If you want to advance your career and gain valuable business, management, and operations skills, earning an MBA in Operations Management could be your next step.
In an MBA program in operations management, students can develop advanced communication, business, leadership, finance, logistics, and operations skills. Graduates can use these skills to advance their careers or seek new opportunities to help organizations improve their operations and systems.
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In addition to helping you increase your earning potential and job security, an MBA may also open up opportunities in a wide range of industries.
Online MBA in Operations Management Programs
Earning an MBA (Master of Business Administration) in Operations Management can help you develop a versatile combination of business and operation skills.
In nearly every industry, there is a demand for professionals who understand business and can make improvements through increased efficiency and well-run systems. While the exact curriculum and courses will vary by program, some key topics that are frequently covered in an MBA in Operation Management program include:
- Logistics
- Communication
- Leadership
- Quality control
- Data analysis
- Supply chains
- Production
- Accounting
- Management
- Marketing
- Inventory
- Finance
- Organizational strategy
Operations management professionals tend to have strong analysis, problem-solving, and communication skills.
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Graduates can find employment in numerous industries, including finance, government, logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Potential career opportunities for graduates include:
- Supply chain managers
- Procurement and logistics specialists
- Executive directors
- Project management specialists
Many careers in this field continue to grow in demand and tend to pay above-average salaries. Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for logisticians is projected to grow 28% over the next ten years, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Working professionals may seek a graduate degree to advance their careers and increase their earning potential. Graduates can also join professional organizations for operations management to continue their professional development and network with other professionals.
Operations Management Careers & Salaries
Graduates with an MBA in Operations and Supply Chain Management can pursue numerous careers in a wide range of industries.
Graduates might pursue opportunities in industries like government agencies, manufacturing, private business, merchant wholesale, banking, and oil and gas extraction. Related management careers can include operations, administrative services, purchasing, procurement, and facilities management.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, below are the median salaries of potential careers related to business and operations management.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Purchasing Managers | $131,350 |
| Industrial Production Managers | $107,560 |
| Administrative Services Managers | $103,330 |
| Facilities Managers | $99,030 |
| Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | $98,560 |
| General and Operations Managers | $98,100 |
| Project Management Specialists | $95,370 |
| Management Analysts | $95,290 |
| Operations Research Analysts | $85,720 |
| Logisticians | $77,520 |
Graduates interested in data analysis can also find careers as management or operations research analysts, using data to solve problems and recommend organizational solutions. Professionals can also use their education and experience to offer private consulting services.
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Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, positions for project management specialists are expected to grow 7% over the next ten years. This steady growth is as fast as the average for all occupations.
Operations Management MBA Curriculum & Courses
While coursework will vary by program, listed below are some courses you might take when earning an MBA in Operations Management:
- Operations Management: This course focuses on methods and techniques used in production and operations, including the concepts of production and operations.
- Supply Chain Management: You’ll learn key management responsibilities, including inventory control, transportation planning, and warehouse management.
- Service Management: This course focuses on the strategy and operations needed to manage service systems, including anticipating competitors’ actions.
- Business Process Fundamentals: You’ll examine how to structure, manage, and improve business processes to maximize an organization’s competitive advantage.
- Quantitative Analysis for Decision Making: This course focuses on the statistical, mathematical, and probabilistic tools used in operations management.
- Developing and Marketing Innovations: You’ll explore common challenges in innovation development and marketing plans for innovations.
- Leading Organizational Change: This course explores workforce development and organizational change management to reduce risk and employee dissatisfaction.
- Revenue Management: This course focuses on revenue optimization systems, including using capacity and pricing concepts.
- Organizational Strategy in a Global Environment: You’ll explore strategies for improving organizational performance through strategic, ethical decision-making.
- Measuring Success in an Organization: This course focuses on financial and management principles, reports, and metrics needed to measure success.
These types of programs will have standard MBA courses in addition to courses targeted specifically to an operations management concentration.
How to Choose an Online MBA in Operations Management Program
As you explore options for your MBA in Operations and Supply Chain Management, there are several factors to consider that can help with your decision.
- Accreditation. Ensuring that a school is regionally accredited is a key consideration, as it can affect your future education and employment opportunities.
- Cost. It’s beneficial to consider the overall cost of your program, including financial aid opportunities, and make sure it works with your long-term budget.
- Program format. Some programs offer courses you can take on your own schedule, while others have courses on a specific set schedule.
- Program requirements. Some programs may require in-person components, so if you are working or distance learning online, it’s helpful to be aware of any in-person requirements.
- Length of time. Earning an MBA is a time commitment, so you may want to ensure the overall length of the program works with your goals and timeframe.
- Location. Location can still be a factor for online learners, from potential in-person requirements to the tuition rate.
- Student support. Some programs offer more support than others for online students, so it could be worth looking into what services and support you can receive.
Some of these factors may be more important than others to you. Ranking them in order of importance could be helpful when comparing schools.
Admissions Requirements
While requirements will vary by school, below are some common requirements for admission to an MBA in Operation Management program:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school
- Official college transcripts
- Letters of recommendation from educational or professional resources
- Minimum GPA from your undergraduate courses
- GRE or GMAT scores (not required by all schools)
In addition, most programs will require an online application, and some may require an interview process.
Accreditation
When deciding on a school for an MBA in Operations and Supply Chain Management or MBA in Sustainability online, one of the most important factors to consider is the school’s accreditation status.
Regionally accredited schools are the most widely accepted and have had their programs independently verified as meeting agreed-upon educational standards. Accreditation can potentially affect your employment, with some employers only accepting degrees from regionally accredited schools.
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To learn more about accreditation and the status of specific schools, you can visit the US Department of Education‘s website.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
As you look into options for earning your MBA in Operations Management or MBA in Accounting online or on campus, one factor to consider is financial aid that may be available to help with the cost of your degree. Financial aid can come in various forms, including scholarships, grants, tuition reimbursement, discounted tuition, and loans.
If you are currently employed, it can be worth seeing if your employer offers tuition reimbursement or reduced tuition through cooperating schools. Scholarships may be funded through individual schools and numerous public and private organizations.
You may also find grants and student loans available through all levels of government. While loans usually need to be repaid, you may find grants that do not need to be repaid. To learn more about student loans, grants, and other government options that may be available, you can visit the Federal Student Aid website.
What Is an MBA in Operations Management?
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Operations Management is a graduate program that helps students develop their expertise in business, finance, operations, and logistics.
Students can develop essential business skills, like finance and leadership, while also gaining a specialized foundation in areas like quality control, supply chains, and production planning. Graduates can use their unique skill sets to help organizations improve their systems and operational efficiencies, working as various types of managers, directors, and specialists.
These professionals focus on organizing, planning, managing, and supervising many of the internal operations of organizations that provide products and services.
What Can You Do with an MBA in Operations Management?
Many professionals seek an MBA in Operations Management, as it allows them to use their prior education and work experience to advance their careers.
A wide variety of employers value the unique combination of leadership, management, business, and problem-solving skills of operations management professionals. Many graduates advance into management positions, such as industrial production managers, administrative services managers, and facilities managers.
Professionals with prior technical experience may find opportunities as industrial engineers, designing systems to improve efficiency in organizational operations. Graduates can also pursue opportunities as logisticians. These professionals focus on managing an organization’s supply chain, transportation, and production life cycles.
How Long Does It Take to Get an MBA in Operations Management Online?
The time needed to complete your MBA in Operations and Supply Chain Management can vary based on several factors, including your schedule and the program requirements.
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Many full-time students complete their masters in 1 to 2 years. For a 36 credit hour program with no thesis required, you may be able to complete your program in 1 year of full-time enrollment, including during the summer. If your program requires a thesis or if you are enrolled part-time, it may take longer to complete.
What’s the Difference Between a Masters vs. MBA in Operations Management Degree?
Here are some key distinctions between a masters in operations management and an MBA in Operations Management.
| MBA in Operations Management | Masters in Operations Management |
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Both programs help prepare students to be successful in leadership and management roles, with MBA graduates usually prepared to make key business decisions.
What’s the Difference Between an MBA in Operations Management vs. Supply Chain Management?
While there is some overlap between operations management and supply chain management, they are two distinct degrees.
| MBA in Operations Management | MBA in Supply Chain Management |
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Both disciplines strive to improve operational efficiency and work closely together for a business to thrive.
Is an MBA in Operations Management Worth It?
Yes, an MBA in Operations Management is worth it for many students. Many professionals who pursue this degree are looking to advance their careers and develop valuable business, finance, and leadership skills.
Graduates from operations management MBA programs online or on campus can pursue careers in various industries, including finance, logistics, healthcare, government, and transportation. Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers related to operations management—such as operations research analysts and operations managers—are projected to see continued growth.
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Overall employment for management occupations is expected to increase by 8% over the next ten years, which is faster than average (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Universities Offering Online MBA in Operations Management Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Carson-Newman University is a Christian school that offers a highly flexible MBA program for working adults. There are numerous specialization areas to choose from, including Operations Management. The program requires the completion of 30 to 36 credit hours and can usually be finished in 2 years. The curriculum offers opportunities to participate in internships and immersion experiences.
Carson-Newman University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Cedarville University’s MBA in Operations Management teaches a Christian worldview and is available in an online accelerated format. Each term is 7 weeks long, and the program offers part-time and full-time enrollment. The program’s course websites are designed to be interactive to help students build a sense of community with their cohort.
Cedarville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Colorado Technical University offers a Master of Business Administration in Operations Supply Chain Management. Coursework can be customized to suit students’ knowledge levels. The program can potentially be completed in just 12 months. Courses are 5 weeks long, with nine start dates every year.
Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Endicott College offers a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Operations Management. The degree can be earned 100% online or through evening classes on campus in Beverly, Massachusetts. In both formats, the program provides the opportunity to participate in collaborative learning experiences and can potentially be finished in 18 to 24 months.
Endicott College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
At Florida Atlantic University, a Master of Business Administration in Operations Management can be earned online or on campus. Potential courses in the curriculum include Business Process Improvement, Project Management, Supply Chain Management, and Web-Based Business Development.
FAU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Johnson & Wales University offers a Master of Business Administration in Operations and Supply Chain Management that can be completed in fully online 8 week courses. It can typically be finished in 2 years. The student-to-faculty ratio is just 15-to-1, and the program’s instructors are industry experts. Potential courses offered include Global Logistics, Financial Management, and Designing and Managing Supply Chains.
JWU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Kettering University offers an online Master of Business Administration with a Graduate Certificate in Operations Management. The curriculum is designed to sharpen decision-making skills and teach concepts that can be immediately applied to jobs in the field. There are eight start dates every year, and the program can potentially be completed in just 18 months.
Kettering University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Ohio University offers an MBA with a concentration in Operations and Supply Chain Management. This online program provides career coaching and is designed for working professionals. Potential courses in the curriculum include Management of Lean Six Sigma Programs, Supply Chain Risk Management, and Supply Chain Project Management.
Ohio University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Southern New Hampshire University offers a flexible online MBA with a concentration in Operations and Supply Chain Management. The program is self-paced and can potentially be completed in 1 year. Its online classroom is accessible around the clock. The curriculum is designed to develop skills useful in the field, such as data analysis, cultural awareness, and sustainable business practices.
SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc.
The University of Georgia offers an online MBA with a concentration in Operations Management. This asynchronous program seeks to provide flexibility so students can balance their education with work and personal life. Students typically study part-time, committing about 20 hours per week to coursework, and graduate in 17 to 23 months.
The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of New Mexico offers an online MBA with an Operations Management track. Potential coursework includes Analysis Tools for Managers, Supply Chain Model and Strategy, Data Analytics, and Introduction to Project Management. The program requires a total of 43 credit hours that can be completed on either a full-time or a part-time basis.
The University of New Mexico is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill offers an online MBA in Operations. The curriculum focuses on the practical processes that enable a business to meet the needs of its customers. It provides opportunities to study theory and then explore a variety of case studies to better understand real-world applications.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Scranton offers an MBA with a specialization in Operations Management that can typically be completed in 2 years. The curriculum aims to teach how to run a business efficiently while still providing customers with quality products. Online students at Scranton are part of a diverse community and study under expert instructors.
The University of Scranton is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
William & Mary offers an online Master of Business Administration that includes a course on operations. The curriculum covers topics such as supply chain management, project management, material requirements planning, and efficient scheduling. It emphasizes using knowledge to make informed business decisions.
William & Mary is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers a fully online MBA with a specialization in Global Supply Chain and Operations Management. It is aimed primarily at those who currently work in engineering or scientific fields. Students can usually graduate in 2 years. The program’s cohort model helps to ensure that students have opportunities to collaborate and network with other professionals.
WPI is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Getting Your MBA in Operations Management Online
Earning your MBA in Operations Management online could be a strategic way to advance your career while gaining valuable skills and knowledge in a range of areas.
In addition to gaining essential business skills, you can develop your skills in logistics, workflow management, supply chains, inventory, quality control, and data analysis, among others. Careers in this field continue to grow in demand, and MBA graduates often go on to fill management positions in numerous industries across national and global competitive markets.
You can look into online MBAs in Operations Management from accredited institutions to discover the program that best aligns with your schedule, interests, and goals.
