Online Operations Management Masters

Earning your masters degree in operations management online may provide you with a complete understanding of operations management, and its many components. This may include how to minimize risk and maximize profitability through procurement, distribution, and supply chain management. Plus, choosing to earn your degree online may provide the freedom and flexibility to perform coursework around your personal and professional responsibilities.

Online Operations Management Masters Degrees

Continue reading for more information about general admissions requirements, common courses, and the many different names for online masters in operation management degree programs. Then, click on any of the sponsored listings on this page to learn more about specific programs and to contact schools directly.

What’s the Difference Between Operations Management and Supply Chain Management?

Operations management is strategically and tactically focused on improving profitability inside of a business or organization through internal approaches to production, pricing, sales, and distribution of products. On the other hand, supply chain management is focused on the external processes of obtaining materials, transporting and warehousing products, and distributing to customers. Often, supply chain management is part of operations management.

Online Masters in Operations Management Degree Programs: The Basics

When applying to online masters in operations management degree programs, admissions requirements vary from school to school. Typically, programs require that you’ve graduated with a bachelors degree from an accredited university with a minimum GPA. While the GPA may vary, most programs require a 2.3 or higher.

Who Takes Online Classes?

Most programs are designed for part-time students who have a full-time career. Therefore, choosing to earn your masters degree online could provide the freedom and flexibility for you to perform coursework around your busy schedule. Most masters in operations management programs take one to three years to complete, however, the length may vary from program to program based on the structure and course availability. Check with individual schools to see specific graduation requirements.

Different Masters Degree Options

Typically, there are three different types of masters degrees in operations management. While all have similarities, such as understanding the theories and best practices of operations management, and the ability to apply those theories to adapt and solve real-world problems, every program is different. For instance, each masters degree in operations management online may have a different structure and help you pursue different careers.

Types of Masters Degrees in Operations Management

The three types of masters degrees in operations management are:

  • Master of Science (MS): Typically, MS degree programs require more courses in operations management, and the many components of the field, in an attempt to make you an expert in that specialty.
  • Master of Arts (MA): Most MA programs do not offer many opportunities to take courses outside of operations management, which may be a perfect option for students looking to pursue a doctorate’s degree, in the field.
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA): An MBA in operations management typically provides you with a broad business education, which may make it a perfect option for students looking to pursue leadership roles in business or organizations.

Define Your Goals

Before choosing an online masters in operations management degree, decide on your personal goals upon earning your degree. That may help while researching individual programs and make it easier to find a program that matches your goals.

Different Masters Degree in Operations Management Online Names

As you research individual online masters in operations management programs, you will come across a variety of names. While all of these programs are focused on providing you the skills and knowledge to help you pursue a career in operations management, different programs may focus on specific aspects under the general umbrella of operations management.

Some of the different names of operations masters degree programs include:

  • MBA in Operations Management
  • MS in Operations and Project Management
  • MBA in Operations Management and Supply Chain Management
  • MBA in Logistics Management
  • MA in Organizational Management – Supply Chain Management
  • MS in Construction Management

Additional Program Requirements

While there are many different names for online masters in operations management degrees, most require a thesis or capstone paper upon completing all required courses. Normally, this capstone project proves you’ve acquired the skills and knowledge necessary to enhance your career in operations management. However, every school has different requirements, so be sure to check with individual masters in project management programs by clicking on any of the sponsored listings on this page.

What You’ll Learn While Pursuing A Masters Degree in Operations Management Online

Operations management is the conversion of materials and labor into goods and services as efficiently as possible to maximize profitability. This includes strategic issues such as:

  • Plant Size
  • Inventory Levels
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Quality Control
  • Procurement
  • Maintenance Issues

Therefore, while earning your online masters in operations management degree, you may be taught how to develop plans to improve business operations, determine forecasting techniques, and determine appropriate inventory levels. Typically, this is through a number of different courses focused on operations management, as well as general business concepts.

Common Courses in Operations Management

Online masters degree programs in operations management are focused on providing you a complete and thorough understanding of business operations, supply chain management, and logistics. Therefore, classes and coursework will go in depth, and may require more research and critical analysis than bachelors level courses.

Some of the common courses while earning your masters degree in operations management online include:

  • Quantitative Analysis for Decision-Making
  • Project Management
  • Human Behavior in Organizations
  • Strategic Operations Management
  • Foundations of Supply Chain Management
  • Organizational Strategy
  • International Business Operations Management
  • Quality Management and Continuous Improvement
  • Strategic Management
  • Operations Management for Competitive Advantage

Areas of Concentration

There are some masters degree in operations management online programs that may offer specialties or concentrations. In those cases, there may be more coursework in those specific subjects, which may include logistics, procurement, or supply chain management. In addition to the core requirements, many online masters degree programs in operations management require you to take some core business courses.

Possible Business Course Requirements

Because operations management is focused on maximizing profitability and minimizing risk, it’s important that you have an understanding of business fundamentals. Therefore, some of the business courses you may take include:

  • Global Economic Environment
  • Financial Accounting
  • Marketing Strategies
  • Business Research for Decision-Making
  • Managerial Approach to Marketing

Identify Your Goals

While every program offers different courses and has different requirements, acquiring an understanding of business operations may be an essential part of growing in the field of operations management. As you research individual masters degree in operations management online programs, you should have a clear understanding of your own goals so that you may find a perfect program.

Possible Career Options in Operations Management

After earning your online masters in operations management degree, there may be a number of degrees available for you. Three of these options, and their 2015 median annual salaries, are:

  • General and Operations Manager: $97,730i
  • Purchasing Manager: $108,120ii
  • Industrial Production Manager: $93,940iii

While most of these positions only require a bachelors degree, larger firms, where managers have more responsibilities, may look for candidates with a masters degree.iv Often, these positions may also require professional experience in the field for promotion to top-level management positions.v

Take the Next Step!

Online masters in operations management degree programs focus on enhancing your career through courses that require research, writing, and critical analysis. Plus, choosing to pursue your degree online may increase knowledge retention through multimedia, such as webinars and infographics, and improve your online communication skills.

More About Certain Programs

Click on any of the sponsored listings on this page to learn more about specific programs. This includes program descriptions, common courses, and even provides you an opportunity to contact the schools directly to request more information.


[i] bls.gov/oes/current/oes111021.htm [ii] bls.gov/ooh/management/purchasing-managers.htm#tab-5 [iii] bls.gov/ooh/management/industrial-production-managers.htm#tab-5 [iv] bls.gov/ooh/management/industrial-production-managers.htm#tab-4 [v] bls.gov/ooh/management/purchasing-managers.htm#tab-4