MS-SCM academics
The rapid pace of change in the world requires thinkers who have not only technical depth, but leadership and communication skills to match. To meet the world where it's going, the master's in supply chain management degree from Arizona State University trains future leaders to steer their network of providers — to develop and run supply networks that best benefit the consumer and the company.
Curriculum
The master’s degree in supply chain management is a full-time in-person program that requires 30 total credit hours. The core, end-to-end supply chain curriculum will develop your leadership skills while pushing your knowledge of supply chain forward. Faculty bring decades of cutting-edge, industry-focused research into each class session.
Based on input from industry partners and students, we have integrated artificial intelligence throughout the curriculum with immersive AI-enhanced simulations and AI-related case studies. You'll learn how to use AI to improve supply chain performance. Each assignment is designed to grow your skills and confidence in using the same AI agents and systems that industry professionals rely on.
This program provides a comprehensive understanding of advanced and globally relevant concepts that influence contemporary supply chain management.
Soliman Abdullah, MS-SCM graduate
Sample MS-SCM courses
Our supply chain management courses prepare you for careers in procurement, operations, and logistics. You'll build a holistic view of how integrated supply chain management contributes to business success across industries. The coursework highlights the impact of resilient and efficient global supply chains on the world economy. At the end, you'll apply your classroom knowledge during a culminating capstone project. Take a closer look at individual courses through ASU class search.
Covers theories and practices of modern logistics management within a market-driven supply chain. Begins with an outline of reasons why some operations are not efficient, then introduces management tools to improve efficiency and responsiveness followed by application of analytical tools to evaluate the current logistic management practices. Topics include logistics strategy, demand management, distribution and warehouse management, distribution/warehouse design and location decisions, transportation and delivery frequency, reverse logistics, humanitarian logistics and responsive supply chains.
Applies principles, philosophies and processes of supply management to facilitate the continuous improvement and strategic design of an organization's supply management system on a global basis. Focuses on topics like performance management and analytics, project management and governance and finance. Provides a comprehensive understanding of supply management and its impact on the organization.
The best descriptor of sustainability is “dynamic.” This creates a great deal of both uncertainty and opportunity: uncertainty about what is expected by regulators, consumers and watchdog groups. Opportunity to innovate and develop or use new technologies, leverage new markets, and alter business processes for the better. Our focus will always be on profitably increasing a firm’s sustainability and social responsibility. The course is largely a seminar format relying primarily on discussion of cases and articles.
Applied capstone project
The applied capstone project is the culmination of your business school education and experience. You'll tackle real-world supply chain issues in small student teams and meet weekly with an organization as you develop innovative supply chain solutions. At the end, you'll present a problem statement and solution framework to the organization's leadership team. This experience solving supply chain problems and using AI tools allows you to arrive at job interviews already fluent and able to demonstrate your skills.
Organizations of all sizes and industries, from large companies like Intel and Shamrock Foods to small local businesses, sponsor our capstone projects. Many of our corporate partners are part of the Supply Chain Executive Consortium, which provides a forum for supply chain leaders to support the MS-SCM program, and hire master's students for excellent capstone project performance.
Business intelligence track
Develop cutting-edge expertise with an optional third-semester track in business intelligence. This version of the MS-SCM program requires additional courses and takes 16 months to complete. Students dive deep into courses focused on data analytics, predictive modeling, visualization tools, and machine learning — all tailored specifically for supply chain applications. You’ll gain practical experience through industry projects, case studies, and internships with leading organizations.
Whether you're interested in analytics, operations, consulting, or strategic management, this specialized program will prepare you for a successful and rewarding career in supply chain management. The track in business intelligence equips you with a unique skill set that is highly valued in today's data-driven business environment, including:
- Supply chain analyst
- Business intelligence consultant
- Operations manager
- Supply chain manager/director
- Data scientist
- Logistics and distribution manager
- Procurement analyst/manager
- Supply chain technology specialist
- Business analyst
Professional preparation
The importance of supply chain and AI expertise continues to grow as our world changes. In addition to building your expertise, the MS-SCM provides access to motivated classmates, industry partners, and personalized career resources.
My classmates are from different backgrounds and different countries. Maybe we want to solve a problem, but this strategy cannot work in this country, or it works in the US, but it's not working in India. I was able to get to know more cultures. Also the professors come from different backgrounds. Some spend their whole life in professional studies. Other professors started businesses before, so they can provide more practical industry insights.
Ivy Chan, MS-SCM graduate
STEM designation
Our record of excellence and impact attracts motivated, diverse scholars from all over the world: over 120 countries are represented in the W. P. Carey student body alone. As a STEM-designated program, eligible graduates on student visas have access to an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension for up to 36 months. This longer work authorization term may help international students gain additional skills and experience in the U.S.
Faculty
The NASPO Department of Supply Chain Management within W. P. Carey is globally recognized for expertise in procurement, supply management, operations management, logistics, and supply chain performance optimization. Our supply chain faculty members are adept in leveraging AI for teaching and learning, with comprehensive knowledge on how to design coursework that integrates AI tools.