Will MPS in Supply Chain Management be treated the same as an MBA in Supply Chain Management? (degrees, cost)

[MemoryMaker]

Penn State Online | Master in Supply Chain Management | Overview

IGNORE THE TITLE, LET ME CLARIFY:

Will an MPS in Supply Chain Management be treated the same as an MBA in Supply Chain Management?

In the above link is a "Master of Professional Studies in Supply Chain Management".

[Arthur Digby Sellers]

Looking at the course list, this is a specialist program and is different from an MBA. An MBA program consists of core courses across all business disciplines plus a specialization. So if you got an MBA in Supply Chain Management you would have coursework in Finance, Accounting, Management, HR, Marketing, etc. in addition to your core supply chain courses. Generally speaking MBAs are preferable since it gives the grad a broader background in business and management.

That's not to say that this isn't a good degree for someone in Supply Chain Management -- it may well be. I would check into professional associations to see how marketable it is within the profession. Also look at job postings to see if they are asking for MBAs or some other professional designation.

[Chicago87]

Get APICS CSCP.

[SWOH]

Originally Posted by Chicago87

Get APICS CSCP.

This.

I'm in Supply Chain Management, and currently I'm working on a double major with Mfg. Engineering. All of the job descriptions I've seen that ask for professional certification ask for APICS. I think I have maybe seen about 15-20 ask for it, out of about 200 positions (rough guess) overall I have seen where it would be applicable.


As far as the degree requirements go from what I have seen from my own research, the non-MBA Supply Chain track is a little more technical (almost more geared towards Ops. Mgt. route) while the MBA option is more business-focused.

The key difference is that the MBA route will probably be better if you are looking to go more of a international business / commodity sourcing / global purchasing, etc. route. Would be excellent for any position that requred a lot of cost / benefit analysis. Job opportunities would probably be more with your commodity-centric or your B2C companies like retail, restaurant groups, etc. The MS route will be better for roles which are more aligned with operational management (like material planning, ERP systems, etc.), logistics, or for more technical purchasing. Would be excellent if you want to work in manufacturing, chemicals, or any industry that relies heavily on its engineering functions and produces products.

At least that's how I understand it. Either way, I can vouch for the Penn State program - a Fortune 500 previous employer of mine (internship) has a leadership program which almost exclusively sends its employees to that program.

Good luck!