About Master’s in Supply Chain Management in the US
The MS in Supply Chain Management (SCM) is a STEM-designated program that has gained a huge following due to its relevance in optimizing global supply chains and enhancing organizational efficiency.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (US BLS), the employment of supply chain management roles will grow by 30% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all professions. This growth is driven by universities teaching this technical, skill-based course, which offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application.
In the USA, many top universities integrate blockchain and AI technologies into their graduate supply chain management programs. You can also learn about other in-demand technologies like SAS, AR, and VR which help you understand consumer behavior even further and streamline operations.
So, when you study in the USA, it puts you at the center of innovation. You’re learning right where the new methods are being tested and applied, preparing you for a top-notch career in the field.
Top universities in the USA for MS in SCM
Over 170 universities in the USA offer MS in Supply Chain Management, so it’s important to know about their rankings when you select a program.
Here are some of the top universities in the USA for MS in Supply Chain Management as per QS rankings in 2024:
| Name of University | Global rank |
| MIT’s Center for Transportation and Logistics | 1 |
| Michigan Ross | 2 |
| USC Marshall School of Business | 6 |
| University of Washington Foster School of Business | 10 |
| University of San Diego Knauss School of Management | 41 |
The course curriculum for MS in SCM in the USA
We’ve looked at some of the best MS in Supply Chain Management programs across the USA. Now, it’s time to get a clearer picture of the course curriculum.
Below, we’ve detailed everything you’ll learn in an MS in SCM program.
Core courses
Core courses are almost the same across universities as they form the program’s foundation. These courses mostly focus on analytical and technical skills. These subjects include:
| Core courses | Skills acquired |
| Supply Chain Analytics | Analyzing and optimizing supply chain processes. |
| Supply Chain Management | Managing and strategizing over supply chains. |
| Logistics Systems | Planning and execution of logistics. |
| Databases | Effective data management for supply chains. |
Concentrations
These are essentially standardized tracks you can choose based on what career path you want to follow.
| Core courses | Skills acquired |
| Analytics | Focuses on data-driven decision-making and optimization within supply chains. |
| Leadership and Management | Develops skills for leading teams and managing complex operations within the supply chain sector. |
| Strategy | Teaches strategic planning and execution specifically tailored to supply chains. |
| Risk Management | Prepares students to identify and mitigate risks in supply chain operations. |
Electives
Electives allow you to go deeper into specific areas like digital supply chain management, sustainable supply chain, supply chain project management, or communication for management.
These courses focus on the latest industry trends and challenges so that what you learn is both relevant and up-to-date.
| Elective | Skills acquired |
| Digital Supply Chain Management | Integrating digital technologies into supply chain practices. |
| Sustainable Supply Chain | Implementing eco-friendly practices in supply chains. |
| Supply Chain Project Management | Managing specific projects within the supply chain. |
| Communication for Management | Enhancing managerial communication skills. |
Advanced workshops
The best part about these courses is that most universities offer more than just classroom learning. You can take part in workshops or practical training where you can apply what you’ve learned directly to real-world business scenarios.
Nearly every program in the USA includes some form of practical training or even on-the-job internships.
Capstone projects or thesis
As you near the end of your MS in Supply Chain Management program, you’ll either need to complete a capstone research project or write a thesis.
Capstone projects generally involve designing solutions to actual supply chain issues which requires real-time collaboration with industry experts.
Theses, on the other hand, are more research-focused. You might need to develop new theories, analyze data and explore different approaches.
Eligibility for studying MS in SCM in the USA
The Master of Science in Supply Chain Management in the USA caters to various student needs through various delivery formats.
The different formats are
- Full-time in-person programs
- Part-time programs
- Online executive programs
Here is a comparative overview of the eligibility criteria for these different program formats:
| Criteria | In-person programs | Part-time programs | Online executive programs |
| Undergraduate Degree | Required in STEM subjects | Required in relevant fields | Preferred but flexible |
| Standardized tests | GRE/GMAT required | May not be required | Often not required |
| English proficiency | TOEFL or IELTS scores required | TOEFL or IELTS scores required | TOEFL or IELTS scores required |
| Visa requirement | F1/J1 student Visa required | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Statement of purpose | Required | Required | Required |
| Letters of recommendation | Required | Required | Required |
Note: The eligibility requirements may differ from university to university. These are the general eligibility requirements for an MS in SCM in the USA.
GMAT/GRE requirements for studying MS in SCM in the USA
Most top universities for Master’s in Supply Chain Management in the USA have very different policies regarding GMAT and GRE scores. Some programs prescribe a minimum cutoff score in either of these exams, while some don’t even expect students to submit these scores. However, strong GRE/GMAT scores can enhance your application, so we would recommend that you submit your scores even when the program does not make it mandatory.
The difference in policies will be evident from these three examples:
- For the MS in Supply Chain Management program at the University of Texas at Dallas, you can choose whether to submit GMAT or GRE scores; they are not mandatory.
- In contrast, at the University of Southern California, while GRE scores are not required for the MS Global Supply Chain Management program, you must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to be eligible for admission, highlighting the importance of good grades.
- At the University of Michigan, the admissions process is quite competitive. Including your GRE scores can strengthen your application. To stand out, you should aim for a quantitative score of at least 155 and a verbal score of 150.
So, students need to clearly understand program-specific GRE/GMAT score requirements before they apply.
Scholarships to study MS in SCM in the USA
Scholarships available for MS in SCM programs in the USA can be categorized based on their criteria and the targeted applicants. Most of these scholarships aim to support students who have shown academic excellence, while some are exclusively for students whose academic interests are specific to certain industries and sustainability-related activities.
General Merit-Based Scholarships
| Scholarship | Amount | Deadline | Description |
| CIA Graduate Program Scholarship | Up to $25,000 | June 30, 2024 | For outstanding merit |
| Colgate-Palmolive Corporate Scholars Program | $5,000 | November 13, 2024 | Academic and leadership excellence |
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program | $25,000 | November 30, 2024 | Promising supply chain leadership |
| R. Gene and Nancy D. Richter Foundation Scholarship | $15,000 | January 26, 2025 | Significant leadership potential in SCM |
University-specific scholarships for MS in Supply Chain Management in the USA
Florida International University (FIU) Scholarships
| Schariat | Amount | Deadline | Description |
| Merit Scholarship Award | $3,000 – $5,000 | Annually | Awarded for maintaining a high GPA, renewable |
University of Michigan Scholarships
| Scholarship | Amount | Deadline | Description |
| Ross SCM Excellence Scholarship | $10,000 | May 1, 2024 | Awarded to students demonstrating outstanding academic achievement and leadership in SCM |
University of Texas at Dallas Scholarships
| Scholarship | Amount | Deadline | Description |
| Jindal SCM Merit Scholarships | $5,000 | June 30, 2024 | Awarded based on academic excellence and potential contributions to the SCM field |
Gender and Minority-Focused Scholarships
| Scholarship | Amount | Deadline | Description |
| Zonta Club Jane M Klausman Women in Business | $5,000 | June 15, 2024 | For women in business-related fields |
| Golden Door Scholars | $30,000 | October 01, 2024 | Targets immigrants or minorities |
Industry-Specific Scholarships
| Scholarship | Amount | Deadline | Description |
| ULSCA Supply Chain Scholarship | $1,500 | June 30, 2024 | For careers in logistics and SCM |
| Extensive Supply Chain Scholarship | $2,500 | July 01, 2024 | For modern supply chain solutions |
| Shelving.com Business Scholarship | $3,000 | July 06, 2024 | For students in business and SCM |
Environmental and Sustainability Scholarships
| Scholarship | Amount | Deadline | Description |
| SAS Clean Air Scholarship | $2,500 | August 04, 2024 | Projects reducing air pollution in SCM |
Transportation and Logistics Scholarships
| Scholarship | Amount | Deadline | Description |
| Amtrak Academic Scholarship | $5,000 | January 31, 2025 | Focus on transportation within SCM |
Career Scope of MS in SCM in the USA
The career scope after completing a Master of Science in Supply Chain Management (MS SCM) from top US universities is extremely promising. The following six reasons offer compelling evidence as to why so many students choose this program in American universities every year:
- Once you complete an MS in supply chain management in the USA, you can work in various industries like manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and finance.
- You are likely to be recruited right after you complete your course, particularly if you are doing it from one of the top US universities for MS in SCM. For example, the Michigan Ross School of Business has a placement record of 95% for graduates in supply chain management (employed within six months of graduation).
- Some of the key roles available for graduates of this program are supply chain manager, supply chain analyst, business logistics advisor, procurement analyst, and logistics consultant.
- You can expect to earn a good starting salary after you graduate from a top US university. Many universities, like Washington University in St.Louis, which is regarded as one of the top universities for an MS in supply chain management in the USA, have students starting with a median base salary of $60,000. (Note that this is the base salary and does not include perks and other components of compensation).
- The key industries where graduates can expect to work after their MS in SCM are energy, telecom, agriculture, consulting, finance, and defense.
- With the integration of technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence, SCM is expanding the career prospects for forecasting and demand planning.
Top recruiters in the USA
The top companies that often hire graduates of MS in Supply Chain Management are:
- Accenture
- Flipkart
- Unilever
- IBM
- Amazon
- Tata Consultancy Services
- Capgemini
- General Motors
- Ford Motor Company
- Deloitte
- Boeing
- Tesla
These companies are known for their strong supply chain management practices and are always on the lookout for academically brilliant students who can translate their knowledge to the corporate setting. .
Job prospects and salaries offered after studying MS in SCM in the USA
Here is an overview of job roles and the average salaries that graduates after MS in SCM earn, as per Glassdoor in 2024.
| Role | Average Salary ($) |
| Supply Demand Planner | $96,837 |
| Global Supply Manager | $156,381 |
| Purchasing Analyst | $67,905 |
| Operations Area Manager | $74,671 |
| Procurement Specialist | $73,775 |
| Lead Logistics Analyst | $90,190 |
| Continuous Improvement Analyst | $77,198 |
| Senior Industrial Engineer | $102,641 |
FAQs
- What is the average tuition fee for an MS in Supply Chain Management at top US universities?
The average tuition fee for top universities in the USA for MS in supply chain management ranges between $60,000 and $90,000. For example, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) charges $82,000 per year. Similarly, the annual tuition fee for the University of Michigan is $62,415, and Carnegie Mellon University is $75,700.
- What are the career prospects after completing an MS in Supply Chain Management?
The job prospects for Supply Chain Management graduates are excellent. After completing an MS in supply chain management, students get work opportunities in various industries such as manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and finance.
- What are the average salaries for graduates of top MS in Supply Chain Management programs?
The average salaries for graduates of top MS in Supply Chain Management programs range from $80,000 to $140,000 per year. This means students can expect a high return on investment (ROI) from their MS in SCM degree.
- Who should consider studying MS in Supply Chain Management?
There are no barriers or exemptions for students to pursue this program. However, students who have a background in procurement, purchasing, and sourcing or in production, manufacturing, and operations can be the perfect fit for it.
- What are the top companies hiring graduates of MS in Supply Chain Management?
The top companies that often hire graduates with MS in supply chain management are Accenture, Flipkart, Unilever, IBM, and Amazon. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and the number of recruiters will easily run into thousands, considering how relevant supply chain management is as a function for almost every industry.
