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Compare Popular Online Operations Management Programs
What is Operations Management?
Operations management is a critical field that interconnects various sectors of the business world, from suppliers to consumers, to ensure that products are delivered effectively and efficiently. In Tennessee, educational institutions offer extensive programs in operations, logistics, and supply chain management, providing students with the skills needed to excel in this discipline. These programs are designed to arm students with the strategic and analytical abilities to minimize costs while maximizing competitive advantages in the marketplace.
With the proliferation of online education, Tennessee has adapted by offering degrees in operations management that can cater to the flexibility needs of many aspiring professionals. Most degrees come with options for financial aid and clear paths to roles in the field. Graduates with these degrees have a wide array of career options and competitive salaries, reflecting the importance and demand for operations management expertise in the workforce.
Students interested in working as an operations or general manager can find programs in institutions across the state. These ooptions may include programs from Middle Tennessee State University, MTSU's Jones College of Business, Tennessee State University, and more.
Understanding Operations Management
Operations management is a critical field that ensures businesses can deliver products and services effectively and efficiently. By focusing on the core principles of this discipline and understanding the roles that operations managers play, you're taking important steps toward preparing yourself for a career in this field in Tennessee.
Core Principles of Operations Management
- Process Design and Improvement: At its heart, operations management deals with designing and constantly improving business processes. You focus on the most efficient means of producing goods or offering services.
- Quality Management: Ensuring consistent quality in products and services is key. Techniques like Six Sigma and quality control checks are part and parcel of your toolkit to maintain high standards.
- Capacity Planning: Here, you'll learn how to balance demand against production capacity, ensuring that resources are utilized optimally without overburdening the system.
- Inventory Management: Managing raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods to minimize costs while satisfying customer demand is essential.
- Supply Chain Coordination: You'll understand how to synchronize the flow of products from suppliers to customers to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
Role of Operations Managers
- Strategizing: You are tasked with developing strategies that align the operations with the business goals. In Tennessee, this might involve recognizing local market conditions and logistic specifics.
- Decision-Making: Analytics based decision-making will be your regular activity to solve operational issues, often by utilizing metrics and data analysis.
- Leadership: As an operations manager, you will lead teams, often in cross-functional roles, to drive company objectives. Your leadership is vital in motivating staff and ensuring productivity.
- Continuous Improvement: An important aspect of the role is to spearhead initiatives that enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall operational effectiveness.
In Tennessee's varied sectors, including manufacturing and services, a degree in operations and production management prepares you to become an effective operations manager by providing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Online Operations Management Degrees
Making the decision to pursue an online operations management degree in Tennessee positions you to blend technical knowledge with leadership skills in the growing fields of production, business, and supply chain management.
Online vs. On-campus Platforms
When choosing between online and on-campus operations management programs, it's crucial to consider your lifestyle and learning preferences. Online programs offer flexibility and convenience, designed for mid-level managers seeking advancement without putting their careers on hold. Moreover, the use of modern digital learning platforms enables you to access lectures and materials on your own schedule, perfect for balancing work and study.
- Flexibility: Access materials and attend classes at any time
- Convenience: Study from anywhere without the need to relocate
- Networking: Engage with a diverse cohort of professionals via virtual communities
On-campus programs, on the other hand, might appeal to you if you prefer face-to-face interaction and more structured learning environments. Hybrid programs combine these benefits, with these operations management programs offering a blend of online flexibility and on-campus support.
- Personal Interaction: Build relationships with faculty and classmates in person.
- Structured Environment: Follow a scheduled class format and academic timeline.
- Facilities Access: Make use of on-campus resources such as libraries and study spaces.
When considering program formats, ensure that the curriculum aligns with your career goals, whether that's in production management, business management, or supply chain and operations management. Your decision between an online platform and an on-campus experience will greatly affect how you manage your time and interact with your peers and instructors.
Online Educational Pathways for an Operations Management Degree in Tennessee
Online Associate Degree in Operations Management (AS)
If you're starting out and aim to gain foundational skills in operations management, an associate degree can serve as a steppingstone. Offered in a variety of ways, Tennessee community colleges can provide you with hands-on learning and the flexibility to learn at your pace. Upon completion, you can either enter the workforce or transfer credits toward a bachelor's degree.
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Operations Management (BS)
A Bachelor of Science in Operations Management equips undergraduate students with a broader range of skills required for operational roles, including knowledge of human resources management, critical thinking, and experiential learning opportunities. Graduating with a bachelor's ensures eligibility for various positions across industries or can pave the way for higher education.
University hq national online rankings for bachelors in operations management Easiest majorsOnline Master’s Degree in Operations Management (MS)
As you advance, master’s programs in operations management allow mid-level managers to refine their leadership abilities, human resource management and relationship building knowledge, a global perspective, and operational expertise. These degrees are typically tailored for professionals with several years of experience in the field. It can take between one and two years to complete these degrees.
University hq national online rankings for masters in operations managementOnline PhD in Operations Management (PhD)
For those interested in scholarly research or high-level consultancy in operations management, a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) may be found in Tennessee or surrounding states. Many doctoral programs are either online or hybrid programs, with residential requirements. These programs can take several years to complete.
Our business resources guide Read our financial aid and FAFSA guideOnline Operations Management Certifications
In addition to degrees, certifications can bolster your qualifications. These are typically shorter, specialized courses that may be completed fully online and are designed to keep you updated with the industry's latest practices and tools.
Financing Your Operations Management Education
Navigating the financials for your operations management degree in Tennessee can be straightforward, with options like tuition assistance and scholarships available to you.
Find Online Operations Management Schools
Tuition Cost and Fees
When considering costs, make sure to account for additional fees beyond tuition, which can include technology fees, application fees, book and supplies, as well as room and board for those attending on-campus.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
As you explore financial aid options, you will find that both federal and state aid can apply to online degrees just as they do for on-campus programs. To begin, you should:
Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) This step is crucial to determine your eligibility for various forms of federal aid, including loans, grants, and work-study programs.
Explore University-Specific Scholarships Often, universities have scholarships available that are unique to their institution. Check if the University of Tennessee schools offer specific scholarships for online students.
Look into External Scholarships Scholarships can come from many sources including private companies, non-profit organizations, and industry associations related to supply chain management and operations.
Remember, scholarships and grants are forms of aid that you do not have to repay, making them an excellent option to offset tuition costs and reduce potential loan debt.
Accreditation
When you pursue an operations management degree, understanding the accreditation of your chosen institution is crucial. This ensures the quality and credibility of your education, which can significantly impact your future career opportunities.
Accrediting Bodies and Entities
Regional Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
For an operations management degree, regional accreditation is a key indicator of a program's quality. Colleges and universities in Tennessee are typically accredited by SACSCOC. This entity ensures that institutions meet high standards in terms of curricula, faculty, and student resources.
National Accreditation:
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
In addition to regional accreditation, programs may also have discipline-specific accreditation from bodies such as ACBSP or AACSB. These focus on business education standards, signaling a strong foundation in operations management principles.
State Licensing Boards:
Each state has its own Department of Education that may impose additional licensing requirements for institutions to legally offer online degrees. Verify that your chosen online program is recognized by Tennessee's Higher Education Commission to ensure that it meets local standards.
Important Considerations:
- Ensure a program is properly accredited by checking with the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
- Check if the program has any specialized accreditation, as this can be particularly relevant to your career in operations management.
- Understand that licensing pertains more to the institution's legal ability to operate and award degrees, rather than the quality of education.
Before enrolling, take the time to review the accreditation status of the operations management degree program. This can influence not only the quality of education you receive but also how future employers view your degree.
Potential Career Options and Salaries for Operations Management Graduates
Earning a degree in operations management offers a variety of career paths with competitive salaries. Each role leverages organizational and leadership skills to enhance business efficiency. Here are just a few roles that you might have access to with a degree in this field.
Business Analyst:
Job description: As a business analyst, you harness data to inform strategic decisions. Your degree equips you with analytical tools to spot trends and improve processes. Annual salaries typically depend on experience and the complexity of the role.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree, Less than 5 years work experience
- Gather and organize information about the problems to be solved or the procedures to be improved
- Interview personnel and conduct onsite observations to determine the methods, equipment, and personnel that will be needed
- Analyze financial and other data, including revenue, expenditure, and employment reports
- Develop solutions or alternative practices
Median Salary: $99,410
Learn morePurchasing Manager:
Job description: Your role as a purchasing manager will involve managing procurement strategies. You ensure that your company obtains quality products for competitive prices, contributing to its financial health.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree
- Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services
- Develop and implement purchasing and contract management instructions, policies, and procedures
- Locate vendors of materials, equipment or supplies, and interview them to determine product availability and terms of sales
- Prepare bid awards requiring board approval
Median Salary: $146,710
Facilities Manager:
Job description: As a facility manager, you will oversee building management and maintenance, ensuring optimal functioning of physical resources. The job demands a blend of technical and managerial skills.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree, Less than 5 years work experience
- Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization’s campus
- Monitor facilities to make sure that they remain safe, secure, and well maintained
- Oversee the maintenance and repair of machinery, equipment, and electrical and mechanical systems
- Make sure that facilities meet environmental, health, and security standards and comply with regulations
Median Salary: $111,110
General and Operations Manager:
Job description: Your responsibility as a general and operations manager encompasses directing operations to meet company objectives. This broad role covers several departments, often commanding a higher salary reflecting the scope of responsibility.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree, 5 years or more work experience
- Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations
- Review financial statements, sales or activity reports, or other performance data to measure productivity or goal achievement or to identify areas needing cost reduction or program improvement
- Direct and coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with the production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products
- Direct administrative activities directly related to making products or providing services
Median Salary: $129,330
Learn moreFrequently Asked Questions
What are the admissions requirements for an operations management degree program?
You will typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent to begin an operations management degree program in Tennessee. Additionally, colleges may require ACT or SAT scores, although some schools are moving away from standardized test scores as part of the admissions process. Letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose can also strengthen your application.
Are there accredited online operations management degree programs available in Tennessee?
Yes, there are accredited online operations management degree programs available in Tennessee. Accreditation ensures that the education provided meets specific quality standards. When searching for online programs, confirm their accreditation status with agencies recognized by the US Department of Education. Options may include Lipscomb University, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga or Knoxville, Tennessee Tech University, and more.
What certifications are valuable after completing an operations management degree?
Valuable certifications that can complement your operations management degree include Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), and Six Sigma certifications. These certifications can help you demonstrate expertise and may be preferred by employers.