The 8 Best Online Schools for Master’s in Operations Management

An online Master’s in Operations Management degree program is a general, multidisciplinary degree that fosters skills in general management, data analysis, and supply chain management. Careers in this field frequently involve communication with engineers, marketers, and other jobs. 

Generally speaking, a Master’s in Operations Management prepares students for executive-level business careers. Online distance learning programs are available both in standard and accelerated formats and vary in terms of program curriculum and specializations. Certain programs are designed as a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) program with an emphasis on Operations Management.

A Master’s in Operations Management degree is an academic credential designed for individuals interested in pursuing a career in complex operations and manufacturing systems. The program focuses on developing problem-solving, leadership, and analytical skills in order to prepare students to become successful operational managers of organizations.

A Master’s in Operations Management is an advanced degree that covers topics such as supply chain management, process analysis, and strategic planning. Through coursework, students learn to develop a process of improvement, manage resources, and create effective organizations. Graduates are well-versed in project management, cost control and analysis, quality control, and inventory management. With a Master’s in Operations Management degree, graduates are able to apply their skills in consulting, government, and business.

Adult learners, most of whom have held roles in the field and are looking to take their careers to the next level, are taught to expand their faculty of knowledge in the areas of human behavior, project planning, leadership, business ethics, and decision-making.

With a Master’s in Operations Management, students develop the skills to analyze and optimize operations in any business environment. If you are interested in a management or supervisory position, earning your Master’s degree in Operations Management is a great idea!

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METHODOLOGY

To pick the most appropriate online Master’s in Operations Management, you need to spend time researching the schools offering the program. You need to assess them in terms of admissions requirements, graduation rates, tuition fees, and accreditation.

In coming up with our Best Online Schools for Master’s in Operations Management Degree Programs, we took into consideration the features that make each online institution stand out. Our list highlights the ten accredited schools all over the United States that are a cut above the rest because of these attributes:

• relatively low tuition rates,
• financial aid options,
• impressive degree outcomes,
• and rigorous coursework.

The program options, as disclosed by each online school, reflect the core subjects and disciplines that the Master’s degree program emphasizes. When available, we mention the fast-track completion programs offered by the schools.

To assist prospective students in weighing their options, we also provide general information such as Admission Requirements and Acceptance Rates. To ensure the disclosure of up-to-date and accurate data, we sourced all information from each of the schools’ official websites.

For more information, see our Methodology page.

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BEST ONLINE SCHOOLS FOR MASTER’S IN OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT DEGREE PROGRAMS

CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY

Prominent Program Features:

Cedarville University offers an online Master’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in Operations Management program. It focuses on project, supply chain, and lean process management.

The program trains students in the development, planning, and overseeing of business processes, resources, and systems on an international scale to meet the needs of other operational managers and engineers. It also delivers courses in terms of a biblical lens that emphasizes the nonprofit, faith-based culture of the university. A capstone course is required for the completion of the degree.

Campus Location: Cedarville, Ohio

Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP)

Types of Aid: self-help aid, gift aid, loans

Admission Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited school
• Minimum GPA of 2.75
• At least two letters of recommendation

Program Options:

• Executive Financial Management
• Accounting
• Cybersecurity Law
• Organizational Behavior
• Strategic Marketing
• Lean Process Management
• Operations Research
• Project Management
• Supply Chain Management

The Final Result:

Graduates are expected to develop excellence in quality and project management, service to others, servant leadership, and stewardship. Graduates also develop a solid business foundation through major coursework that can be applied to any organizational environment. They also become experts in supply chain processes.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MASTER’S IN OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

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THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA

Prominent Program Features:

The Masters in Operations Management degree program at the University of Alabama was created to equip students for careers in the fields of operations management and business.

The 30-hour program curriculum has three specializations: Operations Management, Enterprise Integration, and Decision Analytics. The whole degree can be completed in 18 to 24 months. A thesis is not required.

Campus Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Types of Aid: grants, loans, affordable payment plans, work opportunities

Admission Requirements:

• Strong quantitative skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• GPA of at least 3.0 overall
• Must have obtained a 3.9 during the last 60 semester hours

Program Options:

• Service Operations
• Materials Management
• Scheduling and Control
• Quality Control
• Simulation
• Supply Chain Management
• Revenue Management
• Quality Management
• Statistics
• Human Resources
• Information Systems
• Optimization
• Strategic Planning
• Project Management

The Final Result:

Graduates become prepared for careers in companies, firms, and various organizations facing challenges and opportunities brought by technological changes.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA’S ONLINE MASTER’S IN OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

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SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY

Prominent Program Features:

At this university, the Master of Science in Project Management and Operations program aims to merge business skills and people skills for the enhancement of knowledge in the fields of operations management and project management.

Campus Location: Hookset, New Hampshire

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

Types of Aid: scholarships, loans, work opportunities

Admission Requirements:

• No GRE or GMAT results needed
• Official Transcript of Records
• Completed Application Form
• Letters of Recommendations

Program Options:

• Operations Management
• Project Management
• Supply chain management
• Logistics
• Quality Control
• Management Science

The Final Result:

Since the schedule of the online program curriculum is ideal for working professionals, graduates have rated this program a satisfactory rating in various student reviews. Graduates shall receive a broader exposure to leading topics and skills development in several areas of project and operations management.

Participation across multiple team projects gives you added experience, which can be utilized later on in careers related to operations and project management.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MASTER’S IN ONLINE MASTER’S IN OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

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UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS

Prominent Program Features:

The University of Arkansas has an affordable online Master of Science in Operations Management program. It aims to aid adult students to excel in their careers. It is designed to meet the needs of veterans and active military members, as well as industry personnel.

Classes are delivered in 8-week terms, with five terms every year or equivalent to 30 credit hours for five sessions yearly.

Campus Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Types of Aid: Federal grants and loans, student employment

Admission Requirements:

The program has five different entry points yearly, and those who have earned a GPA of 3.0 during their bachelor’s degree are not required to take the GRE or GMAT.

Program Options:

• Management
• Industrial Science

The Final Result:

Students can learn from industry professionals who combine academics with real-world situations.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS ONLINE MASTERS OF OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

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ENDICOTT COLLEGE

Prominent Program Features:

The Van Loan School of Endicott College offers an online Master in Business Administration with an emphasis on the Operations Management program. The 24-credit program covers coursework such as lean thinking, global logistics, supply chain management, and high-performance service management. The degree program has 14 concentrations.

Campus Location: Beverly, Massachusetts

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

Types of Aid: Federal grants and loans; scholarships; work opportunities

Admission Requirements:

• A 250- to 500-word personal essay
• Two recommendation letters
• Must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited academic institution
• No GRE or GMAT scores required

Program Options:

• Management
• Healthcare Administration
• Homeland Security
• Hotel Management
• Human Resources Management
• International Business
• Marketing
• Non-profit Management
• Operations Management
• Maritime Economics
• Project Management

The Final Result:

The master’s program aims to enhance a graduate’s capacity in the areas of finance, accounting, management, leadership, research, writing, and presentation. Its diverse coursework leads graduates toward greater career opportunities in the field. Once the degree program is earned, graduates are expected to focus on leadership theories for application to the corporate world.

The strategies are meant to analyze and resolve project issues. Graduates also demonstrate knowledge of current trends in management as well as accounting processes for effective management decisions.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ENDICOTT COLLEGE’S ONLINE MASTER’S IN OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

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THE UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON

Prominent Program Features:

The Master of Business Administration in Operations Management at the University of Scranton provides preparation for students in terms of critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to be successful in the information and technology field.

The program emphasizes the fundamentals of business theory and the significance of sustainable and ethical practices underpinning the Jesuit tradition of the university.

Campus Location: Scranton, Pennsylvania

Accreditation: Accredited Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

Types of Aid: loans, employer reimbursement, affordable payment plans

Admission Requirements:

• Application form
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of intent
• Resume
• Transcripts from all schools attended
• Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, STEP, or IELTS scores) for international students
• A course-by-course evaluation of foreign transcripts care of the World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)

Program Options:

• Supply Chain Management
• Production Planning and Control
• Project and Quality Management

The Final Result:

Graduates of this particular degree program are expected to make effective business decisions, apply business law and accounting principles for business settings, make financial business and economic decisions, apply marketing techniques for business settings, and handle all business aspects.

As a result of earning this degree program, graduates are well-prepared with the necessary knowledge and skills for career advancement in the field of operations management.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON’S ONLINE MASTER’S IN OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

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REGIS UNIVERSITY

Prominent Program Features:

Regis University offers an online Master’s of Business Administration program with emphasis on the Operations Management program. This program can be completed in 8 months only, the shortest so far in all other degree programs.

Campus Location: Denver, Colorado

Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP)

Types of Aid: Federal loans and grants, scholarships, private education loans, institutional financing plan

Admission Requirements:

• 500 to 750- word essay
• Completed Resume
• Interview with head of admissions

Program Options:

• Supply Chain Management
• Project Management
• Organizational Leadership and Strategy

The Final Result:

Graduates are expected to be well-equipped in the analysis of business processes, company operations, supply chain management, and other aspects of the field of operations management.

LEARN MORE ABOUT REGIS UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MASTER’S IN OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

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KETTERING UNIVERSITY

Prominent Program Features:

Kettering University offers an online Master of Science in Operations Management which is designed to provide an opportunity for the development of a student’s expertise, communication skills, leadership skills, workflow processes, and overall performance, as well as promote optimal efficiency. Students are required to complete 40 credits, wherein ten courses can be finished in one year.

Campus Location: Flint, Michigan

Accreditation: Accredited Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

Admission Requirements:

• Does not require GMAT or GRE
• Transcripts
• Letters of Recommendation
• Completed Application Form

Program Options:

• Global Leadership
• Healthcare Management
• Operations Management
• Supply Chain Management Level I and II

The Final Result:

Upon mastery of the skills to be developed in this particular program, the opportunities for graduates to create a global impact are broad and may advance their respective careers in procurement, operations, revenue, and performance excellence. Graduates have the opportunity to effectively apply what was learned in their classrooms to real-life situations.

LEARN MORE ABOUT KETTERING UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MASTER’S IN OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the differences between a Master of Science and a Master of Business Administration degree program for Operations Management?

In general, an online Master’s in Operations Management degree program covers topics such as financial accounting, project management, and methodologies, statistical and business analysis. Course topics usually differ depending on the student’s interests and the program itself.

Also, some applications may concentrate on specific industries or give specialization alternatives to reinforce certain career paths.

Here are the fundamental courses found in an online Master’s in Operation Management program:

• Advanced business
• Management and Leadership Techniques
• Managerial Statistics
• Business System Design
• Organizational Management
• Organizational Ethics
• Strategic Planning
• Managerial Accounting
• Facilities Management
• Accounting Practices
• Supply Chain Efficiency
• Process Design and Layout
• Statistical Quality Control
• Spreadsheet Modeling
• International Business
• Managerial Economics

A Master’s Degree in Operations Management exists in two forms, namely, a Master of Science (M.S.) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis on Operations Management. Both types focus on general business practices like finance budgeting and resource allocation.

The M.S. program educates students on the strategies for effective management of personnel and production. It also emphasizes more on teaching theory and its application to personnel management and production processes.

The courses typically found in an MS in Operations Management involve:

Critical Thinking in Management – In this course, students are given tasks for developing their critical thinking skills through careful case study analysis. Through the creation of evidence-based solutions to the presented scenarios, students may apply their knowledge to real-world situations.

Resolving Conflicts – This course educates students on handling disputes and developing of critical listening skills, bargaining strategy, and negotiation skills.

Typical courses found in an MBA in Operations Management degree program include:

Global Leadership and Management – In this course, students learn different management styles and techniques along with the advantages of various theories

Marketing Analysis – In this course, students become educated regarding the connections between effective business management and marketing strategies, along with efficient decision-making on fluctuating market information.

What can I do with my Master’s in Operations Management degree?

A Master’s in Operations Management degree allows graduates to apply the strategies and theories that lead to a more conducive work environment. Graduates are eligible for positions like:

• Operations Manager,
• Executive Director,
• Procurement Operations Manager,
• Management Analyst,
• Health and Medical Services Manager,
• and Human Resource Manager.

Employment is available in healthcare facilities, large corporations, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies.

Operation managers are responsible for helping companies become more productive through the analysis of the organization and the introduction of possible solutions to the inefficiencies or flaws in companies. They may look for positions in various organizations, like companies, management services, and local government.

M.S. or MBA in Operations Management degree holders may utilize this degree as a way of switching to a consultant role as a management analyst.

Operations management careers involve tasks such as execution, design, implementation of strategies, and control of the conversion of resources into desired products. Operations managers also engaged in numerous decision-making tasks, like forecasting, product designing, selection of process and technology for implementation, management of the supply chain process, and inventory.

Healthcare workers who have obtained a Master’s in Operations Management degree are cut out for advanced positions, including a health operations manager who oversees the system to ensure high-quality healthcare delivery, finance management, regulatory compliance, and scheduling.

What is the job outlook for an online Master’s in Operations Management program?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there was a 3% growth for top executives and general managers from 2022 to 2032. Also, there was a projected keen competition for job openings in this particular field because of high wages and popularity.

How much money can I make in Operations Management?

The BLS reported a median annual salary for Operations Managers, as of 2022, at $98,100 annually. Top Executives earned between $189,520 and $239,200 per year!

How long will an online Master’s in Operations Management program take to complete?

Students can complete an online Master’s in Operations Management program in two years. Accelerated versions of this master’s program take 24 to 36 months to complete. As a 100% online program, students can opt for completion at their desired pace – within reason that is!

What will I learn in an online Master of Operations Management program?

When attending online Master’s in Operations Management classes, students should comply with requirements, which typically deal with supply chain management, resource allocation and disbursement, warehousing, quality control, and response times for customer service while developing analysis and business practice skills.

Aside from the core coursework of a Master’s in Operations Management program, students may be required to complete various specialization courses like project management, corporate finance, and international business. Some online schools require a capstone course.

Students who are into people-oriented positions may take classes in Human Resources to acquire knowledge on hiring and training employees, as well as handling payroll and benefits. Prospective students should communicate with an academic advisor regarding possible courses for completion.

What are the main challenges of a career in Operations Management?

Here are some of the challenges the Operations Manager may face:

• Addressing quality issues: Operations managers must be agile in dealing with emerging quality problems and developing strategies and solutions to ensure high-quality production.
• Managing change: Operations managers must keep up with the latest advances in technology, customer needs, and processes while adjusting their departments accordingly in order to remain competitive in the market.
• Streamlining processes: Operations managers need to continually focus on improving and streamlining processes to ensure that budgets are managed and goals are met.
• Managing costs: Operations managers must be able to control costs while maintaining quality in their operations.
• Optimizing resources: Operations managers must be able to utilize the limited resources available to them in a way that optimizes efficiency.
• Meeting customer service needs: Operations managers need to be able to respond to customer demands in a timely, cost-effective manner.

How will earning a Master’s degree in Operations Management advance my career?

Earning a Master’s degree in Operations Management can help advance your career by providing you with specialized knowledge and skills that can help you improve your organization’s operations and increase productivity. It can also provide you with a competitive advantage for professional advancement opportunities, a deeper understanding of the complexities of organizations, and enhanced decision-making and problem-solving abilities.

With a master’s degree in operations management, you can develop an understanding of the dynamics of running an organization, including operations strategy, processes and logistics, and operations management technology. You will be better equipped to identify, analyze, and solve organizational problems, leading to improved organizational performance.

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