The Top Logistics MBA Online Programs

Logistics, which is the study of supply chain management, is an important and growing field, especially given the increasingly international nature of the marketplace. Businesses are constantly searching for supply chain managers who can communicate effectively with suppliers and productions facilities in order to keep day-to-day business moving. Individuals who want to break into this fast growing field should consider enrolling in online MBA logistics programs, which focus on methods for enhancing the efficiency of production. Completing an online MBA in logistics will provide students with the skills necessary to make connections between suppliers, businesses and customers.

The best online logistics MBA schools teach students to successfully manage a system of transportation for goods and services. Students enrolled in logistics MBA online programs learn to streamline the transportation process, select and train a support team and manage numerous projects at the same time. Most MBA online logistics schools will also provide courses describing the latest technology used to coordinate and organize supply chain systems.

How can I tell if an online MBA logistics degree is right for me?

Students interested in data analysis, systems management and leadership might find a logistics MBA online program a graduate program.

Some additional characteristics that are common amongst many online MBA logistics students are:

• A capacity for organizing, planning, and prioritizing work
• An ability for communicating with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• A flair for analyzing data or information
• A knack for getting information
• A flair for making decisions and solving problems

How long does it take to earn an MBA online logistics degree?

The time it takes to earn a logistics MBA degree online is comparable to the time it takes to earn other MBAs online. This degree generally requires two years of full-time education to finish. But, some institutions have part-time or accelerated programs that give students the ability to finish the degree in a more convenient manner.

What are the prerequisites and admission requirements for MBA logistics schools online?

Accredited online MBA logistics programs normally require students to possess an undergraduate degree prior to enrolling in the MBA program. Some schools that have an MBA logistics online program favor applicants who have degrees in subjects like informatics, supply chain management, resource management, and business administration.

In addition to requiring students to have a bachelor’s degree, many online MBA in logistics programs base admission on the following criteria:

• Personal interviews
• Academic transcripts
• References or Letters of Recommendation
• Work experience

What courses will I take in logistics MBA programs online?

The majority of accredited logistics MBA schools online are organized so that students study general topics in their first year and specialized areas during their second year. The first half of an online Master of Business Administration in Logistics generally contains relevant core business courses such as managerial accounting, finance, ethical decision making, managerial decision making and human capital management. While these courses are similar to those of other MBA specializations offered by many online MBA schools the second half of an MBA logistics online program builds on those classes with more specialized content.

During the second half of an online Master of Business Administration in Logistics the focus of the coursework often becomes narrower. In a standard program, courses might include integrated supply management, inventory process management and control, supply chain management, procurement and materials management and economic forecasting. These classes give students practical skills that will be of value in real-world business situations.

Many students enrolled in online logistics MBA programs complete an internship during the course of their education. Internships are valuable. Through them, students not only make helpful business contacts, but they also get a chance to apply what they are learning in their classes.

What are the best online MBA in logistics books I should consider reading?

Books that might be on point for students interested in logistics MBA careers include:

1. Lean Six Sigma for Supply Chain Management (James Martin) – This book combines popular manufacturing and management theories to create a ten step process for improving supply chain performance.

2. New Supply Chain Agenda: The 5 Steps That Drive Real Value (Reuben Slone; J. Paul Dittmann; John T. Mentzer) – The authors provide a step-by-step process for identifying and overcoming common errors made by supply chain managers.

3. Single Point of Failure: The Ten Essential Laws of Supply Chain Risk Management (Gary S. Lynch) – Case histories are presented to help supply chain managers better understand how to evaluate risk in their businesses.

4. The New Science of Retailing: How Analytics are Transforming the Supply Chain and Improving Performance (Marshall Fisher & Ananth Raman) – This book helps those who are interested in an online MBA in logistics better understand how to analyze data to predict trends in the supply chain business.

5. Operations Rules: Delivering Customer Value Through Flexible Operations (David Simchi-Levi) – This guide offers rules for managing a successful supply chain, but it differs from other books in that it relies solely on mathematical and scientific models.

What are my future job prospects if I pursue logistics MBA jobs?

Earning an MBA from schools with high online logistics MBA rankings can open the door to earning a top logistics MBA salary. Currently there are over one million jobs in logistics, offering students plenty of opportunity to make use of their degrees. Some of the average salaries for logistics jobs include:

• Industrial Production Manager: $87,150
• Construction Manager: $83,860
• Purchasing Manager: $58,360
• Logisticians: $70,800

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that over the next ten years, the demand for logisticians will grow by 26%, almost twice that of expected overall job growth in the economy. This fast growth is due in large part to the complex nature of the global economy. As businesses become more involved in the international market, the need for individuals with logistics experience increases.

Many employers want graduates who have earned their degrees from AACSB accredited logistics MBA programs. Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accreditation generally indicates that a business school provides a quality education.

What are the top online schools to pursue an online Logistics MBA degree?

• Colorado Technical University
• Ashford University
• Capella University