Supply chain management (SCM) careers rank high in both pay and career satisfaction. According to the Association for Supply Chain Management’s (ASCM) most recent Supply Chain and Career Report, supply chain managers in the United States earn a median annual income of almost $99,000. The survey of nearly 4,000 professionals found that 96% plan to stay in the field for at least the next five years. 

They shouldn’t have much trouble finding work; 76% of survey respondents seeking jobs reported finding employment in less than three months. Overall, one in four supply chain professionals secured new employment in 2023, with only 4% leaving previous roles due to layoffs. Most left in search of higher salaries, more responsibility, or improved working conditions.

Whether you are currently a supply chain manager hoping to advance or you plan to start a career in the field, a graduate degree can help you reach your goal. In an increasingly global and technological business climate, hiring managers seek SCM candidates with advanced training. A master’s degree can set you apart in a crowded pool.

If you’re hoping to remain in your current job while pursuing your degree, consider online education. Online study offers flexibility and convenience; it also expands your choice of programs beyond local options. You can earn a Master of Science in Supply Chain Management Online degree from a top-ranked program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Read on to find out whether it is the right fit for you.

Why Earn Your Supply Chain Management Degree Online?

Online degrees offer the same high-quality education as on-campus programs, but with increased convenience. The MS in Supply Chain Management Online program includes live online classes and asynchronous coursework available anywhere, any time, making it easier for busy professionals to set a practicable study schedule. Many students complete this program while working full-time.

Online study also develops skills valued in remote work environments. In 2023, 12.7% of full-time employees worked from home, while another 28.2% worked within a hybrid model. Many employees love the convenience, and some employers enjoy the cost savings realized through reduced office space. Earning an online degree builds collaborative and online communication skills essential to tomorrow’s work environments.

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Consider the Qualities of a Successful Online Learner

What skills and traits promote success in online programs? They include:

• Time management: Staying organized is essential in primarily self-paced programs. Successful students create a schedule and do their best to stick to it.
• Self-discipline: The autonomy of online classes is confidence-boosting for many; for others, the lack of strict guidance can present challenges. Setting goals and deadlines—and then meeting them—can keep you confident, motivated, and ahead of the curve in online classes.
• Collaboration: Online study means tackling peer collaboration in new ways, from instant messaging to scheduling video study sessions. Reach out to peers early in the semester to forge good working relationships and build a valuable support network.
• Communication: Communication online can differ from in-person interactions. Consider tone when writing messages or discussion responses. Take advantage of the ability to formulate and edit responses before sharing them.

Many UT MS SCM Online students have some work experience in supply chain management or a related field; the ideal candidate has three to five years of experience in supply chain, business, economics, engineering, or a related field. Approximately 27% of learners hold a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management; another 61% have a bachelor’s degree in business. They work for diverse employers that include Amazon, Apple, Bechtel, DHL, Penske Logistics and Sodexo.

Your online degree from UT Knoxville can provide a beneficial career stepping stone. As one former student pointed out, “You learn from professors who have led some of the largest global organizations in the field. By enrolling in this program, I believe you commit to being a leader in the supply chain industry.”

What to Expect When You Learn Online at UT 

The Master of Science in Supply Chain Management Online degree offers a world-class education with the convenience of remote learning. Here’s what to expect from the program.

Live Online Class Sessions  

The MS SCM includes online live sessions in which you interact with your peers and instructors. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions, receive feedback, and ensure that you’re on track with assignments.

In-Person Immersions 

Your student experience includes a three-day in-person immersion that coincides with the twice-yearly Supply Chain Forum. During the immersion, students join with faculty and fellow students to participate in specially designed activities, such as salary negotiation workshops, career advancement seminars, and alumni thought leadership panels. 

A former student noted about the immersion, “I enjoyed conversing in person with peers I had only talked to online. I still talk to a lot of them now […] It made you feel like you were part of the school, not another number.” 

Through the Supply Chain Forum, students also have the opportunity to connect with over 350 supply chain leaders from Fortune 500 companies such as Amazon, Caterpillar, Pfizer, and Sysco. 

Virtual Support Network 

UT takes student success seriously. Tech support is always available to remedy any computer-related challenges. Faculty hold virtual office hours to answer questions not raised in synchronous sessions. In addition, student success coaches are available throughout the program to help you stay on track. 

A former student observed: “I was pleasantly surprised by the exceptional level of support from the university. The unwavering commitment of the faculty and staff to my success and the achievement of my goals surpassed my expectations.”

Take the First Step Toward an Interactive Online Degree

The University of Tennessee’s Master of Science in Supply Chain Management Online offers a seamless, holistic, and flexible virtual learning experience supported by expert faculty. The curriculum encompasses supply chain concepts and functions, including strategy, operations, logistics, customer value, data modeling, sustainable sourcing, and network management.

Students can complete the program in as few as four terms, with student intakes in January, May, and August. The next start date is never more than a few months away. Apply to UT Knoxville’s program today. Application and admission assistance is available; UT’s enrollment advisors (EAs) offer expert one-on-one support to guide you through the application process and answer any questions you may have. 

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