Global Supply Chain Management: Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region

GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.)

Degree Overview

Imagine being the person who makes the world run smoothly—getting products from design to doorstep, keeping shelves stocked, and ensuring companies deliver on time. A Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Global Supply Chain Management prepares you to do just that. You’ll learn how to plan, lead, and problem-solve in complex business environments where every decision matters. From sourcing materials around the world to managing transportation systems and warehouses, this degree equips you with the skills to keep global business moving. Supply chain professionals are at the center of innovation—whether it’s supporting e-commerce giants like Amazon, designing sustainable delivery systems, or managing international trade. In this program, you’ll explore Strategic Sourcing & Procurement – how companies find the best suppliers worldwide; Logistics & Distribution – how goods move from factories to customers’ hands; Risk Management & Problem Solving – how to keep things moving when challenges hit (like supply chain disruptions or global crises) and Managerial & Financial Tools – how to measure performance and maximize efficiency.

DEGREE HIGHLIGHTS

➤ Only accredited program in the region. Our global supply chain management program is the only four-year AACSB accredited program in the region.

➤ Site visits, tours and guest speakers. Explore the supply chain world through the experience of local leaders as well as unique site visits with companies such as Toyota, Cengage Learning, Kroger, UPS, DOW, Perfetti van Melle, Verst Logistics, DHL, Atlas Air, 80 Acre Farms, Castellini, Amazon, Netrush, Au-ve-co, Safran and Rhinegeist Brewery.

➤ Network with global supply chain management professionals and executives. NKU is home to the Hub of Supply Chain Excellence, a collaboration space, which develops students to meet the industry's needs through joint development of mentoring programs, internships, senior design projects, job kiosks, and student-industry networking and educational events.

➤ Internship opportunities. Gain differentiating experiential learning skills through diverse internship opportunities that are continually being upgraded and expanded through the efforts of the department’s professional advisory boards, Hub and faculty networks, and the college’s business experience manager.

➤ Make the world your classroom. Study abroad in countries around the world, including the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Ireland, Germany and England, while taking specialized business courses.

➤ Extra-Curricular exposure & engagement. GSCM students have the opportunity to join NKU’s student chapter of the Association of Supply Chain Management (ASCM) and become a student member of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP). These, along with guest invites to other industry affiliation groups (CORBA, Tri-Ed) provides extensive networking opportunities for our students.

➤ Elective and minor options. GSCM business majors can choose a minor and additional elective courses in a field that fits their career goals - for example, those with an interest in the environment can elect a minor in environmental studies. All students are strongly encouraged to discuss their career goals with business faculty and advisors for guidance in choosing an appropriate minor.

CAREER PATHWAYS

Who hires our Global Supply Chain Management students? Those with Northern Kentucky University global supply chain management degrees are prepared for a wide range of careers in manufacturing and service organizations, ranging from small entrepreneurial endeavors to Fortune 100 companies; both for profit and non-profit. These organizations span a myriad of market segments and industrial sectors such as aerospace, automotive, consumer and durable goods, fulfillment, e-commerce, freight and transportation, technology development, heavy and light general manufacturing, assembly, government, and general manufacturing.

With a degree in global supply chain management, you could work in the following fields:

Logistics Manager: Coordinate how goods move through complex networks
Transportation Manager: Lead trucking, shipping, rail, or air cargo operations
Cargo & Freight Agent: Ensure shipments cross borders smoothly and on time
Supply Chain Manager: Oversee the entire flow from sourcing to delivery
Storage & Distribution Manager: Run warehouses and distribution centers that keep businesses moving
Operations Planner: Analyze data to optimize schedules and reduce costs
Purchasing Manager: Negotiate with global suppliers to get the best products and prices
Buyer: Select goods and materials that power companies and consumer markets
Strategic Sourcing Analyst: Align supplier partnerships with business goals
Sustainability & Green Supply Chain Specialist: Design eco-friendly systems for companies reducing their carbon footprint
E-Commerce Fulfillment Manager: Manage the fast-paced world of online order fulfillment
Global Trade Compliance Specialist: Navigate the laws and regulations of international business
Technology & Supply Chain Analyst: Use AI, robotics, and data analytics to transform operations

To aid in student success, on-campus Career Fairs are offered for the fall and spring semesters along with the following opportunities to learn about and secure part-time and full-time employment:

Career Connections
Meet the Firms
Career Expo
Access to job kiosk (within the Hub)
Hub career days (sponsored by Hub members)

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Cameron Hauss, a 2021 graduate of the program. While in school, Cameron was involved in numerous extra-curricular programs including starting up the student chapter of ASCM and participating as a member of the program’s advisory board. Cameron now works full time at Verst Logistics as a Business Analyst. His role is to analyze P&L statements within multiple business units to find opportunities for operation improvements or pricing reconfigurations with accounts. The analyst role in a third-party company structure works closely with many roles inside the business to gather data, and to then recommend improvements to operations and senior leaders. According to Cameron, “The most important aspect of the GSCM program had was the ability to work on projects with industry professionals, prior to graduation, which gave me a sense of how to perform effectively when I got into my role, post-graduation.

Sergio Bazzani is a 2018 graduate who joined with Au-ve-co as an Operations Manager. In this role, he is responsible for Purchasing/Sourcing, Warehouse Operations, and International Logistics. Au-ve-co, located nearby campus, is the world’s largest distributer of specialty automotive fasteners and clips. Sergio’s work involves analyzing product lines and forecasts by utilizing internal data sources and then providing recommendations that lead to significant decreases in product costs while increasing product availability and removing unproductive inventory. He is also responsible for the management and review of daily purchase orders, communication with vendors, product cost negotiations, and inbound international shipments to ensure appropriate customs clearance and timely arrival. According to Sergio, “I also evaluate domestic inbound/outbound LTL and small parcel contracts/rates. The Global Supply Chain faculty have been key contributors to my career and to the understanding of how GSCM connects the world.”

NKU Haile College's Global Supply Chain Management program has been ranked as a two time recipient of SupplyChainGuide.org's most affordable Supply Chain Management & Logistics programs.