Learn supply chain management

What to expect from supply chain management courses

Introductory courses explain the characteristics of supply chain management systems and processes, exploring their operations and ways to analyze their efficiency. These classes also cover the fundamentals of procurement, logistics, transportation networks, and product distribution.

At the intermediate level, you will begin to build on foundational coursework to explore concepts like:

• Risk management
• Information assurance and security
• Supply chain analytics
• Managing supplier relationships

Advanced topics in supply chain management include:

• Designing and implementing process and efficiency improvements
• Demand-driven material requirements planning
• Vendor-managed inventory systems
• Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and its supply chain management applications

You can take standalone courses in these topics or integrate your learning with course sequences, certificate and executive education programs, and undergraduate or graduate supply chain management degrees.

Along the way, you can also develop important soft skills in areas like:

• Interpersonal communications
• Customer relationship management
• Problem-solving
• Decision-making

How to get started in supply chain management

1. Learn the basics of business operations

To understand how supply chains work, you need context, which makes learning the basics of business operations and management a natural place to start.

If you've ever worked for a company that makes, distributes, or sells physical merchandise, you likely already have some basic knowledge of supply chains and how they function. Build on it by exploring the fundamentals of business and operations management.

While you can take courses or programs in these areas, you don't necessarily have to. Free tutorials, massive open online courses, and online learning platforms offer self-guided learning opportunities that do not require a commitment or financial investment.

2. Add specialized supply chain management knowledge

Once you have a grasp of business and operations management, you can focus your learning on supply chains. Traditional or online supply chain management courses can help at this point, as they provide a guided structure tailored to your knowledge level.

Initially, look for introductions to supply chain management that define key terms and the discipline's fundamental concepts. From there, you can start taking classes that develop specific supply chain management skills.

3. Apply your developing skills in real-world settings

Educational programs in business administration and management often include internships and practicums. If you have access to these opportunities, seek out placements involving supply chains and their strategic administration.

You can also look for entry-level jobs in logistics, procurement, or warehousing. These may not require specialized training or a college degree, but they'll enhance your knowledge of supply chains and how they work by putting you on the proverbial front lines.

4. Pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree

Degree programs offer comprehensive coverage of supply chain management and can help you prepare for a career in the field. Accredited institutions offer degrees in supply chain management beginning at the associate level.

Many students pursue graduate degrees in supply chain management as a standalone subject or within a concentrated MBA program. These paths offer the advantage of building career-qualifying expertise in two areas, including both supply chain management and your undergraduate major.

As an alternative, you can earn a pre-degree or graduate certificate in supply chain management. These options can complement your existing skills, experience, and education, and could help start your career.

5. Consider professional certifications

As an adjunct or alternative to a supply chain management degree, you can earn professional certifications that validate your skills. These are available through organizations like the Association for Supply Chain Management and the Institute for Supply Management, among other providers.

Many industry-standard certifications require in-field education, experience, or both. However, some are suitable for entry-level candidates with the right knowledge and skills.

To get a professional certification, you'll usually have to pass a standardized examination issued by the certifying body. Some certifications involve maintenance requirements, such as continuing education credits or recertification tests.

Professional certifications can enhance your résumé, even if you hold a supply chain management degree.

How long does it take to learn supply chain management?

Your timeline will depend on your familiarity with business operations and supply chains when you begin your learning journey. If you already hold a business degree and/or have relevant work experience, you may only need 1-2 years of targeted education to develop job-ready skills.

If you're looking to become a supply chain management expert, you'll need more time. A graduate degree makes a strong start — allow at least six years to complete this education if you're currently a beginner without a bachelor's degree. Then, add 5-10 years for the professional experience you'll need to develop complete skills.

Use these estimates as a general guide to various learning timelines:

*4-6 years bachelor's; 12-36 months master's; 4-8 years doctoral

Careers in supply chain management

The profiles below explore common entry-level, intermediate, and advanced supply chain management careers:

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that, unlike some other business specializations, supply chain management and logistics professionals are not heavily concentrated in any single economic sector. Manufacturing, the industry with the highest concentration of logistician employment, accounted for just 23% of all logistician jobs as of May 2024.

This BLS data speaks to the prevalence, cross-industry relevance, and transferability of supply chain management skills.