Online Operations Management Degree Bachelor of Science (BS)
Program Overview Why get an online operations management degree?
Operations managers are a key component to any successful management team. Are you fascinated by the processes used to produce and transport products, services and people?
Southern New Hampshire University's Bachelor of Science (BS) in Operations Management online degree program provides you with the knowledge and skills you'll need to effectively develop, improve and manage business processes.
Skills you'll learn:
- Continuous improvement practices
- Operations management theory
- Operations best-practices
- Business decision-making
- Business sustainability procedures
- Accountability and effectiveness
Courses & Curriculum Online operations management classes that prepare you for your career
SNHU's operations degree provides a solid foundation of knowledge for managing operations in manufacturing, service and other sectors. The curriculum builds upon a business core, emphasizing communication, ethics and globalization.
The bachelor's program culminates in a capstone course, to assess your ability to synthesize and integrate the knowledge and skills you've developed throughout your coursework.
Online operations management concentrations
Choose the bachelor's in online operations management degree alone, or elect a concentration: logistics and transportation or project management.
Logistics & Transportation
Play a crucial role in the supply chain with the Bachelor of Science in Operations Management with an online logistics degree concentration.
This concentration will help prepare you to oversee the successful delivery of goods including purchasing, transportation, inventory and warehousing. You'll use software programs and manage logistical functions and challenges across the entire life cycle of a product, all in service of a superior consumer experience.
Courses may include:
- Sustainable Operations
- Transportation Management
- Reverse Logistics
Project Management
Earn your project management degree online at Southern New Hampshire University and gain the knowledge and skills you need to manage and execute projects on time, on budget and within scope.
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Operations Management with a concentration in Project Management degree provides students an opportunity to apply the knowledge and techniques needed to execute and manage projects in almost every industry, including manufacturing and services.
If you enjoy the rewards and challenges of managing people and processes, completing this project management degree online may be right for you. You'll build effective communication skills, learn creative and analytical problem-solving strategies and explore the vital role that project management plays in moving a company forward.
In this concentration, you have the option to take QSO-345: Project Management for CAPM® Certification course, which can prepare you to take the PMI® Certified Associate in Project Management® exam.
Career outlook:
According to a Project Management Institute® report, jobs in project-oriented industries in the U.S. will grow through 2030, with more than 128,000 job openings each year for project management-oriented roles.1
Courses may include:
- Project Management
- Human Behavior in Organizations
- Leading in an Organization
Those interested in this concentration may also want to explore our BS in Business Administration with an online project management degree concentration.
Online operations management courses
All business students are required to complete the business core, which focuses on 10 core competencies to prepare you for success wherever you go.
Courses may include:
Management Science through Spreadsheets
Course ID:
QSO 320
Apply management science techniques to analyze data to inform business decisions that align to strategic organizational objectives.
Continuous Improvement Tools and Techniques
Course ID:
QSO 325
This course examines continuous improvement tools and techniques used in problem solving supporting sustainable operations. Topics include lean techniques, quality management, TQM, JIT, and product experimental design.
Sustainable Operations
Course ID:
QSO 328
This course focuses on manufacturing and service operations control and the importance of making operations decisions that support the long-term sustainability of organizations while meeting the needs of the customers. Students explore topics such as brand management, closed loop supply chains, competition, environmental management, safety and compliance, and social responsibility.
Supply Chain Management
Course ID:
QSO 330
This course focuses on effective supply chain strategies for companies that operate globally with emphasis on how to plan and integrate supply chain components into a coordinated system. Students are exposed to concepts and models important in supply chain planning with emphasis on key tradeoffs and phenomena. The course introduces and utilizes key tactics such as risk pooling and inventory placement, integrated planning and collaboration, and information sharing.
Trends in Operations Management
Course ID:
QSO 415
This course focuses on contemporary topics in operations management. Examples of topics that will be explored included assessing and managing disruptive change, agile project management, automation, innovation, and technology trends.
Capstone in Operations Management
Course ID:
QSO 489
This capstone course is the culminating experience for the B.S. in Operations Management program. The aim of the capstone is to assess students' ability to synthesize and integrate the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout their coursework, rather than introducing new concepts. This course is structured to support student success in fulfilling program requirements.
The Commons: SNHU's gen ed program
All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.
Courses may include:
Cultural Awareness and Online Learning
Course ID:
IDS 105
This course introduces students to the skills relevant to university learning, and the foundational knowledge and values of intercultural fluency needed to understand and effectively navigate the complexities of contemporary society. Students will examine the various factors that influence an individual's perception of justice and the impacts that cultural and social diversity have on collaboration and communication processes. Through the application of interpersonal communication strategies, students will also learn to navigate various interpersonal conflict situations.
Self, Society, and the Humanities
Course ID:
HUM 102
In this course, students explore the interaction between individuals and society as a framework for understanding cultural inquiry. Through the examination of the scientific, creative, cultural, and historical humanities, students develop a practice of reflexivity to describe conceptions of self, others, and systems and their interconnectedness.
Foundations of Written Communication
Course ID:
ENG 130
This course focuses on written communication and writing practice. Students will gain the critical reading and information literacy related skills vital to academic and workplace success. Students will explore methods to analyze, summarize, and evaluate written works to isolate key ideas and information. Students will examine how to adapt the writing process to a variety of writing situations and present their own perspectives in written form.
Mathematical Reasoning for Modern Problem-Solving
Course ID:
MAT 126
In this course, students learn about the use of mathematical reasoning and the practical application of quantitative techniques to inform their decision-making process. Students will develop the skills to critically examine elements of a problem they might face in their day-to-day personal and professional lives, solve for various outcomes using quantitative techniques, and make informed decisions.
Ethics in Global Society
Course ID:
PHL 218
In this course, students explore various ethical frameworks from a cultural and global perspective. Students examine the ways that ethics influence actions, decisions, and perceptions. Furthermore, students develop associated skills related to critical thinking, such as awareness of bias, to analyze issues from an ethical standpoint.
STEM Principles and Problem-Solving
Course ID:
SCI 260
In this course, students learn to apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) methodologies to a wide variety of contemporary issues and complex challenges within society to obtain knowledge and use that knowledge to develop recommendations and propose solutions. Students will leverage a scientific mindset to gather information, analyze data, and communicate information in varying ways based on their intended audience.
Social Issues and Decision-Making
Course ID:
SCS 260
In this course, students use social science methodologies to analyze various sociocultural issues and their impacts on society. In their exploration of the concept of society and how it manifests in different cultures, students learn to contextualize themselves within society, examine the relationship between the individual and society, and analyze the ethical implications of decision-making related to contemporary social issues.
PC (Windows OS) Technical Requirements
| Component Type | PC (Windows OS) |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Dell |
| Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Apple (Mac OS) Technical Requirements
| Component Type | Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Apple |
| Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.
Get credit for prior learning
You've earned it. Now take advantage of it. If you have the following certifications, you may be eligible to waive certain courses in the online operations management degree program, helping you save time and tuition.
- Active Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® Certification for QSO-345: Project Management for CAPM® Certification
- Six Sigma Green Belt Certification (with an exam score of 280 or above) for QSO-360: Six Sigma Quality Management
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: October 28, 2024 | January 06, 2025
Next term starts:
Sept. 02, 2024
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.
What to expect:
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Dedicated to your success
Our instructors are at the heart of SNHU's mission of student success. With real-world business experience and passionate dedication to our students and their learning, our faculty are with you every step of the way. Whether they are engaging with students on discussion boards, communicating concepts and ideas or helping you explore your passion, SNHU instructors strive to make your learning experience valuable and memorable.
Featured Faculty
Emily Grime
Emily Grime works in the biopharmaceutical industry developing project management teams and developing policies for patients and healthcare organizations. She holds a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® from the PMI®Institute, a CSM certification from the Scrum Alliance, an SSM from Scaled Agile and an ICP-ACC Agile Coaching Certification from ICAgile.
Position
Adjunct Instructor
Joined SNHU
2018
Education
- BS in Business Administration from Pennsylvania State University
- MS in Leadership and Business Ethics from Duquesne University
What our instructors have to say
Hear what some SNHU instructors have to say about our online BS in Operations Management.
Considering online college?
"Take the step! One day at a time, one discussion at a time, one assignment at a time and you can make it."
Emily Grime, adjunct instructor at SNHU
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 180,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
Step 1: Complete the online application – it only takes minutes.
It's easy, fast and free.
Step 2: Submit additional forms.
You’ll fill out one form to verify your high school completion or GED. Then, if you’ve attended college before, you’ll submit a form for each school so we can request your transcripts for you. (Also for free!)
Step 3: Make your decision.
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which means we meet certain standards of academic quality, and have the tools and resources necessary for students to be successful. The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
This program and its concentrations are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Student achievement data can be found on the ACBSP accreditation page.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
Online undergraduate programs
Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 120-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$330
$990
$39,600
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$231
$693
$27,720
*before previously earned credits are applied
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:
$9,900 $14,850 $19,800 $24,750 $29,700If 30 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $29,700
If 45 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $24,750
If 60 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $19,800
If 75 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $14,850
If 90 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $9,900
How we estimate your tuition cost:
We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a bachelor's degree. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 90 credits, requiring a minimum of 30 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator, and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.
Ways to save on online tuition
Career Outlook What can I do with an operations management degree?
While people tend to associate operations managers with retail, manufacturing and warehouse management, these areas only scratch the surface of what can be done with an operations management degree. Virtually every business and industry needs the knowledge and skills of an operations manager – whether it's a high-end dining establishment, a local bank or fashion retail. Employment continues to grow as more businesses transport goods in the global economy.
Occupations
Operations managers can work in a number of high-demand industries, including transportation, retail, military, e-commerce, healthcare, financial services, higher education, food service and more. Occupations in these industries include:
Inventory Control Analyst
Help organizations control expense and maximize profitability by analyzing inventory, capacity levels and pricing data.
Supply Manager Accordion
Manage the acquisition, negotiation and purchasing of materials through various vendors to support product preparation and construction.
Production Planner
Plan and prioritize the equipment, raw materials, manpower and capacity needed to optimize production and meet demand in a timely manner.
Production Supervisor
Organize the workflow of team members within the production environment to meet deadlines and production quantity output.
Project Manager
Establish parameters, roles and goals of a cross-departmental project team to help ensure success within an estimated time frame and budget.
Purchasing Manager
Track inventory, provide pricing assessments, manage project-specific supply needs and work with vendors to negotiate pricing and scheduling.
Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst
Help ensure products meet quality standards and identify areas for product and process improvements.
Supply Chain Planner
Review processes and establish supply chain schedules to help mitigate factors that can impact the supply chain such as customs issues and weather.
5%
Increase in administrative and facilities manager positions in the U.S. through 2032, according to the BLS.2
$104,900
Median annual wage in 2023 for administrative and facilities managers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.2
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
What SNHU students are saying
Each class taught me something new and allowed me to get closer to my dream. And this degree helped me land a career for a company that I am very excited to be a part of.
Marilyn Comstock ’21
Get answers about the online BS in Operations Management
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of degree do you need to be an operations manager?
Typical entry-level education for operations managers is a bachelor's degree in operations management, supply chain management or a related field.
Some operations management positions may also benefit from a business administration degree due to its holistic approach to all facets of how a business runs and operates. Earning a business degree with a concentration in an area such as project management offers the experience you need to succeed in operations management, project management and a multitude of other business operations positions.
For those looking to continue their education in operations management once they earn their bachelor's, SNHU also offers an online master's in project management.
What are the roles and responsibilities of an operations manager?
Broadly speaking, operations managers are responsible for guiding critical business decisions within an organization.
They use mathematical and analytical methods to identify, analyze, interpret and solve operational challenges, as well as promote successful business practices. They have the power to examine and improve processes in almost every area of an organization – from supply chains and resource allocation to setting prices and production schedules.
It's important to note that, while people tend to associate operations managers with retail and home improvement industries, these areas only scratch the surface of what can be done with an operations management degree. Virtually every business and industry needs the knowledge and skills of an operations manager – whether it's a high-end dining establishment, a local bank or fashion retail.
Generally, an operations manager will be responsible for at least one of the following:
- Front end operations management – which is the customer-facing side of operations, such as customer support, communication and sales; or
- Back end operations management –which is the behind-the-scenes side of operations, such as inventory, distribution and delivery
You may work in a single retail location or distribution center, or as a regional or area manager – overseeing multiple stores in an assigned area. In any case, your contributions will play a major role in the success of a company.
What is a typical salary for an operations manager?
It can depend on your specific role, years of experience and other factors, but here are some examples: according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2023 logisticians earned an annual median salary of $79,400, industrial production managers earned an annual median salary of $116,970, and administrative and facilities managers earned an annual median salary of $104,900.2 By comparison, the median annual wage for all workers was $48,060 in the same year.2
These wages vary by industry. For example, in May 2023, logisticians working for the federal government earned a median annual wage of $95,890, the highest among all industries.2 With data playing an increasingly pivotal role in the way organizations operate, it's expected that job prospects for qualified professionals who can interpret this data will continue to grow.
What are the skills an operations manager needs?
There are several key skills an operations manager must possess, including:
- Leadership
- Organizational planning
- Adaptability
- Risk management
- Strong communication
- The ability to understand complex systems
These skills and many others are demonstrated regularly by military service members in the numerous organizational leadership positions that span across all branches of our military.
Military operational support roles, for example, require service members to execute timely decisions, coordinate leadership operational directives, allocate resources or prioritize operational needs that can change at a moment's notice. The operations management degree helps our valued service members take these skills – many of which were developed through their service experience – and translate them into a successful civilian career.
Beyond a curriculum that builds upon military skills, SNHU has a longstanding track record of empowering military service members and their families – a commitment we've stuck to since we first introduced online learning for active military students back in 1995.
Here are just a few ways we proudly support our men and women in uniform:
- Military tuition benefits. We offer online tuition discounts of up to 30% for service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty. We also accept Tuition Assistance (TA), VA education benefits and military scholarships for spouses through MyCAA.
- Transfer-friendly enrollment. At SNHU, you can transfer up to 90 credits toward your undergraduate degree – which includes earning credit for your military training.
- Academic and career support. Here, you can count on support from dedicated academic and career advisors with a strong military background, helping you succeed as you transition to a civilian career.
It's also worth noting that, in more recent years, advances in technology – such as automation, mobile communication and the use of third-party delivery systems – have evolved the role of an operations manager. As a result, those looking to break into these roles need a solid grounding in tech, to help them master software and platforms that can help businesses run more smoothly.
By pairing an online learning environment with coursework in continuous improvement, trends in operations management and sustainable operations, SNHU's BS in Operations Management is built to help you stay ahead in an ever-changing field.
Related Articles
Sources & Citations
1 Project Management Institute, on the Internet, at Project Management Job Growth and Talent Gap 2021 at https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/learning/career-central/talent-gap-report-2021-finalfinal.pdf (viewed April 24, 2024).
2 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the Internet at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/logisticians.htm (viewed April 24, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/industrial-production-managers.htm (viewed April 24, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/administrative-services-managers.htm (viewed April 24, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/home.htm (viewed April 24, 2024)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® is a registered mark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.
The PMI® logo is a mark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.