Taylor Borum

By: Taylor Borum on August 9th, 2022

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The 5 Best Colleges for Supply Chain Professionals

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With back-to-school season just around the corner, you may be considering your options for a degree in supply chain management, logistics, operations management, systems engineering, or another related field.

If so, read on! We’re highlighting the most comprehensive supply chain programs at colleges and universities around the US. From undergraduate programs to a doctorate degree, there's an option for you to kick start your logistics career.

Ohio State University

Fun fact: The Ohio State mascot is Brutus the Buckeye. The original design for the mascot was done by an art student in 1965. 🎨

At a glance:

  • Location: Columbus, Ohio
  • School type: Public
  • Campus size: 61,677 students (Columbus)
  • Admission rate: 68.5%
  • Graduation rate: 83.1%

The Supply Chain Management and Logistics program at Ohio State University instructs on all parts of the supply chain, including planning, control, operations, production, storage, and distribution. The program examines both tactical and strategic problems in supply chain design and management and studies the effects of and remedies for system disruptions.

The Department of Integrated Systems Engineering offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in supply chain management: a BS in Logistics Management and an MS or Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering. The MS offers a concentration in Supply Chain Management and Production Systems.

Photo credit: Ohio State University

Michigan State University

Fun fact: Tom Izzo has been the head coach of Michigan State’s basketball team since 1995. 🏀

At a glance:

  • Location: East Lansing, Michigan
  • School type: Public
  • Campus size: 49,809 students
  • Admission rate: 76.3%
  • Graduation rate: 79.8%

The Supply Chain Management program at Michigan State University integrates manufacturing operations, purchasing, transportation, and physical distribution into a unified program. Students pursuing a supply chain management degree get a comprehensive background in each area and the opportunity to choose concentrations in areas of particular interest.

The Department of Supply Chain Management offers a BA in Supply Chain Management, an MS in Supply Chain Management, a Ph.D. in Operations and Sourcing Management, or a Ph.D. in Logistics.

Photo credit: Michigan State University

The University of Tennessee at Knoxville

Fun fact: Peyton Manning graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1997! 🏈

At a glance:

  • Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
  • School type: Public
  • Campus size: 30,559 students
  • Admission rate: 78.1%
  • Graduation rate: 72.1%

The University of Tennessee at Knoxville has one of the most comprehensive, full-spectrum program options for supply chain professionals at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.

The Department of Supply Chain Management offers a BS in Business Administration in Supply Chain Management, allowing undergraduate students to specialize in one of the following areas: Business Analytics, Finance, Sales, Information Management, or International Business. Graduate students can seek an online MS in Supply Chain Management, an MS in Supply Chain Management Tri-Continent, an MBA with a concentration in Supply Chain Management, or an Executive MBA in Global Supply Chain. Doctorate students can apply for their Ph.D. in Supply Chain Management.

Photo credit: The University of Tennessee at Knoxville

The University of Texas at Austin

Fun fact: The university library holds close to 10 million volumes, making it one of the largest college libraries in the U.S. 📚

At a glance:

  • Location: Austin, Texas
  • School type: Public
  • Campus size: 51,991 students
  • Admission rate: 32%
  • Graduation rate: 82.6%

The University of Texas at Austin has the faculty expertise, curriculum, and classroom experience to give you a broad understanding of global logistics. Their supply chain program was ranked No. 4 (undergraduate) and No. 5 (graduate) by Gartner, Inc. 2020. Classes are engaging and hands-on, with plenty of opportunities to contribute your ideas and skills in real-world applications.

The Supply Chain Management Center offers a BBA in Supply Chain Management, an MBA with a concentration in Supply Chain and Operations Management, and a Ph.D. in Information, Risk, and Operations Management with concentrations in the following: Decision Science, Information Management, Operations Management, and Statistics.

Photo credit: The University of Texas at Austin

Iowa State University

Fun fact: Iowa State students set a Guinness World Record for creating the world’s largest Rice Krispie treat in 2001. 👩🏻‍🍳

At a glance:

  • Location: Ames, Iowa
  • School type: Public
  • Campus size: 30,708 students
  • Admission rate: 88.4%
  • Graduation rate: 74.4%

The Supply Chain Management program at Iowa State University provides knowledge related to various supply chain activities, including demand planning, purchasing, transportation management, warehouse management, inventory control, material handling, product and service support, information technology, and strategic supply chain management.

The Ivy College of Business offers a BS in Supply Chain Management, an MBA in Supply Chain Management, an MHAO, or a Ph.D. in Business and Technology with a concentration in Supply Chain Management.

Photo credit: Iowa State University

Steer Your Future in the Right Direction

Interested in a career in transportation management and logistics? Armstrong is always looking for fresh, entry-level talent, from carrier sales representatives to assistant account managers. In addition to posting open positions on Handshake, a job board for college students, we hope to see you in September at college career fairs across North Carolina, including UNCC and NCSU.

Keep an eye on our Careers page for a role that's right for you! You can also apply for one of our part-time internships in spring 2023 or a full-time internship in summer 2023.

About Taylor Borum

Taylor joined Armstrong in 2021, serving as the team's Marketing Coordinator. A native of North Carolina, she moved to Charlotte in 2018 after graduating from Appalachian State University with her bachelor’s in Communication Studies. She's a passionate writer, having curated a diverse range of blog posts, articles, press releases, feature stories, webpage copy, social media posts, and more.