Supply Chain Management Graduate Programs

Supply Chain Management Graduate Programs and Curriculum

Those considering a master’s degree in supply chain management should ideally possess the following skills and traits:

• Good business sense
• Ability to make sensible decisions
• Good organization and time management skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to multitask
• Good negotiation skills
• Works well as a team member
• Possesses both analytical and creative thinking
• Forward thinking
• Good math skills

Like any graduate program, coursework for a master’s degree in supply chain management varies among programs, but most core courses often include:

• Business strategy
• Logistics
• Global logistics
• Transportation
• Suppliers and sourcing
• Purchasing and procurement
• Research and analysis of supply chain systems

While not a requirement for all programs, many graduate programs in supply chain management request an undergraduate degree or industry experience in business, supply chain management or a similar field. In addition to earning a graduate degree, students can become certified in the supply chain management field. In fact, there are several recognized credentials for purchasing agents and purchasing managers. The Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) credential covers the wide scope of duties now performed by purchasing professionals. For workers in Federal, State, and local government, the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing offers the designations of Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) and Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO). Additional certifications include:

• Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP)
• Certified Professional Purchasing Manager (CPPM)
• Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

These certifications are awarded only after work-related experience and education requirements are met and written or oral exams are successfully completed.

Supply Chain Management Career Paths

Supply chain management offers many careers paths. An experienced purchasing agent or buyer may become an assistant purchasing manager before advancing to purchasing manager, supply manager or director of materials management. At the top levels, duties may overlap with other management functions, such as production, planning, logistics, and marketing.

Regardless of industry, continuing education is essential for advancement. Many purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents participate in seminars offered by professional societies. Professional certification is becoming increasingly important, especially for those just entering the occupation.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of purchasing managers was $89,160 in May of 2008.At that time, purchasing managers, buyers and purchasing agents held about 527,400 jobs. About 42 percent worked in the wholesale trade and manufacturing industries and another 10 percent worked in retail trade. The remaining professionals worked mostly in service establishments or were self-employed.

Data according to

The Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Ed.

Supply Chain Management Future Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment of purchasing managers, buyers and purchasing to increase seven percent by 2018, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. Employment of purchasing agents, except wholesale, retail, and farm products—the largest employment group in the industry—will experience faster than average growth as more companies demand a greater number of purchased goods and services. Additionally, large companies are increasing the size of their purchasing departments to accommodate purchasing services contracts from smaller companies.