Earn Your Operations Management Online Degree

Operations Management Degree Online programs focus on the many different components of the successful operations of businesses and organizations. This includes inventory management, supply chain management, and how to create value while minimizing risk. As an essential part of business profitability, operations management has taken on new aspects with technology, such as mobile applications, transparency, and greater efficiency.

Operations Management Degree Online

Operations Management Online Degrees

Therefore, online communication skills, which you may develop while pursuing your degree online, are becoming more valuable. Plus, online programs provide the freedom and flexibility to perform coursework around your busy schedule.

Continue reading to learn all about operations management online degree programs. Then, click on any of the sponsored listings to learn more about individual programs and to contact the schools directly.

Did You Know?

Digital technology has always helped operations, and now has created open and shared operating models, which has led to the success of companies such as Uber and WhatsApp. As a result, mobile applications have become just as important to operating success as production planning or inventory theory.

What Is Operations Management?

Operations management is the conversion of material and labor into goods and services as efficiently as possible to maximize profit. The goal of operations management is to achieve and maintain the highest level of efficiency possible by balancing costs and revenue to generate the highest net operating profit possible.

Different Operations Management Degree Online Programs

Typically, there are three levels of online operations management degrees that you can pursue: bachelors, masters, and doctorate. While the goal of each of these degrees is to teach you an understanding of the many different components and processes that make up operations management, as you pursue a higher degree, each will provide a deeper level of education and may require more research, writing, and critical analysis.

For instance, a doctorates level supply chain management course may require more independent study and in depth analysis than a bachelors level course with the same name. However, every operations management degree online program is unique in overall structure and class offerings. Continue reading for more information about the specific requirements of each of the different degree levels. Then, click on any of the sponsored listings on this page to learn more about individual operations management degrees online.

Bachelors Degree in Operations Management

While all programs are unique, and may have different admissions requirements, typically you need to have maintained a minimum GPA while earning your high school diploma or GED. Some programs may require a minimum SAT score, a high school transcript, letters of recommendation, or work experience. Check with individual schools to find out their specific admissions requirements for an operations management degree online, as every program is different.

Normally, there are three types of bachelors in operations management degrees: 

  • Bachelor of Science (BS): Most BS programs are more technical degrees and may provide less opportunity for courses outside of operations management.
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA): Typically, a BA provides plenty of opportunities to take courses in liberal arts, such as social sciences, humanities, or history.
  • Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA): BBA degree programs are typically more focused on operations management and real-world applications and now they fit into the overall profitability of a business or organization.

What Will Different Programs Teach?

Each of these different types of degrees strive to teach you how to apply operations management theories and best practices, evaluate continuous improvement strategies, and use qualitative and quantitative problem solving techniques. In most programs, full-time students can earn their degree in four years, but every program is different. Click on any of the sponsored listings below to find a perfect program for you.

Masters Degree in Operations Management

Typically, masters degree programs offer you the option to attend as either a full-time or part-time student. Depending on the program, and course availability, most students can earn an online masters degree in operations management in one to three years. Most programs are designed for students who work full-time, therefore choosing to earn your degree online may provide you with the freedom and flexibility to perform coursework around your busy schedule.

When you choose to pursue your online masters degree in operations management, you’ll find there are typically three types of degrees. These are:

  • Masters of Business Administration (MBA): Typically, MBA programs provide students with a more broad business education, focused on the many different aspects of organizations and businesses.
  • Master of Arts (MA): An MA is specifically focused on operations management and may not provide many opportunities for courses outside of your major. This may be a perfect option for students who wish to pursue a doctorate’s degree in the field. 
  • Master of Science (MS): Most MS programs are focused on making you an expert in operations management and all of the different components.

Application Requirements

Most online masters in operations management require that applicants have earned a bachelors degree from an accredited university while maintaining a 2.3 GPA or higher. Some programs may require a minimum GRE or GMAT score, or a higher minimum GPA. As all institutions are different, it’s important to check with individual programs for their specific requirements.

Doctorates Degree in Operations Management

A doctorate degree in operations management is the terminal degree in the field, which means it is the highest degree you can earn. Most programs require that you’ve earned a masters degree from an accredited institution and maintained a 3.0 or higher. However, all programs are different and you should check with individual schools for their specific requirements.

Typically, there are two types of online doctorate degrees in operations management:

  • Doctor of Business Administration (DBA): DBA programs usually prepare you for leadership roles by focusing on the application of theories and best practices.
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): These programs normally focus on preparing you for roles in academia. As a result, coursework is more research and writing intensive.

Additional Requirements

Upon completing all required coursework, most programs require you to write, present, and defend a dissertation in front of a board. Normally, it takes students two to three years to earn a doctorates degree in operations management. However, every program is different. Click on any of the sponsored listings on this page to learn more about individual programs and to contact schools directly.

Specialties in Operations Management

Operations management includes a number of different aspects of running a successful business or organization. Therefore, there are a number of different specialties that you may be able to pursue while earning your operations management degree. A few of these are:

  • Logistics and Transportation
  • Project Management
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Operations Management and Analysis
  • Procurement

It’s important to remember that every program is unique and some programs may not offer all or any of these specialty options. To find a perfect program for you and your goals, click on any of the sponsored listings on this page for program descriptions and specific courses.

Common Courses While Pursuing an Operations Management Degree

Common courses you may take while pursuing your operations management online degree may include:

  • Continuous Improvement Tools and Techniques
  • Sustainable Operations
  • Trends in Operations Management
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Organizational Behavior for Managers
  • Statistics for Decision-Making
  • Systems Operations Management
  • Effective Global Strategic Sourcing
  • Global Economic Environment
  • Organizational Strategy

Additional Courses Required

Plus, because operations management is intertwined in the day-to-day operations of successful businesses, many programs also require that you take a number of business courses. Typically, these include fundamental business courses such as:

  • Marketing
  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Business Ethics and Law
  • Economics

These courses focus on preparing you for a number of different roles in operations management through the application of theories and best practices. However, every program and each of the different degree levels are different and have unique goals and objectives. You should research individual programs to find a perfect match for you.

Possible Careers in Operations Management

There are a number of positions that you may pursue after earning your online operations management degree. Some entry-level positions, such as buyers and purchasing agents [i] or logisticians, [ii] typically require only a bachelors degree.

Job Requirements

For management roles, such as a general or operations manager or a purchasing manager, typically companies prefer candidates with an advanced degree, years of experience, or both. [iii]

Potential Earnings

The median annual salary for general or operations managers in 2014 was $97,730[iv] and there is expected to be average growth in the field for the ten years 2014 to 2024.[v]

If these sound like interesting careers for you to pursue, take the next step to earn your online operations management degree.

Take the Next Step!

As operations management continues to adapt and use technology to grow businesses, earning your operations management degree online may be a perfect option for you. While pursuing your degree, you’ll be taught how to evaluate internal and external factors that influence business sustainability and how to make operations management decisions that create value while minimizing risk.

Click on any of the sponsored listings on this page to learn more about individual programs. This includes program descriptions, courses, and graduation requirements. You can even contact schools directly to request more information, so you can find a perfect program for you.


[i] bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/buyers-and-purchasing-agents.htm#tab-4 [ii] bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/logisticians.htm#tab-4 [iii] bls.gov/ooh/management/purchasing-managers.htm#tab-4 [iv] bls.gov/oes/current/oes111021.htm [v] onetonline.org/link/summary/11-1021.00#menu