Edited By Julian Palacio
Review & Contribution By Sana Ihmoud
Unlock your potential with an Associate’s Degree in Supply Chain Management—Excel in logistics and operations, preparing for a successful career in today’s interconnected world.
The Supply Chain Management field actively streamlines an organization’s supply-side activities to maximize client value and gain a competitive advantage across different businesses. An associate’s degree in supply chain management is designed to provide students with the fundamental academic and technical knowledge necessary for employment or further academics in a chosen domain. Learners of this program focus on overall supply chain management, inventory control, warehousing operations, and demand planning. An associate degree in supply chain management provides graduates with many transferable skills that help them take up a four-year degree in supply chain management and professional roles, including production planner, purchasing assistant, inventory coordinator, and more.
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Find the Best Associate’s Degree in Supply Chain Management
Finding the best online associate programs in Supply Chain Management necessitates meticulous consideration of various factors. Prospective students should research accredited institutions, assess curriculum alignment with industry standards, and evaluate faculty expertise to identify top programs. Additionally, factors like program reputation, flexibility, affordability, and student support services should be examined. Based on several critical components and FBD’s proprietary methodology, here is the list of the best Supply Chain Management programs.
| Univ | Address |
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College | 1800 Bronson Blvd, Fennimore, Wisconsin 53809 |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to Expect from an Associate’s Degree in Supply Chain Management
An associate’s supply chain management online degree prepares undergraduates to progress in their educational and career paths in different industries depending on their various supply chains. It is typically a two-year associate degree program consisting of 60 credits. The institutions providing this program offer online, offline, and hybrid learning modes. This program helps students understand the essential roles of analyzing, developing, and improving the cycle of services and goods. Many associate degree programs allow students to transfer into four years of undergraduate programs, representing about half the credits required for a bachelor’s degree. Those earning the degree can receive a fundamental introduction into the field of supply chain management in integration with fundamental business management technology and a well-rounded general institution education. Some potential career fields include transportation, warehouse, production and inventory control, supplier management, and more.
Curriculum and Coursework
The Supply Chain Management Associate Degree is a 60-credit program. The curriculum of this program emphasizes creating diversity within organizations and creating an inclusive organization. The courses focus on overall demand planning, inventory control, warehousing operations, and supply chain management.
Some college coursework also covers the traditional managerial framework of organizing, leading, controlling, communicating, process improvement, and training. Students will use different analytical tools, including SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) and other frameworks.
Many colleges also emphasize courses that give students invaluable training in different aspects of business, including purchasing, transportation, and marketing. Some standard courses that students can find across various associates in supply chain management online coursework include
Introduction to Business
This course on introduction to business helps Students learn about the different economic activities that involve exchanging services and products for profits or other reasons. Students explore the fundamentals behind satisfying customers’ needs through producing and providing necessary goods or services. Some topics covered in this course include customer satisfaction, entrepreneurship, global business, ethics, and more.
Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management
This course helps students learn about the basics of supply chain management, including sourcing the raw components, product delivery, customer satisfaction, and more. Students also evaluate critical areas in this domain, like organizing, delivering, managing, sourcing, and planning. This course also identifies e-commerce businesses like eBay, Amazon, Alibaba Group, etc.
Principles of Managing Operations
This course helps students learn about efficient and adequate levels of operations management that allow students to improve product quality to survive market competition. Students also understand the different operations management requirement skills, including organization, interpersonal, problem-solving, process improvement, and more.
Logistics and Distribution Management
In this course, students learn about the different types of logistics, including distribution, production, supply, and reverse logistics. They also understand logistic management processes like efficiently controlling, effectively forward planning, planning, implementing, etc.. The course also focuses on the distribution management process, including planning and analyzing the movement of products or goods.
Demand and Inventory Management
This course helps students learn about planning methodology for planning, forecasting, and managing the need for services and products. Students understand the different management processes, identify the available data, and create a system for storing and gathering information in particular databases.
Some other standard courses students can find across curriculums include
- Lean Organizations
- Math with Business Applications
- Think Critically and Creatively
- Psychology of Human Relations
- Introduction to Psychology
- Business Finance
- Global Supply Chain Management
- Supply Chain Design and Simulation
- Introduction to Diversity Studies
- Introduction to Ethics
- Project Management Leadership Principles
- Purchasing and Supply Management
- Project Management
To understand more about associate degrees, read the guide to associate programs.
Learning Outcomes and Skills Gained
A supply chain management associate degree program helps students learn about the complex exchange of services and goods that take place globally. They receive fundamental learning of the supply chain management domain, essential technology business management, and overall general college education. This program prepares students to coordinate and manage all organizational or enterprise logistical functions. Students with this degree can develop various skills, including the ability to:
- demonstrate how to implement practices in supply management in a worldwide environment;
- demonstrate understanding of different operations management techniques across service and product organization;
- demonstrate analyze logistic activities and interferences in the supply chain;
- demonstrate evaluation to demand management methods and policies to improve customer service;
- demonstrate knowledge of the traditional managerial framework of organizing, planning, controlling, leading, communicating, training, and process improvement;
- demonstrate usage of analytical tools, including SWOT frameworks like strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats;
- demonstrate embracing of diversity within associations and creating inclusive organization cultures;
- demonstrate learning to manage the flow of goods, finances, and data related to a service or product, from delivery of the product at its final destination to the procurement of raw materials;
- demonstrate analyzing different aspects of transportation, purchasing, distribution, and storage of goods from consumers to manufacturers.
Types of Degrees Supply Chain Management Students Can Obtain
There is a massive demand for the online supply chain management associate degree that prepares students to progress in their education and career paths. Learners taking up this program gain knowledge and skills to gain entry-level roles in the supply chain management domain. The most popular types of associate’s degrees in supply chain management include Associate of Science or AS in Supply Chain Management and Associate of Arts or AA in Supply Chain Management.
Associate’s of Science or AS in Supply Chain Management
The Supply Chain Management Associate of Science (AS) degree prepares students to progress their skills and knowledge to gain roles as analysts, back-office functions, etc. They also learn about overall supply demand planning, inventory control, warehousing operations, and chain management. This program’s coursework emphasizes embracing diversity within associations and creating inclusive organizational cultures.
Associates of Arts or AA in Supply Chain Management
The Associate of Arts or AA in Supply Chain Management helps students learn how to solve supply chain challenges through basic curriculum and case study scenarios. They also cover important supply chain functions, including transportation, order processing, warehousing, acquisition, and reverse logistics.
Associate’s of Applied Business or AAB in Supply Chain Management
The Associate of Applied Business in Supply Chain Management program is a two-year associate program that offers a fundamental introduction to supply chain management, business management technology and more. Students learn about vendors supplying raw materials, producers converting raw materials into products, distribution centers picking and delivering products, and more.
Areas of Specialization for Supply Chain Management Students
Specialization in a graduate program refers to a concentrated area of study within a broader field, enabling students to deepen their expertise in a specific subject. Students enhance their employability by gaining specialized knowledge and skills, making them more appealing to employers seeking expertise in that area. Specializations offer a competitive edge in the job market, allowing students to stand out and excel in their chosen career paths. Some specializations students with an associate’s degree in supply chain management can take up include:
| Area of Specialization | Description | Career Options |
|---|---|---|
| Logistics | This specialization explores the intricacies of efficient transportation, inventory management, and distribution network optimization. Students learn to coordinate the flow of goods, analyze supply chain metrics, and implement strategies to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. | Various roles as Demand Planning Analyst, Procurement Manager, Distribution Centre Supervisor, Supply Chain Consultant, etc. |
| Operations | This specialization focuses on optimizing production processes, inventory control, and quality management techniques. Students learn to streamline operations, improve workflow efficiency, and ensure the smooth functioning of supply chain activities. This specialization equips learners with essential skills to effectively enhance productivity and meet organizational objectives. | Various professional roles in Global Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Distribution, Operations, and more. |
| Planning | This specialization emphasizes strategic forecasting, demand planning, and inventory optimization techniques. Students learn to analyze market trends, forecast demand accurately, and develop effective inventory management strategies to meet customer needs efficiently. This specialization equips learners with essential skills to effectively plan and coordinate supply chain activities. | Various roles as Supply Chain Management Officer, Purchasing Manager, Logistics Manager, and more. |
| Sourcing | This specialization focuses on strategic supplier selection, negotiation, and relationship management. Students learn to identify reliable suppliers, negotiate favorable terms, and ensure the timely delivery of materials. This specialization emphasizes cost-effective sourcing strategies and fosters supplier collaboration to optimize supply chain performance. | Various roles as Production Planner, Operations Manager, Supply Chain Leader, Consultant, Project Manager, etc. |
Full-Time and Part-Time Programs
An associate’s degree in supply chain management consists of 60 semester credit hours and roughly 20 colleges in courses, typically requiring two years for full-time applicants to complete. Some universities also provide accelerated programs that can be finished in as little as one year. Students can also graduate early from the traditional schedule by claiming college credits from advanced placement classes in high school. Students enrolled part-time would need more time to finish the necessary graduation requirements, taking only some courses per semester, thereby completing the entire degree in three to four years.
Accelerated Supply Chain Management Programs
Accelerated programs offer condensed curriculum formats, enabling students to complete their degrees faster than traditional programs. These programs often require intense dedication and rigorous coursework but can provide faster entry into the workforce, making them appealing to those seeking expedited career advancement or skill acquisition. Prospective online associate supply chain students should inquire about available accelerated programs with the university admissions team.
Requirements for Getting into an Associate’s Degree in Supply Chain Management
The Supply Chain Management associate’s program is a technical studies degree generally requiring a few educational credits for completion. Applicants are expected to have some prerequisites, including Math, English, Science, etc., classes in their high school or related academia. Most associate degrees have few admissions requirements beyond the basic admissions applications, but most colleges have standard admission requirements for an associate’s degree in supply chain management, including:
- Application fee and form
- Official transcripts showing the candidate has earned a high school diploma or its equivalent, a GED
- All previous official transcripts from colleges or academic institutions attended to transfer credits
- Some colleges require placement exams to determine if candidates have prerequisite English and Math skills at college-level
- Two to three recommendation letters
- Writing samples
- ACT or SAT scores
- PSAT scores are required in some institutions
How to Ensure an Associate’s Degree in Supply Chain Management Is Accredited
Ensuring accreditation is crucial when considering an online associate degree program in Supply Chain Management. Accreditation validates the program’s quality and ensures it meets established educational standards. Most online associate’s degree in supply chain management programs gain regional or national accreditation. However, those programs provided by business schools or with a business concentration are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs[1].
Universities can also be accredited nationally or by one of six regional accrediting agencies:
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Where to Find Free Online Courses for Supply Chain Management Associate Students
While free courses in Supply Chain Management may lack accreditation, they offer valuable learning opportunities. These courses provide foundational knowledge, practical skills, and exposure to industry concepts. Students can explore various aspects of supply chain management, such as logistics, procurement, and inventory control, at their own pace. These free courses serve as valuable resources for self-directed learners seeking to enhance their understanding of the field. Students can explore the following free supply chain management courses:
| Course | Description | Provided by |
|---|---|---|
| SAP: Supply Chain Logistics in R/3[2] | This free course helps students understand the fundamental concepts of Supply Chain transportation and logistics. They can configure the logistic processes in SAP, covering topics including WM, MM, SD, Transportation, SAP logistics processes, transactions, and HU. | Udemy |
| Sustainable Supply Chain Management[3] | The free Sustainable Supply Chain Management course helps students learn how to transform their organization’s climate pledges into actionable policies through good supply chain management. They gain a foundation for meeting stakeholders’ demands and enhancing supply chain sustainability. | edX |
| Supply Chain Management Specialization[4] | This course provides a foundational understanding of supply chain management. When completed, studentss understand the complexities companies face in today’s global economy. | Coursera |
Ways to Pay for an Associate’s Degree in Supply Chain Management
With tuition costs increasing, students pursuing an online Associate Degree in Supply Chain Management can explore financial aid options to mitigate student debts. Strategies include scholarships, grants, employer tuition assistance, federal student loans, and private loans. Careful consideration of these options is crucial to manage educational expenses effectively.
Scholarships offer valuable financial support for students pursuing an online Associate Degree in Supply Chain Management. They help alleviate the burden of tuition costs, reduce the reliance on student loans, and make education more accessible and affordable for aspiring professionals in the field.
Grants offer financial aid that doesn’t require repayment, assisting students pursuing an online Associate Degree in Supply Chain Management. They help cover tuition costs, textbooks, and other educational expenses, making higher education more accessible and reducing the financial burden on students.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistantships provide valuable opportunities for students pursuing an online Associate Degree in Supply Chain Management. These positions offer financial support through stipends or tuition waivers in exchange for assisting professors with research, teaching, or administrative tasks, enriching students’ academic experience while reducing educational expenses.
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is essential for students pursuing an online Associate Degree in Supply Chain Management. FAFSA determines eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs, providing crucial financial assistance to cover tuition and other educational expenses.
Career Opportunities and Salaries After Graduating with an Associate’s Degree in Supply Chain Management
A Supply Chain management path can be satisfying for those who want to plan, problem-solve, and organize professionally. High-paying roles in this domain are usually provided to those with bachelor’s, master’s, or other advanced degrees. However, those with a supply chain management associate’s degree can get entry-level roles in the following domains
- Distribution Planning
- Raw Material Sourcing
- Inventory Management
- Supply Chain Analytics
- Logistics Management
- Production Planning
- Demand Planning
- Network Design Planning
A few other job roles are elaborated below:
| Occupation | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2031) | Job Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logisticians[5] | Communication, critical thinking, customer service, organizational, and problem-solving skills. | $77,520 | 18% (much faster than average) | Logisticians typically coordinate and analyze an organization’s supply chain, which moves products from suppliers to clients. They also manage a product’s life cycle, including how it will be allocated, delivered, and acquired. |
| Cost Estimators[6] | Analytical, detail-oriented, math, time-management, and writing skills. | $71,200 | -3% (decline) | Cost estimators analyze and collect data to assess the money, materials, labor, and time needed to manufacture the product, construct the building, or even provide services. These professionals also specialize in a specific industry or development. |
| Budget Analysts[7] | Analytical, communication, detail-oriented, math, and writing skills. | $82,260 | 3% (as fast as average) | Budget Analysts typically help private and public organizations to plan their finances. They prepare appropriate budget reports and monitor how much the organizations spend. These professionals also work with project or program managers to develop an organization’s budget. |
| Management Analysts[8] | Analytical, communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, and time-management skills. | $95,290 | 10% (much faster than average) | Management Analysts or consultants recommend different ways to improve the efficiency of an organization. They advise managers to make organizations better by making them profitable through increased revenues and reduced costs. |
| Operations Research Analysts[9] | Analytical, communication, critical thinking, interpersonal, math, and problem-solving skills. | $85,720 | 23% (much faster than average) | Operations Research Analysts use logic and mathematics to help organizations make decisions and solve problems. They typically identify challenges in logistics, healthcare, business, and other domains and gather inputs from workers or experts on specific subject matters. |
Certifications and Licensing for Associate’s Degree in Supply Chain Management Graduates
Certifications and licensing are not mandatory for online Associate students in Supply Chain Management in the USA. However, acquiring industry-recognized certifications can enhance students’ credentials and job prospects. These certifications validate skills and knowledge, increasing employability and potential for career advancement in the field. Some professional certifications that online supply chain management associate degree students can gain include:
APICS CSCP – Supply Chain Management Certification[10]
The APICS Certified Supply Chain Certification is needed to understand and deliver critical business processes. It comprises a comprehensive program covering everything required to know across the global supply chain, from customers to suppliers. Earning this certification shows that individuals have the necessary skills to prepare, overcome disruption, and manage risk.
CPSD™ Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity[11]
The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) provides the Leading Supplier Diversity Certification, which helps individuals understand the opportunities and challenges of making intelligent supplier diversity choices. Individuals learn how to engage companies in supplier diversity and be socially responsible for meeting federal or customer requirements.
Certified Professional Logistician Program[12]
This certification recognizes logisticians’ professional accomplishments and stature within commerce, defense, industry, federal, international, and local government agencies and private and academic organizations. It recognizes that individuals have a functional interrelationship with logisticians’ professional roles regardless of their occupational status.
Additional Resources for Associate’s Degree in Supply Chain Management Graduates
Joining associations and societies related to Supply Chain Management offers valuable resources for students pursuing an online Associate Degree. Membership provides access to networking opportunities, industry events, and professional development resources. Associations offer educational materials, job boards, and mentorship programs, enriching students’ learning experiences and expanding their professional network. Some organizations that an associate’s degree in supply chain management student can consider include:
| Title/Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Association for Supply Chain Management | The Association for Supply Chain Management is a professional organization that aims to innovate and transform leadership in the domain. It is one of the most significant nonprofit associations for maintaining the supply chain unbiasedly and initiating supply chain innovation. |
| Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals | This organization is a not-for-profit professional organization consisting of individuals globally with responsibilities and interests in supply chain and logistics management. They aim to provide these individuals with relevant opportunities through different services, activities, programs, etc. |
| Council for Supply Chain Management Professionals | The organization aims to advance supply chain management by educating, connecting, and developing global supply chain management professionals throughout their profession. They validate professional competency through different levels of certifications and other professional development opportunities within the organization’s career center. |
| International Warehouse Logistics Association | IWLA brings individuals worldwide together through their shared interest in efficient goods transportation and warehousing. Members maintain an elaborate network, build professional relationships, and receive information, helping them stay relevant to industry updates. |
FAQs About the Associate’s Degree in Supply Chain Management
Why should you do an associate’s degree in supply chain management online?
An online Associate’s Degree in Supply Chain Management offers flexibility, allowing students to balance education with other commitments. It provides access to quality education from accredited institutions without geographical constraints. Additionally, online learning fosters digital skills and independence, preparing students for careers in the evolving field of supply chain management.
Is interaction with professors possible in an associate’s degree in supply chain management programs?
What can you do with an online associate’s degree in supply chain management?
Is an associate’s degree in supply chain management online worth it?
How long does it take to complete an online associate’s degree in supply chain management?
Is getting into an online supply chain management associate’s program difficult?
Are online supply chain management associate’s programs viewed differently by employers?
Citations:
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
SAP: Supply Chain Logistics in R/3- Udemy
Sustainable Supply Chain -Management- edX
Supply Chain Management Specialization- Coursera
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Logisticians
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Cost Estimators
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Budget Analysts
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Management Analysts
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Operations Research Analysts
APICS CSCP – Supply Chain Management Certification