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Dr. Wallace E. Boston School of Business

Supply Chain Management

Online Master of Arts in Supply Chain Management (MA)

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$0 Application Fee
$0 Transfer Credit Evaluation

0 Entrance Exams
No GRE/GMAT Required

About This Supply Chain Management Master’s Program

Investigate, analyze, critique, and solve the complex challenges of moving goods in, through, and around an interconnected global supply chain with a supply chain management master’s from American Public University.

American Public University’s master’s in supply chain online program focuses on purchasing, transportation, logistics, distribution, warehousing, reverse logistics, and acquisitions management from a global perspective. 

Its leading-edge online curriculum—designed with input from industry leaders—touches on supply chain information, logistics and supply chain network design, process/product flows, and process improvements for efficiencies related to the global supply chain.

You will study alongside practicing military and civilian logisticians and supply chain practitioners as you leverage application, critical thinking, analytics, and strategy development aimed at risk management.

What You Will Do in Our Supply Chain Management Master’s Program

  1. Study the effects globalization has on acquiring and delivering products or services
  2. Explain how supply chain management impacts organizational effectiveness
  3. Create a plan to align supply chain goals with an organization’s strategic plan
  4. Recommend appropriate supply chain analytics for various scenarios
  5. Assess the performance of a familiar global supply chain

View Program Outcome Assessment Results

Degree at a Glance

Accredited
ACBSP Accredited

ACBSP® is a registered trademark of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Number of Credits
36
Transfer up to 15 credits1
Cost Per Credit
$455 | $250*
$386.75** | $409.50***
*with Preferred Military Rate
**with Veteran Grant
***with APUS Opportunity Grant
Courses Start Monthly
Online
and vary from 8 to 16 weeks

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Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 4849

|
This BUSN501 Critical Thinking and Digital Literacy course will prepare the transportation and logistics management and reverse logistics management graduate student to address issues associated with critical thinking and digital literacy. Students will be afforded the opportunity to begin to compile artifacts and signature assignments related to their field of study of transportation and logistics management or reverse logistics management. The course is intended to provide a foundation from which the student may use the knowledge and practices gained in this course throughout the rest of their graduate program.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
12/25/23 - 05/31/24 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 Spring 2024 Session D 8 Week session
01/29/24 - 06/28/24 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 Summer 2024 Session B 8 Week session
02/26/24 - 08/02/24 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 Summer 2024 Session I 8 Week session
03/25/24 - 08/30/24 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 Summer 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2739

|
This course examines the area of business law and applies it to the business environment. Traditional topics covered include: the legal environment of business, contract law, property, sales contracts, commercial paper, agency law, ethics and the regulatory environment. The course also examines the issue of the global economy from the view that the largest companies dominate in the creation of jobs and technological innovation.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
12/25/23 - 05/31/24 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 Spring 2024 Session D 8 Week session
01/29/24 - 06/28/24 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 Summer 2024 Session B 8 Week session
02/26/24 - 08/02/24 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 Summer 2024 Session I 8 Week session
03/25/24 - 08/30/24 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 Summer 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2755

|
This course introduces the student to the concepts and terminology of modern e-commerce approaches. It includes topics on marketing, web technologies, security, legal issues, imaging, search engines. The emphasis will be to develop an understanding of the underlying principles of e-business.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
12/25/23 - 05/31/24 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 Spring 2024 Session D 8 Week session
01/29/24 - 06/28/24 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 Summer 2024 Session B 8 Week session
02/26/24 - 08/02/24 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 Summer 2024 Session I 8 Week session
03/25/24 - 08/30/24 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 Summer 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4314

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This course is a comprehensive review of the major applications of reverse logistics principles, problems and best practices in manufacturing, retail and the military. The student will study applications from apparel, aviation, automotive, electronics, food and beverage, retailers, and sporting goods. It includes an analysis of Green applications and Carbon Footprint credits for companies.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
01/29/24 - 06/28/24 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 Summer 2024 Session B 8 Week session
03/25/24 - 08/30/24 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 Summer 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 5003

|
This course is the study of the impact of new technologies and methodologies in implementation of innovations in operational, tactical, and strategic initiatives in supply and demand settings. The impact on application of synchronized performance measurements by introducing technology enabled approaches will be reviewed. The critical role of new technology in reduction of cycle time, meeting the far exceeding customer demand, and creation of an effective and efficient setting will be analyzed. Topics such as computational and visibility capabilities and tracking system will be discussed.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
01/29/24 - 06/28/24 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 Summer 2024 Session B 8 Week session
03/25/24 - 08/30/24 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 Summer 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 5004

|
This course is a review of challenges and opportunities that we may encounter in management of a supply and demand chain due to Globalization. The course is intended to highlight stumbling blocks which prevent seamless integration of operations, sales and marketing, and finance. Topics such as commercial and global risk, risk mitigating techniques, their use, and legal and ethical issues in a global setting will be discussed.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
12/25/23 - 05/31/24 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 Spring 2024 Session D 8 Week session
02/26/24 - 08/02/24 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 Summer 2024 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 5005

|
This course is a study of supply chain management as an indispensable part of a business’s sustainability program. It is critical to know the level of environmental, social, and economic impact and viability of your vendors and customers is becoming increasingly common as all industries move towards a more sustainable future. Government pressures are unlikely to be the driver of this change, but you're already seeing corporate pressures on suppliers and vendors. This course will examine the intersection of the components of sustainability and the tools required to achieve optimum balance with corporate profitability, supplier relationships and customer service.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
01/29/24 - 06/28/24 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 Summer 2024 Session B 8 Week session
03/25/24 - 08/30/24 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 Summer 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 5006

|
This course is a study of the integration of organizational objectives with objectives to optimize operational performance and minimize operational vulnerability. This course will delve into understanding the implementation of strategies to manage every day and exceptional risks along the supply chain through continuous risk assessment with the objective of reducing vulnerability and ensuring continuity. Managing supply chain risk utilizes tools to balance risk exposure with supplier relationships and customer service. Topics include risk concepts, risk management strategies, risk resilience, risk appetite, risk response planning, risk compliance and risk governance.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
12/25/23 - 05/31/24 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 Spring 2024 Session D 8 Week session
02/26/24 - 08/02/24 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 Summer 2024 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 5007

|
This course is the study of a series of case studies in supply chain management which demonstrate the application of supply chain principles to optimize organizational outcomes and achieve corporate objectives. Supply chain practitioners often state that theory is fine but case studies are better. But blending the two is the best. Supply chains exist throughout commercial and public sectors. Case studies will be offered in both including the US Department of Defense, the world's largest supply chain. Cases will show the global nature of supply chains and will demonstrate its foundations including SCOR processes such as Plan, Source, Make, Deliver, Return and Enable.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
12/25/23 - 05/31/24 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 Spring 2024 Session D 8 Week session
03/25/24 - 08/30/24 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 Summer 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 5008

|
This course is the study of how data analytics will be used in quantitative and qualitative mode to create actionable intelligence across supply and demand chain. We will discuss the use of analytics in the context of supply chain management in descriptive, Topics such as inferential, and prescriptive modes in sourcing, operations, logistics, marketing, sales, and finance. The modeling aspects of integrated supply chain activities for the purpose of decision support system will be studied.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
12/25/23 - 05/31/24 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 Spring 2024 Session D 8 Week session
02/26/24 - 08/02/24 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 Summer 2024 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 2701

|
This course provides an understanding of leading-edge logistics management, as well as principles and techniques available to achieve optimum operational efficiencies. Topics include: development of logistics, logistical economic significance, the importance of logistics management in transportation operations, application of supply chain management concepts, role of information systems, elements and management of global logistics, distinctions and characteristics of international versus domestic logistics, global transportation options, traffic management, global transportation decision-making, management of inventory costs, measurement and control of integrated logistics systems, and development of effective world-wide logistics strategies.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
12/25/23 - 05/31/24 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 Spring 2024 Session D 8 Week session
01/29/24 - 06/28/24 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 Summer 2024 Session B 8 Week session
02/26/24 - 08/02/24 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 Summer 2024 Session I 8 Week session
03/25/24 - 08/30/24 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 Summer 2024 Session D 8 Week session
Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill major requirements. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 5020

|
This Master’s Capstone E-portfolio course is the final course in the Master’s Program. This course will prepare graduate students to reflect on their graduate experience by compiling and revising artifacts from previous courses in the program into an organize e-portfolio. The e-portfolio will reflect the student’s educational growth from entry in the graduate program. In addition, the graduate student will develop the skills necessary to successfully transition to and navigate post-graduate life as well as understand the civic and social responsibilities of being educated citizens. Finally, students will be given the resources to connect with APU/AMU in an ongoing relationship.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
12/25/23 - 05/31/24 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 Spring 2024 Session D 8 Week session
01/29/24 - 06/28/24 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 Summer 2024 Session B 8 Week session
02/26/24 - 08/02/24 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 Summer 2024 Session I 8 Week session
03/25/24 - 08/30/24 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 Summer 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Accreditation for Our Supply Chain Management Degree

American Public University’s supply chain management master’s program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. ACBSP® assesses business-focused and business-related programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Accreditation recognizes academic excellence, program quality, industry-aligned content, and workplace readiness. American Public University is also the first university to offer an ACBSP®-accredited Reverse Logistics degree program. You can learn more about all of our University’s accreditations here.

ACBSP® is a registered trademark of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Can The Supply Chain Management Master’s Degree Be Earned Online?

American Public University’s supply chain master’s online program is specifically designed to be delivered in a virtual environment. Professors have expertise in logistics and supply chain management, business analytics, and in teaching this master of supply chain management online. 

Classes are mostly 8 weeks long. All courses are asynchronous, which means that students can log on each week at any time of day or night. Assignments will be posted and ready to review and complete when it’s most convenient. Assignments will be due at the end of each week.

What Is a Master’s in Supply Chain Management?

This online master’s delves more deeply into all aspects of supply chains including:

  • Sustainable business practices
  • Globalization of markets
  • Automatic Identification Technology (AIT)
  • Reverse logistics
  • Data that drives efficiencies
  • Governance and regulations
  • Executive leadership

 

Supply Chain Management Program Curriculum Highlights

In American Public University’s supply chain management program, students take a specified number of semester hours in online courses over a diverse range of topics, including emerging technologies, sustainability, and strategic leadership.

The curriculum is designed to help prepare students to tackle the challenges that professionals in supply chain management typically encounter at their companies.

Once all the master's degree requirements for the supply chain management program are complete, students will be conferred for graduation.

supply chain management

Transfer Opportunities for Our Master’s in Supply Chain Management Program

American Public University is committed to awarding graduate students as much transfer credit as possible.

Previous educational or professional experience could count toward the University’s supply chain management master’s and help reduce the duration and expenses related to advancing one’s education.1

American Public University accepts up to 15 credits toward this master's degree. Opportunities for transfer credit include completed academic courses, work or volunteer experience, professional training or certification, and public safety or government training. View more information here.

Prospective students who have questions or need more help can contact our transfer credit staff. They are available to discuss the transfer credit evaluation process.

1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University’s transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.

How to Pay for Your Master’s in Supply Chain Management Program

As soon as you have decided which master’s program to pursue, it’s a good idea to focus on how you plan to finance your education. Financial aid and payment options include:

*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Nothing happens in the world until something moves, and in supply chain management, you're a part of that. You’re part of planning it. You’re part of making it happen.
Larry D. Parker, Jr.,
Ph.D., Lt. Col. USMC, Department Chair for Supply Chain Management 

Frequently Asked Questions

Many universities offer a Master of Business Administration degree program, or MBA, that has a concentration or specialization in supply chain management as an option. These MBAs typically cover general business topics including financial, leadership, and workforce management, in addition to coursework specifically related to supply chain operations and management. 

Other universities may offer a Master of Science, or MS in supply chain management. A master of science program will focus on the more technical and specialized material unique to real-world organizations, such as Automatic Identification Technology (AIT), blockchain, logistics and supply chain, procurement, and purchasing.

American Public University offers a Master of Arts in Supply Chain Management. Students should consider courses and program delivery when choosing the best program to meet personal and professional goals.

Earning a supply chain master’s degree may help students to stand out in the field of competitors who lack an advanced degree in supply chain management. According to the Association for Supply Chain Management 2023 Supply Chain Salary and Career Report, only about one-third, or 31%, of supply chain professionals have a supply chain master’s degree.

Earning a master’s in supply chain management can help students take their knowledge of supply chains to the next level, help prepare them to be a leader in the industry, reach new goals, and make new connections. Finally, if career satisfaction is high on the student’s checklist, they might like to know that the Association for Supply Chain Management’s 2023 Supply Chain Salary and Career Report also found that supply chain professionals who responded love their jobs.

A supply chain master’s program may help to provide knowledge and communication skills often required in roles that involve:

  • Directing or coordinating production, purchasing, warehousing, distribution, or financial forecasting services or activities to limit costs and improve accuracy, customer service, or safety
  • Examining existing procedures or opportunities for streamlining activities to meet product distribution needs
  • Directing the movement, storage, or processing of inventory

According to O*NET OnLine, potential job titles related to these functions include global supply chain director, material requirements planning manager, solution design and analysis manager, supply chain director, supply chain manager.

The O*NET database was developed for the U.S. Department of Labor by the National Center for O*NET Development. The database includes information on skills, abilities, knowledge, work activities, and interests associated with occupations. This information can be used to facilitate career exploration, vocational counseling, and a variety of human resources functions, such as developing job orders and position descriptions and aligning training with current workplace needs. Accessed July 2023. https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/11-3071.04

Factors to consider when reviewing graduate-level online supply chain management degrees:

  • Is this graduate program accredited?
  • What is the expertise of the faculty?
  • Is the program fully online or does it require some in-person activity?
  • Can the degree be earned part-time, or does it require full-time study?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for logisticians is projected to grow 18% from 2022 to 2032. This is a much faster rate than the average for all occupations.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [career information accessed October 2023] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/logisticians.htm. Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Courses Start Monthly

Next Courses Start Jan 6
Register by Jan 3
Apply Now Request Info

Admission Requirements

  • All APU master's degree/graduate certificate programs require a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA®).
  • Please read all graduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
  • There is no fee to complete the APU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.

CHEA® is a registered trademark of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. 

Materials Cost

Technology fee: $85 per course 

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Disclosures

Maryland Residents learn more about costs, completion rates, median debt, and more.

 

1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.

*Cost Per Credit Hour

The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.

See all military student benefits.

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about American Public University's cost components and full cost of attendance.