The School of Business is launching a master’s degree in Supply Chain Management next year, capitalizing on student interest, faculty expertise, and the identification of New England as a “hot spot’’ for supply-chain management positions.

“I’m very excited about this new degree program,’’ said professor Cuihong Li, a supply-chain expert who leads the Operations and Information Management department at the School of Business.

“We’re eager to help our students excel in this area and to assist with workforce development in Connecticut and beyond,’’ Li said. “We have a strong manufacturing base here, as well as vibrant service industry, both of which rely heavily on supply-chain management.’’

The 30-credit STEM-designated program was approved by the UConn Board of Trustees at a meeting on Wednesday. It will begin in Fall 2025, and courses will be offered in a hybrid online format, with in-person options for some courses. Students can complete the program in nine to 20 months. There is also an accelerated option for current UConn undergraduates.

Demand for Experts Expected to Grow 18 percent by 2032

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the demand for logisticians will grow 18 percent from 2022 to 2032, outpacing typical occupational growth. In Connecticut, the number of supply-chain managers has increased 52 percent since the pandemic. Supply chain managers in Connecticut have a median annual salary well over $100,000.

Corporations that rely heavily on supply-chain logistics include: CVS Health, Dollar Tree, Eversource, Raytheon, Sikorsky, Amazon, Takeda Pharmaceutical, and Elevance Health, among others. Before creating the program, School of Business faculty interviewed prominent employers to ascertain their needs.

“The supply chain is essential to any business. It ensures the smooth movement of goods and services, keeps costs under control, and helps maintain customer satisfaction,’’ Li said. “A strong supply chain enables companies to adapt to market changes, manage risks, and stay competitive in today’s complex business landscape.Without a doubt, it can truly make-or-break a company.’’

The School of Business has increased supply chain course offerings in recent years, including a minor for undergraduates, a concentration in the MBA and Business Analytics and Project Management programs, and a graduate certificate. Developing a master’s degree program was a logical next-step, Li said.

“We have strong faculty expertise in both supply chain management and related areas, including analytics and information systems,’’ she said. “Our curriculum is designed to provide a solid core of end-to-end supply chain knowledge complemented with strong technical skills, managerial capabilities, and business acumen.’’

While supply-chain management isn’t a new career, it had been very much in the background until the pandemic, when supply-chain disruption highlighted the importance of the work, Li said.
“People started to realize all that had to happen in order to get that package to your door the next day,’’ she said.

Program Expected to Draw Students from Varied Backgrounds

One of the strengths of the new program is that it can be customized to enhance students’ interests, Li said.

“I believe this program will draw students from different backgrounds. Someone who has a managerial background might lean toward procurement and managing contracts and negotiations with suppliers and customers,’’ she said. “A student with a technical background might be interested in supply chain planning and digitalization. We are offering versatility and flexibility so that students can customize their study to pursue their preferred career path.’’

Jose Cruz, Associate Dean for Business Graduate Programs and a member of the committee that designed the program, said it aligns with the cutting-edge research conducted by UConn faculty in supply chain optimization, sustainability, and innovation.

“The program will equip students with the tools to lead in an increasingly complex and globalized supply chain landscape by bridging academic insights with real-world challenges,’’ he said. “Supply chains are the backbone of economic resilience and efficiency and this program will serve as a vital resource for professionals looking to advance their careers and companies seeking talent to navigate today’s challenges and opportunities.’’

To learn more about the forthcoming program, please visit: https://grad.business.uconn.edu/ms-supply-chain-information-request