MBA in Supply Chain Management Online Master’s in Business Administration Concentration

Some of the growing and dynamic ways you can apply your master’s in supply chain management are:

• Consultant work: Apply your logistics and management skills to lead a company with its vendor relations and inventory management.
• Project management: Help a company devise processes to coordinate resources and activities in order to increase revenue.
• Supply chain management: Manage all aspects of the life cycle of a product, from raw materials to production and delivery.
• Logistics: Coordinate transportation services, fleet management or inventory design.
• Strategy: Collaborate with others to identify and execute goals to streamline processes.

One thing each of these roles has in common is the need to deeply understand the operational logistics of any organization. Being able to understand and design internal systems as well as manage the full life cycle of a product can provide you with a rewarding, long-term career.

If you have a knack for business and enjoy logistics and all things systems related, a master's degree in supply chain management could help you build the skills you need for a successful career.

This is an in-demand field that is expected to grow even more given the recent worldwide health crisis. One thing that became apparent very quickly with the global pandemic is the need for a healthy, functioning supply chain. In fact, warehouse and other supply chain personnel quickly became known as essential.

The supply chain field is increasingly automated and dependent on the internet, which makes supply chain a field that is poised to take full advantage of increasing artificial intelligence (AI) and automation changes in every industry.

With these changes, an online master's degree in supply chain management could be one way to keep up in an evolving field. You can build quantitative, analytical and problem-solving skills, coupled with strong customer service and communication skills – all essential to excel in the industry.

A strong supply chain is important for a healthy economy. With that in mind, an MBA in Supply Chain Management ensures you have the skills and knowledge required to keep a business running smoothly.

First, you’ll gain a solid foundation of business courses. The online MBA in Supply Chain Management curriculum covers principles of business and entrepreneurship, finance and accounting, marketing and strategy. Because every business involves working with people, you'll cover ethics, corporate culture and customer service as well.

Then you can build on your business knowledge and experience with courses specifically focused on organizational management and supply chain. These courses cover the effective management of resources and business activities that produce goods and services in the manufacturing industry. They also address the strategies and concepts for integrating different aspects of businesses, including supplies, warehouses, transportation and retailers.

“Our curriculum is designed to incorporate the necessary specialized skills such as communication with supervisors, peers or subordinates and organizing, planning and prioritizing work," said Dr. Zuzana Buzzell, associate dean of business programs at Southern New Hampshire University. "We have also incorporated case studies and assignments that require advanced Excel skills and inductive reasoning, which are all very in-demand skills.”

The field of supply chain management offers something for everyone. Grounded in business and economics, there are ample opportunities to put your strategic thinking and logistics skills to work. Perhaps you enjoy logistics and functional processes or the thought of leading a team. No matter your interest, there is room to put your strengths and interests to work within the growing field of supply chain management.

“The pandemic really brought to the forefront the importance of having specialists in the supply management field,” said Dr. Zuzana Buzzell, associate dean of business programs at Southern New Hampshire University. An MBA that focuses on operations and supply chain helps managers “better understand the needs of their business, how to update their inventory policies and plan new parameters for ordering.”

In this degree program, you'll learn to “focus on production, agility and also evaluate business preparedness from a global point of view,” said Buzzell.

No, but like with most career opportunities, the right degree can help you advance. In an increasingly competitive job market, the need to stand out among the best can help you get ahead.

With an MBA in Supply Chain Management from Southern New Hampshire University, you’ll earn a top-notch degree that marries advanced business fundamentals and supply chain know-how to help businesses function effectively and efficiently.

Plus, the simple act of learning online can be an asset. Not only will you have the ability to complete the degree on your schedule, you'll also demonstrate a level of technology and internet savvy that can make you extra-competitive in today’s tech-heavy job market.

Because this degree has such a strong foundation in business and economics, you can also pivot your career as the field changes.

Yes, perhaps more than ever before. As the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us, it's clear that a strong supply chain is the cornerstone of a healthy economy. Drastic overnight shifts in protocols and demand favored only the most advanced supply chains. Furthermore, it helped organizations identify gaps in their systems and use their advanced abilities to adapt to significant supply and demand changes overnight.

The need for strong critical thinking and communication skills will also remain in demand in any business environment. Applying analytical and problem-solving skills to a variety of business practices will help you stay at the top of your field.

“This MBA provides a well-rounded education,” said Dr. Zuzana Buzzell, associate dean of business programs at Southern New Hampshire University. “Learners gain a lot of soft skills, which are now in high demand. Having a specialization differentiates candidates and makes them stand out on the job market.”