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Explore top online supply chain management courses

Supply chain management spans the entirety of a company's production lifecycle. Develop skills in this critical business discipline to advance your management career.

Key takeaways

  • High demand for supply chain management skills makes it a great time to advance your training in this growing field.
  • With roles in tech, manufacturing, healthcare, and other industries, supply chain management courses can help expand your career options.
  • From logistics fundamentals to emerging specializations, studying supply chain management can pay off.

Popular online supply chain management courses with certificates

What is supply chain management?

Supply chain management (SCM) is the process of coordinating and overseeing the flow of materials, products, and information across a company's production and distribution network. It includes activities such as sourcing raw materials, manufacturing goods, managing inventory, and transporting products to distributors, retailers, or customers.

The goal of supply chain management is to ensure that goods are produced and delivered efficiently, cost-effectively, and on time.

Why learn supply chain management?

  • Expand your career options: Learning supply chain management can prepare you for roles across industries such as manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and technology.
  • Position yourself for a growing field: U.S. employer demand for supply chain managers was 54% higher in 2023 than in 2019, according to the Financial Times.
  • Increase your earning potential: Supply chain and logistics roles offer competitive pay, with average U.S. salaries reaching $80,880 per year as of May 2024.

Browse online Supply Chain Management Certificates

Find new interests and advance your career opportunities

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Use the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.

Learn at your own pace

On your computer, tablet or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life.

Earn a valuable credential

Showcase your key skills and valuable knowledge.

Certificates

What jobs can you get with supply chain management skills?

Supply chain management skills can prepare you for roles in inventory analysis, procurement, and transportation. You can also work as a logistics clerk or supply chain manager, depending on your education and experience.

Logistics clerk

Logistics clerks process orders from suppliers, distributors, and customers while tracking inventory, coordinating shipments, and handling related administrative documentation.

  • Required education: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Median annual salary (2024): $46,120

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How to start learning supply chain management

Ready to take the next step? You can learn supply chain management online with edX. Find the supply chain management courses that match your journey.

1. Start with business and supply chain fundamentals

Before diving into advanced topics, it helps to understand how businesses operate and where supply chains fit in.What's the supply chain life cycle? What tools do supply chain professionals use to track international logistics? And how can you design a sustainable, efficient supply chain? Start by building a strong foundation in business operations and core supply chain concepts.

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Frequently asked questions

Is supply chain management hard to learn?

Supply chain management can be challenging to learn. You'll need to understand statistics and data analysis to forecast demand and design supply chains. This field is a good fit if you enjoy analyzing complex systems.

What skills do you need to learn supply chain management?

Supply chain management requires strong analytical and management skills, along with foundational business knowledge. Soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and collaboration are also critical to succeeding in supply chain management.

How long does it take to learn supply chain management?

Your timeline depends on your starting point. If you already have a background in business or relevant experience, you may be able to develop job-ready skills in supply chain management in around 1-2 years.

If you're starting from scratch and aiming for deep expertise, expect a longer path. Earning a degree can take several years, followed by additional time in the field to build advanced, real-world skills.

Do you need a degree to work in supply chain management?

No, you don't need a degree to work in supply chain management. Roles such as logistics clerk and procurement assistant do not require a degree. Advancing into positions such as logistics manager or supply chain manager typically requires a bachelor's degree.

What industries use supply chain management?

Nearly every industry uses supply chain management, including manufacturing, healthcare, tech, retail, and energy. Even the services industry draws on supply chain management principles to deliver resources and information to customers.