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What is the Supply Chain Management Associate Degree?
AMU’s online program includes an overview of logistics management, inventory management, distribution management, operations management techniques, and supply chains.
This associate degree is designed to equip students with an introduction to the skills needed to manage all the logistical functions in an organization. The program can be a good match if you’re interested in:
- Learning from faculty with real-world expertise.
- Exploring the field without committing to a longer program of study.
- Acquiring skills that can help you potentially realize your professional goals more quickly.
- Expanding your understanding of how your organization manages its supply chain.
Even if you already have a degree and are established in your career, this program is designed to help you be a more effective leader and understand how supply chain management works.
AMU offers its supply chain management program at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s level. All three are military-friendly and accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP®).
American Military University is part of American Public University System (APUS), which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Vigorous evaluation ensures that the quality of our supply chain associate’s degree program meets national standards.
Why Is It Important to Choose an Accredited Program?
- Institutional accreditation validates the quality of an institution and can show potential employers that the program has met the necessary standards and competencies set by industry experts.
- As a student at an accredited institution, qualified individuals are eligible to participate in federal educational entitlement programs, such as military tuition assistance, federal financial aid, the Department of Veterans Affairs GI Bill®
- Accreditation ensures the same standards and criteria are applied to all supply chain and logistics management programs.
ACBSP® is a registered trademark of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. ACBSP accredits business, accounting, and business-related programs at the associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degree levels.
GI Bill is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill, and many corporate education assistance programs.
Can the Supply Chain Associate Degree Be Earned Online?
At AMU, you can earn this associate of arts completely online and at your own pace. There are weekly class schedules with assignments due at the end of the week. You can log in to complete the assignments on your schedule because there are no regular class meetings or lectures.
Benefits of Earning the Associate Degree in Supply Chain Management Online
Learning online gives you the flexibility your world may demand. Studying at AMU gives you a quality, respected education designed to help you succeed in school and beyond. So, whether you’re deployed to a remote base, managing a demanding job, or running a busy household, AMU lets you learn on your time, in your space. When you learn online you can:
- Earn a degree even if you live in a place where this program is not offered on-campus.
- Find everything from library resources to technical requirements and how to get technical support—all available with the click of your mouse.
- Interact with other students from around the globe who share your interests.
- Learn from expert professors located across the country who are skilled in online education.
- Increase your comfort level with online technology.
Frequently Asked Questions about Learning Online
Is the program on-demand, or can I learn at my own pace/schedule?
You will have weekly assignments due by a stated weekly deadline. You can log in at a time that works for your schedule and meet weekly learning goals.
Do I have to attend live virtual classes?
AMU classes are asynchronous, meaning there is no set login time. You will have a weekly class schedule with assignments due at the end of each week.
Supply Chain Associate Degree Curriculum
To earn the degree for supply chain management, you will study a combination of general education, major, and elective classes.
Some common courses for students might include:
- Civics
- Communication
- Mathematics
- Arts and Humanities
- Natural Sciences
- Business basics
- Marketing
- Principles of Supply Chain Management
- Retail Shipping and Receiving
- Contracting and Acquisition
These courses are designed to enhance knowledge related to logistics and other responsibilities and build an understanding of supply chains in procurement, manufacturing, energy, transportation, and defense.
Why Get This Degree?
The supply chain management associate degree can be useful for people at various professional levels, whether you’re just starting out or have years of military or civilian experience. For example, if you work in marketing or sales your company could possibly benefit from your deeper understanding of logistics management. Education can help you connect with professional peers and expand your knowledge to make an impact. More than half of supply chain professionals age 29 and younger have an undergraduate degree in supply chain, according to the 2023 Supply Chain Salary and Career Report by the Association for Supply Chain Management.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of logisticians is projected to grow 28% from 2021 to 2031. This is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [career information accessed February 2023] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/logisticians.htm. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
What Comes After You Earn This Associate Degree Online?
A supply chain associate degree is designed to build knowledge for entry-level roles, such as logistician. Some jobs, particularly in management, require a bachelor's degree. The associate degree can help support professional interests in transportation, retail, and purchasing in various industries, including civilian companies and government agencies.
Roles like a supply chain manager often require a combination of education and experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, managers typically have at least a bachelor's degree in supply chain, sales, logistics management, or business management.
AMU’s program also helps to prepare you to take the Certified Supply Chain Certification (CSCP®) exam administered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM®).
CSCP® and ASCM® are registered trademarks of APICS, Inc.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [career information accessed February 2023] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/logisticians.htm. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
How to Pay for The Supply Chain Associate's Degree
AMU's Preferred Military Rate of $250/credit hour for all undergraduate and master's-level courses is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.
You can find private loan programs through private loan companies banks and credit unions.
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)* gives those who qualify access to federal student loans.
* FAFSA® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Education.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are looking to secure a fundamental understanding of logistics and supply chain management, an associate degree may be the answer. The best degree depends on your professional goals. If you want to take your knowledge to the next level, you could pursue an advanced degree. More than half of survey respondents age 29 and younger (53%) majored in supply chain, and about one-third (33%) studied supply chain, according to the Association for Supply Chain Management’s 2023 Supply Chain Salary and Career Report. Other areas of study included Business Administration and Engineering at the undergraduate level and Business Administration and Operations Management at the graduate level.
This degree includes coursework in finance, logistics management, and procurement. Degree programs are designed to equip students with expertise in these subjects and build critical thinking, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
While there are no specific minimum requirements, AMU’s supply chain associate’s degree is designed to build knowledge and skills often required for entry-level logistics management responsibilities. Our program also helps to prepare you to take the Certified Supply Chain Certification (CSCP®) exam administered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM®).
CSCP® and ASCM® are registered trademarks of APICS, Inc.
Supply chain managers typically have three to five years of experience, specific technical skills, or a bachelor’s degree.
The top 10 supply chain certifications are offered by these organizations: Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), Institute for Supply Management, SCPro Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, the International Society of Logistics, the National Contract Management Association, and the Project Management Institute.
Completion of this program does not award any professional certifications, but may be helpful in preparing to earn such certifications.