Supply Chain Management, Logistics and Distribution, Transportation Management, Operations Management, and Aviation. Each major below links to what it includes, the skills you build, career paths, suggested minors and how many colleges report awarding it.
| Major | Typical degrees | Career paths | Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supply Chain Management | Associate, bachelor's and master's degrees | Logistics Manager, Logistics Coordinator, Purchasing Agent | 349 |
| Logistics and Distribution | Certificate, associate and bachelor's degrees | Logistics Coordinator, Logistics Manager, Freight Dispatcher | 368 |
| Transportation Management | Certificate, associate and bachelor's degrees | Transportation Supervisor, Logistics Manager, Freight Dispatcher | 31 |
| Operations Management | Associate, bachelor's and master's degrees | General and Operations Manager, Industrial Production Manager, Production Planner | 148 |
| Aviation | Certificate, associate and bachelor's degrees | Commercial Pilot, Airline Pilot, Air Traffic Controller | 200 |
Colleges: active, degree-granting U.S. schools that reported awarding at least one degree or certificate in the field, IPEDS completions, awards conferred July 2023 to June 2024 (C2024_A).
Supply Chain Management
Studies how products are sourced, made, stored and delivered to customers. Supply chain management majors learn purchasing, inventory management, logistics, operations planning and supply chain analytics.
Skills: Forecasting, Negotiation, Inventory control, and Data analysis. Pairs well with: Data Analytics, Finance, Management.
Logistics and Distribution
Focuses on moving and storing goods efficiently through warehouses and transportation networks. Logistics programs focus on warehousing, distribution, transportation modes, freight and inventory systems.
Skills: Inventory control, Warehouse management systems, Scheduling, and Safety. Pairs well with: Supply Chain Management, Occupational Safety, Business.
Transportation Management
Teaches you to plan and manage the movement of freight and passengers. Transportation management programs cover carriers, fleet management, transportation law, routing, safety and economics across trucking, rail, air and maritime modes.
Skills: Route planning, Regulatory compliance, Fleet coordination, and Cost analysis. Pairs well with: Business, Occupational Safety.
Operations Management
Studies how organizations produce goods and services efficiently and with high quality. Operations management majors learn process design, quality management, scheduling, inventory and lean methods.
Skills: Process improvement, Quality control, Data analysis, and Team leadership. Pairs well with: Data Analytics, Supply Chain Management, Human Resources.
Aviation
Covers flying, airport and airline operations, and aviation management. Aviation programs include professional pilot training, aviation management, air traffic and airport operations.
Skills: Aircraft operation, Navigation, Decision-making, and Communication. Pairs well with: Business, Occupational Safety.
Practical training for transportation and logistics careers
These Career Education Institute courses connect to the careers above. Each is a short, self-paced online course about one job.
A self-paced online course on what logistics managers do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: warehouse management, transportation management, and inventory control
Why it fits: Connected to your Supply Chain Management major
A self-paced online course on what freight dispatchers do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: load planning, route planning, and hours-of-service knowledge
Why it fits: Connected to your Supply Chain Management major
A self-paced online course on what logistics coordinators do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: transportation and carrier management, inventory and order management, and shipping documentation
Why it fits: Connected to your Supply Chain Management major
A self-paced online course on what transportation supervisors do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: scheduling, DOT rules, and warehouse operations
Why it fits: Connected to your Logistics and Distribution major
A self-paced online course on what production planners do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: production scheduling, MRP and ERP systems, and inventory control
Why it fits: Connected to your Supply Chain Management major
A self-paced online course on what purchasing managers do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: strategic sourcing, negotiation, and contract management
Why it fits: Connected to your Supply Chain Management major
Why consider career training alongside college?
Your college major gives you an academic foundation. Short career training can add practical knowledge of a specific job: what the work involves day to day, its vocabulary, common tasks, tools and safety rules. You do not have to wait until graduation: many students take a short course to test a career before choosing a major, to prepare for an internship or a part-time job, or to show employers they understand the work.
Transportation and Logistics majors: frequently asked questions
What are the best transportation and logistics majors?
The best major depends on the career you want. Common choices include Supply Chain Management, Logistics and Distribution, Transportation Management, Operations Management, and Aviation. Compare the careers, coursework and skills for each.
How many transportation and logistics majors are there?
This guide covers 5 majors in transportation and logistics: Supply Chain Management, Logistics and Distribution, Transportation Management, Operations Management, and Aviation. Colleges may use different names for similar programs.
What careers can you get with a transportation and logistics major?
Careers connected to these majors include logistics manager, logistics coordinator, transportation supervisor, general and operations manager, industrial production manager, commercial pilot, and airline pilot. Some require a degree and a license, while others start with a certificate or on-the-job training.
Which transportation and logistics majors are offered at the most colleges?
Logistics and Distribution (368 colleges), Supply Chain Management (349 colleges), Aviation (200 colleges), and Operations Management (148 colleges), based on IPEDS completions data.
Which transportation and logistics programs can you start with a certificate or associate degree?
Supply Chain Management, Logistics and Distribution, Transportation Management, Operations Management, and Aviation are commonly offered as certificates or associate degrees, as well as at higher levels at some schools.
What skills do transportation and logistics majors build?
Common skills include forecasting, negotiation, inventory control, warehouse management systems, route planning, regulatory compliance, process improvement, and quality control.
Can I study transportation and logistics online?
Many colleges that offer these majors also report offering fully online programs. Use the college search with a major selected and “Offers fully online programs”, then confirm with each school which programs are online.
Can I start training for a transportation and logistics career before I finish college?
Yes. Short online career training can help you learn what a specific job involves and build practical knowledge while you study. It does not replace a degree or a required license.