MBA: Supply Chain and Operations Specialization

Make an Impact in Business with a Supply Chain and Operations MBA

Prepare to design and manage processes to meet the needs of customers in Minnesota Carlson's MBA with a specialization in supply chain management. Full-Time MBA and Part-Time MBA students will learn to make decisions related to strategic planning and sourcing and delivering products and services. These decisions have a huge impact on global business. You'll also learn how to ensure social responsibility through your work. 

Rather than focusing on any single facet of delivering a product or service to the customer, supply chain and operations careers cover the entire network from suppliers to customers.
 

format
Format

Full-Time: On-campus 
Part-Time: In-person, Online

duration
Duration

Full-Time: 2 years 
Part-Time: Average 3.5 years

work experience
Work experience

Full-Time: Average 5 years 
Part-Time: Average 6 years 

start date
Start date

Full-Time: Fall (September) 
Part-Time: Fall (September); Spring (January); Summer (June) 

Supply Chain Management Courses

Because the field of supply chain and operations is broad, the specialization includes a wide range of courses that can be combined to best fit your career aspirations and interests. Students should complete 12 or more credits of SCO courses for a specialization. Courses are grouped into two categories: foundational and electives. The foundational courses serve as an entry point into different aspects of SCO. Electives provide deeper coverage of special topics. 

Please note, not all courses listed are offered every semester. Use the One Stop Class Schedule to verify each semester's course offerings and the assigned professor.
 

Choose at least 4 credits from the following:

  • SCO 6045: Strategic Sourcing - 2 Credits
  • SCO 6048: Logistics and Transportation - 2 Credits
  • SCO 6072: Managing Technologies in the Supply Chain - 2 Credits
     

Choose 4 - 8 credits from the following:

  • SCO 6041: Project Management - 2 Credits
  • SCO 6085: Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning - 2 Credits
  • SCO 6094: Responsible Supply Chain Management - 2 Credits
  • SCO 6096: Supply Chain Management in the Healthcare and Medical Devices Sector - 2 Credits
  • SCO 6098: Operations Excellence via Lean Thinking - 2 Credits
  • SCO 6191: Big Data Analytics in Supply Chains - 2 Credits
  • SCO 6192: Supply Chain Finance - 2 Credits
  • SCO 6850: Topics in Operations and Management Science - Credits vary
     

In addition to SCO courses, you should consider other complementary disciplines such as marketing, operations, information systems, finance, or strategy for further coursework. The following courses have particular relevance for students emphasizing in supply chain and operations:

  • MKTG 6075: Pricing Strategy - 4 Credits
  • MGMT 6004: Negotiation Strategies - 2 Credits
  • MGMT 6032: Strategic Alliances - 2 Credits
  • MGMT 6084: Management of Teams - 2 Credits
     
Supply chain MBA students in class with chart on screen

Pursue a Thriving Career in Supply Chain Management

No matter your career aspirations, Minnesota Carlson is here to support you. Connect to a wide range of opportunities and companies that directly shape or impact the supply chain management field. You can work with the Carlson Business Career Center (CBCC) to search for jobs, polish your resume, and practice your interview skills. It's a one-stop shop to help you on every step of your career journey.

Companies from a variety of industries come to Minnesota Carlson seeking graduates with expertise in supply chain and operations. Many students work in:

  • Consulting
  • Manufacturing
  • Retail
  • Service and transportation
Explore Careers
18%

increase in the demand for logisticians between 2022 and 20231

76%

of graduates reported a significant job change within four months of completion (Part-Time and Online MBA graduates)2

38,300

new job openings for logisticians between 2022 and 20231

More Ways to Customize Your MBA

Explore our other specialization options:

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore some of our frequently asked MBA specialization questions below.

Apply to the MBA program using our online application. You will not apply to the specialization. Request information for the Full-Time or Part-Time MBA program and we're happy to answer any outstanding questions.

Generally, specializations require students to complete a track of 12-13 credits of courses within a specified subject area. Course recommendations for each specialization are outlined on the documents posted on the specialization webpage

Yes. Choosing a specialization is not required, and you can change your pathway during your program to pursue another.

A specialization indicates your mastery of and demonstrated interest in a specific area of business, as well as your commitment to that area. Being able to tailor your degree to your goals makes you uniquely qualified for the roles you're planning to pursue after graduation.

Graduates hold titles like logistician in an array of industries, including consulting, manufacturing, retail, and service and transportation.

Stay Connected

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Sources

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Logisticians. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
  2. Part-Time and Online Master of Business Administration Employment Report 2023. University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management.