Supply Chain Management Society
(formerly Logistics, Transportation and Supply Chain Management LTSCM)		  

What is Supply Chain Management?

"I became a Supply Chain major because it is a very interactive and logical major. The classes are the most fun you'll have in school. The material is often common sense. I easily understood the concepts and it is the big thing in the business world. The career market for the major is fabulous and the salaries are very competitive. Lastly, I joined because it was very compatible as a double major." 

- Lily Hou, SCM Officer, December 2007 graduate.

What is Supply Chain Management?

Supply Chain Management is the field that ensures that the desired product is available to the customer in the right condition and quantity and at the right time, place and cost. To perform this function efficiently, firms need to coordinate transportation, warehouse location and operation, inventory management, packaging and other functions in a cost effective manner. These activities comprise 20 to 30 percent of total costs for many U.S. businesses.

What kind of job opportunities are available in Supply Chain Management?

There has never been a better time to consider a future in Supply Chain Management! Our highly regarded program attracts top employers, and the job opportunities are excellent. A recent study indicated that over the next decade there will be twice as many job openings as candidates in this field. Opportunities are particularly good for females and minorities.

What about salaries?

The average starting salary for 2010 Robert H. Smith supply chain undergraduates was $55,500
with many companies offering signing bonuses!

Are there scholarships available for Supply Chain Management majors?

As the trend towards hiring supply chain and logistics majors intensifies, the amount of available scholarship funds has increased dramatically. Additional scholarships are often awarded to Smith school logistics students from the American Society of Transportation and Logistics, local and national offices of the National Defense Transportation Association, the R. Gene Richter Scholarship and more. For supply chain majors, the chances of being awarded a scholarship are excellent.

check out our scholarship page here

Is there a student Supply Chain Management club?

One of most active groups in the business school is the Supply Chain Management SCM society. From planning a major logistics career fair to visiting top companies, hosting industry experts, and participating in a wide array of internships, this dynamic, close knit group of students finds itself immersed in real world experiences long before graduation.

Why else should I consider majoring in Supply Chain Management?

The University of Maryland’s Supply Chain Management program ranks #3 in research (Transportation Journal) and #8 in Supply Chain Management/Logistics undergrad programs (US News and World Report 2008). The curriculum is state-of-the art and includes extensive hands-on work with cutting edge supply chain information technology, including Oracle and SAP, in our supply chain lab. Compared with other majors, students benefit from smaller class sizes and much greater contact with faculty. They can take part in numerous programs and events that put the students face to face with industry experts and recruiters.

"I majored in logistics because I love solving problems. Also, I believe the future of business relies on the capabilities of a huge network of qualified logistics experts."

- Alexander Matov, SCM VP, December 2007 graduate

What are the requirements for a Supply Chain Management  major?

The major includes 15-18 credits in logistics, transportation and supply chain courses. Consult www.rhsmith.umd.edu/undergrad/logistic.html for details. Supply Chain Management works well as a stand-alone major, but is also an excellent double major.

Who should I contact for additional information?

Please contact any of our faculty members listed below or send an email to supplychain@rhsmith.umd.edu.

Supply Chain Management Society Faculty Advisor: Gary Cohen
Additional SCM Faculty: Sandy Boyson, Tom Corsi, Yan Dong, Martin Dresner, Stephanie Eckerd, Phil Evers, Curt Grimm, Hugh Turner, Robert Windle