Supply Chain Management Curriculum
The MS in Supply Chain Management equips professionals with strategic and analytical expertise to navigate complex global supply chains. This STEM-designated, hands-on SCM degree program delivers a high-impact learning experience, strengthened by a powerful network of classmates, faculty, alumni, and industry advisors. The program is located within Twin Cities’ second-to-none business hub of Fortune 500 companies and cross-industry collaboration.
Designed for working professionals, this intensive 1-year program blends mostly in-person evening supply chain courses with online and condensed weekend sessions. The MS in Supply Chain Management typically includes 2 in-person courses per term, plus 1 course in an online or condensed format, with flexible virtual attendance options available.
You will complete 32 credits over the fall, spring, and summer semesters in a cohort-based structure, with the program starting each August.
What You’ll Learn in Supply Chain Management Courses
The MS in Supply Chain Management program follows an accelerated, 3-semester format, spanning fall, spring, and summer. Beginning in August, the program features 4 seven-week terms during the traditional academic year, culminating in an 11-week summer experience centered around a capstone project.
You can further enhance your skills and broaden your professional network by enrolling in elective courses outside the master’s in SCM program. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in the Carlson Consulting Enterprise, a unique management consultancy and academic experience.
Through this elective, you’ll collaborate with MBA students on real-world consulting projects for top-tier companies, applying classroom concepts in a hands-on environment while building relationships with business leaders. Please note: The Carlson Consulting Enterprise is only available as a daytime class.
You’ll typically take 2 in-person supply chain classes and 1 online or condensed course per term, balancing rigorous academics with flexible scheduling. Here is a sample schedule:
In the fall term of the MS in Supply Chain Management program, you will delve into essential courses such as Managing Supply Chain Operations and Operations Excellence via Lean Thinking. This supply chain management curriculum offers a comprehensive blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills across various formats, from on-campus evening sessions to condensed Saturday classes.
| Course number | Title | Required or Elective | Term | Format | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCO 6285 | Managing Supply Chain Operations | Required | Fall A & B | On-Campus/Evening | 4 |
| SCO 6185 | Statistics | Required | Fall A | On-Campus/Evening | 2 |
| SCO 6098 | Operations Excellence via Lean Thinking | Required | Fall A | Condensed/3 Saturdays | 2 |
| SCO 6191 | Big Data Analytics in Supply Chains | Required | Fall B | On-Campus/Evening | 2 |
| SCO 6048 | Logistics & Transportation | Required | Fall B | Online | 2 |
| SCO 6291 | Leadership Development | Required | Fall A & B | On-Campus/Evening | 2 |
In the spring term of the MS in Supply Chain Management program, you will engage in vital supply chain management courses such as Strategic Sourcing and Responsible Supply Chain Management, navigating through a blend of on-campus evening sessions and online formats to cultivate expertise in strategic decision-making and ethical supply chain practices.
| Course number | Title | Required or Elective | Term | Format | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCO 6045 | Strategic Sourcing | Required | Spring A | On-Campus/Evening | 2 |
| SCO 6072 | Managing Technologies in Supply Chains | Required | Spring A | On-Campus/Evening | 2 |
| N/A | Elective | Elective | Spring A | TBD | 2 |
| SCO 6094 | Responsible Supply Chain Management | Required | Spring B | On-Campus/Evening | 2 |
| SCO 6192 | Supply Chain Finance | Required | Spring B | Online | 2 |
| N/A | Elective | Elective | Spring B | TBD | 2 |
| SCO 6291 | Leadership Development | Required | Spring A & B | On-Campus/Evening | 2 |
In the summer term of the MS in Supply Chain Management program, you have the option to enroll in SCM courses, each with varying formats and credit requirements.
| Course number | Title | Required or Elective | Term | Format | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCO 6085 | Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning | Required | Summer | Condensed/3 Saturdays | 2 |
| SCO 6081 | Global Operations Strategy Experiential Course | Required | Summer | On-Campus/Evening | 4 |
| SCO 6291 | Leadership Development | Required | Summer | On-Campus/Evening | 2 |
Global Operations Capstone Project
In the Master of Science in Supply Chain Management program at Minnesota Carlson, you bring your learning to life through the Global Operations Capstone Project. Over the summer, you consult for external clients, tackling real-world supply chain challenges and delivering strategic solutions. This hands-on, end-to-end industry experience gives you the skills and expertise to make an immediate career impact.
Masters in SCM Electives
In the MS in Supply Chain Management program, you can tailor your course load to your career interests by choosing electives that focus on specific sectors or functional areas.
Maximize Your Leadership Potential
From day one, leadership development is woven into the fabric of the MS in Supply Chain Management program. Throughout the year, you engage in immersive leadership sessions, starting with self-assessment, identifying strengths, crafting a personalized development plan, and tracking your growth.
Our supply chain management courses offer one-on-one coaching with a leadership expert, providing insights into leading teams, how to influence beyond organizational boundaries, and foster continuous leadership growth long after graduation.
Key Principles for Supply Chain Leaders
- Leadership – Develop your unique leadership style by identifying and strengthening your core capabilities.
- Strategic Orientation – Learn how an end-to-end supply chain can drive business success.
- Global Perspective – Enhance your international business acumen to tackle global challenges.
- Analytics – Master data-driven decision-making to cut through complexity.
- Social Responsibility – Integrate ethical and sustainable practices into supply chain design.
Prepare for the future with a MS in Supply Chain Management
Discover how the 5-ranked supply chain management graduate program in the U.S. (QS World University Business Master’s Ranking 2025) positions you with the skills for next-level potential in supply chain, logistics, and operations careers—both immediately after graduation and throughout your career.
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