Higher Learning

In today’s fast-paced, demand-driven, global business environment, an advanced logistics/supply chain management degree can be your ticket to the top of the profession. Choosing a program that best meets your specific needs—and bumps you up the corporate ladder—is imperative.

Are you seeking a degree program or an executive education/certificate program? Do you want in-class or online learning? A focus on global logistics or strategic warehouse management? To help narrow your search, here is a rundown of some leading logistics and supply chain management programs.

Education/Certificate Courses

The Logistics Institute at Georgia Tech

Method: On-site courses

Description: TLI offers a comprehensive curriculum of short courses and seminars—on topics ranging from materials handling to global logistics—which may be taken individually or as part of a Georgia Tech Professional Education certificate program. TLI offers two different programs for earning a professional certificate in logistics: the Logistics Professional Series (LPS), and the Logistics Management Series (LMS).


LPS is a comprehensive curriculum of short courses covering all major logistics and supply chain management topics. LPS students come from all segments of the logistics community—manufacturing, distribution, warehousing, transportation, third-party logistics, consulting, and information technology. Some students have in-depth professional experience and little formal academic training in logistics; others are in the opposite situation. Many students recently transferred into logistics from other business sectors.

LMS is an integrated curriculum of four short courses providing all-inclusive coverage of logistics management topics. LMS is designed for logistics professionals and managers across the entire supply chain—procurement, manufacturing, distribution, transportation, warehousing, and retail—who need university-based education and credentials to prepare them for increasing responsibilities in logistics and supply chain management.

PHONE: 404-894-2343

WEB: www.tli.gatech.edu

University of Wisconsin—Madison Executive Education, School of Business

Method: On-site courses

Description: UW-Madison Executive Education offers certificate programs for professionals in supply chain management, transportation and logistics, and purchasing and supply management. To earn a certificate in each of the three disciplines, students must complete four programs within three years. All courses are offered at the University campus. Custom programs are also available and can be designed specifically for any company.

PHONE: 800-292-8964

WEB: www.uwexeced.com

Penn State—World Campus

Method: Distance learning via the Internet

Description: The Online Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain and Information Systems is designed for business professionals in a variety of supply chain activities. It can be part of a professional development program, or credits can be applied toward a number of graduate degree options. The certificate program consists of four three-credit courses emphasizing the strategic and integrative dimensions of supply chain management. Because it is a distance learning program, students must have access to the Internet and a personal computer to enroll.

PHONE: 800-252-3592

WEB: www.worldcampus.psu.edu

University of Tennessee—Center for Executive Education

Method: On-site courses

Description: UT’s Center for Executive Education offers a supply chain certification program and a logistics executive development program. On-site, company-specific versions of each program are available on demand.

The Supply Chain Management Certification Program is composed of six, two-and-one-half-day courses presented over non-consecutive weeks. It brings together the supply chain areas of demand planning, customer relationship management, operations, logistics, lean management, and resource/financial management.

The Logistics Executive Development Program is geared for logistics executives looking to leverage the ability to achieve a competitive advantage through logistics. Emphasis is on integrating logistics activities and strategies with other areas of corporate competency.

Contact: Debra Galaher, Program Coordinator

PHONE: 865-974-5001

WEB: www.thecenter.utk.edu

The Institute of Logistical Management (ILM)

Method: Distance learning

Description: ILM offers a Certified Logistics Practitioner certification via distance learning to enhance transportation and supply chain knowledge. All courses have been evaluated and accredited by the American Council on Education and can be transferred to most U.S. colleges and universities. The courses are not about theory; they are designed for practical use to enhance on-the-job value and career development.

Students are required to complete course work, take a series of quizzes, and a final exam, which must be proctored—usually by a supervisor or someone in the company’s HR department. The essay-based final exam counts for approximately 50 percent of the course grade.

Upon completion of the course with a minimum grade of 70 percent, the student receives a Certificate of Satisfactory Completion with a letter grade and numerical grade along with three college credits. Throughout the online program, students receive assistance from faculty by e-mail, phone, or fax.

Contact: Frank R. Breslin, Dean

PHONE: 888-ILM-4600

WEB: www.logisticseducation.edu

California State University—Long Beach

Program: Center for International Trade and Transportation (CITT)

Method: On-site courses or distance learning via the Internet

Description: CITT offers logistics and supply chain professionals the opportunity to earn their Global Logistics Specialist (GLS) designation. The GLS program is designed in a flexible format, grouped into six modules. Interactive, cross-modal classroom activities are complemented by integrated, on-site experiences away from the classroom. Participants learn how the supply chain works, how to ship freight around the world, and how to put together a logistics plan, as well as the costs associated with moving freight, and trends in technology and automation.

Participants must complete all six modules as well as a comprehensive project to earn six semester hours of university credit and the GLS designation.

PHONE: 800-963-2250

WEB: www.uces.csulb.edu/citt

Northwestern Kellogg School of Management Executive Education

Method: On-site courses

Description: In the Global Supply Chain Management program, faculty from both academia and industry present state-of-the-art models and practical tools for supply chain management and multi-plant coordination. Sessions focus on effective logistics strategies for global companies and on integrating supply chain components into a coordinated system to increase service levels and reduce costs. The use of the Internet and developments in information systems and communication technologies are presented with real-world case studies that illustrate and analyze concepts, such as strategic partnering and outsourcing. The program consists of three days of on-site courses at the school’s Evanston campus near downtown Chicago.

PHONE: 847-467-7000

WEB: www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/execed

Syracuse University—Whitman School of Management

Method: On-site, one-day seminars

Description: Syracuse University offers supply chain programs for executives and managers seeking continuing education credits in supply chain management, and those looking to brush up on the latest developments. The one-day seminars are taught in New York City, Washington D.C., and Syracuse, N.Y. Topics include:

  • World Class Distribution Practices
  • Outsourcing Practices
  • Project Management
  • Implementing Stage-Gate Product Development
  • World Class Logistics Practices
  • Value Engineering/Value Analysis
  • Six Sigma
  • Benchmarking Practices

Contact: Patrick Penfield, Executive Learning Center

PHONE: 315-443-3428

WEB: www.whitman.syr.edu

East Carolina University

Program: Master’s of Science in Industrial Technology, Industrial Distribution and Logistics Concentration

Method: Distance learning via the Internet

Description: This program prepares students for upper-level positions in industrial distribution, logistics, transportation, and supply chain management. The program provides industry-based, problem-solving experiences in applying technology, planning, productivity improvement, quality, forecasting, and management systems.

The program is Internet-based, with students completing courses, collaborating on projects, performing research, and completing the degree online. Most students in the program are working professionals pursuing the degree for career advancement.

Students spend 10 to 15 hours per week preparing for and participating in each course. Average completion time is 24 months if six credits per semester are taken. Courses are scheduled in sequence over the fall, spring, and summer semesters, allowing for program entry in any semester.

Contact: Dr. Richard Monrow, Industrial Distribution and Logistics Graduate Coordinator

PHONE: 252-328-9664

WEB: www.tecs.ecu.edu/gradprog/IndustrialDistribution.htm

Georgia Tech—School of Industrial & Systems Engineering

Program: Executive Master’s in International Logistics (EMIL)

Method: Combination of distance learning and on-site residencies

Description: EMIL is a Master’s degree program delivered in an executive format over 18 months. Participants meet for two weeks of intensive classes—called residencies—every three to four months. Members participate via distance learning between residencies, working together on cases and completing web-based course material. Courses focus on regional influences shaping logistics as well as topics such as reverse logistics, labor relations, freight management, procurement, distribution, and warehousing. During international residencies, participants meet with government officials to discuss customs issues, taxes, and trade agreements.

PHONE: 404-385-2538

WEB: www.emil.gatech.edu

Penn State—Smeal College of Business

Program: Department of Supply Chain and Information Systems

Method: On-site courses

Description: Penn State offers a concentration in supply chain management as part of its MBA program. SCM is one of six “portfolios” available to Smeal MBA students in their second year of study. Students take required courses in strategic procurement, manufacturing strategy, demand fulfillment, and supply chain leadership.

Penn State Executive Programs, also part of the Smeal College of Business, provide executive education offerings in conjunction with Smeal’s Center for Supply Chain Research:

  1. Essentials of Supply Chain Management
  2. Tools for Supply Chain Success
  3. Achieving Supply Chain Transformation
  4. Designing and Leading Competitive Supply Chains

PHONE: 866-999-EMBA

WEB: www.smeal.psu.edu

The University of Arkansas—Supply Chain Management Research Center

Program: Master’s of Transportation and Logistics Management

Method: On-site courses

Description: The Master’s of Transportation and Logistics Management is a 30-credit-hour program designed to provide students with transportation and logistics expertise, general business principles, and quantitative skills to help prepare them for positions with business firms and government agencies. The program is designed with sufficient flexibility to meet the needs of students with various backgrounds and work experience.

Students can pursue the Master’s of Transportation and Logistics Management degree either full-time or part-time. The program can be completed in one year when taken full-time, or two to three years when taken part-time.

Contact: Jim Crowell, Executive Director

PHONE: 479-575-6107

WEB: scmr.uark.edu or gsb.uark.edu

Michigan State University

Program: Master’s of Science in Logistics

Method: Combination of on-site residencies and distance learning

Description: The Master’s of Science in Logistics degree is a limited-residency program consisting of four intensive residency modules and two e-learning modules. The 24-credit residency modules run for 12 days in May or August. In-residence classes include case studies, breakout sessions, and simulation assignments.

E-learning modules are scheduled in the fall and spring semesters between residencies, and consist of six credits. The e-learning assignments include class material, literature review, interactive case participation, simulations, software applications, and interactive discussions.

Students are also required to complete a six-credit field study/research project involving the application of learning materials. To be considered for admission, applicants must have an undergraduate degree and a minimum of three years of related work experience.

PHONE: 517-353-6381

WEB: www.bus.msu.edu/msc/logistics

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Center for Transportation and Logistics (CTL)

Program: Master’s of Engineering in Logistics (MLOG)

Method: On-site courses

Description: Each year a select group of 30 to 40 students from around the world take part in this intensive, nine-month, on-campus program in logistics and supply chain management. Students take specialized classes taught by MIT faculty and industry leaders in areas such as logistics systems, supply chain design, inventory planning, and transportation management. Students are also given an opportunity to work closely with CTL’s corporate partners while completing their required research thesis.

MIT also offers its MLOG program abroad. The MIT-Zaragoza International Logistics program is a joint effort between MIT’s CTL and the newly formed Zaragoza Logistics Center in Zaragoza, Spain. The professional degree program offers a Master’s degree modeled after MIT’s MLOG, as well as a doctorate degree and a set of executive education certificates in various logistics-related fields.

PHONE: 617-324-MLOG

WEB: www.mit.edu/mlog | www.mit.edu/zlc

Arizona State University—W.P. Carey School of Business

Program: W.P. Carey MBA—Specialization in Supply Chain Management

Method: On-site courses and field work

Description: The W.P. Carey MBA, with a specialization in supply chain management, focuses on strategic analysis, design, and effective operation of supply chains for competing organizations. Students enrolled in this program generally have four to five years of prior work experience in the field.

During the first year, students complete a core business curriculum, including an introductory SCM course. Students then embark on summer internships and return to ASU the following year for focused SCM learning. As part of the curriculum, project teams of about four students work with a specific company’s managers and staff in analyzing a supply chain management problem or opportunity. Each student is expected to spend roughly 12 hours to 15 hours per week on the project course.

Students divide their time between classroom instruction and the field project early in the semester. Beginning in January, students devote nearly all their allotted time to the field project. ASU faculty members monitor each team’s project progress through a series of reports and presentations.

PHONE: 480-965-6424

WEB: www.cob.asu.edu/cmc

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