Michigan State University ranked as the top university in the world to study supply chain management, according to SCM World’s annual survey. The survey asks supply chain professionals around the globe to rank how universities are preparing young people for careers in supply chain management. MSU grabbed the top spot overall and took the leading spot in specific industry, region and job function categories.
SCM World’s ranking works by awarding points to the universities supply chain professionals chose in the survey. Three points are given to a No. 1 ranking, two points for No. 2, and one point for No. 3. MSU garnered 1,149 points, well above the second place school, Penn State University, which received 736 points. MSU also took the top spot for supply chain management programs among the hi-tech industry and the consumer packaged goods and retail industry. It came in first, as well, among all universities in the Americas region.
MSU came out on top as the best place to receive a well-rounded supply chain management education, ranking first in all three supply chain functions: production/operations, supply chain and purchasing/procurement.
Judy Jacobs, director for corporate and student relations for the supply chain management program at MSU, said the university focuses on all three pillars of supply chain management. MSU students “understand the full picture” of the supply chain, which serves them well when entering the workforce.
David Closs, professor and chairperson of the supply chain management program at MSU, also spoke to the value of MSU’s focus on teaching students to understand the integrated supply chain, not just its individual functions. The widening talent gap in the supply chain is driving MSU to educate students on the integrated, end-to-end supply chain, as more companies search for this broader skillset.
Jacobs said MSU will have about 400 seniors graduating from its supply chain management program this year, up from about 300 last year. The university also offers two graduate programs in supply chain management, a full-time MBA program and an online program for a Masters of Science in Supply Chain Management degree.
MSU’s supply chain management program has received top rankings by other organizations. For instance, U.S. News and World Report ranks it as No. 1 for supply chain management and logistics.
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