Online Bachelor's Degree in Operations Management - Best of 2024

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When you think of operations management, you should think of the logistics of moving a product from Point A to Point B (also known as supply chain management), maintaining the quality of the product and of your services in shipping it to customers (quality management or quality control), and forecasting what the need may be in the next two or three quarters for both the product and the materials needed to create the product. Operations management covers many topics.

An operations manager may work in environments such as healthcare, production development, system design, technology management, hospitality, and more. At the bachelor’s level, you’ll be getting the broad basics of business and supply chain management along with other skills that focus on efficiency when you earn a traditional or online operations management degree. When you enter this field, your knowledge and skills will be needed daily.

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What is a Bachelor’s Degree?

A bachelor’s degree is a four-year degree that you can earn after graduating from high school or gaining your GED. If you plan to continue earning more-advanced degrees, a bachelor’s degree is a requirement for both a master’s and a doctoral (PhD) degree.

Going to school to earn an online bachelor’s degree is more complex than going to the high school in your community; you need to be officially admitted to the college or university offering the degree you want. You’ll begin by applying to the schools you’re most interested in. This includes answering questions on the application form, submitting your high school transcript and college testing scores, and perhaps even a campus visit and interview. You may also have to write an essay for each institution you’re most interested in attending.

Next, you need to decide whether you’re going to attend a traditional (in-person) college or take your classes online. Once you’ve been admitted to a college or university, you need to start taking and passing your classes so you can earn the credits you need to graduate. When you have successfully passed every required class and elective, usually a bachelor’s requires about 120 credits and many classes offer 3 credits each, then you are ready to graduate.

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Top 25 Online Bachelors in Operations & Logistics Management Programs

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Score: 82.75

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,357
- Out-of-State: $39,293
Net Price: $22,291
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Retention Rate: 90%

Graduation Rate: 83%
Total Enrollment: 32,229
Undergrad Students: 24,391
Graduate Students: 7,838
Grads Salary: $82,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Florida International University

Score: 78.48

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,565
- Out-of-State: $18,963
Net Price: $9,881
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Retention Rate: 91%

Graduation Rate: 69%
Total Enrollment: 55,609
Undergrad Students: 45,688
Graduate Students: 9,921
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 24:1

University of New Hampshire

Score: 76.01

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,112
- Out-of-State: $38,882
Net Price: $24,507
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 78%
Total Enrollment: 13,953
Undergrad Students: 11,512
Graduate Students: 2,441
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Southern Wesleyan University

Score: 74.48

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $27,870
- Out-of-State: $27,870
Net Price: $17,639
Acceptance Rate: 51%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 60%
Total Enrollment: 1,175
Undergrad Students: 896
Graduate Students: 279
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Oregon Institute of Technology

Score: 74.46

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,687
- Out-of-State: $35,592
Net Price: $17,283
Acceptance Rate: 93%
Retention Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 57%
Total Enrollment: 4,911
Undergrad Students: 4,802
Graduate Students: 109
Grads Salary: $83,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

American Public University System

Score: 74.37

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,400
- Out-of-State: $8,400
Net Price: $11,172
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 90%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 48,668
Undergrad Students: 39,206
Graduate Students: 9,462
Grads Salary: $79,000
Student-to-faculty: 24:1

Ball State University

Score: 73.49

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,758
- Out-of-State: $28,766
Net Price: $12,615
Acceptance Rate: 69%
Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 64%
Total Enrollment: 19,777
Undergrad Students: 14,416
Graduate Students: 5,361
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

East Carolina University

Score: 72.97

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,361
- Out-of-State: $23,638
Net Price: $14,410
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Retention Rate: 80%

Graduation Rate: 65%
Total Enrollment: 27,151
Undergrad Students: 21,688
Graduate Students: 5,463
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Murray State University

Score: 72.4

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,708
- Out-of-State: $19,452
Net Price: $11,042
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 58%
Total Enrollment: 9,479
Undergrad Students: 7,679
Graduate Students: 1,800
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth

Score: 70.04

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,208
- Out-of-State: $31,750
Net Price: $19,700
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 7,457
Undergrad Students: 5,517
Graduate Students: 1,940
Grads Salary: $79,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

Lipscomb University

Score: 70.03

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $38,824
- Out-of-State: $38,824
Net Price: $27,937
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Retention Rate: 84%

Graduation Rate: 69%
Total Enrollment: 4,704
Undergrad Students: 2,955
Graduate Students: 1,749
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Northern Arizona University

Score: 69.91

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,652
- Out-of-State: $28,900
Net Price: $17,115
Acceptance Rate: 80%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 59%
Total Enrollment: 28,086
Undergrad Students: 23,204
Graduate Students: 4,882
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

Portland State University

Score: 69.61

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,238
- Out-of-State: $30,138
Net Price: $16,273
Acceptance Rate: 93%
Retention Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 53%
Total Enrollment: 21,609
Undergrad Students: 16,862
Graduate Students: 4,747
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Minnesota State University Moorhead

Score: 68.51

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,336
- Out-of-State: $10,336
Net Price: $17,939
Acceptance Rate: 57%
Retention Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 4,682
Undergrad Students: 3,729
Graduate Students: 953
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Rasmussen University-Minnesota

Score: 68.09

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,899
- Out-of-State: $10,899
Net Price: $17,858
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 100%

Graduation Rate: 48%
Total Enrollment: 3,058
Undergrad Students: 2,649
Graduate Students: 409
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Fort Hays State University

Score: 67.08

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,633
- Out-of-State: $16,811
Net Price: $13,322
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 12,949
Undergrad Students: 10,427
Graduate Students: 2,522
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

Missouri State University

Score: 66.65

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,024
- Out-of-State: $17,928
Net Price: $17,677
Acceptance Rate: 93%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 58%
Total Enrollment: 22,535
Undergrad Students: 18,419
Graduate Students: 4,116
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

California Baptist University

Score: 66.57

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $39,720
- Out-of-State: $39,720
Net Price: $27,304
Acceptance Rate: 80%
Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 63%
Total Enrollment: 11,495
Undergrad Students: 8,334
Graduate Students: 3,161
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Saint Leo University

Score: 65.81

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $28,360
- Out-of-State: $28,360
Net Price: $20,390
Acceptance Rate: 80%
Retention Rate: 54%

Graduation Rate: 49%
Total Enrollment: 10,242
Undergrad Students: 7,320
Graduate Students: 2,922
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Kennesaw State University

Score: 65.46

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,786
- Out-of-State: $17,040
Net Price: $18,079
Acceptance Rate: 68%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 46%
Total Enrollment: 43,190
Undergrad Students: 38,927
Graduate Students: 4,263
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

Franklin University

Score: 65.43

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,577
- Out-of-State: $9,577
Net Price: $18,989
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 50%

Graduation Rate: 49%
Total Enrollment: 8,044
Undergrad Students: 5,647
Graduate Students: 2,397
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

ECPI University

Score: 63.74

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $18,484
- Out-of-State: $18,484
Net Price: $22,578
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Retention Rate: 51%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 11,740
Undergrad Students: 11,399
Graduate Students: 341
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Briar Cliff University

Score: 62.63

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,534
- Out-of-State: $35,534
Net Price: $21,620
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 43%
Total Enrollment: 927
Undergrad Students: 709
Graduate Students: 218
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Park University

Score: 61.91

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,400
- Out-of-State: $16,400
Net Price: $15,858
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 59%

Graduation Rate: 23%
Total Enrollment: 7,662
Undergrad Students: 6,238
Graduate Students: 1,424
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Bellevue University

Score: 61.32

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,886
- Out-of-State: $8,886
Net Price: $24,767
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 51%

Graduation Rate: 41%
Total Enrollment: 13,841
Undergrad Students: 10,808
Graduate Students: 3,033
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Where Can You Earn an Operations Management Degree?

To take the classes that allow you to earn your bachelor’s in operations management degree, you have to go to a college or university that offers the program you want. These colleges and universities may be public, private, online schools, liberal arts colleges, or career colleges service those who wish to become operations management students and professionals.

Find Your Online Operations & Logistics Management Program

If you want to go to school in your state, your high school counselor can help you figure out what each college's strengths are and make sure they line up with what you are looking for. They will also help you get started with the process of requesting admission. No matter where you live, you’ll be able to find many options for colleges and universities you can attend, especially if you're willing to attend an online operations management degree. It’ll be up to you to figure out which ones offer the exact program you’re interested in, though you might also choose between operations management or technical operations management, project management or technical project management, supply chain management or global supply chain management/global logistics management, quality control or quality management, and more.

On average, you will be required to earn 120 college credits; some will require that you earn a few more. This process should take you about 4 years, depending on whether you’re able to carry a full load of classes each semester. Students who attend part-time or change their major halfway through another take longer to finish their degrees, sometimes taking up to 6 or 7 years altogether.

Online Vs. Traditional Education in Operations Management

Consider whether you want to go to traditional (in-person, on-campus classes) or online classes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, universities and colleges all across the country went to a remote (online) format to protect students, faculty, and staff. This might give you the opportunity to find more feedback on online programs from the students who have actually attended class online during this period, whether they wanted to or not.

Online learning has been becoming more and more popular from 2002 into the present. But. . . is an online format a good fit for your temperament and personality? Are you able to manage your time effectively and submit your assignments in a timely manner? If either one of these gives you trouble, then an on-campus format may be a better choice for you.

Some advantages of an online degree program are that you can attend classes from the comfort of your home and save on gas and vehicle wear and tear. You may learn more by working solo rather than being surrounded by a classroom of students rustling paper, leafing through textbooks, or sending text messages on the sly.

In a planned online degree program, course content is designed for the online environment. Interactive learning may have been redesigned for an online format.

An operations management degree program is usually housed within the Business College or department at your university. You’ll take a roster of business classes, then focus on operations management and possibly supply chain management. If you are taking your degree program on-campus, you will be able to collaborate on questions with classmates. Some class projects may require that you work on a typical operations management issue, such as delays in getting a shipment delivered. An online format may require plenty of forum discussion in order to earn class credit while an on-campus format may use this as an opportunity to get you to work with a smaller group as a team.

What are the Admission Requirements for a Operations Management Bachelor’s Degree?

Beginning with admission requirements, you need to submit several documents to your universities of choice before being officially admitted to a college. Part of this might include filling out the Common Application or Coalition Application if you choose to do so. You can create your account on one of these apps and start gathering all documents requested by each college you’re interested in.

Bachelor’s degree admission requirements vary from school to school. Some require that you have a certain average high school GPA and others require that you reach a certain score threshold on your SATs or ACTs.

However, the usual requirements are these:

Application
High School Transcripts (if an average GPA is required, this is how they will find it)
SAT/ACT Scores
Recommendation Letters
Essay

Some schools, particularly public state schools, are more lax in their requirements than most private schools.

As you are in your first two years of operations management school, you’ll run into some notations in the course catalog, such as ‘prerequisites’. This means that you have to complete a specific course before signing up for a class in your organizational management or operations management major. For instance, if you are signing up for next semester’s classes, you may see “Prerequisite: ECON 203” listed after a class you have to take. You need to take and pass ECON 203 before you sign up for that particular class.

Why Earn a BS Degree in Operations Management?

The most important reason to earn a bachelor’s degree is that companies looking for organizational managers require that applicants hold at least this level of degree. Keeping this in mind, the degree you want should match as closely as possible the goals you have set for yourself.

Because you’re interested in a career in business, perhaps specifically organizational management or operational management, you should know that a bachelor’s degree will align more closely with the responsibilities and duties of this role. For instance, the program focus of an associate degree is more technical and offers fewer general business studies than those needed in an organizational manager’s role.

Next, the earning potential is higher with a bachelor’s degree in hand. High school graduates who do not earn a higher-level degree earn an average of just over $38,000 annually. Those with an associate degree earn just over $7,000 more than those with a high school diploma. And those with bachelor’s degrees earn closer to $65,000 annually on average.

Look at your intended career path. If you plan to earn a master’s or doctorate, a bachelor’s degree is mandatory. Returning to school for your master’s degree in organizational management means you’re going to delve more deeply into specific areas of knowledge. Because you’ve already taken your gen-ed courses, you won’t have to worry about them again.

Why a Degree in Operations Management?

With this degree, you open yourself for positions in many different fields. These include quality control, production planning, industrial engineering, inventory control, or production supervision. You’ll find that the operations management degree programs are housed within the Business College—a large part of your work in operations management involves finance and other business functions.

Look for a degree program that mentions continuing education, the opportunity to advance into a master’s degree program or even new career options. If you’ve already earned your associate degree, the operations management degree program at the bachelor’s level will allow you to build on the credits you earned in your community college program.

Good operations management degree programs offer opportunities for research and internships. These both give you real-life knowledge and experience beyond your textbooks. You should also ask about certification opportunities as well; earning certifications makes you more valuable to employers, whether you’re seeking advancement with your current employer or you are planning to seek a position elsewhere.

What’s Involved in a Bachelor’s Degree?

First, you’ll need to earn a higher number of credits to graduate than you will in an associate degree program; 120 to be precise. You’ll be able to finish in four years if you attend full-time. You’ll learn analysis, design, and how to launch the operation of difficult management systems. Some schools may also require you to complete a capstone course in strategic operations management. This can help you to pull together all of your learning.

Find Online Operations & Logistics Management Schools

If you are naturally detail-oriented and organized, you’ll be able to capitalize on this in your degree program. Any well-designed operations management degree program gives you the tools you need to put yourself in the right position so that you’ll succeed in your profession. This will often include learning the skills and knowledge needed to apply both statistical and quantitative modeling techniques to data you are working on. You’ll be able to use what you learn to make the right decisions and improve your employer’s performance.

Common Courses

Business Communication
Financial Accounting
Core Financial Management
Laws for Business Leaders
Decision Analysis
Process Analysis and Improvement
Operations Strategy with Integrative Project
Entrepreneurship
Marketing
Working Skillfully in Organizations
Law for Business Leaders
Supply Chain Management
Applied Analytics and Data Visualization
Forecasting

What to Consider When Choosing a Bachelor’s Program for Operations Management

Accreditation

Accreditation is a vital recognition for universities, colleges, and community colleges alike. The US Department of Education has approved agencies that inspect and recognize colleges and universities as accredited throughout the country. For instance, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) accredits educational institutions in the middle part of the country. The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) accredits colleges and universities in the New England region. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) accredits institutions in the Northwest part of the country. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accredits universities and colleges in the South. The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) as well as the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredits colleges and universities in the West. All of these accreditation agencies are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

There are also groups that provide programmatic accreditation for business, nursing, teaching, etc. The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accredits business programs throughout the US. It is responsible for reviewing these specialized programs and single-purpose freestanding institutions.

Without accreditation you may not have access to financial aid, credit transfers, AP credits, and more. You may also not be able to find work after you finish school if you attend somewhere without accreditation. Schools take this seriously, and so will prospective employers. Make sure to check the accreditation of any school you consider attending.

Further Operations Management Education

Master’s Degree in Operations & Logistics Management

What does a Master of Science in Operations Management mean for you? In short, these programs can give you the chance to grow your knowledge, develop stronger leadership abilities, and develop a way of connecting with others. You’ll also finish with a much stronger professional performance and understanding of workflow processes on the job.

These two benefits roll in easily with each other. Earning an MS in Operations Management degree allows you to increase your potential for advancement in this field. You may become a manager sooner than if you do not earn a master’s. Your salary will also benefit: the median pay for an operations and supply chain manager was $75,000 in the US in recent years.

MBA with a Concentration in Operations & Logistics Management

Following through with a decision to earn your MBA in Operations Management will allow you to realize several benefits. As an MBA in this field, you’ll be the person ensuring that company operations are running smoothly; this is complex on the best days as it involves coordinating information, employees, resources, and equipment.

If you decide to stay in your current position, your new MBA means you could see a significant increase in your salary. Your mid-career salary may float somewhere in the $120,000 to $140,000 range. Logisticians (operations managers) may see a salary increase of $28,000.

PhD in Operations & Logistics Management

Going all the way to the top and earning your Doctorate in Operations Management gives you access to the newest theories in logistics. You’ll be able to explain them to government officials, business leaders, and industry leaders. You may choose to either defend the country (helping the military to plan their actions and source the material service members need. Your salary may begin at $117,000 and go up to $148,000.

You may also decide to teach operations management in business schools, working as a professor. At your educational level, you will have the knowledge you need to teach students and gain a tenured position. Here, your salary is likely to be around $117,400.

Operations Management Certifications

Beyond your degree in operations management (either a bachelor’s or master’s), you should plan on earning certifications in operations management. Having these listed on your resume and personnel file will help you to earn both promotions and higher salaries.

The education and certifications will depend on the industry in which you are working.

Some certifications credentials include:

Certified Manager (CM)
Certified Supply Chain Professional Program (CSCP)
Certification in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)
Program Management Professional (PgMP)

Beyond your education and certification, you should also expect to have several years of work experience backing you up as you prepare to advance into management. If you don’t yet have the qualifications and experience that are required by your employer, it may be more difficult for you to advance in your career.

What organizations offer these certifications? There are several. The Institute of Certified Professional Managers offers the CM credential. A major part of earning this recognition is studying the materials, attending continuing education workshops and webinars, and obtaining mentorship from a supervising manager.

This can lead to improved salary and benefits. As an operations manager, you’ll already be one of the highest-paid professionals in your organization. The median annual salary for operations managers used to be $91,570; but this may differ, depending on the organization’s size and the industry in which it operates. Aside from salary, the benefits offered will likely include sick leave, paid leave, stock options, retirement savings plans, profit sharing, and/or performance bonuses.

Potential Careers for Operations Management Graduates

Business Analyst:
You may work in a public or private sector organization, analyzing business trends and making recommendations.
Production Planner:
Here, you’ll work with the production line, deciding when products are going to be manufactured. You may work closely with several top-line supervisors.
Materials Manager:
In this position, you are responsible for sourcing and obtaining the materials your employer needs to manufacture the products it sells—from the fittings to every piece needed to build the item.

Search Programs Offering Operations & Logistics Management Majors
Design and Development:
You may work for an auto manufacturer, designing the company’s newest vehicles planned to come off the line. You’ll consult closely with management to ensure the vehicle is as it was conceived.
IT Management:
You may work for a data company, such as Cognizant or Datalink, where you’ll be an IT/Project manager. In this role, you help to design new IT systems and oversee whole teams of workers.
Operations Management/Supply Chain:
In this position you may work for the biggest names in the industry, such as Amazon, Target or Raytheon, where you’ll procure services and goods, improve the company’s usage of resources, and manage relationships with vendors and suppliers.
Operations Research:
Here, you’ll help determine how best to allocate your employer’s assets and resources (human, hard, capital, time, and others).

Salary Expectations

If you don’t plan to advance to a master’s degree or higher in operations management, here are the differing annual salaries you may expect to earn. Positions stem from either a bachelor of science, bachelor of business administration, or bachelor of business administration - operations management. Over time, you will see your annual salary increase, even though you won’t be earning as much as you would with a master’s degree in hand. On the positive side, you will still gain professional experience and, over time, your income will rise.

Bachelor of Science (BS/BSc) Operations Management:
Average annual salary: $75,000

You may work as a supply chain analyst, production supervisor, project manager, unspecified or as a supply chain manager.
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Supply Chain Management:
Average annual salary: $61,000

With this degree, you may work as a production planner in manufacturing, operations manager, senior buyer, or as a procurement specialist.
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Operations Management:
Average annual salary: $70,000

In this role, you may work as a production manager in a manufacturing environment (the same as the BBA/Supply Chain Management graduate), supply chain analyst, production supervisor (same as the BS/Operations Management graduate) or as an operations supervisor.

Outlook

All over the country, operations managers are likely to find employment. As of 2019, 2,400,280 were employed in their fields. Their median annual pay was $100,780. Operations managers were most heavily employed in the management of companies and enterprises; but management, scientific, and technical consulting services held the highest percentage of industry employment at 5.10%. Project management specialists and business operations specialists can anticipate the highest employment in the Federal Executive Branch.

Some students who earn a bachelor’s in business end up in tertiary positions. Here’s the outlook for some of them. Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers’ employment overall is expected to increase by 6% between 2019 and 2029. Because marketing is such a large component of business, its growth is predicted to grow by 7% in the same decade. Architectural and engineering managers’ job growth is only expected to grow by 3% between 2019 and 2029, which is about the same as all other US occupations.

No matter what sector you find yourself in, those with a bachelor’s are in a better place to earn more and have access to higher levels of education if they ever decide they need a career change or just a boost to a higher position. Earning a bachelor’s is certainly worth the time and money spent, especially a bachelor’s in business.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are all the responsibilities I can expect if I make it into an operations management position?

While there are various levels of roles in operations management, the goal is to be the person in charge. However, it can be complicated to figure out what that would mean for your responsibilities if you don’t already have experience in an industry or business, and it’s important to note that this will likely mean different things for different industries. If you work in manufacturing, this will likely mean that you will help your company make decisions about product creation and development. You’ll help them choose which products to focus on or what other products to drop if they aren’t lucrative. You may also help make production decisions. For example, you might have team members perform timing studies to figure out where the inefficiencies are in a process. Are they coming from the workers, the machinery, the tooling on the machines? You’ll review data to determine the cause and help management make a decision on how to fix it, either with direct conversation or by writing reports so that they can understand everything that’s happening. You might also assist in logistical problems, balancing supply and demand along with warehousing and shipping. If you work in an office building, then you will have different responsibilities, so it’s important to know what industry you plan to work in before you complete your degree as it will greatly affect your future career.

What will I study in an operations management degree?

In these types of degrees you will study a variety of subjects that cover both technical and soft skills. You might learn about mathematical modeling, organizational psychology, leadership, business communication, management principles, business analytics, and more. While you will likely not take too many higher-level mathematics courses, you are likely to need to take algebra, calculus, and statistics. You’ll also take classes that focus more specifically on your major such as operating systems, quality management, product design, supply chain management, and inventory control. All of these things can apply to an operations management role but, if you know what industry you wish to work in, you might be able to tailor your degree more closely with the knowledge you know you will need once you get out into the real world.

Best Online Bachelors in Operations & Logistics Management Degrees for 2024