Logistics and Materials Management

Overview

Logistics and materials management programs prepare people to plan and direct how materials and equipment are used to produce goods and services.

Logistics and materials management programs prepare people to manage inventory, allocate resources, and make sure goods are shipped on time. Students learn how to manage staff and computer systems for keeping records.

Logistics and materials management programs cover topics such as:

Inventory management
Resource allocation
Shipping
Records management

Schools

Some community colleges offer this program as a focus in a business management program. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete.

Several college and universities offer bachelor’s degree programs in logistics and materials management. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

Universities also offer graduate degrees in logistics. It is also possible to focus on logistics and materials management in a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree.

See schools that offer this program.

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Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Computer Science and Programming
Economics
Introduction to Business
Pre-Calculus
Public Speaking
Second Language

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores. Your bachelor's degree should be in logistics and materials management or another business field. Otherwise, you should complete several courses in logistics. You will need a background in accounting, economics, management, and business law. Courses in management information systems and statistics are also helpful.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) (G) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)
Letters of recommendation
Interview (MBA)

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Business Law
Business Writing
Calculus for Business
International Management
Introduction to Accounting
Introduction to Human Resources Management
Introduction to Logistics
Introduction to Management Information Systems
Introduction to Marketing
Logistics Operations
Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Management and Organization
Principles of Microeconomics
Statistics for Business
Strategic Management
Transportation Economics

Things to Know

Good skills in writing, speaking, and critical thinking are needed for advancement in the business world.

Business courses in high school can be useful preparation for a career in logistics and materials management. Your high school transcript needs to show that you are preparing for a demanding college-level program.