COB announces new BSBA degree in Supply Chain Management

Starting in the fall of 2020, a new degree will help the College of Business’ (COB) future leaders expand their career opportunities in sourcing, operations and logistics.

The BSBA in Supply Chain Management (SCM) is the continuation and culmination of the SCM concentration that’s traditionally been paired with the BSBA in Marketing for nearly 13 years. With the support of nine professors and one full-time instructor, the BSBA in SCM imbues graduates with proficiency and leadership skills in supply chain analytics, purchasing and materials management, strategic logistics management, quality management, SCM strategy and project management.

The new BSBA in supply chain management imbues graduates with proficiency and leadership skills in supply chain analytics, purchasing and materials management, strategic logistics management, quality management, SCM strategy and project management. (Contributed photo)

The new supply chain – focused degree will be able to stand out amongst competitors in the UNC Academic Program Inventory. This searchable database includes all approved degree programs in the UNC System and their approved modes of delivery.

“Now, our SCM program will have more visibility to a much wider audience of potential students, their parents and other institutions,” said Dr. Jon Kirchoff, an associate professor in the COB Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management.

According to college officials, the BSBA in SCM also addresses concerns raised by current students, alumni and potential employers. In the past, students graduating with the SCM concentration received a BSBA-Marketing degree, which confused employers who reviewed resumes from graduates looking for supply chain-related jobs and whose degrees said nothing of SCM.

“This was, as one employer described it, a “disadvantage” for ECU SCM students,” said Kirchoff.

And, in today’s COVID-19 environment, the supply chain industry is under a stronger spotlight and postured for ongoing opportunities and scrutiny as needs grow.

“Supply chains are in focus more than ever right now as the rapid movement of personal protection equipment, disinfecting goods, and food products have become paramount to safety and security,” added Kirchoff. “The COB and the department will spend considerable time exploring and discussing current and future trends, which is beneficial to graduates seeking employment in today’s dynamic global business environment.”