Supply Chain Management Education Overview

The Center for Supply Chain Management offers an extensive program for students interested in pursuing a major in Supply Chain Management (SCM). This program is available at both the Newark and New Brunswick campuses, as well as through an online platform. The demand for skills in supply chain management and marketing continues to rise, making this field a promising career path for many students.

Program Structure and Requirements

The SCM major requires a total of 42 credits, providing students with a strong business foundation. Key courses include Financial Accounting and Marketing, which are essential for understanding the financial and promotional aspects of supply chain operations. To complete the program, students must also engage in internship opportunities, which contribute 3 credits towards their degree. Elective courses account for 9 credits, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals. Notable electives include Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management with SAP, Supply Chain Finance, Supply Chain Analytics Essentials, Introduction to Six Sigma, Service Management, and Marketing Research.

Sample occupations for SCM graduates include procurement manager and analyst, roles that are in high demand in today's business environment.

Opportunities for Specialization

Students in the SCM program have the option to pursue a double major, with a policy that allows them to double count 3 elective credits. This flexibility encourages students to broaden their expertise and enhance their career prospects. The program also emphasizes the integration of technology in the supply chain field, with courses exploring machine learning and AI's role in warehouse management and supply chain performance.

Trends and Innovations in Supply Chain Management

The landscape of supply chain management is continually evolving, with emerging trends shaping the future of the industry. By 2025, supply chain innovation is expected to be driven by Agentic AI, and by 2026, new strategies for supply chain advantage will become imperative. The use of digital twins is anticipated to address supply chain volatility, marking the beginning of the AI age in this domain.

Strategies to tackle supply chain uncertainty in 2026 include optimizing reverse logistics for sustainability and collaborating with third-party logistics (3PL) companies. The automation of supply chain management frameworks and the integration of predictive analytics for demand forecasting are set to revolutionize the field, allowing for more precise inventory management and error reduction.

Preparing for the Future

As the supply chain industry faces challenges such as leadership turmoil and labor shortages in warehouses, the need for AI literacy among future leaders becomes increasingly critical. Intelligent Transportation Management Systems (TMS) are evolving with AI, necessitating a new freight playbook by 2026. Machine learning is optimizing transport routes and schedules, predicting lead times, and selecting ideal vendors using historical data.

The increased use of AI and machine learning is expected to continue, improving inventory management and preventing overstocking and stockouts. The strategic use of returns in modern retail and the focus on sustainability underline the importance of innovative approaches to supply chain management.

In summary, the Supply Chain Management program equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of modern supply chains. With a comprehensive curriculum and a focus on technological advancements, graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities in the dynamic field of supply chain management.