[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A doctorate in supply chain and logistics can open the door to lucrative careers in business and academia. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2023, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/logisticians.htm#tab-1/”]logisticians earned a median salary of $80,880[/hen-ui-link], which is nearly twice the median pay for all other occupations. Students who use their doctorate for teaching and research jobs at a college or university can potentially earn even more. The BLS estimates that the median [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm#tab-5/”]postsecondary business teacher[/hen-ui-link] earned $83,980. If you enjoy logistics and want to advance your career without leaving your current job, consider earning your doctorate in supply chain management online.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Online Doctorate in Supply Chain and Logistics Programs[/hen-ui-heading]
#1 The Best Online Doctorate in Supply Chain and Logistics Programs

Liberty University

  • Location-markerLynchburg, VA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$15,417
  • Out-of-state$15,417
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,980
  • Out-of-state$7,980
  • Retention Rate81%
  • Acceptance Rate51%
  • Students Enrolled85,586
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment92%
  • AccreditationYes
[hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Chose These Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At TheBestSchools, we use trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias. Our ranking methodology helps prospective students from various backgrounds find the best fit. We consider key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability so every type of student can find the best fit for them.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This list was updated in 2023. Learn more about how our formula works on [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]our ranking methodology page[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”choice”]Choosing a Doctorate in Supply Chain & Logistics Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-card title=”50 Best Online Colleges & Universities” href=”/rankings/online-colleges/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many schools offer online doctorate degrees in supply chain management, so choose a program that meets your needs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most programs in this area begin with foundational coursework in areas like global operations, financial decision making and supply chain design. Students can further customize their course of study through electives such as human resource development, micro and macroeconomic theory, and the intersection of supply chains and information technology.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You should also expect to take a series of courses in research design and methods. If you pursue a Ph.D. in supply chain management, you must first conduct original research and then write and defend your dissertation. If you instead pursue a doctorate of business administration (DBA), you may only need to complete a capstone project; this allows you to apply your learning to a practical business challenge.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students planning to work in academia should consider earning their Ph.D., whereas students interested in management and leadership roles may prefer to earn a DBA. Most students graduate from Ph.D. programs in four to seven years, while DBA students often earn their degree in as few as three years.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”what-to-expect”]What Else Can I Expect From an Online Supply Chain & Logistics Doctorate Program?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students in both Ph.D. and DBA supply chain and logistics programs explore similar subjects, such as advanced mathematics, quality management and organizational theory. However, the exact nature of your course of study depends largely on the program you choose. For example, some programs require their students to participate in a field experience, while other programs feature exclusively online coursework.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”curriculum”]Curriculum for an Online Doctoral Degree in Supply Chain and Logistics[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Fundamentals of Logistics and Supply Chain Management: This course provides doctoral students with an overview of key issues. Covered topics include inventory control, forecasting, procurement and the growing role of information technology in logistics and supply chain management.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Microeconomic Theory: In this course, students explore subjects such as general equilibrium, welfare economics, duality, game theory and choice under uncertainty. Students with prior graduate-level coursework in this area can often test out of this requirement.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Supply Chain Management Research: Particularly valuable for students without a master’s degree, this course introduces the basics of research design and methodology. Students learn how to frame research questions and generate a hypothesis as well as how to properly collect, analyze and interpret data.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Theory in Supply Chain Management: This course traces the development of supply chain management theory from the dawn of assembly lines to today’s highly globalized marketplace. Students also examine theories from related business fields such as strategic management and marketing.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Behavioral Supply Chain Management: Students in this course study the role of human behavior in supply chain management. The course particularly focuses on the relationships between a business and its clients, vendors, affiliates and government authorities.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”careers”]Careers With a Supply Chain & Logistics Doctorate[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With an online doctorate in supply chain and logistics management, you can enter many different careers. You may work as a logistician, or you may rise through the ranks of your company to take on a leadership role like chief operating officer. Some graduates pursue academic teaching or research jobs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Regardless of the path you take, careers in this field require exceptional communication, critical thinking, organizational and problem-solving skills.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/logisticians.htm#tab-1/”]Logistician:[/hen-ui-link] Logisticians coordinate their organizations’ supply chains, from the acquisition of raw materials to the delivery of a finished product. They also analyze these supply chains in order to ensure safety and improve efficiency. While a bachelor’s degree or certification can qualify you for most of these roles, a doctorate signals advanced expertise and can give you a competitive edge. [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Median Annual Salary: $80,880[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Projected Growth Rate: 19%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm#tab-1/”]Chief Operating Officer:[/hen-ui-link] Chief operating officers oversee all aspects of their company’s operations, which include the distribution of goods and services to clients, maintenance of facilities, and the hiring and training of staff. At large corporations, chief operating officers often hold a master’s in business administration. However, a doctorate in logistics may lead to higher salary.[hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Median Annual Salary: $105,350[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Projected Growth Rate: 6%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm#tab-1/”]Postsecondary Business Teacher:[/hen-ui-link] Postsecondary teachers instruct students and conduct research at colleges and universities. They must also take on a wide range of administrative responsibilities, such as mentoring students or designing curricula for doctorate in supply chain management programs. Generally speaking, you must hold a doctorate to teach at this level. [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Median Annual Salary: $83,980[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Projected Growth Rate: 8%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]