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Online master's degrees in supply chain management teach the skills needed to turn raw materials into finished products as well as coordinate the movement of goods and services through logistics and operations management. Coursework emphasizes business administration principles, technology utilization, procurement, distribution, and leadership skills. 

A supply chain management master's degree typically takes full-time students around two years to complete. Concentrations include risk management, analytics, and resource management. Some programs feature built-in graduate certificates, allowing for operations management and global leadership specializations. Students must hold a bachelor's in supply chain management or a similar degree to be admitted into a master's program.   

Interested in exploring similar subjects online? Explore our rankings for the best online MBAs.

Supply chain management courses at the master's level are designed to provide a framework for the strategies used in the global movement of goods. These systems-first curriculums explore each stage of the process, from procurement to distribution. 

Below are a few commonly found courses in an online supply chain management degree:

• Supply Chain Logistics: This course looks at various elements of logistics, including automated warehousing, freight operations, and order fulfillment. Students engage in logistics analysis to improve decision-making and real-world problem-solving scenarios to better understand the issues that arise during logistical business operations. 
• Demand Planning and Inventory Operations: Demand planning refers to analysis strategies used in predicting consumer demands, helping to improve an organization's sales and operations planning. Students also learn how to track and manage inventory as it moves through the supply chain, from manufacturer to consumer. Together, these subjects help integrate forecasting theory with practical operations.
• Customer Service Management: Customer service management teaches how to communicate effectively with current and future customers. Emphasis is placed on the various technologies used within communication processes and performance management. This course also explores the importance of governance to ensure that a company's policies match its operations. 

Funding a graduate education can be difficult, causing many students to seek an affordable supply chain management degree. These programs offer less expensive tuition because they're online, allowing for cheaper instruction costs, fewer fees, and digital libraries instead of physical books.

The most affordable supply chain management master's degrees are often online and flexible, allowing students to continue working while they study. This is an excellent opportunity to make extra money to pay for expenses. Plus, it adds valuable professional experience through jobs, such as supply chain associates, logistics operations specialists, and delivery supervisors. 

Securing funding is one thing; saving money during college is a separate challenge. Students learn to manage financial processes thanks to the supply chain management curriculum's focus on finance. Financial knowledge is useful when creating monthly budgets and seeking cost-cutting measures during college. 

If you're curious to explore more low-tuition options for grad school, check out our ultimate list of the most affordable master's degrees online.

Although you won't qualify for federal grants or subsidized federal student loans as a graduate student, there are alternative methods to ensure that you can cover your school expenses without excessively burdening your budget. Most students pursue federal financing by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). These are loans from the government that must be paid back with interest. Although they lead to student debt, the eligibility requirements do not have an income limit, making securing funding for tuition, rent, and school supplies easy. 

Student loans are repaid in several ways, some based on earned income and others on fixed rates. Fixed-rate repayment plans usually result in lower overall payments because students pay the same amount regardless of their financial circumstances. Students who have a high debt-to-income ratio are eligible for income-based repayment plans, where monthly payments are based on percentages of their incomes. 

Financial aid can also come from private banks and credit cards, although these options are not preferred. Paying for books, fees, or even tuition through a credit card can be extra costly because of the added processing fees. Banks also have higher costs because most student borrowers have yet to establish credit, resulting in higher interest rates. 

There are many advanced education options to pursue after graduating with a master's in supply chain management, whether from universities or private organizations. The Association for Supply Chain Management () offers certifications for logistics, planning, transformation, and professional career advancement. Although certificates aren't necessary to gain employment, they may help propel graduates into roles with higher incomes.

Pursuing a PhD in supply chain management is the most advanced academic route. These programs are for students who want to conduct and publish the research that supply chain professionals use to make organizational decisions and college professors use to teach supply chain management students. 

While some careers in supply chain management follow similar logistics and operations principles, they deal with a wide range of materials in very different industries. Daily responsibilities also differ depending on what area of the supply chain someone is working in, be it quality management, product sourcing, or transportation. 

Here are some common careers for supply chain master's graduates:

• Supply Chain Managers: Supply chain managers coordinate the entire supply chain, from procuring raw materials to distributing final products and everything in between. They research transportation routes, develop key performance indicators, analyze storage and delivery costs, and oversee hiring. These tasks are all designed to ensure the efficient flow of products and services. 
• Storage and Distribution Managers: Storage and distribution managers differ from supply chain managers in that their scope of work is more narrowly focused on inventory. However, they are still responsible for coordinating aspects of production, including purchasing and shipping. Because they often oversee warehouses, they also forecast busy delivery times and create employee safety policies.
• Logistics Analysts: The role of logistics analysts is to examine the supply chain for efficiencies and deficiencies. They gather data, monitor processes, and collect feedback to see where improvements can be made to reduce costs and increase reliability. This technology-centric role utilizes web-based information systems and analytical software to track logistics data. 

There are several ways to decide which master's in supply chain management to pursue. Some students choose their college or university based on concentration options, while others prefer attending schools that emphasize internships and networking. Regarding financial considerations, however, here's some advice about choosing the best supply chain management master's program: 

Compare Tuition Costs: Start by comparing tuition rates of various programs. Look for schools that offer competitive pricing while maintaining quality education. For example, finding a program under $10,000 annually can significantly reduce your overall cost.

Evaluate Financial Aid Options: Investigate the financial aid packages offered by each institution. Prioritize schools like Charleston Southern University and Marquette University, which are known known for offering substantial financial aid packages over $20,000.

Consider Online Programs: Online degrees often offer lower tuition rates and eliminate the need for relocation or commuting expenses. Ensure the online programs you consider are fully accredited and provide the same quality of education as their on-campus counterparts.

Most supply chain management professionals do not need a master's degree to work in the field. According to , only 19% of supply chain manager roles require a master's degree. However, the skills, knowledge, and practical experience gained in graduate programs can help fast-track careers to the management level. This includes conducting research, which puts grad students at the forefront of the latest industry trends. 

Determining whether an online master's in supply chain management is worth it involves evaluating the potential career benefits against the cost of the program. For students interested in logistics, distribution, and transportation careers, an online master's in this field offers a comprehensive curriculum covering the latest organizational technologies, professional leadership skills, and industry research. With steady job growth and high job satisfaction among graduates, the investment can be quite rewarding.