Supply Chain Management
What is Supply Chain Management?
Supply chain is driven by four processes—plan, source, make, and deliver. It’s the network of processes and suppliers that a company depends on to get its products and services from design to delivery. This network encompasses everything from planning to procuring raw materials, from manufacturing to distributing, and all the transportation needs in between.
Supply chain management is about coordinating an organization’s people, activities, information, and resources so that expectations are met or exceeded. Professionals in supply chain management therefore work to maintain open communication and high efficiency throughout the network, knowing that the company’s reputation is at stake.
Supply Chain Management
Career Opportunities
Supply Chain Management majors at the University of Tennessee have access to unique recruiting opportunities—getting in front of some of the world’s top companies—via our Fall Job and Internship Fair and Spring Career Expo. They also are able to participate in “speed networking” events with companies that are members of UT’s Supply Chain Forum during the fall and spring events.
Graduates of our programs have gone on to work in logistics, procurement, and consulting for various industries, from retail and consumer goods to healthcare, technology, and transportation. They deliver value by contributing to sustainability, profitability, and operational effectiveness.
Alumni currently work as area managers for Amazon, project managers for Dell, transportation analysts for Kimberly-Clark Corporation, logistics specialists for Pilot, product specialists for Porsche, procurement specialists for IBM, and are in supply chain rotational programs for Bridgestone Americas, Chick-fil-A, Clorox, and other top companies.
95%
Graduates employed or pursuing higher education
$61,909
Average supply chain management graduate salary
Job Examples
Project Manager
Project managers communicate with clients to ensure that project specifications are defined and accurate plans are developed. They meet with and contract vendors to supply materials and labor for the various project components. In addition to delegating responsibilities among project staff and solving problems throughout, the project manager keeps track of scheduling and expenses to ensure the work is completed on time and within the budget.
Median Salary: $98,580
Transportation Analyst
Transportation analysts examine processes and procedures related to a company’s transportation and distribution activities, with the goal of optimization. By researching shipping options and streamlining operations, they determine the most efficient and cost effective means of getting products to the point of delivery.
Median Salary: $68,554*
Logistics Specialist
Logistics specialists, or logisticians, oversee activities related to purchasing and transporting goods, managing warehouses, and optimizing related processes. Logisticians often serve as points of contact between companies, suppliers, and clients. They also choose and employ software to track inventories and product demand, as well as the location of items in shipment.
Median Salary: $79,400
Procurement Specialist
Procurement specialists are responsible for researching and selecting vendors who provide goods or services for the company. Adhering to company procedures, they negotiate prices and contracts, write purchase orders, and track shipments. The procurement specialist assesses vendor quality and performance and considers options for reducing cost and improving service.
Median Salary: $94,011*
2023 salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook.
*Based on 2025 data from Salary.com.
Majoring in Supply Chain Management
The Supply Chain Management program at UT is regarded as one of the most comprehensive and contemporary programs in the nation. Working with a curriculum that’s both foundational and innovative, students develop important skills required of supply chain management professionals, such as decision making and problem solving. Students are required to complete an internship.
In addition to career networking events, students have opportunities to build community within the department, with several available clubs and other student groups.
Required Courses
- Supply Chain Analytics and Decision Making (SCM 309)
- Logistics Operations (SCM 413)
- Manufacturing and Service Operations (SCM 414)
- Global Strategic and Sustainable Sourcing (SCM 421)
- Global Strategies for Supply Chain Management (SCM 460)
- Internship in Supply Chain Management (SCM 489)
Major Requirements
- Supply Chain Management Major, BS in Business Administration – Business Analytics Concentration
- Supply Chain Management Major, BS in Business Administration – Collateral Option
- Supply Chain Management Major, BS in Business Administration – Heath Integrated Business and Engineering Program
- Supply Chain Management Major, BS in Business Administration – Information Management Concentration
- Supply Chain Management Major, BS in Business Administration – International Business Concentration
SCM Student Spotlight
Lindsey Cauble
Cauble, who plays the mellophone in the Pride of the Southland band, is majoring in supply chain management and accounting. Looking to the future, she is working to secure a supply chain management internship for the summer to continue her exploration of the field. After graduation, Cauble would love to combine her interest in sports with her dual majors and work for a large sports team.
Supply Chain Management
Scholarship Opportunities
The Haslam College of Business awards more than $5 million annually in scholarships to students. Awards include college and departmental scholarships. Each year, students should apply to be considered for college and departmental scholarships through the university’s Continuing Undergraduate Student Scholarship application.
Scholarship criteria is varied and may be based on a student’s need, academic merit, engagement in student organizations and research, and overall profile.
