Top Online Programs in Operations Management and Logistics
Updated November 1, 2023
Join the Field in the Most Sectors and Industries
The operations management and logistics field serves most sectors and industries today. Operations management involves planning and overseeing organizational processes. Logistics focuses on operational and organizational aspects involving the transportation of goods, services, or people.
A bachelor's degree in operations management and logistics usually requires four years to finish. Accelerated online programs offer shorter graduation timelines. Learners with an associate degree usually submit recommendation letters and transcripts demonstrating a minimum 2.0-3.0 GPA. First-year applicants often need to submit test scores.
Operations management and logistics program graduates often find work in services or manufacturing industries. They can also work in public sector organizations. A bachelor's degree usually meets the minimum educational requirements for general and operations manager positions. These workers earn a median annual salary of $103,650, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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What Can I Do With an Operations Management and Logistics Degree?
Online programs in operations management and logistics prepare graduates for diverse technical and managerial roles. Degree-holders focus on improving operational efficiency and effectiveness. Operations and logistics managers at large organizations may hold specialized roles in project management. Other potential fields include logistics and transportation, purchasing management, and quality control.
Common entry-level positions include production supervisor, work scheduler, or quality control specialist. Graduates may also find work as business or operations analysts. Some operations management and logistics bachelor's degree-holders qualify for managerial roles with enough professional experience. These roles include project manager, materials manager, and production planner.
Operations management and logistics careers typically require at least a related bachelor's degree. Some employers prefer candidates with a master's degree, such as a master's in supply chain management. Online operations management and logistics programs often serve working students seeking continuing education, promotion, or career transition.
Accreditation for an Operations Management and Logistics Program
Accreditation measures academic quality. Accrediting agencies assess quality through indicators such as faculty credentials, library resources, and curricula. These agencies also factor in programmatic or institutional performance.
People considering an operations management and logistics degree should choose a program at an accredited school. Only accredited schools have sufficient academic legitimacy to qualify their students for federal financial aid. Good operations management and logistics programs usually appear at academic institutions with accreditation from Council for Higher Education Accreditation-recognized agencies.
Many high-quality programs also boast programmatic accreditation from business education accrediting agencies. Examples include the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education. The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs is another example. The government's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs provides an official accreditation record for verification purposes.
What Are the Requirements for an Operations Management and Logistics Program?
First-year applicants often submit test scores and official high school transcripts that show a high school or GED diploma. Applicants typically need at least a 2.0-3.0 GPA. Students may need to take prerequisites to gain formal acceptance into the major.
A bachelor's degree in operations management and logistics comprises about 120 credits total. The curriculum includes both general education and major-related requirements. Many programs include capstone projects and internships.
Courses in an Operations Management and Logistics Program
Online programs in operations management and logistics combine general education coursework with business core courses and concentration-related classes. General education coursework may include lower-level math, sciences, and humanities classes. Business core requirements typically include economics, leadership, and business writing.
The operations management and logistics degree curriculum often features practical courses in transportation management. Other common class subjects include operations management, global supply chain management, and quality control.
Many programs include capstone projects or internships. These experiences allow students to apply classroom learning to real-world business situations. See below for descriptions of sample operations management and logistics program courses.
Operations Management This core course provides an overview of foundational operations management principles, issues, and practices. Enrollees learn how to design and implement operations strategies, processes, and projects. The course examines operation systems and integrates forecasting, production scheduling, and capacity planning. Learners also gain skills in quality control and inventory management.
This course is often a core requirement for online operations management and logistics degrees. It prepares enrollees to manage international sourcing, distribution, and coordination. Students learn about inventory theory, mass customization, and model development. They analyze case studies and learn how to make strategic, long-term decisions about resource investment, process configuration, and partnership development.Global Supply Chain Management
Most bachelor's degree in operations management and logistics programs include a purchasing course. It covers capital assets, spare parts, and cycles and practices for purchasing raw and consumable materials. Enrollees learn the importance of good supplier-vendor relationships and vendor management systems. The skills and knowledge gained in the course support effective purchasing and supply chain management decisions.Purchasing and Vendor Management
Often offered as an elective option, quality control focuses on quality management issues in private and public sectors and in national and international markets. Students acquire a working understanding of quality control in both manufacturing-based and services-based industries. The course often uses case studies, applied projects, and experiential learning to build understanding of these topics.Quality Management and Control
This course surveys key theories and concepts about material flow, inventory-related cost estimation, and delivery. Enrollees learn concepts and practices related to obsolescence, waste, and just-in-time delivery. The course supports aspiring operations, inventory, and warehouse management professionals. Students learn how to make profitable decisions and design systems that encourage smooth operations.Inventory and Warehouse Management
Top Online Bachelor's in Operations Management and Logistics Programs
A public research university based in Miami, FIU delivers an online bachelor of business administration in logistics and supply chain management. The curriculum focuses on efficiency, cost reduction, and customer experience.
The 120-credit bachelor's degree in operations management and logistics requires 60 lower-division credits and 60 upper-division credits in business, operations management, and logistics. Major courses explore topics including export marketing, global logistics, and marketing channels.
Enrollees learn about current logistics technologies and can participate in internships through the FIU Global Logistics Advisory Board and the Ryder Center for Supply Chain Management. In addition to a bachelor's degree, the program confers professional certifications.
Applicants need a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and satisfactory performance in seven prerequisite courses. Applicants submit SAT or ACT scores and official transcripts. In-state students receive a discounted tuition rate. FIU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
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Based in Riverside, California, CBU offers an online bachelor of arts in business administration with a concentration in logistics and operations. The degree prepares individuals for careers as logistics professionals, budget analysts, cost estimators, and claims professionals. CBU's operations management and logistics program emphasizes business ethics, information collection and analysis, and problem-solving skills.
Learners complete general education coursework and prerequisites in economics, composition, algebra, and business information technology. The bachelor's degree in logistics and operations requires 48 units in business, management, and logistics. Students learn about global supply chain management, operations management, and project and team management. Students also take a Bible course.
Depending on prior coursework, working students usually complete the accelerated, online bachelor's program in about 16 months. Applicants submit official transcripts and need a minimum 2.0 GPA. Applicants with at least 14 transferable units receive preference. CBU holds regional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
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A private, nonprofit, Catholic university, Saint Leo enrolls nearly 16,000 students in more than 50 countries. The university houses the nation's largest Catholic business college and delivers a BA in business administration with a logistics specialization. The program prepares learners for positions within global organizations.
The bachelor's degree in operations management and logistics requires 36 common body of knowledge credits and 42 university explorations credits. Logistics students complete several foundational business classes and 24 concentration courses. Concentration course topics include transportation and distribution management, quality improvement and management, and procurement and purchasing.
Logistics students can earn credit through internships with local businesses or the military. Students receive opportunities to present research papers at Saint Leo's annual International Business Conference in Tampa. Saint Leo is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
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A private, nonprofit school based in Parkville, Missouri, Park offers an online bachelor of science in logistics that prepares students to improve organizational profitability and efficiency. Enrollees gain skills in data mining, communication, and management. Graduates qualify to take professional certification examinations from the National Association of Purchasing Management and the American Production and Inventory Control Society.
Park's online programs feature five eight-week terms per year. The 120-credit hour bachelor's in logistics curriculum includes 66 major credit hours. Learners complete foundational business courses in accounting, economics, marketing, and math. Students also take logistics courses in areas such as cost accounting, transportation and distribution, and systems engineering and analysis.
Additional course options include international logistics, managing information systems, purchasing and vendor management, and quality control. Learners can also pursue a logistics internship. Park holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
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The online BS in operations management from SNHU offers concentrations in logistics and transportation and project management. A private nonprofit university in Manchester, SNHU helps operations management students cultivate skills in problem-solving, continuous improvement, sustainability, and decision-making. The program prepares students to obtain a PMI® Certified Associate in Project Management.
With accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, the program features courses in sustainable operations, reverse logistics, and transportation management. Coursework also explores operations management theory, accountability, and risk management. Students pursuing the bachelor's in operations management learn how to use relevant software programs and to manage purchasing, transportation, and warehousing.
Learners can apply up to 90 transfer credits toward the operations management and logistics degree. The university offers discounted tuition rates for military personnel. SNHU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
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The online bachelor of applied science in logistics program at FSCJ serves aspiring logisticians and operations, transportation, warehouse, and distribution managers. FSCJ's operations management and logistics program emphasizes writing, critical thinking, and analysis skills. Enrollees also complete coursework in financial management, regulatory compliance, supply chain management, and logistics technologies.
FSCJ's 120-credit curriculum includes 36 general education credits in communications, mathematics, humanities, and sciences. Learners also complete 18 credits of lower-division coursework in inventory, warehouse, and operations management. Coursework covers topics including transportation, purchasing, and statistics, and students can customize the degree through elective options. Upper-division classes explore operational decision-making and sustainable business strategies. Enrollees complete a logistics capstone.
Students can transfer up to 75% of required credits. FSCJ is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The operations management and logistics degree program holds accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
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A public university in Greenville, North Carolina, ECU offers an online bachelor of science in business administration (BSBA) with a concentration in operations and supply chain management. The operations management and logistics degree prepares distance learners for graduate studies or a career in operations, sourcing, or logistics. BSBA graduates qualify to take the Certified Purchasing Manager Professional Examination.
The curriculum includes 40 general education credits. BSBA students also complete 51 business core credits in business writing, statistics, leadership, and business decision-making. The supply chain concentration requires nine credits in strategic logistics management, strategic supply chain management, and purchasing and materials management. Learners also take electives in quality management or project management and complete coursework in marketing, distribution, or supply chain systems.
Applicants to the supply chain management concentration need a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and prerequisite business coursework. ECU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
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NAU, a public university in Flagstaff, delivers an online bachelor of applied science in logistics and supply chain management. The program caters to working professionals seeking career advancement. Learners complete experiential and team-oriented assignments to cultivate communication and collaboration skills.
The 120-unit curriculum includes at least 30 upper-division units. In addition to major coursework, learners fulfill liberal studies, junior-level writing, and diversity requirements. Major classes explore sustainable logistics, strategic logistics, and logistics network analysis and design. Students also take general business courses. The operations management and logistics degree culminates with a capstone experience.
Transfer students must complete at least 18 upper-division units and 30 total units at NAU. All students must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. NAU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The operations management and logistic program holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
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UMass Amherst delivers an online bachelor of business administration program with a concentration in operations and information management. The program combines foundational business coursework with practical simulations.
In addition to 10-12 general education courses, learners complete business core courses, major classes, and non-business elective credits. Business courses explore foundational topics including economics, marketing, management, and finance. Operations and information courses cover topics including high performance organization, quality management, business intelligence and analytics, and information and project management. Degree-seekers also take a class in business processes and enterprise systems.
Applicants need at least 27 transferable credits and a minimum 3.0 GPA. UMass Amherst is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. The operations management and logistics program holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
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A public research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Temple offers an online bachelor of business administration in supply chain management. The program emphasizes sustainability, competitive infrastructures, worldwide logistics, and global performance measurement. Learners prepare to pursue careers and graduate studies in the field.
The supply chain concentration helps students develop skills in planning and forecasting, sales and customer service, and product assembly. Enrollees also study distribution strategies, procurement, leadership, and communication. Additional coursework explores global entrepreneurship, inventory and warehouse management, and principles of supply chain management.
New students can enter the operations management and logistics program in fall or spring. Enrollees choose between 15-week semesters and accelerated 6- to 7-week terms. Online students attend live, weekly conferencing sessions. Online learners can also access career coaching, resume critiques, and networking opportunities. Temple is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
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FAQ About Operations Management and Logistics
What is the difference between supply chain management logistics and operations management?
Supply chain management logistics focuses on operations such as the purchasing and delivery of goods, which takes place outside the company. Operations management usually oversees the production of goods or services within the company.
What is taught in operations management and logistics?
The field features general business courses and focused coursework in performance management. Other course topics may include transportation and delivery logistics and purchasing and vendor management.
What is an example of operation management?
Operations managers may oversee various levels of organizational activities. These activities may include strategy design, planning, and quality control or performance measurement.
What skills do you need for operations management and logistics?
The field usually requires core business skills in strategy, communication, problem-solving, and personnel management. Specialized skills may include project management, data analysis, and vendor management.