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Logistics Degree Online Bachelor's in Operations Management Concentration

Bethanie Thomas, working from a high-tech office space with digital maps and coordinates on the walls all around her.

Cost per credit $330

Total courses 40

Term length 8 weeks

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Program Overview Why get an online logistics degree?

Are you interested in a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Operations Management from Southern New Hampshire University, but looking to focus on the ins and outs of supply chain management? A concentration in Logistics and Transportation might be right for you.

In this program, you'll deepen your knowledge of processes like moving and storing supplies, and examine the steps necessary to integrate suppliers, factories, warehouses and stores — so products can be distributed to customers in the right quantity, at the right time. And whether you're a business-savvy professional or a military service member, you'll gain an understanding of essential operations and supply chain management strategies that could serve you in your career.

Skills you'll learn:

  • Operations management theory
  • Continuous improvement practices
  • Logistics theories and tools
  • Business sustainability factors
  • Operations management decision-making
  • Communication & problem solving
Bethanie Thomas sitting on a park bench working on her laptop with an SNHU shoulder bag on the ground next to her.

Courses & Curriculum Online logistics courses built for the modern workforce

The logistics and transportation concentration will help you gain fundamental business knowledge in areas like logistics management, reverse logistics, transportation management and integrated supply chain management. And when you graduate, you'll be equipped with practical skills — so you can apply that knowledge across global industries.

If you choose, you can take SNHU's QSO-345: Project Management for CAPM®Certification course, which can prepare you to take the Certified Associate in Project Management® exam offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Courses in this program can also help prepare you to sit for 2 additional certification exams through the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), each of which require 3 years of business experience or a bachelor's degree in a related field:

  1. Certified in Logistics, Transportation & Distribution (CLTD)
  2. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
Degree Courses

Online logistics courses

Throughout your program, you'll take courses that lay the foundation for your knowledge of all things operations management: topics like sustainable operations, supply chain management and continuous improvement tools and techniques. As you move into logistics and transportation courses, you'll narrow your focus and explore transportation management, project management, reverse logistics and more.

And no matter what course you're in, you'll learn industry-specific skills you can apply in your  operations career. You'll analyze business case studies, design and manage spreadsheets and use software and advanced tools to boost delivery consistency — all designed to prepare you for what comes next.

Course ID: QSO 320
Apply management science techniques to analyze data to inform business decisions that align to strategic organizational objectives.
Course ID: QSO 322
This course provides an overview of the field of logistics including its nature, scope, and process, including logistics management functions and the interrelationships among strategic support and operational logistics. Students examine the logistics functions of business involved in the movement and storage of supplies, work-in-progress, and finished goods. Additionally, it explores the trade-offs between cost and service and the purchase and supply of raw materials.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Course ID: QSO 425
This course provides students with an overview of today's best practices in reverse logistics. An application perspective is examined in manufacturing, retail and in the military. Students examine the nature, scope, practices, procedures, and processes of adding a reverse logistics operations center to a forward logistics supply chain.
Course ID: QSO 450
This course provides an overview of the transportation industry to include providers, users, and government agencies. It examines contemporary public policy issues, along with managerial strategies in transportation. Additional focus will be given to micro and macroeconomic issues in the transportation industry. Topics include the economic aspects of rail, water, air, ground, and other transport modes, inventory, and supply.
Course ID: QSO 455
This course examines key issues associated with the design and management of supply chains. Students examine modern supply chain management practices. Emphasis is placed on the exploration of how to integrate suppliers, factories, warehouses and stores so that products are distributed to customers in the right quantity and at the right time. A key topic area is the service logistics and distribution component of the supply chain.
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.

Visit the course catalog to view the full BS in Operations Management with a concentration in Logistics & Transportation.

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Upcoming term starts: October 28, 2024 | January 06, 2025

Next term starts:
Sept. 02, 2024

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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:

8-week terms

Learn around your schedule

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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
How to Take an Online Class at SNHU
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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!)

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.

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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 $29,700
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 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.

Career Outlook What can I do with an online logistics degree?

Even in the face of more recent economic challenges, logistics and transportation has proven to be a viable industry, and a bachelor's degree can help position you for success in an array of roles. Whether you're managing daily processes of a manufacturing plant, overseeing the shipment of medical supplies or playing an integral role in food management at a retail location or hospitality company, you'll build skills that make a big impact.

Occupations

With Southern New Hampshire University's BS in Operations Management with a concentration in Logistics and Transportation under your belt, you may be qualified to step into diverse professional or supervisory roles, including:

Analyze and coordinate an organization’s supply chain by managing activities related to purchasing, transportation, inventory and warehousing.

Plan and direct transportation, storage or distribution in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations.

Coordinate and supervise a variety of projects, including building public, residential, commercial and industrial structures as well as roads and bridges.

Oversee the operations of manufacturing and related plants by directing the processes needed to create a range of goods, such as cars, computer equipment and paper products.

18%

Increase in logistician positions (for professionals who organize and coordinate an organization's supply chain) through 2032, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1

$79,400

Median annual pay for logisticians as of May 2023, according to the BLS. Transportation, storage and distribution managers earned a median annual salary of $99,200 in that same time period.1

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

Randy Cox '23
As a lifelong truck driver, I wanted to gain more knowledge on transportation and logistics. Now, I'm managing a fleet of fuel delivery trucks.
Randy Cox '23

Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions, answered

The real question is: Which logistics degree is best for you? Only you can decide.

If you're looking to break into a career in logistics, this online bachelor's program can be a great place to start. You'll gain critical knowledge about supply chain and operations management. Plus, you'll hone the skills you need to be a more effective leader – helping prepare you to make an impact across a number of different industries.

There are several other benefits to earning an online logistics degree at SNHU. Here are just a few of them:

  • Quality. Let's be honest – the quality of the program is what matters most in terms of future success. Our curriculum was created by subject-matter experts and is taught by professionals with industry experience. That means you'll have the opportunity to learn from instructors with insider knowledge and decades of wisdom to share. Plus, throughout your courses, you'll apply what you've learned using real-world scenarios, making the material more meaningful.
  • Flexibility. School can often feel like it's out of reach – especially if you're trying to balance work, family and other personal commitments. We're here to help. With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.
  • Cost. Ours are some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation. Why? Because we're built for people, not for profit. We believe college can be more accessible when it starts being more affordable.
  • Transfer friendly. Have previous college experience, but never finished? Maybe you've earned your associate degree, but aren't sure what to do next? At SNHU, we accept up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree. Consider the fact that it takes 120 credits to complete your bachelor's program, and that could mean you're already 3/4 of the way to earning your degree. This means that your degree could be closer than you think.
  • Military friendly. Speaking of transfers, did we mention that military experience may also translate to college credits? Not only that, active-duty military and their spouses are eligible for up to 30% tuition discounts. You'll also have access to military-focused advisors and a dedicated military benefits team, so you can feel confident you'll make the most out of your military benefits as you pursue your bachelor's.

As logistics and supply chains are highly complex, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that many employers seek logisticians with a bachelor's degree for entry-level positions.1 Some professionals may also seek certificate licensure to stand out in a competitive market, but this is not necessarily required.

According to Dr. Zuzana Buzzell, associate dean at SNHU, a logistics degree is critical to understand all the moving parts of a supply chain.

"Logistics and transportation managers are responsible for moving people, goods, and animals from one location to another by diverse transportation modes," Buzzell said. "They are tasked with operational decisions dealing with packaging, containerization, documentation, insurance, storage, regulations, freight damage, managing partners and risk mitigation."

Bachelor's programs like SNHU's logistics and transportation degree concentration explore in-depth principles and practices of logistics, transportation and supply chain management. With the addition of practical, experiential learning and a capstone project, graduates will have the knowledge and skills they need to make an impact in the real world. 

While a logistics degree is often a minimum requirement for employers, those with previous experience in a logistical support role will have an edge in a competitive field. For this reason, dispatchers, clerks and people with previous military experience are highly valued by organizations looking to hire entry-level professionals.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, logisticians earned a median annual wage of $79,400 in 2023.1 By comparison, the national annual wage for all workers was $48,060 in the same year.1

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 top industries.1 Other top-earning roles were available in:1

  • Manufacturing
  • Management of companies and enterprises
  • Professional, scientific and technical services,
  • Wholesale trade

In addition, job prospects in logistics appear to be growing much faster than the national average for all occupations in the coming years.1 Job growth will likely be caused by an increased need for educated professionals who can tackle highly complex supply and distribution systems, along with new opportunities to fill roles as workers retire.

While these two terms may often be used interchangeably, logistics are actually a much broader piece of the supply chain. Transportation, by comparison, hones in specifically on the process of physically carrying goods from point A to point B.

The term "logistics" embodies all the processes that must happen between manufacturing a product to delivering it to the end user. This includes planning, implementation, managing procedures, storage and, of course, transportation.

All businesses rely on logistics to help them meet consumer needs. Take restaurants, for example. Because food is perishable, there is a constant stream of product and supplies moving in from partner distributors, like local farmers. Delivery of these goods needs to be timely and temperature controlled, which means a partnership with the right transportation company is critical. Finally, once the product is on site, it needs to be stored. A logistician must then consider inventory, asking questions like: What can we keep on site, how much of it and for how long?

As mentioned earlier, transportation is one piece of the logistics process. Specifically, it's the point in which goods are physically moved from the manufacturer to the consumer – whether it's by air, sea, land or even space. These are the processes that enable trade between two parties and are an absolutely crucial piece of the supply chain.

Related Articles

1Bureau 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 19, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes113071.htm (viewed April 19, 2024)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.