Application deadline
Credits and costs
Learn to Manage Risk to Create a More Secure, Resilient, and Agile Supply Chain
Risks to a supply chain system can come in many forms, including natural disasters, cyber attacks, or system failures. The four courses in this online graduate certificate program examine the tactics and skills needed to manage risks and create a more robust supply chain.
As a student in this online supply chain graduate program, you can learn about cutting-edge strategies that successful companies employ to mitigate supply chain interruptions. The curriculum also examines business continuity planning, cybersecurity, and supply chain resilience, providing students with current supply chain knowledge through deep dives into these topics.
The Penn State Difference
As a student in the online Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Risk Management program, you will learn from the same faculty who teach on campus at the AACSB–accredited Penn State Smeal College of Business.
A comprehensive industry report released by Gartner, Inc. ranks Penn State’s supply chain program as a top graduate supply chain program in the United States. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report ranks the Penn State Smeal College of Business supply chain/logistics graduate program as one of the best in the nation, and employers consistently recognize the exceptional quality of this program.
Who Should Apply?
The Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Risk Management is designed for working logistics professionals who want to gain knowledge and skills to enhance their understanding of cybersecurity as it relates to supply chain management. It can also be beneficial for professionals who hold a cybersecurity degree or work in a cybersecurity or security risk analysis position and have an interest in supply chain logistics.
Information for Military and Veterans
Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military webpage for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, and application instructions.
Online Education at Penn State
Penn State has a history of 100+ years of distance education and more than two decades of experience in online learning. We create an online learning environment that offers you the same quality education our resident students experience in a face-to-face setting. Learn more about Penn State World Campus.
Courses
The Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Risk Management is a 12 credit, four-course online program. Your courses are primarily asynchronous — meaning you are not required to attend online classes at a specific time. Your education will blend independent study with peer-to-peer interaction. You'll complete assignments, readings, discussions, and occasional group work, as well as exams and other activities designed to enhance your learning outcomes — all at times that are most convenient for you.
Required Courses (12 credits)
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 | $1,132 per credit |
| 12 or more | $13,584 per semester |
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | Cost |
|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $1,143 per credit |
| 12 or more | $13,716 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.
Paying for Your Certificate
Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree," a status that is not eligible for federal student aid, including the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program. A private alternative loan may be an option to consider.
Additionally, Penn State offers many ways to pay for your education, including an installment plan and third-party payments. Penn State World Campus also offers an Employer Reimbursement and Tuition Deferment Plan. Learn more about the options for paying for your education.
Students pursuing a degree and meeting all other eligibility requirements may qualify for financial aid.
How to Apply
Deadlines and Important Dates
Applications are accepted year-round for the Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Risk Management program. Students may begin the program in either the fall or spring semester.
Admissions Help
If you have questions about the admissions process, contact our admissions counselors.
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 certificate program curriculum is designed for working supply chain management professionals. Accordingly, successful applicants will have, before the start of their first semester, at least two years' post-baccalaureate work experience in supply chain management or a closely allied field.
Students who require additional training are encouraged to enroll in preparatory courses prior to entrance into the program. For more information on prerequisites, please email [email protected].
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 their academic history. If you are admitted, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript. You will receive instructions at that time.
Grade Point Average (GPA) — Applicants are expected to have maintained a junior-senior (3rd-4th years) GPA of at least 3.00 based on a grading scale of A (4.00) to D (1.00).
GMAT/GRE test 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.
Program-Specific Questions/Materials
Vita or Résumé — Upload your résumé (one to two-page pdf) to the online application.
Statement of purpose — applicants must describe how their professional experience and goals align with the supply chain risk management certificate, not to exceed 500 words.
Begin the graduate school application
- Choose Enrollment Type: "Certificate Admission"
- Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus
- Choose "Supply Chain Risk Management" as the certificate (Please be sure to select Supply Chain Risk Management. A Supply Chain Management Certificate is also offered.)
Checking Your Status
You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form.
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
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.
A Head Start toward a Master’s Degree
A Head Start toward a Master’s Degree
Not only can this program help create opportunities in your career, it can also give you a solid head start toward a full master’s degree.
Contact Us
To learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Risk 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:
Penn State World Campus Admissions
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 Fusco
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DegreeEd.D., Educational Leadership and Management, Drexel University
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DegreeM.Ed., Saint Francis University
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DegreeB.S., Computer Science, Penn State
Dr. David Fusco is an associate teaching professor and director of experiential learning in the College of Information Sciences and Technology at University Park. Dr. Fusco teaches courses in cybersecurity, enterprise technology integration, and leadership. In 2018, Dr. Fusco received the George J. McMurtry Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award.
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Mike Hills
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DegreePh.D., Information Sciences and Technology, Penn State
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DegreeM.S., Human Resource Administration, Central Michigan University
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DegreeB.S., Industrial Technology, Southern Illinois University
Mike Hills served in the U.S. Air Force for nearly 30 years. As an operations officer and military planner supporting all manner of communications support, he served in various logistics and supply chain management positions that supported war efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as providing support for numerous natural disasters. His research interests in these areas are oriented toward national security and maintaining viable supply chains in contested environments.
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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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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.
Impact Smeal Day — This day provides alumni and professional graduate students with the opportunity to come to campus and interact with current students, network with other alumni, gain professional insights, and hear about college initiatives. The day is designed so that you can sign up for the sessions that work for your schedule.
* 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.