How to select a logistics school

With demand high for education that is focused on logistics, a few schools are designing programs specifically for rank-and file warehouse workers. Kathleen Hedland is the director of education and research at the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. She says that employers want their employees to understand how their actions affect customers, and the ways in which actions taken by one department can impact other aspects of their work.

The options for degrees vary however, the majority of them include the foundation courses that introduce basic concepts, such as operations and supply chain management procurement, transportation, distribution networks, warehousing and inventory management, as well as business fundamentals. Some universities also offer specializations, including e-commerce and retail logistics, logistics and transportation analysis Global Logistics Management and many more.

Graduates are able to be employed in roles such as supply chain managers and logisticians. They could also work in roles like purchasing agents industrial production managers, purchasing agents and distribution managers. They can also seek certifications such as the Certified transportation logistics and cargo security degree Supply Chain Manager or the Certified Public Contract Manager to enhance their career opportunities.

Find out if the university is accredited. This can be accomplished by a group such as the U.S. Department of Education, or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. These organizations have accreditation for 8,200 institutions and 44,000 programs. Find a school that has high student-to-teacher ratios, as this will ensure you get a quality education.

Some colleges offer hybrid or online programs that combine classroom instruction with virtual learning opportunities. This kind of format is attractive to employees with the flexibility of their schedules and are not able or unwilling to attend traditional classes. Some online-only courses offer associate or certificate degrees and others offer master’s or bachelor’s degrees.