Supply Chain Management

Graduate Program HeadKevin Linderman
Program CodeSCM
Campus(es)World Campus (M.S.C.M.)
Degrees ConferredMaster of Supply Chain Management (M.S.C.M.)
The Graduate Faculty

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The Master of Supply Chain Management in Supply Chain Management (M.S.C.M.) is awarded to students who demonstrate mastery of the knowledge, problem-solving competencies, and leadership skills that are critical to leading business transformation through integrated supply chain planning and execution. The program emphasizes problem-based learning coupled with integrative, collaborative learning experiences to develop the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for effective supply chain management. Instruction is delivered online, so that working professionals can complete the degree as part-time students, while also offering an optional on-campus experience.

Admission Requirements

Applicants apply for admission to the program via the Graduate School application for admission. Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-300 Admissions Policies.

Students applying to the professional M.S.C.M. degree program must be admitted by both the M.S.C.M. program and the Graduate School at The Pennsylvania State University. GRE/GMAT scores are not required for admission.

Admission to the graduate program in Supply Chain Management requires:

  • A completed Graduate School application for graduate study, including nonrefundable application fee
  • A current resume, along with a statement of professional experience and goals. This statement of approximately two pages must describe the applicant's professional goals, experience, and responsibilities. The statement must also indicate why the applicant is applying to the professional M.S.C.M. program at Penn State
  • Two letters of recommendation relevant to the applicant's professional capabilities, one preferably from the employee's immediate supervisor, which should address the applicant's readiness for graduate study
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
  • An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or grade average of "B" or better in graduate courses completed since the first bachelor's degree, with at least 6 credits of graduate courses completed to qualify under this option. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 may be admitted in limited circumstances at the discretion of the program, where the applicant demonstrates an exceptional record of professional achievement. In such circumstances, the program may require, as a condition of admission, completion of course work to make up deficiencies or fill in gaps in prior education.

A committee of SC&IS Department faculty meet periodically to review applications and identify applicants qualified for admission. Admissions decisions are based on a review of a complete admission portfolio, including:

  • the application,
  • the statement of professional experience and goals,
  • the current resume,
  • official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, and
  • two letters of recommendation.
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Degree Requirements

Master of Supply Chain Management (M.S.C.M.)

Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-700 Professional Degree Policies.

Students earn the M.S.C.M. degree by successfully completing a minimum of 30 credits including 24 credits of required courses and 6 credits of approved electives.

Required Courses
SCM 830Supply Chain Analysis3
SCM 800Supply Chain Management3
SCM 801Supply Chain Performance Metrics and Financial Analysis3
SCM 822Supply Management3
SCM 842Operations Management and Demand Fulfillment3
SCM 846Emerging Topics in Supply Chain Management3
SCM 860Supply Chain Transformation and Innovation3
Electives
Elective credits can be chosen from a list of approved courses maintained by the graduate program office.6
Culminating Experience
SCM 850Supply Chain Design and Strategy (Capstone Course) 13
Total Credits30
1

Students must complete a culminating supply chain simulation multi-stage exercise for the degree, while enrolled in the capstone course, SCM 850. The simulation demonstrates the student's ability to apply advanced supply chain management knowledge to a supply chain-related problem or situation in a way that makes a substantial contribution to the student's professional development. 

The program requires a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00 and no course grade below a C. All requirements for the M.S.C.M. degree must be met within eight years of admission to degree status. Students are expected to make continuous progress toward the degree. Leaves of absence, however, may be granted under exceptional circumstances on a case-by-case basis, at the discretion of the program.

Credits earned at other institutions but not used to earn a degree may be applied toward the requirements for a graduate degree, subject to restrictions outlined in GCAC-309 Transfer Credit.

Minor

A graduate minor is available in any approved graduate major or dual-title program. The default requirements for a graduate minor are stated in Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-600 Research Degree Policies and GCAC-700 Professional Degree Policies, depending on the type of degree the student is pursuing:

Student Aid

World Campus students in graduate degree programs may be eligible for financial aid. Refer to the Tuition and Financial Aid section of the World Campus website for more information.

Courses

Graduate courses carry numbers from 500 to 699 and 800 to 899. Advanced undergraduate courses numbered between 400 and 499 may be used to meet some graduate degree requirements when taken by graduate students. Courses below the 400 level may not. A graduate student may register for or audit these courses in order to make up deficiencies or to fill in gaps in previous education but not to meet requirements for an advanced degree.

Supply Chain Management (SCM) Course List

Learning Outcomes

Global Perspective – Students will demonstrate their understanding of attributes and risks of global supply chains and international trends that affect both domestic and global supply chains.

Problem Solving – Students will demonstrate problem-solving skills through case analysis activities (descriptive) and utilizing analytic techniques (predictive) to maintain efficient supply chain practices.

Integrative Understanding – Students will demonstrate their understanding of how cross-functional business skills are necessary for sound business processes.

Supply Chain Professional Skills – With a focus on ethical and sustainable behavior, students will demonstrate their ability to be a principled leader as well as a valuable team member.

Communication Skills – Students will demonstrate their ability to formulate and articulate supply chain ideas individually and collaboratively in written and presentation form.

Contact

Campus University Park
Graduate Program Head Kevin Linderman
Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) or Professor-in-Charge (PIC) David J Huff
Program Contact

Andrea Lyn Murphy-Faust
alm205@psu.edu
(814) 863-0474

Campus World Campus
Graduate Program Head Kevin Linderman
Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) or Professor-in-Charge (PIC) David J Huff
Program Contact

Michelle Kristen Rockower
220 Business Building
University Park PA 16802
mkk114@psu.edu
(814) 865-5290

Program Website View