What is Supply Chain Management?

Supply Chain Management (SCM) is the active and intentional management of the flows of goods and services from product sourcing to the consumer. Great supply chain management is not a “one size fits all” approach anymore. People are one of a supply chain’s greatest assets, and companies need individuals who are strategic, agile and relationship-oriented. They need team members who can manage information, engage customers and suppliers, and integrate processes across both functions and firms.

Today’s supply chain leaders must be able to manage change and solve problems through data-driven and intuitive analytical capabilities, as supply chains are continuously challenged to innovate in today’s digital world. Effective supply chain management drives growth and profit for business, so companies are actively seeking supply chain management talent.

Why Supply Chain Management as a Business Administration Degree?

About 75% of businesses1 report a moderate to severe shortage of supply chain employees, and the ability to attract top talent was found to be one of the top business concerns in a recent SCM study2. A shortage of qualified talent equals career opportunities for supply chain management graduates in today’s competitive marketplace. The Sam M. Walton College of Business is in a unique position to meet these demands and invest in the supply chain leaders of tomorrow with an SCM degree.

To foster the end-to-end mindset necessary to be successful, the Walton College offers courses that teach students how to balance competing priorities and optimize the “whole”. Our courses taught by some of the best supply chain faculty in the nation are designed to enable supply chain talent. Additionally, our SCM majors have access to some of Fortune 500’s best companies in the world. An SCM business degree means students graduate with a deep understanding of supply chain management and the ability to make positive contributions to the business.

View short video about the BSBA in Supply CHain Management

(video length: 3:30)

 

Why Walton College?

The supply chain management undergraduate program in the Sam M. Walton College of Business has been ranked No. 1 in North America by the leading global research firm Gartner. The rankings reflect excellence in three specific areas: industry value, program scope and program size.

 

Why Supply Chain Management as an Online Degree?

This in-demand degree is offered 100% online to provide the flexibility that students need to balance work, family and other responsibilities. Support services for online students will help you along the path to graduation.

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Online Students
Pay In-State Tuition

 

Tuition / credit hour $339.83
Fee / credit hour
Library $4.41
Network & Data Systems $12.10
Off-Campus $30
Online Facilities $2

Tuition and fees per credit hour reflect fall 2023 rates for students studying completely online. If an online student takes a course on campus, tuition and fees will differ.

Financial Aid  

 

Learn how credits can transfer into our online programs.

Transfer Information 

 


Undergraduate Programs Office
479-575-4622
wline@walton.uark.edu


Job Market Outlook

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The Pathways career data reflect career information associated with degree programs, and that data may include some jobs that require additional credentials and experience BEYOND the academic degree, including but not limited to professional licensure and certification, additional coursework, and specific training. See " About this data" to learn more about Pathways.



Classification and Course Requirements

All students are classified as pre-business with an intended major of supply chain management in the online program until the following pre-business requirements are fulfilled:

  • Earn a grade of "C" or better in the following pre-business core courses:
  • Complete all pre-business core courses (or equivalents) with a minimum 2.50 GPA.
  • Obtain at least a 2.50 overall GPA.
  • All pre-business requirements must be met prior to enrollment into upper-division business and Supply Chain Management major courses.

The catalog of studies has the details on course requirements.

Some prospective students can qualify for an application fee waiver.


1 Accenture Manufacturing Institute. Study surveyed 300 executives from U.S. manufacturing companies with an average annual revenue of $100 million. The study was conducted between August 2013 and January 2014.

2 Morgan, B., Van Hull, P. (August 2018). Supply chain skills for the future. SCM World. A Gartner Community. pp. 32.



The Online Learner


Working Mother Overcomes Challenges of Adult Learners to Study Supply Chain Management

Emma Raines takes being a role model for her daughters very seriously. It’s one of the main reasons, beyond the potential for increased earnings and career advancement, she returned to school after 50.

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Student in Online Degree Program Seizes Study Abroad Opportunity

Houston Garner took only one in-person course while earning his University of Arkansas bachelor’s degree in supply chain management delivered online, and he went all the way to the ancient city of Rome to do it. Garner is a ...

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How A Unique Perspective Helps You See Global Supply Chains

Adriana Rossiter Hofer brings a unique perspective to her role as director of the Global Engagement Office at the Sam M. Walton College of Business. Her research and teaching both focus on global supply chain issues, she has traveled extensively ...

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What J.B. Hunt Looks For In Supply Chain Management Recruits

When Matt Waller and I first discussed the idea of writing a book about J.B. Hunt Transport, I knew that it would need to focus on the company’s people. So in Purple On The Inside, we devoted two ...

Read More