Master of Science in Supply Chain Management
Master of Science in Supply Chain Management
Why Earn a Master of Science in Supply Chain Management at the Smith School?
Master the Skills to Keep Business Moving
Supply chain professionals solve the challenges that keep businesses running and everyday life moving. UMD Smith’s Master of Science in Supply Chain Management program prepares you to improve operations, manage risk and lead smarter, more resilient supply chains. We challenge you in ways that strengthen your analytical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving skills, all while learning how essential goods move from suppliers to communities around the world.
Upon completing the program, you’ll earn your Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, a credential that signals to employers you can improve processes, reduce inefficiencies and solve complex operational challenges. You'll also complete coursework aligned with the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) and Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) certifications, helping you build qualifications employers recognize and value.
At Smith, you learn from faculty with years of expertise in supply chain strategy, technology and global logistics. Build experience through consulting projects, simulations, plant tours and case competitions. You’ll also gain the clarity and confidence to make an impact in one of today’s most essential business areas.
Why Smith?
- Develop foundational business knowledge through a comprehensive graduate curriculum.
- Apply what you learn through experiential consulting projects with organizations.
- Learn from faculty and advisory council members with experience across multiple industries.
- Collaborate with peers through team-based projects and applied learning experiences.
Who Is the Master of Science in Supply Chain Management For?
Methodical Problem-Solvers Ready to Build a Stable Career
The Master of Science in Supply Chain Management is designed for students from diverse academic backgrounds who enjoy solving problems, improving processes and making data-informed decisions. If you're looking for a stable, high-demand field where you can apply your communication, process improvement and teamwork skills, this degree prepares you to make an immediate impact.
This program is a great fit if you:
Want to apply your analytical and process-focused strengths to careers in operations, logistics or procurement.
Are looking for a practical career with strong job placement and transferable business skills.
Enjoy solving complex problems and improving how businesses operate.
Want to use technology and AI-powered tools to make smarter business decisions.
Students bring transferable skills such as:
- Adaptability
- Analytical thinking
- Attention to detail
- Business presentation skills
- Communication
- Creative problem-solving
- Data analysis
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork skills
If you want to build a career where your skills directly improve how goods move around the world, this degree is designed to help you do exactly that.
What Will You Learn in the Master of Science in Supply Chain Management program?
Drive Smarter Supply Chain Decisions
Build expertise in forecasting, procurement, logistics, operations and risk analytics. The curriculum helps you understand how supply chains work so you can improve performance and make data-informed decisions with clarity.
With a Master of Science in Supply Chain Management, you'll be able to:
- Strengthen process improvement skills through Lean Six Sigma.
- Analyze supply chain risk and improve resilience.
- Apply demand planning and forecasting methods.
- Use procurement analytics to support better sourcing decisions.
- Manage global logistics, transportation and inventory.
- Work with AI-enabled tools to improve operations.
- Build supply chain financial intelligence.
- Lead projects and coordinate cross-functional teams.
- Use data to solve real business problems.
How Is AI Integrated Throughout the Curriculum?
Supporting Stronger Business Decisions
You'll explore how AI and emerging technologies improve supply chain operations while developing the human skills that matter most. Strong problem-solving, communication and sound judgment remain essential to leading successful supply chains.
Apply What You Learn
Participate in national case competitions, consulting projects with Fortune 500 companies, plant tours, simulations and through experiential learning projects. You’ll also use tools such as SAP ERP Supply Chain Management, Resilinc and Bloomberg Supply Chain Risk Management.
Smith’s advisory council adds mentorship, industry insight and networking that help you understand what employers value and connect with opportunities after graduation.
Career Outcomes
Build a Career That Keeps Business Moving
80% of the recent graduates from Smith’s Master of Science in Supply Chain Management program secured employment within six months of graduating, and reported median starting salary of $71K.
Career Paths
- Aerospace and Defense
- Banking and Financial Services
- Biotech and Life Sciences
- Consulting and Advisory
- Consumer Packaged Goods
- Distribution and Logistics
- Manufacturing and Production
- Procurement and Strategic Sourcing
- Retail and Wholesale Trade
- Supply Chain and Operations
- Technology and Systems
Career Value
- AI-Enabled Decision-Making
- Analytical Thinking
- Business Presentation Skills
- Creative Problem-Solving
- Data Analysis
- Lean Six Sigma
- Process Optimization
- Project Management
- Teamwork Skills
Smith’s coursework has been instrumental in shaping my career, especially the data-driven decision making and buyer-supplier relationship management classes. They honed my analytical and collaborative skills and continue to guide how I approach real-world challenges.
Smer Lakhani
MS Supply Chain Management Graduate
Vendor Manager at Amazon
Learn From Faculty Making an Impact
Faculty Supporting Your Career Growth
You will learn from expert faculty who bring years of industry experience and can help build confidence as you move into the field.
Humberto Coronado is the academic director of the program.
Humberto Coronado |
Hongyi "Holly" Zhang |
Phil Evers |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The Master of Science in Supply Chain Management prepares you for a stable, high-demand career with transferable skills that apply across industries. You'll graduate ready to improve operations, solve complex business challenges and create value for organizations around the world.
UMD Smith gives you a foundational business education paired with collaborative learning, industry engagement and hands-on consulting projects. Students also learn from faculty and advisory council members representing a variety of industries.
No. The Master of Science in Supply Chain Management is designed for students from a wide range of academic backgrounds who want to build supply chain expertise. You should have analytical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills and possess a strong interest in improving how business gets done.
Have More Questions?
The Smith School's Graduate Admissions Office is here to help. Whether you have questions about the admissions requirements, application process or student experience, our team can help you determine if the Master of Science in Supply Chain Management is the right fit for your goals.
Graduate Admissions
2303 Van Munching Hall
College Park, MD 20742-1815
Phone: 301-405-2559
Email: smithmasters@umd.edu
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Connect With Us
Questions? Contact the MBA & Business Master's Admissions Office at 301-405-2559 or SmithMasters@umd.edu.