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Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA)

Business Administration: Supply Chain Management

Do you want a fast-paced career in a growing field with plentiful internships and full-time job prospects? If you enjoy working with people, problem solving and traveling overseas, consider a degree in supply chain management.

The supply chain management program at BGSU is a specialization within the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree program (BSBA). 

As a supply chain management major, you will gain a strong understanding of how procurement and globalization are intertwined in modern business enterprises. The BGSU program is primarily concerned with the planning, acquisition, conversion, flow and distribution of goods from raw materials to finished goods. 

We prepare you to handle broad managerial responsibilities that impact the success of the company and the competitiveness of the entire supply chain. 

Why study supply chain management at BGSU in Ohio?

  • Research opportunities. Our courses offer plentiful research opportunities that allow you to stand out from other applicants when interviewing for internships and full-time jobs. 
  • Expert, caring faculty. Professors genuinely care about you and encourage thoughtful, engaging classroom discussions. They are acclaimed thought leaders whose trailblazing research shapes the future of business practice and theory. Dr. Hokey Min is among the most cited supply chain authors and is world-renowned for supply chain/transportation logistics research.
  • Invaluable industry and alumni partners build connections and open doors. Through the Supply Chain Management Institute, they share their knowledge and mentor and hire our students for internships and full-time jobs. The supply chain faculty also works with our partners to create real-world projects so that you can apply your classroom knowledge.
  • Paid internships. Explore careers in the field and gain job experience that impresses potential employers. More than 85% of BGSU supply chain management students complete an internship. Many companies – Honda, John Deere, Marathon Petroleum, Owens Corning and Owens-Illinois – recruit on campus for interns.
  • High job placement rate. Our supply chain management students are highly recruited by companies across the U.S. They often receive multiple job offers before graduation.
  • Supply Chain Management Institute. Industry partners in the institute support our program through:
    • Research
    • Networking with students at professional development events
    • Speaking in classes
    • Participating in mock interviews, panel discussions and career fairs
    • Engaging with students on projects in Supply Chain Management classes
  • Ohio Export Internship Program. BGSU is the only northwestern Ohio university in this program. We work with the Ohio Department of Development to offer an export-focused class and provide training to students who can then use their knowledge to help Ohio businesses strengthen their export programs. Students in the class are eligible for export-related internships at companies across the state.
  • Top-rated student organization. The BGSU chapter of the Supply Chain Management Association is among the top 10 in the world. Members network and learn from professionals in the field.
  • Study abroad. The Schmidthorst College of Business offers ample study abroad opportunities with university partners around the world. 
  • Scholarships. Supply chain management students are awarded more than $30,000 in scholarships each year.
  • Enhance your degree. A specialization in supply chain management complements other business areas, especially international business. BGSU offers 13 BSBA specializations. Many of our students choose more than one.
  • Business District Learning Community. Learn and live with other business students.  You’ll find a sense of community, opportunities to interact with business faculty and industry professionals and the chance to go on field trips and to conferences.

Ranked among the top business schools in the U.S. for student experience

Poets&Quants, 2023

Career – what can you do with a specialization in supply chain management?

Supply chain management is a high-demand field. BGSU graduates are highly recruited by companies across the U.S. Many receive multiple job offers.

As a supply chain professional, you'll orchestrate the seamless flow of goods, information and finances across global networks to help businesses run efficiently and sustainably. That could mean optimizing logistics, ensuring product quality, negotiating with suppliers or strategizing to reduce costs. 

Most graduates work initially as buyers, supply chain analysts and inventory supervisors, and then move up to management positions in buying, purchasing and plant facilities. 

Some companies offer leadership development programs in which you work in several of these supply chain areas during your first two or three years.

BGSU supply chain graduates work for companies in technology, manufacturing, retail, logistics, healthcare and consulting. They are senior executives in firms such as Bechtel, CACI, Cooper Tire & Rubber, Diebold, GAP Inc., GE Lighting, Honda, Husqvarna, Huntington Bank, Microsoft, Scotts Miracle-Gro and Swagelok.

Four key elements of supply chain management:
Planning: Ensuring employees, materials and equipment are available at the right time to serve customers
Sourcing: Purchasing goods and services, negotiating and building strategic supplier relationships
Making: Scheduling operations, managing inventory and supervising a work team
Delivering: Building customer relationships and managing logistics, including distribution and 

Career paths

  • Buyer
  • Supply chain analyst
  • Inventory supervisor
  • Logistics manager
  • Procurement specialist

$61,000+

Median starting salary for BGSU business graduates –
among the highest in Ohio

Curriculum

Coursework in the supply chain management specialization helps you to develop skills in  a range of areas: 

  • Procurement
  • Logistics
  • Inventory management
  • Supply chain strategy
  • Demand forecasting
  • Quality control
  • Sustainable supply chain practices

Faculty uses case studies and real-world projects in the classroom, giving you a chance to combine theory with practical applications.  

We encourage students to take advantage of co-ops and internships. These opportunities are priceless in allowing you to gain practical experience and skills that make you more marketable with employers. 

Required courses

students in class

Sample courses

  • Ethics and Social Responsibility in Business
  • Design and Delivery of Quality
  • Supply Category Management and Negotiation
  • Supply Management and Global Sourcing Strategies

BGSU's supply chain program is truly unmatched. The professors shared real-world experience on a daily basis and genuinely cared about us as students, making the classroom atmosphere conversation-driven and inspiring.

Jessica Gardella

Jessica Gardella, ’21

One of only 6% of business schools with AACSB accreditation, the highest accreditation possible

Schmidthorst College of Business Specializations

The flexibility to complete one or more of our 12 specializations distinguishes us from other universities – and gives you a competitive edge in the job market.

  • Accounting
  • Applied Business Economics
  • Business Analytics and Intelligence
  • Finance
  • Individualized Business
  • Information Systems
  • Insurance and Risk Management
  • International Business
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Sales and Services Marketing
  • Supply Chain Management

Premier entrepreneurship program

The Paul J. Hooker Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership at BGSU is one of 20 centers worldwide recognized by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). 

We weave entrepreneurship into all business programs and offer an entrepreneurship minor.

You can take courses in:

  • Real estate entrepreneurship
  • Women and social entrepreneurs
  • Nonprofit and corporate responsibility
  • Innovation and disruption

Top business leaders and entrepreneurs-in-residence bring real-world experience and expertise to our curriculum. A mentorship program connects students with alumni and industry leaders.

Thanks to an incubation program funded by alumni and supporters, more than $800,000 has been provided to student entrepreneurs to start their own ventures.

Updated: 01/22/2025 08:06AM