Foster’s Master of Supply Chain Management degree makes debut

Master of Supply Chain Management degree program
Just a few days ago, Foster officially launched a brand new degree program—the Master of Supply Chain Management (MSCM). The mission of the one-year, work-compatible program is two-fold:

  1. Address the growing demand for innovative supply chain leaders.
  2. Equip students with solid business skills, decision-making capabilities, and the knowledge of information technology needed to oversee the flow of goods and services.

Seattle: A Supply Chain City

The Seattle area is the home to world-class companies practicing cutting-edge supply chain management. Furthermore, according to Forbes, 1.4 million new supply chain jobs are expected to be created by 2018. Therefore, it is only natural that the University of Washington, the leading institution of higher learning in the Pacific Northwest, offer a program to best prepare and train individuals for the ever-evolving field.

The supply chain management industry is very dynamic and in need of well-qualified professionals. [The curriculum] promises to provide a great educational base for a supply chain professional. We look forward to supporting the program. –John Thelan, senior vice president of Costco Wholesale.

Robust curriculum

Partnership with the Seattle business community is a key focus of the 44 credit, four-quarter program. The interactive format will allow students to engage with industry leaders and apply classroom concepts to real-world supply chain challenges through an applied project and speaker series.

jobs-forbesClasses are held Monday and Wednesday evenings plus five to six Saturdays per quarter. Program Director Sara Jones says, “The convenience of the evening and weekend schedule allows students to keep their job while learning valuable skills to advance their career.”

Accomplished students

The inaugural cohort of 38 students entering the program have an average of four years of professional work experience and come from a variety of industries and backgrounds. Global diversity is a big plus for this cohort, with student representation from the Puget Sound region and beyond – including the US, Canada, China, Taiwan, Indonesia and America Samoa. The gender breakdown is also diverse, with 55 percent of students identifying as male and 45 percent as female. They were selected out of a pool of over 150 applicants for their potential for achievement in the supply chain management profession and their contribution to the diversity of both the student body and the ranks of supply chain leaders.

MSCM class photo

MSCM students on orientation day

Learn more

Throughout the summer, Foster will be profiling a few students from the MSCM’s inaugural class. Follow us on Instagram for an in-depth look at this select group of trailblazers.

Visit Foster’s Master of Supply Chain website for more information on the program, admission events and more.

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