Supply Chain Management FAQs

We know choosing a graduate program comes with a lot of questions. This page covers what prospective students ask most, from admissions and program format to tuition and career outcomes.

Have a question not answered here? Feel free to email us anytime at [email protected].

 

Overview

It is a Master of Science degree (MS in Supply Chain Management), not an MBA.

No. The program is offered as a full-time, cohort-based format with a mix of evening, weekend and online courses. It does not offer a part-time or executive version.

The MSSCM is a one-year, cohort-based program designed for working professionals. It equips you with the knowledge to manage supply chains from end to end and drive strategic value for your organization. The program combines rigorous evening courses, online classes, and weekend sessions to fit your working professional's schedule.

While we cannot compare directly, our program offers: • Cohort Model: Learn alongside experienced peers from diverse industries. You build a strong network that lasts beyond graduation. • Leadership Focus: Leadership development is integrated from day one, including personalized coaching. • Experiential Learning: Solve real-world problems for partner companies through the Global Operations Strategy capstone. • Lifetime Career Support: Access personalized career coaching through the Carlson Business Career Center for life. • Reputation: Benefit from the Carlson School’s top rankings and extensive alumni network.

It depends on your career goals. • MSSCM: Best if you want a deep dive into supply chain management. It is a one-year program for professionals with at least two years of experience. • MBA: Best if you want broad business knowledge across finance, marketing, and strategy. It typically requires a varying amount of work experience and takes longer. Still unsure? Schedule an appointment with our recruitment team.

No. We do not offer dual degrees. However, you can complete the MSSCM and a Full-Time MBA consecutively. You may be able to transfer up to 8 credits from the MBA to the MSSCM.

No. The MSSCM is the only specialized supply chain graduate degree we offer. It is a one-year, lockstep cohort program. If you want more flexibility, consider our Part-Time or Online MBA with supply chain electives.

No. We welcome applicants from all academic and professional backgrounds.

You must have at least two years of full-time professional work experience to apply. Internships do not count. Our students average 8–10 years of experience.

No. This is primarily an in-person, on-campus program. It is not designed for remote learning.

Yes. The MSSCM is a STEM-designated program. This allows eligible international students to apply for a 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension, totaling 36 months beyond graduation.

The Master of Science in Supply Chain Management (MSSCM) is a full-time, 32-credit, cohort-based master’s program designed to equip experienced professionals with the strategic and analytical mindset to lead end-to-end supply chains.

Professionals seeking to accelerate or transition into strategic roles in supply chain, operations, logistics, sourcing or analytics, who have a minimum of 2 years of full-time work experience.

It is a one-year (12-month) program completed across three semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer). It is full-time, cohort-based, with a format structured for working professionals: a mix of in-person evening classes, online courses, and condensed weekend sessions.

The program has one annual intake starting in August each year. Applications are reviewed across multiple rounds. View requirements & deadlines.

Primarily designed for experienced candidates. A minimum of 2 years of full-time professional work experience is required (internships do not count). The average student has 8-10 years of experience.

Yes, the MSSCM program is a STEM-designated degree. This allows eligible international graduates to apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension (totaling 36 months of U.S. work authorization).

Admissions FAQs

We conduct a holistic review of your application. We consider your academic transcripts, resume, personal statement, and recommendations. We do not have a minimum GPA requirement. International applicants must provide proof of English proficiency unless they qualify for a Graduate School exemption.

It is an intensive, one-year, STEM-designated MS degree focused on deep supply chain strategy, big data analytics, and operations excellence. It utilizes a cohort model and features a dedicated Leadership Development component and a real-client capstone project.

A bachelor’s degree equivalent to a U.S. 4-year degree and a minimum of 2 years of full-time professional work experience. Requirements include a résumé, transcripts, a personal statement and two recommendations. View application requirements.

Yes it is required. A minimum of 2 years of full-time professional work experience (internships do not count) is mandatory at time of application submission. Fewer than two years will result in ineligibility. View admission requirements.

No, GMAT or GRE scores are not required for admission consideration.

The program utilizes multiple application rounds starting in September. Deadlines are December 1, Feb. 15, April 15 (finial deadline for applicants requiring F-1 visas), June 15 and July 15 (final deadline for all other applicants) with decisions typically released 6 to 8 weeks after each deadline. View requirements & deadlines.

No prior supply chain background is required, but you must have a minimum of 2 years of full-time professional work experience (internships are not included).

No. The program does not require a specific undergraduate major. Admission criteria focus on a candidate's readiness and professional work experience.

The program begins in August each year and utilizes multiple application rounds. December 1, Feb. 15, April 15 (final deadline for applicants requiring F-1 visas), June 15 and July 15 (final deadline for all other applicants). Admission decisions are typically released 6 to 8 weeks following the application deadline. View requirements & deadlines.

Yes. The program is STEM-designated and accepts international applicants.

The minimum required work experience is 2 years. Having more experience may strengthen your profile. Fewer than two years of full-time work experience will likely result in ineligibility for the program.

You must meet two main requirements: • Bachelor's Degree: Equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree. • Work Experience: Minimum of two years of full-time professional experience at the time of application. Internships are not included.

No. We strictly require two years of full-time professional work experience. Internships are not included.

No. You must have a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree or its equivalent. Students with a three-year degree must complete an additional year of post-baccalaureate study before applying.

Yes. International applicants must provide proof of English proficiency unless they qualify for a Graduate School exemption. Studying in English alone does not always waive testing; applicants must adhere to the University of Minnesota English-language requirements for accepted tests (TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Duolingo, etc.) and minimum scores.

You do not need a waiver because we do not require GMAT or GRE scores for admission.

Do not convert your GPA. Submit your transcripts as they are.

Yes. We require two recommendations. We suggest at least one from a supervisor.

We automatically waive the application fee for active duty U.S. military members.

The application opens in September for the following fall term.

We review applications in rounds. You can typically expect a decision within two months of the deadline. Check our website for specific dates.

We do not publish admission rates. Review our class profile to gauge your competitiveness.

We do not have a set number of seats or an international student quota. Check our class profile for typical cohort sizes.

Contact [email protected] to discuss your deferral options.

No, students who enroll in either the MSSCM or Full-Time MBA program are expected to complete the full program as intended. The curriculum, course timeline, program structure, and cohort model are not designed to accommodate students moving between programs.

No. You must submit a separate application for each program. If there are application materials you’d like to use across programs, such as Recommendations, reach out to the program office at [email protected] to see if this is possible.

Yes, degrees from any field are accepted. However, a 3-year bachelor’s degree from some countries may not satisfy the 4-year U.S. degree equivalent requirement without additional post-baccalaureate study.

Tuition & Aid

Students are responsible for securing their own housing (mostly off-campus).

Tuition is $1,797 per credit for 2025–2026, with no difference between resident and non-resident rates. The program requires 32 credits completed across three semesters (fall, spring, and summer), bringing total tuition to $57,504.

The MS in Supply Chain Management costs $57,504 in total tuition for 2025–2026, calculated at $1,797 per credit across 32 credits. The same rate applies to all students regardless of residency.

The program runs three semesters: fall, spring, and summer. For a full breakdown of fees, visit the Tuition & Aid page.

Yes, scholarships are available. Applicants who are residing and authorized to work in the United States can be considered merit-based scholarships. Details are on the program’s Tuition & Aid page.

Yes, scholarships are available. Applicants who are residing and authorized to work in the United States can be considered merit-based scholarships. Details are on the program’s Tuition & Aid page.

Yes. The program is structured for working professionals and many students are eligible for employer tuition reimbursement. Other options include federal loans (for eligible U.S. students), private loans, and scholarships.

Yes. The program is structured for working professionals, and many students are eligible for employer tuition reimbursement benefits.

Yes. Eligible U.S. students can access federal loans. All students may use private loans, employer benefits, and scholarships.

Yes. Veterans receive benefits, including an application fee waiver for U.S. armed forces and a 15% discount.

Tuition is calculated on a per-credit basis. Tuition rates are the same for resident and non-resident students. The MS in Supply Chain Management Program is comprised of 32 credits that will be completed across three intensive semesters (fall, spring, and summer). View Tuition & Aid for full details. And yes, scholarships are available.

No. There is one tuition rate for all students regardless of residency.

Curriculum

It is a 32-credit program over three semesters. Coursework covers end-to-end supply chain strategy, operations excellence/lean, big data analytics, logistics, strategic sourcing, technology, supply chain finance and leadership development. See the full Curriculum on the website.

You can further enhance your skills and broaden your professional network by enrolling in 2 elective courses outside the master’s in SCM program in your spring semester. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in the Carlson Consulting Enterprise, a unique management consultancy and academic experience.

Yes. Students complete a capstone project called "Global Operations Strategy / Supply Chain Solutions," where they work on a real-client supply chain challenge. Internships are not a component of this one-year program.

Experiential learning is delivered through the Global Operations Strategy capstone project where students work directly with real companies to solve business problems.

The format is designed for working professionals, with a mix of in-person evening courses, online classes, and condensed weekend sessions. However, it is primarily an on-campus program and not a remote format.

It is a one-year program (three semesters: fall, spring, summer) in a 32-credit format, starting in August. Courses are a mix of evening on-campus, online, and condensed weekend sessions.

You will learn end-to-end supply chain strategy, operations excellence/lean, big data analytics in supply chains, logistics and transportation, strategic sourcing, technology in supply chains, supply chain finance, leadership development and responsible supply chains.

Yes. A dedicated “Leadership Development” course is integrated into the curriculum, focusing on leading self, teams and organizations within supply chain contexts.

Yes. Students participate in a capstone “Global Operations Strategy / Supply Chain Solutions” project where they work on a real-client supply chain challenge.

The format is a mix of in-person evening classes, condensed weekend sessions and some online courses. It is not structured as a full remote format, as it is primarily on-campus in Minneapolis.

Community & Career

Students receive personalized career coaching via the Carlson Business Career Center (CBCC), access to company networking events, résumé and LinkedIn reviews and dedicated support for job searches in the supply chain field.

Graduates secure roles such as supply chain analyst, operations manager, sourcing manager, logistics/distribution manager, supply chain planning and supply chain consultancy. View MS Supply Chain Management employment statistics.

The program is designed for early- to mid-career professionals aiming for either upward mobility or a functional change within their current organization or at a new company.

Yes. The program utilizes its location in the Twin Cities supply chain ecosystem, offering opportunities through industry guest speakers, client projects and partnerships with major corporations.

The STEM designation improves visa-work options (OPT extension). Job outcomes ultimately depend on the current market, employer sponsorship policies and the individual's professional experience.

Personalized career coaching from the Carlson Business Career Center, access to company networking events, résumé and LinkedIn reviews, and dedicated job search support in the supply chain field. Graduates have lifetime access to the career center.

Graduates secure roles such as supply chain analyst, operations manager, sourcing manager, logistics/distribution manager and supply chain planning/consultancy. View MS Supply Chain Management employment statistics.

Student Life

A cohort model with students who have an average of 8-10 years of professional work experience, ranging from 2 years up to 30+ years, offering a strong peer-to-peer learning environment.

Students can join supply chain/operations clubs, broader Carlson graduate student organizations and participate in industry events. Leadership Development sessions are integrated throughout the program.

The program leverages its network in the Twin Cities supply chain ecosystem through industry guest speakers, client projects and corporate partnerships. The alumni network is highly accessible through the career center.

A rigorous, intensive experience built around a cohort model, fostering collaboration and peer support. Students balance their professional careers with evening/weekend/online classes, team collaboration and required leadership sessions.

Yes. Classes are primarily held as in-person evening sessions, with some courses delivered in a condensed (weekend) or online format.

Students build community through team-based collaboration, required leadership sessions, the cohort model structure, and engagement with industry speakers and corporate partners.

Yes. They can join supply chain/operations clubs, broader Carlson graduate student organizations, and participate in industry events.

The format, which includes a mix of evening, weekend, and online components, offers working professionals some scheduling flexibility. However, the program is academically intensive.