Key takeaways
- Logistics and supply chain management is a growing field with many career opportunities.
- You can pursue a degree in logistics and supply chain management at the associate, bachelor, master, or doctoral program.
- A bachelor’s degree in logistics and supply chain management is the ideal qualification for aspiring professionals in the field.
- Specializations within the program include inventory management, sustainable logistics and green supply chain, reverse logistics, and more.
- Grand Canyon University, University of North Texas, and Alabama A&M University are some of the universities offering an on-campus bachelor’s degree.
- For an online bachelor’s degree in the field explore programs by Florida International University, Ball State University, Florida State University at Jacksonville, and more.
- Career opportunities in the field include Logistician, Purchasing Agents and Buyers, Purchasing Managers, Supply Chain Analysts, and so on.
Where globalization and cross-border trade opportunities bring financial gains and increase earning potential, it also brings with it many challenges. The transportation of goods, inventory stocking, cost, and inventory management are just some of them. To remain competitive and profitable in a globalized business ecosystem, efficient logistics and supply chain management is important.
In this guide, you will learn about what a logistics and supply chain management degree entails, the career opportunities it presents, and whether it is worth it or not.
What is logistics and supply chain management?
Logistics and supply chain management govern the flow of goods and services. The two terms together include the entire range of processes from the sourcing of raw materials to the consumption of goods and services.
Logistics particularly deals with the transportation and storage of physical goods and services from one point to another. It involves the planning, implementation, and management of the final product at the right place at the right time. Supply chain management is a broader field encompassing a wide range of operations
Supply chain management includes sourcing, storage, manufacturing, and delivery of goods and services. Professionals in the field are also responsible for maintaining quality relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, delivery personnel, distributors, and retailers. Key processes in the field include:
- Sourcing raw materials
- Price negotiation
- Purchasing
- Quality control
- Inventory management
- Production of goods and services
- Distribution
- Transportation
Additionally, supply chain managers are also responsible for ensuring production efficiency, quality control, customer satisfaction, and relationship building. The end goal of professionals in the field is to give businesses a competitive edge in the market.
Logistics and supply chain management is a field with high earning potential. To enter the field, you need a formal education. The different levels of education you can pursue in the field include associate, bachelor, master, or doctoral.
Associate’s degree in logistics supply chain management
An associate’s degree lasts two years and requires the completion of 60 credit hours to graduate with the degree. The program covers major functions of logistics and supply chain management preparing you for a bachelor’s program or for junior or assistant-level positions such as logistics coordinator, warehouse associate, procurement assistant, and others.
Bachelor’s degree in logistics supply chain management
A bachelor’s degree lasts 4 years and requires completion of 120 credit hours. The program features a comprehensive curriculum featuring a complete range of competencies and skills needed for logistics and supply chain management jobs.
Logistics and supply chain management master’s degree
Professionals wishing to advance their careers and access a wider range of job opportunities at the senior level can pursue a master’s degree. The program lasts 1 to 3 years and equips students with advanced skills and knowledge, especially for upper managerial positions.
Doctorate in supply chain management and logistics
Those wishing to pursue career opportunities in research and academics in the field of supply chain management and logistics can pursue doctoral degrees. The program lasts 3 to 5 years and can be extended up to 8 years, depending on the student’s learning and research pace.
What does a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management entail?
At the undergraduate level, you can either pursue an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in the field. An associate’s degree is half the duration of a bachelor’s degree and somewhat limited in the scope of learning and career opportunities it presents to graduates. On the other hand, a bachelor’s degree features a more comprehensive curriculum equipping students with a comprehensive range of skills and competencies in logistics and supply chain management.
A logistics and supply chain management degree covers topics such as:
- Risk management
- Data analytics
- Operations management
- Warehousing
- Inventory management
- Logistics and transportation management
- Procurement and strategic sourcing
- Supply chain strategy and design
- Information technology systems
At the bachelor level, you will come across a Bachelor of Arts (BA), and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Additionally, you can pursue the field as a concentration area in a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree. The core curriculum in all three degrees focuses on the same topics. However, the general education courses vary in all three.
A BS degree features mathematics and scientific courses focusing on developing analytical and technical skills. In comparison, a BA degree features liberal arts and humanities courses equipping students with communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. In a BBA degree, you can expect to take courses in accounting, finance, management, and other business-related topics.
Program curriculum
A bachelor’s degree in logistics and supply chain management requires fulfillment of 120 to 135 credit hours. The exact program curriculum and credit hour requirements and distribution vary by the type of degree and college. Additionally, the curriculum will be different for those pursuing logistics and supply chain management as a major.
Generally, students enrolled in a degree will have to core, business foundation, general electives, and major-specific courses. These include:
- Inventory, Warehousing, and Negotiation
- Global Logistics and Transportation Management
- Simulation, Modeling, and Optimization
- Principles of Procurement Management
- Manufacturing Planning and Control
- Quality Management and Lean Six Sigma
- Business Process Integration
- Information Technology and Business Analytics
- Project Management
- Strategic Management
- Introduction to Supply Chain Management
Specializations in logistics and supply chain management
Logistics and supply chain management is at the heart of all business operations. It is crucial for the overall success of a business as it is operational, and logistical efficiency is what gives businesses a competitive edge in a free market economy. Thus, even within the specialized field, you can pursue specializations to develop niche-specific skills.
Inventory Management
Through the inventory management specialization, you will learn the skills and competencies needed to plan, implement, and manage optimal inventory levels. Inventory management professionals oversee maintaining optimal inventory levels to save costs and prevent production delays. Courses you can expect to take in the specialization include:
- Inventory Management Foundations
- Inventory Analytics
- Inventory Control
- Inventory Management Tools
Procurement and Sourcing
Procurement and sourcing specialization teaches students how to find suppliers, negotiate prices and contracts, and purchase. The primary role of professionals specializing in the field is to save costs and improve efficiency. Some courses you can expect to take in the field include:
- Strategic Supplier Negotiations
- Risk Management in Procurement
- Contract Management
- Sustainable Procurement
Transportation and Distribution Management
Through this specialization, you will develop expertise in the physical movement of goods and services. Besides learning the best practices for transportation, you will also learn to deal with the people involved in the transportation and distribution process. Some courses you can expect to take in the specialization include:
- Supply chain logistics
- Global supply chain management
- Transport Optimization
- Maritime Logistics and Management
Supply Chain Analytics
Through the specialization of supply chain analytics, you will learn to identify patterns and trends in the field through gathered data. Additionally, you will learn to use tools and technologies needed to conduct in-depth data analysis. You can expect to take several courses in statistics and mathematics to develop proficiency in the field. Some courses you may come across in the specialization include:
- Competitive Analysis and Benchmarking
- Supply Chain Planning
- Data Analytics
- Distribution and Logistics
Warehouse and Materials Management
Here, you will learn about the entire range of processes involved in warehouse management. This includes receiving, checking, storing, and tracking inventory levels. Additionally, professionals also learn strategic inventory planning, stocking, and distributing the right products at the right time. Courses you can expect to take in the specialization include:
- Warehouse Management Systems
- Material Handling
- Inventory Management
- Warehouse Layout Design
E-Commerce and Omni-Channel Logistics
Omnichannel logistics refers to the transportation of goods and services across all sales channels including e-commerce networks, brick-and-mortar stores, social media platforms, and other digital channels. Courses you can expect to take in the specialization include:
- Warehouse Optimization for Multi-Channel Fulfilment
- Omni-Channel Retail Strategy
- E-Commerce Supply Chain Management
- Order Fulfilment
Sustainability and Green Logistics
Environmental resources are limited, and it is the ethical and moral responsibility of businesses and individuals to ensure we take action to preserve the earth. Through the sustainability and green logistics specialization, students learn to design supply chains and logistics with reduced environmental impact. Courses in the specialization can include:
- Circular Supply Chain Training
- Green Logistics Operations
- Data Analytics and AI for Green Logistics
- Sustainable Procurement
International Supply Chain Management
Cross-border movement of goods and services is challenging. Professionals in the field must not only be well-versed in best practices for movement and transportation, but also in laws and regulations for imports and exports. Courses you can expect to take in the specialization include:
- Global Logistics
- International Trade Regulations
- Customs Compliance
- Global Sourcing
Reverse Logistics
Through the specialization of reverse logistics, students learn how to deal with customers, and handle restocks and returns. You will also learn about green supply chains and focusing on sustainability and efficiency even when handling product returns and customer complaints. Courses you can expect to take in the field include:
- Reverse Logistics Management and Operations
- Cost and Benefit Analysis of Reverse Logistics
- Recalls Best Practices and Issues
- Reverse Logistics Policies and Procedures
Health and Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Management
The specialization covers a broad range of topics from the sourcing, procurement, delivery, and distribution of goods and services within the healthcare industry. You will develop a comprehensive range of competencies from production to consumption of products and services in healthcare. Courses you can expect to take in the specialization include:
- Aggregate Inventory Management
- Healthcare Procurement
- Clinical Trial Supply Chain Management
- Supply Chain Analytics for Healthcare
Admission requirements
The general admission requirements for a bachelor’s degree are usually the same across all colleges and universities in the US. These include:
- Submission of high school transcripts
- High school diploma
- Recommendation letters
- Personal essay
- Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT)
Additionally, each college or university lists specific admission requirements or criteria that students must meet to be granted admission. It can include:
- Minimum high school CGPA
- Number of recommendation letters
- What to include in the personal essay
- Formatting guidelines for the essay
- Standardized test scores (minimum score)
Keep in mind that the cut-off mark for minimum high school GPA and SAT/ACT scores is included for reference and is based on the average of accepted applicants’ scores. While some colleges and universities do adhere to it very strictly, others take a more holistic approach considering applications that fall short by a few digits but excel in other areas such as sports and other extracurricular activities.
Make sure you check the specific admission requirements before you fill out your college application and submit the required documentation. Not only do you have to pay admission fees, many colleges don’t allow multiple applications in one admission cycle so you must strive to get everything right the first time.
Graduation requirements
Graduation requirements are what students need to fulfill to earn their degree. Here too the general graduation requirements are the same across all institutions, but each college or university has specific requirements as well. General graduation requirements include:
- Completion of required credits
- Capstone project completion
- Submitted proof of internship
However, the required number of credits varies by institute. Depending on the college you may need to complete anywhere from 120 to 135 credits. Additionally, the credit hour distribution will also vary from college to college. Some require you to complete 29 credits from the core curriculum, while others may require 26 or maybe even more.
Make sure you check the exact requirements before you choose courses and electives to ensure you meet the graduation requirements.
Where can I study logistics and supply chain management?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are 2,637 4-year colleges in the US. Finding a college from which to study for a bachelor’s degree in logistics and supply chain management is challenging. With the plethora of colleges available in the United States, the college hunt process is also stressful as there are plenty of options to choose from.
| College | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| University of North Texas | 79.1% | 64.9% | $11,164 in-state
$21,244 out-of-state |
| Alabama A&M University | 68% | 28% | $10,024 in-state
$18,634 out-of-state |
| Grand Canyon University | 78% | 47% | $687.50 per credit |
| California State University – San Bernadino | 91% | 55% | $7,675 in-state
$19,555 out-of-state |
| Wright State University | 95% | 44% | $11,188 in-state
$20,606 out-of-state |
| Florida International University | 64% | 74% | $3,084 per semester |
| Kennesaw State University | 68% | 45% | $5,786 in-state
$17,040 out-of-state |
| Rowan University | 77% | 78% | $16,574 per year |
Can I pursue a logistics and supply chain management degree online?
A significant number of colleges and universities in the United States offer a bachelor’s degree in logistics and supply chain management online. Distance learning programs gained popularity during COVID-19 times and have remained in high demand even after the pandemic for the benefits it brings.
Make sure you carefully consider the following pros and cons before enrolling in an online program.
Advantages of an online program
Online programs offer students increased flexibility. Distance learners don’t have to account for transport costs and commute time which not only proves to be cost-efficient but also provides them more free time. Students can take up part-time or even full-time jobs if they are enrolled in asynchronous programs.
Asynchronous programs don’t require real-time participation and thus offer students increased flexibility. Even students enrolled in synchronous programs are free to attend classes from anywhere, which is quite convenient and affordable. Distance learning programs have a lower cost of attendance than traditional programs as students don’t have to bear accommodation, utilities, or transportation costs.
Additionally, online learning programs remove geographical barriers. Regardless of where you live, you can pursue a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management and logistics from US colleges and universities without worrying about visa, cost, accommodation, or the stress of moving to another country, state, or city.
Disadvantages of distance learning
However, online learning isn’t all rose buds and flowers. Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of distance learning programs is the lack of social interaction between students and teachers. Students may have to wait for a while to get a response from their professors, especially when enrolled in an asynchronous program.
Moreover, students must be self-reliant as they cannot depend on on-campus resources and aid. Whether you are struggling with accessing technology, electrical failures, or even seeking guidance, you will have to arrange for it all yourself.
Where can I study a logistics and supply chain management degree online?
If a distance learning program is what you seek, then here are some colleges offering a bachelor’s degree in logistics and supply chain management online.
| College | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Florida International University | 64% | 74% | $3,084 per semester |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | 65% | 62% | $42,304 |
| Colorado Christian University | 71% | 28% | $39,266 |
| Florida State College at Jacksonville | 100% | 35% | $116.52 per credit (in-state)
$401.27 per credit (out-of-state) |
| Ball State University | 69% | 66% | $4,474 per semester (12-18 credits) |
What logistics and supply management jobs can I get with a bachelor’s degree?
With a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management and logistics, you become eligible for a wide range of job opportunities in the field. Given that the field is so vast, the job opportunities available to graduates are abundant. Moreover, the supply chain and transportation of goods and services are crucial business aspects, thus there are many job roles in the field with high-earning potential.
Here are 10 jobs you can explore with the average salary you can earn with the degree.
| Job title | Average salary |
| Logisticians | $79,400 |
| Transportation, Storage, and Distribution managers | $99,200 |
| Buyers and Purchasing Agents | $71,950 |
| Purchasing Managers | $136,380 |
| Cost Estimators | $74,740 |
| Industrial Production Managers | $116,970 |
| Operations Analyst | $83,640 |
| Quality Control Inspectors | $45,850 |
| Supply Chain Analyst | $83,128 |
| Supply Chain Manager | $111,392 |
Supply chain management and logistics industry overview and hiring trends
According to a report by Allied Market Research, the global supply chain market was worth 27.2 billion USD in 2022. As per the platform’s projected analysis, the market will continue to grow with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11% to value $85.3 billion by 2033. The report also highlighted that the demand for solutions and software to help optimize the supply chain processes is high, making the solution segment within the market worth the highest. However, the CAGR of the services segment is 13.2% which is the highest among all.
The United States supply chain market was valued at 6.8 billion USD in 2024. The market is projected to grow with a CAGR of over 8% until 2030, according to a report by Grand View Research. As per a report by Statista, the US logistics market was valued at 2 Trillion USD in 2020 and is the leading logistics market in the world.
As of August 8, 2024, the transportation and warehousing industry is a major employer of supply chain management and logistics graduates with over 6.09 million employees. The number is set to grow to 6.1 million by 2026 as depicted by Statista’s projected analysis.
Top employers in logistics in the United States
The United States logistics industry is huge with multiple billion-dollar companies operating in the market. Aspiring professionals can find a list of top logistics companies in the United States by revenue in 2022 as sourced through Statista.
| Company | Revenue |
| GXO | USD 7.77 billion |
| US Supply Chain Solutions | USD 6.99 billion |
| DHL Supply Chain | USD 5.55 billion |
| J.B. Hunt Transport Services | USD 4.74 billion |
| Ryder | USD 4.5 billion |
| Expeditor International of Washington | USD 4.49 billion |
| Lineage Logistics | USD 4.00 billion |
| Kuehne + Nagel Americans | USD 3.409 billion |
| C.H. Robinson Worldwide | USD 3.396 billion |
| NFI | USD 3.1 billion |
Education and job outlook for logistics and supply management jobs
The majority of roles within the logistics and supply chain management industry require at least a bachelor’s degree. Occupational surveys generated by the United Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that the following job roles require a bachelor’s degree. However, if you want to further enhance your career opportunities or climb up the organizational hierarchy, a master’s degree in logistics and supply chain management can be beneficial.
| Job title | Required education | Job outlook |
| Logisticians | Bachelor’s | 19% |
| Industrial Production Managers | Bachelor’s | 3% |
| Purchasing Agents and Buyers | Bachelor’s | 7% |
| Purchasing Managers | Bachelor’s | 7% |
| Transport, Storage, and Distribution Managers | Bachelor’s | 9% |
| Supply Chain Analyst | Bachelor’s | 19% |
| Supply Chain Manager | Bachelor’s | 19% |
How to get jobs in logistics and supply chain management?
To get a job in logistics and supply chain management, you should pursue a bachelor’s degree in the field. A bachelor’s degree is the ideal preferred education level for the majority of roles in the field. Additionally, students should pursue internships and build industry connections in the niche they aspire to pursue a professional career.
Some roles also require work experience or on-the-job training. Prior knowledge or work experience gained through volunteer work, internships, or part-time work can significantly enhance a job applicant’s eligibility.
What is the difference between supply chain management and logistics?
Supply chain management encompasses the entire range of operations involved in the production and distribution of goods and services. These include everything from sourcing, purchasing, quality testing, stocking, inventory management, production, manufacturing, quality assurance, and transportation.
Logistics is a part of the overall supply chain management industry. It involves the transportation and movement of physical goods and services from one point to another.
Is logistics and supply chain management a good career?
The job outlook for the majority of roles in supply chain management and logistics is above the national average. Where the national average job growth rate is 4%, for logisticians is 19%, making it a great career to pursue. Additionally, the average salary for all occupations in the field is significantly higher than the national average of $65,470.
If you are looking for a profession with a bright career outlook and high earning potential, the supply chain management and logistics field is ideal for you.
What is the scope of logistics and supply chain management?
With a 19% job growth rate for logistics and an above-average job growth rate for supply chain specialists, the scope of logistics and supply chain management is very bright. Moreover, professionals in the field earn a higher than the national average wage making it a rewarding career to pursue. There are many job opportunities in the field as of 2024, and they are expected to grow even further in the next decade.
Become a supply chain professional with a bachelor’s degree!
If you aspire to join the growing workforce that is the backbone of the United States economy, a bachelor’s degree in logistics and supply chain management is the ideal program for you. The demand for efficient supply chain management solutions is growing at an unprecedented rate as world trade grows and so does market competition.
Getting into logistics and supply chain management is relatively easy and the competencies you will develop are vast and varied. If you find that supply chain isn’t for you, then you can also pursue job opportunities such as operations management, or project management. Apply for a logistics and supply management program today with the help of AI Tools with All Bachelor Degrees.