With the expansion of the global market economy, companies are increasingly in need of qualified professionals who can identify efficient solutions for transporting goods. Supply chain and operations management includes work in service operations, manufacturing, distribution, and transportation. Persons pursuing graduate level work in this field will be interested in analyzing business operations and making decisions that will affect the way the products and services are sourced, procured, manufactured, and delivered. Employment opportunities in Supply Chain or Operations Management are growing faster than average, with a projected 26% increase from 2010 to 2020. Many schools offer online programs to accommodate the busy schedules of those in the business world. Below are the most affordable online programs that will lead to a master’s degree in the field of Supply Chain Management. These are MBA or other types of master’s level business programs. Program tuition does not include fees. Our data was derived from the university websites and from U.S. News and World Report.
#1. Georgia College
Georgia College is a public liberal arts university in Milledgeville with over 7,000 students enrolled. Their Master of Logistics and Supply Chain Management is a 30-hour program that helps its students gain knowledge of statistics and supply chain management, practices, and technologies. Those pursuing this degree can do so with a flexible schedule — many students complete the program while working full-time. Students will complete core coursework in strategy, logistics, purchasing and materials, and quantitative methods. The GMAT or GRE are required for admission but can be waived if an applicant has significant middle-upper level work experience or a master’s degree. Georgia College is ranked #33 best online graduate program in Business by U.S. News and World Report.
Accreditation: Georgia College is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Tuition: $10,140
#2. University of Alabama
A public research university located in Tuscaloosa, the University of Alabama 
has a variety of online degree programs. Their online Master of Science in Operations Management requires 30 credit hours for completion. Students pursuing this degree will gain the knowledge and skills they need to oversee people, materials, equipment and information that a business uses to produce and deliver goods and services. Graduates from this program go on to work in service operations, manufacturing, distribution, transportation, logistics, and supply chain management. Students can complete this degree part-time in less than two years if they choose. This program has two track offerings: operations management and decision analytics. Participants will complete core courses in statistical methods, management science, and systems simulation. Applicants are required to take the GRE or GMAT. The University of Alabama is ranked #17 best online graduate program in Business by U.S. News and World Report and is also accredited by the AACSB, a high distinction for business schools.
Accreditation: The University of Alabama is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Tuition: $10,800
#3. Friends University
Located in Wichita, Kansas, Friends University is a private non-denominational Christian university 
with an enrollment of around 3,000 students. Their online MBA with a concentration in Supply Chain Management and Statistics requires 30 credit hours for completion. This program prepares its students for leadership and significant professional positions in business, and seeks to develop decision-making skills within functional areas of business. Participants will learn through case-studies, simulations, projects, and classes. The concentration in Supply Chain Management is a new addition to the degree program and seeks to develop knowledge and skills in ERP systems, conducting lean manufacturing reviews, Six Sigma, and the development of supply chain to obtain a competitive advantage. It is the hope that students in this program will also develop both oral and written communication skills. The GRE/GMAT is not required for entrance.
Accreditation: Friends University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $18,930
#4. Southern New Hampshire University 
Southern New Hampshire University is a private university located between Manchester and Hooksett with about 10,000 students enrolled. They offer an MBA in Operations & Supply Chain Management that requires 33 hours for completion. The program seeks to prepare its students to develop their knowledge of procurement, transportation planning, inventory control, warehouse management, and customer service. Persons pursuing this degree can finish the program in just over a year, making it one of the quickest routes to an MBA on our list. The supply chain management coursework will train students for upper-level positions in operations, supply chain management, production, quality control, distribution, inventory control, or the service industry. Curriculum for this MBA is focused on nine core business courses and three operations and supply chain management course electives. Core coursework includes business environment, accounting and financial analysis, marketing and strategy, and ethics and social responsibility. No GRE or GMAT required for entrance.
Accreditation: Southern New Hampshire University is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Program Tuition: $20,691
#5. Fontbonne University 
Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Fontbonne University is a liberal arts, Catholic institution with 2,500 students. Their Master of Science in Supply Chain Management degree is a 30 credit hour program that can be completed in as little as one year. Curriculum for this degree focuses on strategies for collaboration between supply chain partners that will develop greater value, quality, efficiency and reduced costs. Courses are offered completely online in an eight-week format, and program curriculum will prepare students for the Council of Supply Chain Management SCPro Level One Certification. Fontbonne also offers an MBA with a concentration in Supply Chain Management, which requires an additional 6 hours of coursework and is a combination of online and evening classes. There is no GRE or GMAT required for admission.
Accreditation: Fontbonne University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $21,090 MS/$25,308 MBA
#6. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 
Embry-Riddle is an independent institution with campuses in Prescott, AZ and Daytona Beach, FL with over 30,000 students enrolled. They offer a Master of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management that prepares students for management positions in government, military, and the private sector. Persons pursuing this degree will study acquisition, sustainability, integrated logistics, collaborative supply chains, performance measurement, risk management, and process optimization. This master’s degree will provide a foundation for professional certification as a Certified Supply Chain Professional offered by the Association for Operations Management or APICS. Applicants will need to have an educational background in management, accounting methods, finance, quantitative methods, and economics, or complete required prerequisites before beginning this program. Students pursuing this degree will complete core courses in purchasing, transportation management, integrated logistics, global logistics, management science, and production. This program requires 36 credit hours for completion. Emery-Riddle is ranked #37 best online graduate program in Business by U.S. News and World Report.
Accreditation: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Tuition: $21,600
#7. Governor’s State University
A public university that enrolls 5,600 students, Governor’s State University is located in University Park, Illinois. Their online MBA in Supply Chain Management requires 36 credit hours for completion. Students pursuing this degree will gain knowledge in solving logistics problems, mobilizing organization for more efficient strategy, and creating innovative solutions leading to business success. Core curriculum for this program includes strategic management accounting, managerial economics, financial management, operations management, international business, and strategic marketing. Emphasis is placed on materials management, distribution and logistics, and warehouse, inventory, and transportation management. This MBA may be completed full or part-time. Applicants are required to take the GRE or GMAT for admission.
Accreditation: Governor’s State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $22,104 Out-of-State/$11,052 In-State
#8. University of North Carolina – Pembroke
The University of North Carolina – Pembroke is a public liberal arts university that enrolls over 6,000 
students. They offer an MBA with a concentration in Supply Chain Management that requires 36 credit hours for completion and can usually be finished in two years. This program is designed for a variety of persons, from those with a background in business to those looking for a career change. Students pursuing this MBA have the option to enroll in full or part-time classes while still working full-time jobs if they choose. Foundation courses for this program include managerial accounting, quantitative methods, managerial economics, marketing planning, and organizational theory. Those students with an undergraduate education in business can test out of some of the requirements. The Supply Chain Management concentration requires courses iniInformation technology management, supply chain management, and operations management. The online program was started in fall 2015 and offers flexibility for students who can’t attend the evening campus classes. This is an incredibly affordable choice for residents of North Carolina.
Accreditation: The University of North Carolina – Pembroke is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Tuition: $14,481 Out-of-State/$6,410 In-State
#9. University of Nebraska – Lincoln
A public research university with over 25,000 students enrolled, the University of Nebraska is the 
state’s oldest higher education institution. Their MBA with a concentration in Supply Chain Management is a 48 credit hour degree that emphasizes managerial skills, team building, ethics and leadership. Students pursuing this degree will be empowered to address the needs of the global marketplace, sharpen analytical skills, and learn to use technology to make supply chains more efficient. Core curriculum for this program includes business strategy, financial accounting, managerial finance, economics, and marketing, organizational behavior, supply chain management strategies, business policy, and human resource management. Applicants are required to take the GRE or GMAT for admission. The University of Nebraska – Lincoln is ranked #15 best online MBA program by U.S. News and World Report and is also accredited by the AACSB.
Accreditation: The University of Nebraska is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $25,488
#10. Maryville University 
Maryville University is a private institution located in St. Louis, Missouri with an enrollment of approximately 5,000 students. They offer an online MBA with a concentration in Supply Chain Management/Logistics that requires 39 credit hours for completion. Participants in this program will take core courses in accounting, global business, financial policies, strategic marketing, and ethics. Concentration coursework includes supply chain management, operations management, transportation and distribution statistics, and strategic sourcing and purchasing. No GRE or GMAT required for admission, and no background in business is necessary.
Accreditation: Maryville University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $27,300
