The Master of Science in Supply Chains & Operations Management (M.S.-SC&OM) is open to those who have completed an undergraduate degree in business, engineering or the sciences.  The objective of the MS program in SC&OM is to train globally competitive graduates who intend to assume leadership positions in supply chain management, logistics, and manufacturing & service  operations management, and contribute to the competitiveness of firms operating in the global, dynamic marketplace. 

We are implementing a new, state-of-the-art curriculum in fall 2008, and expanding our new department in both Supply Chain Management and Strategy areas. Two new additional faculty members will join us in the supply chain management area in fall 2008. We have a strong research component, as well as strong industry connections in the US as well as in Asian countries.

The MS program in SC&OM is a 30-credit program, which can be completed in one year. The curriculum consists of nine specific 3-credit courses plus a 3-credit interactive project supervised by faculty and/or conducted at a client organization. The program provides ample opportunities for learning theoretical and conceptual materials, which are validated with industry experience.

The M.S.-SC&OM was developed in response to views consistently expressed by industry practitioners in recent years, based on evolving trends in the industry. Specifically, during the last two decades, manufacturing and service industries were preoccupied mainly with firm-level improvement strategies, such as manufacturing resource planning (MRP II), just-in-time (JIT) systems and business process reengineering (BPR). In recent years, however, the need to improve inter-firm communication and coordination along the supply chain has come to be realized as the new frontier in improving operations management.

Ever-increasing customer demands on product price, quality, variety, lead-time, and the need to pursue mass customization have forced companies to focus attention not only on internal operations, but also on ensuring coordinated response on the part of the entire supply chain, including suppliers and distributors. In addition, with the advent of new information systems and technologies (IS and IT), such as EDI, Internet, Intranet and Extranet, inter-organizational coordination mechanisms have become more efficient, creating unprecedented opportunities to improve supply chains.

Career Opportunities
The MS program is a relatively new program within the School, and it has been very successful in placement. Several of our MS graduates are currently working in leading firms such as Accenture, Penske Logistics, Supply Chain Consultants, Logistics Division of US Army, and as sourcing executives in manufacturing firms, etc.

 “I obtained my MS in SC&OM in 2004.  Since then I have been with Accenture in their SCM practice. The decision to get my masters has proved to be a great one.  I use the concepts learned at UB on a daily basis”.   
- Kevin Norsen, Accenture, (MS in SC&OM graduate, 2004).

Student Organizations
Students are encouraged to join student chapter of the American Production & Inventory Control Society (APICS) and pursue networking opportunities with industry professionals. APICS activities include conducting plant tours, inviting professionals for guest lectures, and preparing for APICS certification (CPIM/CFPIM/CIRM) examinations. Students will also have the opportunity to join the Institute of Supply Management (ISM, formerly NAPM), and Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP).

 
NOTE: MS IN SC&OM IS A FULL-TIME, ONE-YEAR RESIDENCY PROGRAM