Home > Degree Programs > Master of Science > MS in Supply Chains and Operations Management

MS in Supply Chains and Operations Management

The Master of Science in Supply Chains and Operations Management is available to those who have completed an undergraduate degree in business, engineering or the sciences.

The Master of Science in Supply Chains and Operations Management 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.

This 30-credit program can be completed in one year. The curriculum consists of nine specific 3-credit courses offered by the School of Management and the Department of Industrial Engineering, plus a 3-credit interactive project supervised by a faculty member and conducted at a client organization. The program provides ample opportunities for learning theoretical and conceptual materials, which are validated with industry experience.

The UB School of Managment is now a member of the SAP University Alliances Program and will incorporate training in SAP software, including ERP systems, in MBA and MS coursework. 

Career Opportunities

The objective of the program is to develop graduates who intend to assume leadership positions in supply chain management and manufacturing and service operations management, and contribute to the competitiveness of firms operating in the global, dynamic 21st century marketplace.  A recent article in Fortune illustrates the profession in interesting terms.

Student Organizations

The student chapter of the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) was established to provide 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 National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM) and other supply chain organizations.

NOTE: MS In Supply Chains and Operations Management is a full-time, one year residency program.