phd in logistics and supply chain management in usa

At the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics

MIT PhD Opportunities in Logistics and Supply Chain

Mit interdisciplinary scm phd study opportunities.

MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics (CTL) researchers advise select students in the  Interdepartmental Doctoral Program in Transportation  led by MIT’s Mobility Initiative, a cross-disciplinary graduate program in transportation which provides graduate degrees for students interested in transportation studies and research. 

The Interdepartmental Doctoral Program in Transportation provides a structured and follow-on doctoral program for students. The interdepartmental structure of the degree allows students flexibility in developing individually tailored paths of study that cross both disciplinary and departmental lines. The student’s research is performed at, and is supervised by faculty at the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics. Detailed requirements for the program can be found  here .

Additionally,  The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)  and  The Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS)  offer PhD research opportunities in Logistics and Supply Chain as a part of their degree programs.

Students are encouraged to apply to the  Interdepartmental Program  or may apply directly to the CEE or IDSS departments and indicate on their application their interest in pursuing research in Logistics and Supply Chain. Students must apply through either CEE or IDSS and indicate on their application their interest in pursuing research in Logistics and Supply Chain. Students would then develop an  interdisciplinary degree proposal  with their department committee and submit to the Office of Graduate Education for approval.

Application deadlines to doctoral programs vary by department.

MIT SCALE Network Doctoral Study Opportunities

University of zaragoza phd in logistics and supply chain management.

This full-time program follows the highest international quality standards for doctoral studies, from the intensive admissions process to the comprehensive exam and thesis defense. Students in their second year can spend a semester or longer at MIT and have the opportunity to study at other leading business and engineering schools. The ZLC PhD degree and MIT-Zaragoza certificate enable graduates to take faculty positions at leading universities around the world or to become innovation leaders for international companies.

MIT Logistics & Supply Chain PhD Program Links:

• Interdepartmental PhD Program in Transportation and application info
• CEE PhD program and application info
• I DSS PhD program and application info

MIT SCALE Network Logistics & Supply Chain PhD Info:

• ZLC’s Doctorate program

Online Doctorate in Supply Chain and Logistics

Online Supply Chain and Logistics Ph.D.: An Overview

Jobs for supply chain management and logistics ph.d. holders , degree requirements, prerequisites for a supply chain and logistics ph.d., online coursework.

• Logistics. 
• Total quality management.
• Operations management. 
• Strategic allocation of financial resources.
• Managing human resources.
• Managerial accounting and firm performance. 
• Supply chain strategy.

How Long Does a Ph.D. in Supply Chain Management and Logistics Take to Complete?

Cost and roi, how much does a supply chain logistics ph.d. cost, how to estimate the return on investment (roi) of your degree, example courses.

• Strategic supply chain management
• Contemporary issues impacting organizational success
• Designing a global operations and supply chain network
• Business strategy and innovation for competitive advantage
• Seminar in multicultural management

Job Outlook and Salaries for Graduates

Ph.d. in supply chain management and logistics salary.

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SupplyChainGuide.org

Guide to Ph.D. in Supply Chain Management and Logistics Programs

On This Page:

Earning a DBA or Ph.D. in Supply Chain Management and Logistics can take your SCM career to the highest of heights! While exploring cutting-edge theories and tools, you’ll have the opportunity to work on practical research projects that will prepare you to become a supply chain professor, executive, or consultant. Use our guide to learn more about doctoral programs in SCM/L, including curricula, career paths, and the differences between the DBA & Ph.D. Or leap ahead to our degree directory to find a supply chain doctorate that works for you. 

What is a Doctorate in Supply Chain Management and Logistics Programs?

A Doctorate in Supply Chain Management and Logistics (SCM/L) is a research-intensive degree that is designed for students who are interested in working in academia or high-level SCM positions within the industry. Students who choose to pursue a Ph.D. or DBA in Supply Chain Management typically have a passion for pushing the boundaries of SCM and logistics through innovation and research. They seek to make a difference in the field of supply chains by asking “what is possible?” rather than “what is standard practice?”

If this sounds like the right fit for your goals, take a moment to explore the opportunities in our listings . As a doctoral student in SCM/L, you’ll tackle courses in business, operations research, marketing, and quantitative methods. You’ll study everything from the ins & outs of consumer behavior to the complexities of global logistics management. In the second half of the degree, you will also be required to complete a dissertation on an SCM/L topic of your choosing.

Types of Supply Chain Management and Logistics Doctorates

Many types of doctorate programs in our listings focus on SCM/L fields, so it’s important to find one that fits your needs. Standard offerings include:

• Ph.D. in Supply Chain Management: This program focuses on the strategic and operational aspects of supply chains, from planning and procurement to delivery and final consumption. In addition, it teaches students how to optimize supply chains through data analysis and modeling.
• Ph.D. in Logistics: A Ph.D. in Logistics is a degree that helps you learn about how companies operate on a global scale. Coursework covers a broad range of topics, including theory development and research methods.
• DBA in Supply Chain Management and Logistics: The DBA in SCM/L is a graduate program that mixes fundamental business subjects with a concentration on supply chain research and management. This degree is best-suited to students who wish to work as supply chain executives.

Your choices don’t end there! A variety of specialty Ph.D. programs in Supply Chain Management and Logistics are also available, including:

• Ph.D. in Operations Management: This program is designed for students who want to work as operations executives or consultants. A Ph.D. in Operations Management will teach you about how businesses operate and how to optimize operations to improve performance.
• Ph.D. in Global Supply Chain: This Ph.D. will focus on the management of global supply chains, including elements such as cultural differences and international logistics. You’ll learn about how to conduct research in a global setting.
• Doctor of Engineering (DE) in Logistics: A DE in Logistics is a degree that investigates how companies operate on a global scale. The coursework covers a broad range of topics, including theory development and research methods.
• Ph.D. in Supply Chain Engineering: This Ph.D. focuses on the design and optimization of supply chains. It is perfect for students with a background in engineering and offers an interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to explore a variety of topics in the field.
• Ph.D. in Supply Chain Analytics: A Ph.D. in Supply Chain Analytics will teach you how to use data analytics to improve supply chain performance. The program provides students with a strong foundation in quantitative methods and research skills that can be used in a variety of industries.

DBA vs. Ph.D. in Supply Chain Management and Logistics

Both the DBA and Ph.D. in Supply Chain Management and Logistics programs will teach you about the research and management of supply chains. However, there are a few key differences between these programs:

Decision Factors

• The DBA in SCM/L focuses specifically on professional and real-world applications, while the Ph.D. focuses more on research & theory.
• The DBA in SCM/L is designed for students who want to work in the supply chain industry, while the Ph.D. in Supply Chain Management is designed for students who want to work in academia or research.
• DBA programs are designed for working professionals, while Ph.D. programs are full-time.
• DBA programs typically take less time to complete (three years), while a Ph.D. is expected to take three to five years.
• Expect 60 credit hours to complete a DBA program and more than 90 credit hours for a Ph.D. program.

Ph.D. in Supply Chain Management Overview

Most Ph.D. programs in Supply Chain Management and Logistics take three to five years to complete. You’ll be required to take advanced-level coursework in supply chain management and logistics, complete a range of research projects and academic papers, and write a dissertation. Credit hours for a Ph.D. in Supply Chain Management and Logistics will vary, but you can expect to complete a minimum of 90 credit hours.

Admissions Requirements

To be accepted into a Ph.D. in Supply Chain Management and Logistics program, prospective students must have a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (or the international equivalent). GRE or GMAT scores are frequently required. Some programs will also expect you to have prior work experience in the field of supply chain management.

We’ve included links to admissions requirements in our listings so you can assess whether you’re ready to apply. Be prepared to provide the following items:

• Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Professional résumé
• Letters of recommendation
• GRE or GMAT scores
• Statement of purpose
• Application fee
• Financial guarantee form
• TOEFL scores (international students)
• Relevant background experience

Note: If you only have a bachelor’s degree, you may be able to apply for a streamlined bachelor’s-master’s-doctorate pathway within the university. Ask the Ph.D. program coordinator about your options.

Universities are at liberty to develop their own plans of study for a Ph.D. in Supply Chain Management and Logistics. A doctorate founded on business administration is not going to have the same focus as a doctorate in engineering. However, most SCM/L doctoral programs will offer a range of intriguing courses that will teach you about the research and management of supply chains.

Here are some subjects you can expect to encounter in a standard SCM/L doctorate in our listings :

• Supply Chain Management Theory
• Strategic Sourcing
• Logistics Management/Systems
• Business Analytics
• Supply Chain Strategy
• Organizational Research Methods

During this time, you could also be writing up academic papers for submissions to journals & conferences and working on industry-related projects.

Comprehensive Exam

Ph.D. coursework is frequently completed in the first few years of your doctorate. Before you’re allowed to write your dissertation, you’ll usually be expected to pass a Comprehensive Exam. This exam will test your knowledge of the material covered in your Ph.D. program in Supply Chain Management and Logistics. It’s typically a written exam, although departments often have the discretion to make it an oral exam as well.

Dissertation & Defense

Ph.D. in Supply Chain Management and Logistics Programs almost always include a five-chapter dissertation. (DBA programs could contain a doctoral thesis.) Here’s how the Ph.D. dissertation process works:

• Choose a Dissertation Topic: You’ll collaborate with a faculty advisor to find a topic of interest. A dissertation should be a deep-dive into a specific realm of research. Examples of real-life SCM dissertation titles include: “A Study of the Relationship Between Lean Manufacturing Practices and Supplier Performance;” “A Diagnosis of Supply Chain Integration in the Health Sector;” and “Product-Service Bundling in Manufacturing Firms.”
• Defend Your Proposal: Once you’ve selected your dissertation topic, you’ll be expected to develop a research proposal and gain departmental approval to write your dissertation. For example, you might be asked to deliver an oral presentation about your proposed topic.
• Write Your Dissertation: If your dissertation proposal is accepted, you can begin gathering data and pursuing research avenues. A Ph.D. in Supply Chain Management and Logistics dissertation is typically around 100-120 pages long, so be prepared to spend a few years in writing up your work.
• Defend Your Dissertation: Before you can graduate, you will need to defend your dissertation in front of a committee. The committee will usually consist of three to five members, including a chairperson. The committee will ask you questions about your research and dissertation. You may also have to answer questions from an audience.

What Can You Do with a Doctorate in Supply Chain Management and Logistics?

A doctorate in SCM/L can provide you with the skills & knowledge to work in a range of high-paying fields, including academia, research, and logistics management. Most Ph.D. graduates secure positions as university professors, but the right DBA or Ph.D. in Supply Chain Management & Logistics can also open doors to various executive & consultancy positions.

Possible career paths for doctoral graduates include:

• University Professor or Lecturer: Many Ph.D. in SCM/L programs are explicitly designed to prepare you for a career in academia. Upon graduation, you’ll be qualified to teach undergraduate and graduate students about the research and management of supply chains. Look for Ph.D. programs that include teaching assistantships, opportunities to submit academic papers to journals, and conference presentations.
• Research Scientist: A doctorate could also help you secure a position as a top-level researcher in numerous SCM/L fields. Take a look at recent job postings for titles such as Senior Operations Research Analyst, Research Scientist, Senior Technical Analyst, and the like. High-paying research jobs may be available within global companies and the federal government.
• Supply Chain Executive: Earning the right doctorate in SCM/L can qualify you to become a supply chain executive. Doctoral programs like WashU’s DBA in Supply Chain Management are designed for this kind of purpose. If you’re considering Ph.D. programs, check if the curriculum is relevant for consultants & executives and ask about career paths for alumni.
• Consultant: Graduates of SCM/L doctoral programs are also in a prime position to become supply chain management consultants. As an industry freelancer with extensive research experience, you’ll be qualified to step in and help companies improve their supply chain operations through various initiatives.

Ready to start assembling a shortlist of Ph.D. and DBA options? Use these listings to narrow down your choices. Keep in mind that many Ph.D. programs will be full-time, campus-based, and fully funded by the university. DBA programs will have more flexibility in scheduling and may be available online. But you will also have to pay quite a bit for tuition.

All Doctorate in Supply Chain Management Programs

The university of alabama.

Culverhouse College of Business

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Ph.D. in Operations Management

Arizona state university.

W.P. Carey School of Business

Tempe, Arizona

PhD in Supply Chain Management

University of arkansas.

Department of Supply Chain Management

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Ph.D. in Supply Chain Management

University of california-riverside.

School of Business

Riverside, California

Ph.D. in Business Administration - Operations & Supply Chain Management

University of miami.

Herbert Business School

Coral Gables, Florida

PhD in Business - Operations Management

Phd in operations management, georgia institute of technology.

Stewart School of Industrial & Systems Engineering

Atlanta, Georgia

PhD in Industrial Engineering - Supply Chain Engineering

University of illinois at urbana-champaign.

Gies College of Business

Champaign, Illinois

PhD in Business Administration - Operations Management Emphasis

Indiana university bloomington.

Kelley School of Business

Bloomington, Indiana

Purdue University

Mitch Daniels School of Business

West Lafayette, Indiana

PhD in Supply Chain and Operations Management

Iowa state university.

Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business

Capitol Technology University

Department of Doctoral Programs

Laurel, Maryland

Doctor of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management

Offered Online

University of Maryland-College Park

Robert H. Smith School of Business

College Park, Maryland

PhD Program - Supply Chain Management Specialization

Massachusetts, university of massachusetts amherst.

Isenberg School of Management

Amherst, Massachusetts

PhD in Management Science - Supply Chain Management

Michigan state university.

East Lansing, Michigan

Ph.D. in Logistics

Ph.d. in operations and sourcing management, university of minnesota-twin cities.

Supply Chain & Operations Department

Minneapolis, Minnesota

PhD in Business Administration - Supply Chain and Operations

University of missouri-st louis.

College of Business Administration

Saint Louis, Missouri

PhD in Business - Logistics and Supply Chain Management Emphasis

Washington university in st louis.

Olin Business School

DBA in Supply Chain, Operations, and Technology

University of nebraska-lincoln.

College of Business

Lincoln, Nebraska

Ph.D. in Business - Supply Chain Management And Analytics Specialization

Rutgers university.

Rutgers Business School

Newark, New Jersey

Ph.D. in Management - Supply Chain Management Concentration

Cornell university.

SC Johnson College of Business

Ithaca, New York

PhD in Management - Operations, Technology, and Information Management

New york university.

Leonard N. Stern School of Business

New York, New York

Syracuse University

Whitman School of Management

Syracuse, New York

North Carolina

Duke university.

Fuqua School of Business

Durham, North Carolina

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Kenan-Flagler

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

North Dakota

North dakota state university-main campus.

Department of Transportation, Logistics, and Finance

Fargo, North Dakota

Ph.D. in Transportation and Logistics

Air force institute of technology-graduate school of engineering & management.

Graduate School of Engineering & Management

Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio

Doctor of Philosophy in Logistics

Kent state university at kent.

Ambassador Crawford College Of Business And Entrepreneurship

Ph.D. in Business Administration - Supply Chain Concentration

Ohio state university-main campus.

Fisher College of Business

Columbus, Ohio

University of Toledo

Operations and Technology Management Department

Toledo, Ohio

PhD in Manufacturing and Technology Management - Operations and Supply Chain Management

University of oklahoma norman campus.

Michael F. Price College of Business

Norman, Oklahoma

University of Oregon

Lundquist College of Business

Eugene, Oregon

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania state university-main campus.

Smeal College of Business

University Park, Pennsylvania

Business Ph.D. with Supply Chain and Information Systems Emphasis

Temple university.

Fox School of Business

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

PhD in Business Administration - Operations and Supply Chain Management

University of pittsburgh-pittsburgh campus.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

PhD in Business Analytics and Operations

Rhode island, university of rhode island.

Kingston, Rhode Island

Ph.D. in Business Administration - Supply Chain Management Specialization

Ph.d. in operations and supply chain management specialization, south carolina, clemson university.

Department of Management

Clemson, South Carolina

Ph.D. in Business Administration - Supply Chain Management

University of south carolina-columbia.

Darla Moore School of Business

Columbia, South Carolina

Ph.D. in Production/Operations Management

The university of tennessee.

Knoxville, Tennessee

Texas A & M University-College Station

Department of Multidisciplinary Engineering

College Station, Texas

Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Engineering - Supply Chain Management Focus

Ph.d. in business administration - operations & supply chain management, the university of texas at austin.

McCombs School of Business

Austin, Texas

IROM PhD in Operations Management

University of houston.

Bauer College of Business

Houston, Texas

University of North Texas

G. Brint Ryan College of Business

Denton, Texas

University of Utah

David Eccles School of Business

Salt Lake City, Utah

Ph.D. in Business Administration - Operations Management

Liberty university.

Lynchburg, Virginia

DBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Old dominion university.

Strome College of Business

Norfolk, Virginia

Ph.D. in Business Administration - Information Technology/Supply Chain Management Concentration

Virginia tech.

Pamplin College of Business

Blacksburg, Virginia

Ph.D. in Business Information Technology - Operations Management, Supply Chain, Management Science

University of wisconsin-madison.

Madison, Wisconsin

PhD in Operations and Information Management

University of wisconsin-milwaukee.

Lubar School of Business

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

PhD in Management Science - Supply Chain and Operations Management