Most Affordable Logistics Degree: Where Can You Study?

Are you interested in how goods are delivered around all around the world? Then a degree in logistics may be something worth pursuing. With a degree in logistics, you’ll have the opportunity to seek out employment in a wide array of job opportunities in this field that are interesting, rewarding, and potentially very well-paying.

But isn’t a logistics degree expensive? It could be, but there are many affordable options out there. Best of all, you may not have to give up your day job to start your journey on this career path.

What is a Logistics Degree?

A logistics degree, or a bachelor’s degree in logistics, can set you up for a lucrative career in the logistics industry.

A person who works in this industry manages the supply chain and delivery of goods shipped all over the world, as well as managing relationships between companies, organizations, and their consumers, all the way to the international level.

You’ll manage people, products, the flow of supplies, track data and analyze performance, find ways to cut costs, and learn about business trends and how to optimize all of this.

What Kind of Online Logistics Degree Should You Get?

Theoretically, you don’t always need a degree in logistics to work in the logistics field, but it will certainly set you apart from the competition and give you the skills and experiences to grow.

So, if a logistics degree is right for you, which one should you get?

Types of Logistics Degrees

• Associate’s Degree in Logistics: This is a two-year program in which you’ll earn your associate’s degree in logistics. In this degree program, you’ll get an overview of this field, cover business topics, tech, commerce, software, and operations.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Logistics: This is a four-year degree where you’ll learn the skills necessary to prepare you for a supply chain management role, along with your general education courses and a concentration to specialize in a specific area of the industry.
• Master’s Degree in Logistics: This is typically a two-year graduate program in which you can further your studies in logistics. Upon earning your master’s in logistics, you’ll be an even more desirable candidate in the logistics job market as it will prepare you to take on management roles, lead a logistics company, and do advanced research in the industry.
• Doctoral Degree in Logistics: This is the highest degree in logistics that you can get, and it will demonstrate your expertise in the field. You’ll have your choice of job options in the industry, and also be able to teach logistics to college students.

Concentrations Available to Logistics Majors

Many logistics majors will concentrate in a specific aspect of logistics that they are interested in. The great thing about earning a logistics degree is that there are many different directions you can take once you enter the workforce.

Some of the most common concentrations in logistics are:

• Global Supply Chain Management
• Transportation
• International Business
• Quantitative Methods
• Warehousing
• Business Management
• Engineering

https://pixabay.com/photos/port-ships-cranes-load-containers-675539/ Shipping port with shipping containers

Skills Gained in a Logistics Program

Though someone considering a logistics degree may already want to possess a certain skill-set, that’s what studying is for! As you pursue your logistics degree, there are several skills that you can anticipate learning or building upon.

Communication

A major component of logistics is communications, as you’ll be working with many different people in order to get goods to where they need to go. In your career, there will be circumstances in which you’ll have to collaborate with colleagues, speak to vendors, write, and present ideas. As you pursue your degree, you will learn how to do this efficiently and effectively.

Problem-Solving

Another important aspect of logistics is problem-solving. In this industry, there may be many obstacles you’ll run into with delivery, supply, manufacturing, and overall operations. In school, you’ll learn the critical thinking and problem-solving skills to prepare you for the workplace.

Technical Skills

A person working in logistics does not need to be a technical expert, but you will need to be tech-savvy and very comfortable working with various systems and software to get the job done. To start, you should know how to keep records, track shipments, and manage inventory once you’re in your job. And, as technology continues to improve, you’ll have to be able to adapt and learn quickly.

Management

Lastly, another important skill you’ll gain while pursuing your logistics degree is management — even more so if you take on a concentration in business and/or supply management. A person who works in a higher position in logistics will need to manage and oversee many different areas of a company or operation at once. Therefore, you’ll need to learn leadership skills, management skills, and organizational skills.

Why Pursue a Career in Logistics?

There are many good reasons to pursue a career in logistics. Today, our world is more connected and globalized than ever before. With trade happening every second of every day, a person with a degree in this field will find that there are many job opportunities to choose from, usually with substantial pay and security, and with room to grow if you so desire.

What Can You Do With an Online Logistics Degree?

Working in logistics is a very broad term, and it’s helpful to know what kind of specific jobs and career paths are out there. Some examples are:

• Logistics Manager
• Supply Chain Manager
• Logistics Engineer
• Operations Manager

Where Can You Work With a Logistics Degree?

Because products are traded globally every single day, there are so many different industries you can work in with a logistics degree. These include, but are not limited to:

• Companies and enterprises
• Freight transportation arrangement
• Parts manufacturing
• Computer systems design
• Scientific consulting
• Technical consulting

How Much Money Do People Make With an Online Logistics Degree?

One reason you may be interested in an online logistics degree is because you can set yourself up for a high-paying career, without having to spend so much on earning your degree.

Here at University of the People, we believe that a degree in logistics and supply chain management is one of the best online degrees you can get. And the numbers don’t lie. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for a logistician was $74,750 annually for 2019.

Career Outlook for a Logistics Degree

The career outlook for those who earn their bachelor’s degree in logistics is just as good as the pay for this role. A logistician’s job outlook is expected to grow 5% between 2018 and 2028 according to the BLS, which is about average. Nevertheless, as the global economy continues to grow, there will undoubtedly be a need for educated logisticians to support that economy.

https://pixabay.com/photos/transport-locomotive-american-train-5062062/ Rail Freight transport

How To Succeed in Logistics

Clearly, there’s a lot to learn in a logistics program if you plan on earning your logistics degree.

If this is a field you are passionate about working in, then you’ll be excited to hear about what’s in store once you begin studying for your affordable logistics degree.

Education and Courses Required

In order to work in logistics in an entry-level role, a bachelor’s degree is usually required. In some instances, you’ll be able to find work with an associate’s degree or even with a high school diploma with the proper training.

But if you want to have more options, as well as the ability to earn a higher salary, then pursuing at the very least an undergraduate degree in logistics will help get you there.

Experienced Required

In addition to earning your logistics degree, it will be helpful for your resume to get some hands-on experience at a job or internship. If you have experience working in supply chains, businesses, or general logistics, you’ll be able to learn specific skills that can set you apart from other candidates.

Of course, there’s a lot you can learn once you’re on the job, too, and if you show your superiors that you’re willing to learn, that’s highly desirable.

License and Certification Required

On top of earning your logistics degree and gaining hands-on experience, you will also need to get your license and/or certifications (or, take certification courses that may not be required, but helpful). Typically, these are not necessarily required for an entry-level position, but they are worth looking into. For instance, The International Society of Logistics (SOLE) offers various certifications.

How Do You Find a Job as a Logistics Graduate?

There are several ways you can find a job as a logistics degree graduate. Like with any job, a great tip is to reach out to connections and create a network in which you can find out if a reputable company is hiring. Many of these connections can be made as soon as you start school, which is another reason to pursue your logistics degree. You can also check out online job boards, events, job fairs, etc.

See Yourself Succeed with an Online Logistics Degree

One of the best ways to succeed in the field of logistics is to set yourself up in the right direction from the get go. That’s why it’s a good idea to pursue your bachelor’s degree in logistics or a related field, where you’ll learn the skills and knowledge necessary for a promising career in logistics.

Of course, by taking it upon yourself to learn skills in other relevant areas — such as business, management, or communications — by adding a concentration to your major while in school or getting an internship, you’ll be in a good position when it’s time to enter the workforce or pivot into another field of logistics.

What Are the Most Affordable Online Logistics Degrees?

Now you know what success you can have if you get your degree in logistics, but where can you get your degree in a time when most higher education programs cost tens of thousands of dollars?

The good news is that the most affordable online logistics programs range between $6,000 and $30,000 per year, which may not be so cheap, but it’s certainly more affordable compared to many other in-person programs, which can cost nearly $50,000!

Otherwise, a good place to start is by looking at the tuition-free degree programs at UoPeople. With degrees offered in business management and computer science, you can learn many skills that you can transfer over to a career in logistics.