What is an Online Logistics Degree Program?
An online logistics degree program teach how to keep operations running smoothly. That means knowing how to organize and manage supplies, people, and facilities. The goal? To make sure a business can stay competitive in the global market place.
This study is often paired with supply chain management (SCM). That refers to the flow of goods and services – from raw materials to finished products. So, you’ll take a close look at how materials and goods are transported. And, you’ll learn how to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
TYPE OF ONLINE LOGISTICS DEGREES
A.S. in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
This program covers the basics of logistics and SCM. You will study the theory and practice of how to coordinate business operations. And, you’ll delve into topics like transportation, warehouse operations, and more.
Course Examples:
- Purchasing
- Production and Operation
- Management of Information Systems
A.A. in Transportation and Logistics Management
This program focuses on all types of transportation, across diverse industries. You’ll learn how to apply analysis to logistics and SCM. And, you’ll explore how transporting can impact the economy, the environment, and more.
Course Examples:
- Management
- Distribution Systems
- Transportation Economics
M.S. in Logistics Management
In this program you will take an advanced look at managing. You’ll learn what goes into moving goods, resources, and info. You’ll learn your options for transport and which ones are best in your industry. And, you’ll dive into the business knowledge managers need.
Course Examples:
- Policy
- Inventory Control
- Cost and Analysis
Online Logistics Degree Programs
Online programs in this field can be found at the undergrad and grad levels. They all focus on how to coordinate operations, transport, and the move goods. But, programs build on each other to explore more advanced material.
Undergrad Logistics Programs
Undergrad degree programs provide an overview of the field. You’ll learn how logistics and SCM work – and why they are the foundations of business.
Courses in your major touch on the process involved in the field, both locally and around the globe. Like purchasing, warehousing, transportation, inventory, and more. You could study the laws and policies that govern logistics. And, you could explore trends and newer issues in the field – like the growing focus on environmental impact.
These programs feature gen ed courses, courses in your major, and electives. But a Bachelor’s program dives deeper. (Most logisticians need to earn a Bachelor’s degree.)
In a Bachelor’s program, you could take a more nuanced look at things from economics to transportation analysis. You could also take more business courses in areas like marketing and finance.
What undergrad degree programs to look for:
- A.S. in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- A.A.S. in Management – Maritime Logistics
- B.S. in Logistics Management
- B.A. in Transportation and Logistics Management
- S. in Business – Logistics Management
Grad Logistics Programs
At the grad level, these programs zero in on leadership and research in the field. You’ll build on prior knowledge to explore advanced concepts – like logistics policy, material acquisition management, and more.
Master’s programs – like the MBA – may focus on manager skills. You could study the management of things from assets and HR to traffic and transport. Expect to study the theory and methods behind both how to coordinate logistics and lead teams.
Research is part of most Master’s programs. But at the PhD level, research is often the main focus. PhD students focus on new ways to solve problems in the field.
What grad degree programs to look for:
- M.S. in Logistics Management
- MBA in Logistics Management
- DBA in Logistics & Supply Chain Management
- PhD in Logistics
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Southern New Hampshire University
- Take advantage of some of the nation’s most affordable tuition rates, while earning a degree from a private, nonprofit, NEASC accredited university
- Qualified students with 2.5 GPA and up may receive up to $20K in grants & scholarships
- Multiple term start dates throughout the year. 24/7 online classroom access.
Popular Programs
Business Administration, Psychology, Information Technology, Human Services…
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University of Arizona Global Campus
- 99% of University of Arizona Global Campus students study online
- University of Arizona Global Campus offers affordable tuition, so college is accessible to many students.
- he University of Arizona Global Campus (formerly Ashford University) is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Available Programs
Accounting and Finance, Information Technology, Political Science…
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Western Governors University
- Award-winning programs created to help you succeed.
- A quality education doesn’t have to be expensive. Earn an accredited degree for less.
- Programs start monthly – Apply free this week!
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Courses You Could Take in an Online Logistics Degree Program
Your courses will cover how business and supply chains work. Like how people, raw materials, and goods move from place to place. This complex system has many moving parts. So, expect to take courses that zoom in on all of the different aspects – from finance to transportation.
Some courses include:
Purchasing & Inventory Management: Everything from supplies and raw materials to finished products must be accounted for. This course covers the concepts and techniques you’ll need, like supplier selection, contract negotiations, and procurement.
Global Logistics Management: In our globalized society, goods move all around the world. In a course like this, you’ll learn about key practices and considerations for importing, exporting, and even offshoring your operations.
Supply Chain Sourcing: This course focuses on where goods and materials come from. You’ll learn about supply and demand, sourcing materials from around the globe, and managing everything from raw materials to completed orders.
Distribution Management: Distribution is how materials and products get from point A to point B. But, it’s much more complex than that. DM courses cover things from warehousing techniques and layout to the regulations that restrict transportation of goods.
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Degree in Logistics?
An Associate’s program may take about two years for full time students to earn. A Bachelor’s degree takes at least four years, on average.
Grad programs may vary in length. For instance, an online DBA in Supply Chain and Logistics may take up to five years to earn.
Logistics Degree Program Examples
| School | Degree Level | # of Credits Required | Start Dates | Minimum Months to Complete |
| Liberty U | MBA | 45 | Multiple | 24 months |
| Colorado Christian U | Associate’s | 60 | Multiple | 24 months |
| Penn State World Campus | Master’s | 30 | Multiple | 24 months |
The Cost of a Logistics Degree Program
DataUSA lists the median cost of going to an instate public, four year school as $7,070 per year. For out of state private and for profit schools, the median cost per year was $35,785. Compare costs for these schools that offer programs in this field:
| School | Degree Level | # of Credits Required | Cost Per Credit | Total Tuition Cost |
| Southern New Hampshire U | Bachelor’s | 120 | $320 | $38,400 |
| Arizona State U | Bachelor’s | 120 | $707 | $84,840 |
| Florida International U | Bachelor’s | 120 | $345.87 | $41,502 |
Top Schools That Offer Logistics Degree Programs
DataUSA lists 296 schools with logistics, materials, and SCM programs. From those schools, 10,601 degrees were awarded to students in 2022 (the most recent data). The most common degree was the Bachelor’s (68%).
| School | 2022 Degrees awarded | 2023/24 Tuition (out of state) |
| American Public U System | 558 | $8,400* |
| Michigan State U | 421 | $43,372 |
| The U of Tennessee Knoxville | 396 | $31,974 |
| Texas A & M U College Station | 186 | $40,328 |
| U of Arkansas | 221 | $28,772 |
| Ohio State U Main Campus | 107 | $38,365 |
| Rutgers U New Brunswick | 270 | $36,001 |
| Iowa State U | 235 | $27,683 |
| U of Maryland College Park | 120 | $40,306 |
Choosing an Accredited Logistics Degree Program
Accreditation can help to make sure a program meets certain standards. For starters, look for an online school that is regionally accredited at the institute level.
Also, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accredits business programs in logistics. These are Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and grad programs.
ACBSP bases its accrediting on select things, like student learning, staff, curriculum, and more. So, choosing an ACBSP accredited program can help make sure of the quality of your education.