Operations & Supply Chain Management (OSCM) is about getting things done effectively and efficiently in organizations.

Demands for business process re-engineering, better quality, better customer service, time-based competition and supply chain management demonstrate that superior management of the operations function is vital in business today. OSCM managers manage the production systems in manufacturing and services.

All organizations have an operations & supply chain management function. OSCM managers might work in managing manufacturing processes or managing the delivery of a service to a customer. Topics include process analysis and improvement, quality control, production planning, inventory systems, managing manufacturing, supply chain management and managing the delivery of services.

OSCM managers need good analytical and problem-solving skills and knowledge of computers.

The operations & supply chain management major is commonly combined with the management information systems major, and is supervised by the Department of Management Information Systems.

Degree Requirements

Includes foundation courses required for Professional Admission, general education requirements, professional core courses, free electives and a set of specific OSCM Courses

Sample OSCM Courses:

* Students must achieve Professional Admission (a competitive and selective application process) to move from the pre-professional phase to the professional phase. 
** Check the Degree/Academic Progress Report (APRR's) for your specific academic program requirements per the catalog.

Other Preparation

Clubs and Organizations
The college has a wide variety of professional fraternities, honoraries and student clubs. Student organizations offer: career information, networking opportunities with alums, corporate representatives, faculty and fellow students; social and professional activities; and provide leadership roles and skills building opportunities.

Visit the Eller Undergraduate Student Organizations website for more information.

Internships and Research
MIS faculty members encourage students to participate in research projects. Students are urged to seek internships for valuable work experience and skill development. The best of these will have a visible connection to the company's success, and will allow the student to make project management decisions that have an impact.

Certification
APICS certifications are key and will give you an edge while interviewing:

• Certification in Production & Inventory Management (CPIM)
• Certification in Integrated Resource Management (CIRM)

Career Opportunities

Graduates are hired in both staff and line positions. Entry-level positions in line are usually as supervisors of production or operating personnel.

Entry-level positions in staff include technical jobs in production planning, inventory control, materials control, work scheduling, quality control and operations analysis. 

Operations & supply chain Management Careers Overview

Salaries

Starting salaries vary by size and type of employer, location, course work, and experience. The mean noted below is from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

• National mean starting salary, Business Operations: $61,445 (Spring 2023 - NACE)

Recruitment Opportunities

Operations & Supply Chain Management graduates obtain jobs through various avenues, leading to placements with a wide range of firms and organizations.

On-campus recruitment opportunities include the fall and spring Eller Expo and Career Showcase, hosted by the Eller College, and the fall and spring "Career Days", hosted by the University of Arizona Student Engagement and Career Development.

A sample of employers that hired Eller College OSCM majors in recent years: