunities and coaching to help you stay focused on achieving your goals.
Delivering the best of online and in-person learning for a rich educational experience
We understand that today’s professional learners want meaningful discussion and interaction with faculty and classmates along with the technologies and flexible approaches of contemporary online learning. By aligning the best of both worlds, we bring richness, depth, and diversity to the overall educational experience.
Courses designed to engage and motivate the professional student
Creative Teams consisting of a lead faculty member, a Teaching Support Specialist (TSS), and an Instructional Designer use advanced analytics to develop and deliver contemporary graduate courses that promote application and engagement. We strive to innovate in ways that others don’t.
A real-world perspective
- Industry professionals inside the virtual classroom – Many of Penn State Smeal’s courses feature industry professionals who have been in the trenches and work hard to make an impact every day. These individuals, most of whom hold a Smeal graduate degree, partner with our renowned faculty to provide a rich academic context with real-world application.
- Global immersion* – This unique, optional experience will enhance your ability to communicate cross-culturally, adapt to evolving business environments, and manage the risks and benefits of operating on a global scale. Any student pursing a full degree from Smeal may participate in this optional, faculty-led experience for elective credit. Previous destinations have included Shanghai, China; Johannesburg, South Africa; Prague, Czech Republic; Santiago, Chile; and Zagreb, Croatia.
One of the largest and most influential networks in the country
At Penn State, you are part of a worldwide community of instructors, learners, and more than 750,000 alumni who support one another and make a meaningful impact.
More than 90,000 Smeal alumni benefit from connections around the globe as well as networking events, podcasts, webinars, a powerful LinkedIn community, and opportunities for volunteerism.
* Services are available only to students and alumni of Penn State Smeal’s degree programs and online degrees led by Smeal and delivered through the World Campus. Students and alumni of online graduate certificates are not eligible to receive these benefits unless they are also enrolled in a degree program.
