General business consultants and professionals who specifically handle purchasing, manufacturing, or transportation issues can gain a competitive edge by earning an online Master of Science or MBA in supply chain management. Graduate students study how materials flow throughout an industry, from raw materials to finished and sold products.

What is studied in a supply chain management program?

MBA programs in supply chain management begin with survey courses in business. These provide overviews of accounting, marketing, leadership, and other topics that are common to all areas of business. Next, students take elective courses. For supply chain management these could have titles like “Outsourcing Production,” “Packaging Strategies,” and “Supply Chain Forecasting.”

Emphasis is placed not only upon logistics, but also upon developing strong communication skills. That’s because supply chain managers need to negotiate with suppliers and develop and maintain effective working relationships.

What jobs are available in supply chain management?

Graduates of MBA programs work as buyers, industrial production managers, and other leaders involved in the manufacturing, transportation, and distribution of goods. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income for industrial production managers was about $83,000 in mid-2008.

The MBA specialization can also be useful in the development of a consulting career. Consultants have a wide income range, but their median income was reportedly about $73,000 in May 2008.

Which schools offer online MBAs in supply chain management?

Arizona State University

Indiana University

Kaplan University