What can I do with a supply chain management degree?

Organizations in virtually every industry rely on supply chain managers to oversee some of the most essential processes to keep their businesses moving in a global marketplace. That means demand for supply chain management professionals is on the rise — now and in the years to come! In fact, demand for Rider's global supply chain management graduates is stronger than ever. Over 50% of our May 2022 graduates secured entry-level positions before graduation and 100% of the class had accepted positions shortly after. 

Here’s what experts are saying:

  • Supply chain management/logistics ranked in the top 25 on U.S. News & World Report's 2022 best jobs list
  • According to the 2022 Logistics Management Magazine annual survey, demand is escalating for supply chain professionals. The average salary for supply chain professionals exceeded $125,000, with senior executives’ salaries often exceeding $250,000.  
  • With logistics accounting for about 8% to 10% of U.S. GDP and spending on supply chain growing faster than the overall economy, the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals confidently claims that the field offers significant opportunities for college graduates coming out of supply chain management programs.  
  • The US Department of Labor Statistics supports this positive job outlook by stating,“employment of logisticians is projected to grow 30% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations."

Strong entry-level opportunities

For graduating supply chain majors, some of the most common entry-level positions within the field of GSCM include: 

  • Logistics or Supply Chain Analyst
  • Retail Buyer
  • Demand Planner 
  • Supply Planner 
  • Inventory Planner 
  • Production Planner
  • Transportation Planner or Analyst
  • Logistics Project Manager 
  • Procurement Specialist  
  • Customer Service Specialist
  • Warehouse or Plant Supervisor
  • Manufacturing and Distribution Network Planner 
  • Account Representative (such as for a third party public warehouse firm) 

A career that can take you places

Love to travel?

GSCM positions offer exceptional opportunities for exciting travel both internationally and domestically.  Conversely, many jobs require minimal to no travel.  Overall, supply chain offers the variety, flexibility and growth potential to meet your needs and interests, whatever they may be. 

Certification and Advanced Study Options

A number of professional certifications in Supply Chain Management can be pursued after earning an undergraduate degree, including: 

  • Certified Professional in Supply Chain Management (CPS)
  • Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)

Additionally, the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) and the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) both offer excellent ongoing GSCM educational programs for supply chain professionals. These educational programs allow supply chain professionals to continually enhance their skills sets as their careers progress.

An undergraduate degree in supply chain management is also great training for general business managers. The GSCM major, coupled with the standard courses such as accounting, finance, business analytics and others required of all business school students, offers the rounded educational experience needed to run a business. A number of supply chain majors have returned to run their family businesses after graduation, armed with the broad skill sets of a major that covers all the activities of “plan, source, make and deliver” (what the supply chain profession defines as the broad span of supply chain management).