If you’re interested in supply chain management and the vital role it plays in our economy, then you may consider earning an associates degree in logistics online.
Often called the cornerstone of a business, supply chain management concerns how products, goods, and supplies are moved from supplier to distributor and then to purchaser.
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An associate degree in logistics and supply chain management can be a great pathway to fulfilling the vital role of a logistician.
Universities Offering Online Associate’s in Logistics 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.
1. Arkansas Tech University
Arkansas Tech University offers certificates and an associates degree in logistics that can be obtained online.
The degree requires a comprehensive curriculum, including courses in computers, spreadsheets, transportation management, economics, and operations management and leadership. The program’s main objective is to teach students to create a steady, efficient flow of products.
Arkansas Tech University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
2. Colorado Christian University
The Associate of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management program from Colorado Christian University provides students with strong, solid foundations in logistics.
It’s a 60 credit degree that includes general education, elective, and major-specific courses. After graduating, students can enter the workforce or continue working towards their bachelors degrees.
Colorado Christian University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
3. Forsyth Tech Community College
Students interested in logistics at Forsyth Tech Community College have several options.
The school offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in supply chain management and distribution management as well as an AAS, diploma or certificate in supply chain management and global logistics technology. Course topics include transportation, warehousing, purchasing, computerization, and finance.
Forsyth Technical Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
4. Fox Valley Technical College
Fox Valley Technical College’s Associate in Applied Science in Supply Chain Management program adheres to industry-recognized APICS principles, requires 61 credits for completion, and has financial aid eligibility for qualifying students.
Students learn to satisfy customers, become efficient in operations, and adequately control inventory. Course topics include procurement and sourcing, operations planning, and transportation.
FVTC is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
5. Lakeshore Technical College
The supply chain management associate’s program at Lakeshore Technical College is a technical studies degree that requires few general education credits for completion.
Courses are offered online, in blended format, and in accelerated format. After graduation, students could potentially become management analysts, shipping or production clerks, freight forwarders, or logisticians.
Lakeshore Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
6. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College’s supply chain management associate’s degree is one of the school’s available Eight Week Advantage programs. This means most of the required classes are offered in 8 week sessions, allowing students to enroll in the middle of semesters, easily balance school, work, and life, and potentially graduate early.
NWTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
7. Palo Alto College
In addition to offering numerous logistics-related certificates, Palo Alto College also has an Associate of Applied Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management program.
The goal of the program is to equip students with the skills needed to become managers in various departments, including transportation, international logistics, purchasing, and distribution.
Palo Alto College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
8. Shoreline Community College
The Associate of Applied Science in Purchasing and Supply Chain Management program at Shoreline Community College is flexible, affordable, and features an extremely innovative, cutting-edge curriculum taught by highly qualified faculty and staff.
In addition to the comprehensive logistics curriculum, students should also learn about operations, business, management, and accounting.
Shoreline Community College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
9. Wake Technical Community College
At Wake Technical Community College, students can select the global logistics technology concentration as part of the school’s Associate of Applied Science in Supply Chain Management program.
The 65 credit program features courses in material handling, international and domestic transportation, inventory control, purchasing, computerization, supply chain operations, and OSHA regulations.
Wake Technical Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
10. West Kentucky Community and Technical College
West Kentucky Community and Technical College’s Associate of Applied Science in Logistics and Operations Management program helps prepare students to sit for the required exams to become certified logistics associates or mid-level certified logistics technicians.
There are 18 general education credits and between 43 to 48 technical credits required to graduate.
West Kentucky Community and Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Online Associates in Logistics Degrees
The production, transportation, and disposal of goods is a major aspect of our economy. A degree in logistics and supply chain management can help prepare you to fill the important role of developing, analyzing, and improving the cycle of our goods and services.
This involves the entire cycle of a product, including where the raw materials for a product are gathered, how they are transported to production facilities, how they reach the consumer, and how the consumer disposes of the product.
There are many legalities and regulations surrounding the supply chain, from environmental regulations to laws of imports and exports.
In a logistics and supply chain management degree program, you may take some introductory courses in business. You may also take more specialized courses in supply chain management, retail transportation, production and operations, and contracting and acquisitions.
These courses will prepare students not only for a career as a logistician but also for a variety of other careers in retail, warehouses, purchasing offices, and transportation. A logistics associate degree can also serve as a great first step to a bachelors degree.
Many associate degree programs are able to transfer right into a bachelors degree program, representing about half of the credits needed for a bachelors.
Logistics Careers & Salaries
The most applicable role for a logistics degree is a logistician. This position, depending on the employer, usually requires either an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in supply chain management and logistics. An associate’s degree, though, can open up many other doors to careers in transportation, retail, warehousing, or purchasing.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following are some occupations that a degree in supply chain management or logistics could lead to.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Sales Manager | $132,290 |
| Industrial Production Manager | $108,790 |
| Logistician | $76,270 |
| Purchasing Manager, Buyer, or Purchasing Agent | $72,270 |
| Freight Broker | $62,070 |
| Industrial Engineering Technician | $57,320 |
| Warehouse Supervisor | $55,060 |
| Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisor | $53,610 |
| Financial Clerk | $41,520 |
| Quality Control Inspector | $40,460 |
An associate’s degree in logistics can be a pathway to many careers in a variety of industries and organizations, including government agencies and large companies.
A bachelors degree may be required for some of the above positions, depending on the role and the employer. If you plan to pursue a bachelors, an associate’s degree may get you into the workforce to gain experience while you further your studies.
Logistics Curriculum & Courses
In a logistics program, you will often take courses that give you invaluable training in many aspects of business, including marketing, purchasing, and transportation.
- Fundamentals of Contracting and Acquisition: This course will help familiarize you with the processes and laws surrounding purchasing, buying, and contract awarding.
- Introduction to Business: A course in business may teach you the basics of how businesses run, covering marketing, finance, management, customer relations, and production.
- Macroeconomics: Macroeconomics takes a broad look at the economy as a whole, covering the cycles of the economy and its relation to interest rates and money supply.
- Principles of Management: Teaching students about the roles, methods, and qualities of effective supervisors, this course usually covers topics such as professional development, problem solving, and conflict resolution.
- Principles of Supply Chain Management: Focusing on the activities surrounding a supply chain, this course is integral to a logistics program because it teaches students how to develop, implement, and monitor a profitable and controlled supply chain.
- Fundamentals of Marketing: This course will teach students how to develop and implement a marketing plan.
- Retail Shipping and Receiving: Focusing on the retail industry, this course examines the functions and importance of retail shipping and receiving activities, covering organizational structure, management, and technology.
- Retail Transportation: This course covers transportation in the retail industry, focusing on international transportation and laws surrounding imports and exports, warehouse management, inventory control, and technology tools.
- Management of Information Systems: Information systems are an integral component of supply chain management, and students will learn the best ways to utilize information systems for efficient, quality-controlled supply chains.
- Productions and Operations: This course introduces students to models of organizational efficiency that continuously improve and meet consumer demands.
In addition to general education courses, these courses can help give you a broad knowledge of the business of supply chains. You may receive training in technology, management and supervision, and economics. You will also learn about relevant laws and regulations.
Admissions Requirements
Most associate degree programs have very few admissions requirements beyond the basic admissions application, but many programs may also require these components:
- High School Transcripts or GED: The official transcripts showing that you earned a high school diploma or GED are usually required.
- College Transcripts: If you have already taken some college courses, you should submit official transcripts from your college in order to transfer your credits.
- Placement Exam: Before enrolling in classes, most colleges require students to take placement exams in order to determine if their math and English skills are at college-level or need further development.
While colleges may request recommendation letters, writing samples, or SAT scores, many colleges do not require these for admission into associate degree programs.
Accreditation
When choosing your online logistics associates degree program, you may consider taking into account the college’s accreditation status by a regional accrediting organization.
Colleges that are accredited have been evaluated for the rigor of their programs, the effectiveness of their services, and the ethics of their operations. Accreditation can often speak to the quality and reputation of the college.
In addition, colleges cannot participate in federal financial aid programs without accreditation. It’s also common for other colleges to only accept transferred credits from an accredited college. This may especially affect you if you plan to go on to earn your bachelor’s degree.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Even though there are associate’s degree programs that can be quite affordable, funding your education can still be a daunting prospect. In order to see if you qualify for federal financial aid opportunities, you can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
These financial aid opportunities may include student loans, which you need to begin paying back after you graduate. You may also see if you’re eligible for grants, which do not need to be paid back.
Another avenue of funding to consider is scholarships. Many colleges have scholarships to give away to their students, so you may consider asking the financial aid office about a scholarship application.
Colleges use a variety of criteria to select scholarship recipients. Qualifications are not always based on past academic performance or financial need, so don’t disqualify yourself based on those components.
What Can You Do with an Associates Degree in Logistics?
The most directly applicable occupation for this degree is that of a logistician. As a logistician, you may analyze and manage an organization’s supply chain.
Many organizations may only require an associate’s degree for this job, but others may prefer candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management. At many colleges, an associate’s degree program can seamlessly transition into a bachelor’s degree program.
This degree could also lead to various careers in retail, warehousing, transportation, or purchasing.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate’s Degree in Logistics Online?
If you follow a traditional, 16 week semester and attend full-time, it may take 2 years for you to complete your associate’s degree. If you follow an 8 week semester and stay continuously enrolled year-round, you may finish in less time.
Taking courses in any summer and winter semesters that your college offers may also affect the length of time it takes to earn your associate’s degree.
Is an Associates Degree in Logistics Worth It?
Yes, an associate’s degree in logistics is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% job growth in business and financial occupations for the next 10 years, faster than the average for all occupations.
Common logistics and supply chain careers in this field include logistician, purchasing agent, purchasing manager, or quality control inspector.
Many organizations in the private and public sectors need people with qualifications in logistics and supply chain management. These organizations include government agencies, manufacturers, warehouses, and transportation companies.
Getting Your Associate Degree in Logistics Online
An associate’s degree in logistics and supply chain management may be a pathway to fulfilling and exciting careers. It can also transition well into a bachelor’s degree program, which may then lead to even more diverse career opportunities.
Earning a degree online is convenient and often essential, especially if you do not live near a college offering this program. Online education is also a great option for those who have families or work full-time.
If you’re interested in joining or learning more about the field of supply chain management, then you may consider exploring accredited online logistics degree programs.
