ASU, MIT and edX Combine for a new supply chain management master’s program

Arizona State University has a long tradition of developing innovative technical programs that move with the trends in science and technology. From its Mars Research department to its SkySong campus, the university is always on the lookout for ways to create opportunities for students, researchers, and companies to develop something groundbreaking. In its latest effort, ASU is partnering with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and edX, an online course provider for universities, to launch an online master’s degree program in supply chain management. 

The industry has seen massive growth in recent years with more coming. In a product’s life cycle, every phase falls under the umbrella of supply chain management, including distribution, acquisition, and delivery. And with the movement toward more tech-savvy methods in the industry, supply chain is now becoming heavily dependent on blockchain and cloud computing, opening up more doors for jobs.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, supply chain jobs, such as operations research, distribution management, and warehouse operations are on the rise at twice the rate of all other jobs in the U.S. 

Students who pass the Supply Chain Management MicroMasters program and go on to apply and gain admission to ASU are eligible to earn a degree from W.P. Carey School of Business and ASU Online. The new degree program through ASU and MIT is one of the first 10 master’s degree programs available on edX.org. The degrees on edX.org are stacked, meaning they have a MicroMasters component to them, or a series of graduate-level courses that provide standalone skills that can translate to careers. 

“This program provides the theoretical foundations of supply chain management and also exposes students to leading supply chain management operating practices, analysis methods, technology applications and strategic development,” Amy Hillman, Dean of the W.P. Carey School of Business said. “The theoretical foundations will help the students adapt to the inevitable changes in supply chains over time and the exposure to leading practices will provide them with skills and knowledge that will allow for rapid career advancement.” 

Students enrolled in the program will gain an in-depth understanding of what supply chain managers not only do now, but where the role and industry are headed in years to come. The program will help prepare students for a place in a global workforce that works in a wide range of functions and sub-industries. 

News about innovative programs at Arizona schools isn’t anything new, in fact it’s becoming increasingly popular with new programs being offered across the state. 

In Tucson, the University of Arizona is continuing to expand its Micro-Campus program, offering some of its programs at different locations throughout the world. Last fall, the university announced the addition of two more locations in its global network, opening up locations in Indonesia and Jordan. The total number of campuses in the program is working toward a goal of 25 campuses abroad over a three-year span.

In Coconino and Gila counties, local community colleges are opening up new workforce solutions programs offering specialized programming. Gila Community College has 19 workforce training programs with the intention to bring more employment to residents in the areas surrounding it. 

Coconino Community College has a plan in place to offer an affordable pathway to work solutions. The CCC2WORK program offers opportunities for students in the county to prep for skilled jobs in science, nursing, and emergency services, needs that are paramount in the rural community. 

At Pima Community College, truck drivers can enroll in a special program in partnership with self-driving commercial trucking company TuSimple. The new program will teach experienced truck drivers how to operate and work with autonomous trucks through a 12-credit schedule that can be completed in one semester.

The common goal for these programs and others like them in the state is getting people to work. 

ASU’s new program with MIT and edX will kick off in January 2020.