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The online Master of Professional Studies in Supply Chain Management degree is a 30-credit graduate program that working professionals can complete in two years on a part-time basis.

The MPS/SCM Program spans the typical academic calendar across fall, spring, and summer semesters. Courses are entirely online with the exception of the required one-time, four-day residency on Penn State's University Park campus in August following the first year of courses.

Practical Supply Chain Skills

This interdisciplinary master's degree curriculum can give you 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. 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. Message boards are created for each project and team to facilitate interaction.

Course List - Master of Professional Studies in Supply Chain Management

Core Courses—Year One*
Title Abbreviation Description Credits
Supply Chain Management SCM 800 Introduction to the strategic framework, issues, and methods for integrating supply and demand management within and across companies. 4 credits
Supply Chain Performance Metrics and Financial Analysis SCM 801 Performance metrics used in supply chain management, both within the enterprise and across the extended enterprise. 1 credit
Demand Fulfillment SCM 812 This course covers the forecasting and inventory management activities involved in the fulfillment of demand for finished goods. 2 credits
Supply Management SCM 822 An overview of the strategic role that supply management has in effective supply, demand, and value chain operations. 2 credits
Manufacturing and Service Operations Planning SCM 842 Planning strategies for managing manufacturing and service operations within supply chains. 2 credits
Business Ethics B A 803 A study of ethical conduct in organizations and how cultural differences and personal conduct impact business decisions. 1 credit

*Because the 12-credit Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Management consists of the first year courses of the master's program, you may also apply for the certificate if you would like to add this quality credential to your transcript even before you complete the full master’s degree.

Core Courses—Year Two
Title Abbreviation Description Credits
Supply Chain Analysis SCM 530 Methods and tools to support supply chain decision making with emphasis on forecasting, inventory analysis, and demand planning. 3 credits, includes 4-day residency
Research Topics SCM 594 This three-semester sequence is designed to explore emerging supply chain management issues for which established literature is still being reviewed. 1 credit each semester (fall, spring, and summer)
Strategic Procurement** SCM 824 Alignment of supplies with the strategic needs and direction of the organization. 4 credits
Global Manufacturing and Service Operations** SCM 844 A detailed review of concepts, tools, and strategies for managing global manufacturing and service operations. 4 credits
Topics in Supply Chain Management** SCM 846 Develop a research proposal, conduct an inquiry, and write a report to include findings, conclusions, and recommendations; students encouraged to select topic in consultation with senior managers in their place of employment. 4 credits
Supply Chain Design and Strategy SCM 850 Design and management of supply chain networks, emphasizing the alignment of supply chain networks with corporate competitive strategy. 4 credits
Supply Chain Transformation and Innovation SCM 860 Strategic supply chain transformation and innovation with emphasis on (re)configuration of key capabilities to achieve competitive advantages. 4 credits

**Elective courses: choose one (course numbers/titles may be modified)

Optional Global Immersion Experience

The Global Immersion trip and coursework 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. It is offered each spring, beginning with spring 2021, and can be taken at any point in the program, provided SCM 800 is completed prior to or concurrent with the Global Immersion trip. Online MSCM students will join students from Smeal’s MBA programs and other Professional Graduate Programs for a 1-week visit to a pivotal business region of the world. The immersion experience 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.

MSCM students may pursue the Global Immersion experience/course(s) in one of two ways:

  • Take BA 836: Global Immersion, a 1-credit course consisting of the trip and associated pre/post-work. Taken alone, BA 836 would be in addition to the 30 credits required to graduate; OR
  • Pair BA 836 with BA 835: Global Perspectives, a 2-credit course consisting of additional coursework related to the Global Immersion experience. Together these two courses would count as a non-SCM, 3-credit elective for the MSCM degree.

With sufficient demand, the Smeal College of Business will offer 3 to 4 location choices each year, with the trip always being held the week before Penn State’s spring break. Past trips have included Johannesburg, South Africa; Shanghai, China; Prague, Czech Republic and Santiago, Chile. Location choices will be made by the program faculty directors based on global business climate and corporate and alumni relationships, to allow for the most fruitful experience. Participants are responsible for tuition, books and materials, flights, incidentals, most meals and a trip fee to cover single occupancy lodging and company visits/programming/select meals during the trip. Please contact the program office for more details, including fee structure, upcoming dates, and location.

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.