Top 5 Supply Chain Schools
Becoming formally educated in procurement used to be virtually unheard of. These days, there are a variety of undergrad and grad school programs that cater to procurement and supply chain. When it comes to picking a top supply chain management program, there are many factors to keep in mind, like location, reputation, and cost. When you ask someone what they think the top school is, you’ll almost always receive a different answer — after all, we’ve all had different experiences regardless of how touted a program may be. To get you started though, here’s a breakdown of some of the very best options available right now.
Note: The rankings below are based on peer assessment surveys and industry lists.
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
Why Michigan State?
Michigan State University is a public research university that was founded in 1855. Michigan State's supply chain management program has been ranked number one in a variety of publications around the world. The school offers a variety of graduate and certificate programs — some of which can be taken online so you can access their programs and award-winning faculty wherever you are. The school has created its own Supply Chain Management Association to allow students to communicate and network with leaders in the industry, allowing them to further develop their experience and connections outside of the classroom. Find out more about the programs they offer here.
Rutgers Business School
Newark, NJ
Why Rutgers Business School?
Rutgers Business School was founded in 1929 and offers a variety of Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. degrees. Rutger's Supply Chain Management department focuses on offering a multidisciplinary education that focuses equally on practice and theory. The MBA program covers procurement and global sourcing, logistics optimization, marketing models and marketing research, distribution and pricing strategies, product and supply chain innovation, and more so their graduates can help solve future industry challenges and find top placements in the industry. You can find out more about the program here.
Fact: Over 30% of Rutgers’ MBA class of 2018 went into operations or logistics roles.
Arizona State University--Tempe
Tempe, AZ
Why Arizona State University--Tempe?
Arizona State University, which was established in 1885, has five campuses across the Phoenix metropolitan area and is one of the largest public universities by enrollment in the U.S. The school offers a range of degrees in supply chain management, specializing in health-sector supply chain management, logistics management, supply chain sustainability, and more. They also have a student-run organization that helps students network and further develop their skills. See the details of their supply chain management program here.
Want to fast track your undergrad? When you enroll in the program, you'll have the option to choose between a 2.5- or a 3-year path while still receiving the educational experience of typical 4-year programs.
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA
Why Pennsylvania State University?
Pennsylvania State University was founded in 1855 has multiple campuses and facilities throughout the state. Pennsylvania State University has the largest Alumni Association in the United States. So, if networking is top of mind, this is the school for you. Plus, since many of the courses are offered online — including a full Master’s degree — you can have a more flexible experience while connecting with some of the best instructors in the industry from all over the world. Find out more about their programs here.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA
Why the Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology was incorporated in 1861 and was founded to accelerate the nation’s industrial revolution. The school offers diverse options to advance your career in supply chain management, including a Master's program, a Doctoral program, and an online MicroMasters program. MIT Supply Chain Management is the founding member of the MIT Global Supply Chain and Logistics Excellence Network, which is an international alliance of leading-edge research and education centers dedicated to the development and dissemination of global innovation in supply chain and logistics. See what they have to offer here.