Prospective Students
Two key descriptors for the Master of Professional Studies in Supply Chain Management are quality and convenience. You can expect the same high-quality, academically challenging courses as those taught in an on-campus classroom. In fact, the credits you earn through World Campus are identical to those earned at our traditional campuses.
World Campus also gives you the flexibility to study wherever you are. As job responsibilities grow increasingly complex and family schedules become more hectic, online education enables you to study at times and places that are convenient for you.
The course calendar approximates the University's resident instruction Fall, Spring and Summer semesters, as indicated in the chart below. Individual courses are 13-14 weeks in duration and are entirely online, with one exception. SCM 530, Supply Chain Analysis, taken at the end of the first year of courses, includes a required four-day residency at University Park, PA, typically from Sunday to Wednesday during the second or third week of August. The residency includes a challenging experiential supply chain simulation as well as the opportunity for face-to-face fellowship among students and faculty to conclude the first year of the program. The following outlines the course sequence and schedule for the entire MPS/SCM degree program:
| Year One Courses | 15 Credits |
|---|---|
| Fall (Sep – Dec): | SCM 800 Supply Chain Management (4 cr) |
| Spring (Jan – Apr): | SCM 810 Transportation and Distribution (4 cr) |
| Summer (May – Jul): | SCM 820 Strategic Procurement (4 cr) |
| Summer (Aug): | SCM 530 Supply Chain Analysis (3 cr) |
| Year Two Courses | 15 Credits |
| Fall (Sep – Dec): |
SCM 840 Supply Chain Project Management (4 cr) |
| Spring (Jan – Apr): | SCM 850 Supply Chain Design and Strategy (4 cr) SCM 594 Professional Paper (1 cr) |
| Summer (May – Jun): | SCM 860 Supply Chain Transformation and Innovation (4 cr) SCM 894 Professional Paper (1 cr) |
Each course syllabus is designed to integrate rigorous learning objectives, reading assignments, developmental activities and performance evaluations expected in a top-tier Master's Program. Well-defined, web-based instructional modules enable each student to craft a flexible schedule that meets the demands of graduate school while pursuing a career.
Upon completion of the first three courses in the Master’s program (SCM 800, 810 and 820), students will be awarded Penn State’s Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Management. Master’s students will also qualify for the American Society of Transportation & Logistics (ASTL) PLS and CTL certificates. Find more details on the ASTL Certifications.
Find out about admissions requirements, our application process, and tuition by exploring the information on other portions of this web site.
