Introduction to Supply Chain Management

Gain a foundation in one semester

You’ve heard a lot about the supply chain over the last few years. You’re thinking you want to learn more. Get your feet wet with the Introduction to Supply Chain Management certificate.

Afterward, if you decide to continue, combine additional courses to earn the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Supply Chain Management.

What can you do with a certificate in Introduction to Supply Chain Management?

Go back to your team with more knowledge on the end-to-end processes that drive the service and products industries. Your coursework is designed for careers focused on business operations, management and more.

supply chain associate
operations specialist
procurement planner

logistics associate
inventory specialist
shipping and receiving planner

Grainger, a Fortune 500 company based in Lake County, provided a grant to create CLC’s Supply Chain Management program. As a leading distributor of industrial and safety supplies, experts at Grainger helped develop versatile supply chain programs designed to fit your goals and background—whatever those may be.
Ready to get your feet wet in the exciting world of supply chain management—but not ready to dive into a full degree?
Start with Introduction to Supply Chain Management. This 5-class, 15-credit hour certificate can be completed in 1 year. We will be offering specializations in purchasing, inventory/warehousing and logistics starting in 2024.
If you want more, continue to Advanced Supply Chain Management. This builds on your introductory skills and earns you another certificate with only 5 more classes.
Then, take all you’ve learned and apply it toward a Supply Chain Management Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree, with additional program-specific courses and general education resources.

Highlights

Stackable Credentials

Earn and learn as you go with stackable credentials.
100% Online

Can be completed 100% online.
Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Career Certificate

Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.
Program Length: 4 Months

Full-time students finish in 4 months.

Career Outlook

Service aircraft with fuel. May de-ice aircraft, refill water and cooling agents, empty sewage tanks, service air and oxygen systems, or clean and polish exterior.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $30,520
  
  Median
  
  $30,628
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $46,483
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $14.67
  
  Median
  
  $14.72
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $22.35
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  74.92%
  
  Certificate
  
  22.65%
  
  Some college
  
  2.43%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Operate and tend bridges, canal locks, and lighthouses to permit marine passage on inland waterways, near shores, and at danger points in waterway passages. May supervise such operations. Includes drawbridge operators, lock operators, and slip bridge operators.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $44,727
  
  Median
  
  $70,292
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $89,689
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $21.50
  
  Median
  
  $33.79
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $43.11
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  80%
  
  Certificate
  
  20%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $82,284
  
  Median
  
  $138,142
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $191,918
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $39.56
  
  Median
  
  $66.41
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $92.26
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  4.35%
  
  Certificate
  
  4.35%
  
  Some college
  
  4.35%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  4.35%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  78.26%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  4.35%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Research rates, routings, or modes of transport for shipment of products. Maintain awareness of regulations affecting the international movement of cargo. Make arrangements for additional services, such as storage or inland transportation.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $39,565
  
  Median
  
  $50,524
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $74,573
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $19.02
  
  Median
  
  $24.29
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $35.84
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  44.7%
  
  Certificate
  
  1.3%
  
  Some college
  
  20.94%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  12.26%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  20.8%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Analyze and coordinate the ongoing logistical functions of a firm or organization. Responsible for the entire life cycle of a product, including acquisition, distribution, internal allocation, delivery, and final disposal of resources.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $40,220
  
  Median
  
  $67,020
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $111,173
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $19.33
  
  Median
  
  $32.22
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $53.44
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  8.33%
  
  Certificate
  
  8.33%
  
  Some college
  
  8.33%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  75%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Analyze product delivery or supply chain processes to identify or recommend changes. May manage route activity including invoicing, electronic bills, and shipment tracing.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $40,220
  
  Median
  
  $67,020
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $111,173
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $19.33
  
  Median
  
  $32.22
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $53.44
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Some college
  
  4.55%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  22.73%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  63.64%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  9.1%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Design or analyze operational solutions for projects such as transportation optimization, network modeling, process and methods analysis, cost containment, capacity enhancement, routing and shipment optimization, or information management.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $40,220
  
  Median
  
  $67,020
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $111,173
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $19.33
  
  Median
  
  $32.22
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $53.44
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Certificate
  
  5%
  
  Some college
  
  5%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  10%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  75%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  5%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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Your CCN guides you through the admission process, helps you choose your academic program, enroll in classes and connect you with resources.

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

View program in catalog

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
BUS 121	BUS 121 Introduction to Business Class Description This course provides a broad overview of the principles, functions and careers in business. Topics included are: economics, global business, ethics, business structures, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, accounting, finance and operations management.	3
CIT 111	CIT 111 Comprehensive Spreadsheets Class Description Covers the advanced features of spreadsheet use and design. File building techniques, the creation of high-quality graphics, database features including query and table handling are also covered. Use of financial, date, and time functions will be included. Use of macros will cover automating operations, building and customizing spreadsheets with interactive macros, and improving macro performance including Visual Basic macros.	3
SCM 110	SCM 110 Introduction to Supply Chain Management Class Description This course introduces the basics of end-to-end Supply Chain Management (SCM) that are necessary in achieving market and financial value to the company. Students will explore the basic fundamentals of SCM including planning, sourcing, inventory management, warehousing, distribution, logistics and transportation focusing on the role of the front line worker and how their function relates to the business in the service, retail, distribution and manufacturing industries.	3
BUS 115	BUS 115 Elements of Supervision Class Description This course introduces the role of the supervisor and how it fits in the overall management of an organization. Emphasis is on how the supervisor can impact a department's productivity. Topics will include: supervisory planning, time management, organizing and delegating tasks, training and coaching employees, Equal Employment Opportunity guidelines, labor relations, managing conflict and stress in the work environment, creating a safe and healthy work environment, and productivity improvement.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	BUS 121
Course Title	BUS 121 Introduction to Business Class Description This course provides a broad overview of the principles, functions and careers in business. Topics included are: economics, global business, ethics, business structures, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, accounting, finance and operations management.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CIT 111
Course Title	CIT 111 Comprehensive Spreadsheets Class Description Covers the advanced features of spreadsheet use and design. File building techniques, the creation of high-quality graphics, database features including query and table handling are also covered. Use of financial, date, and time functions will be included. Use of macros will cover automating operations, building and customizing spreadsheets with interactive macros, and improving macro performance including Visual Basic macros.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	SCM 110
Course Title	SCM 110 Introduction to Supply Chain Management Class Description This course introduces the basics of end-to-end Supply Chain Management (SCM) that are necessary in achieving market and financial value to the company. Students will explore the basic fundamentals of SCM including planning, sourcing, inventory management, warehousing, distribution, logistics and transportation focusing on the role of the front line worker and how their function relates to the business in the service, retail, distribution and manufacturing industries.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	BUS 115
Course Title	BUS 115 Elements of Supervision Class Description This course introduces the role of the supervisor and how it fits in the overall management of an organization. Emphasis is on how the supervisor can impact a department's productivity. Topics will include: supervisory planning, time management, organizing and delegating tasks, training and coaching employees, Equal Employment Opportunity guidelines, labor relations, managing conflict and stress in the work environment, creating a safe and healthy work environment, and productivity improvement.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
BUS 215	BUS 215 Operations Management Class Description This class will give students a broad, practical perspective towards the field of Operations Management, a core business function. Students will examine concepts and problems encountered in planning, operating and controlling the production of goods and services. Topics include scheduling, inventory management, logistics, quality assurance, supply chain management, facility location and the use of state of the art computer systems to better manage operations. BUS 215 and SCM 215 are cross-listed.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	BUS 215
Course Title	BUS 215 Operations Management Class Description This class will give students a broad, practical perspective towards the field of Operations Management, a core business function. Students will examine concepts and problems encountered in planning, operating and controlling the production of goods and services. Topics include scheduling, inventory management, logistics, quality assurance, supply chain management, facility location and the use of state of the art computer systems to better manage operations. BUS 215 and SCM 215 are cross-listed.
Credits	3

Total Credit Hours

15

Supply Chain Management at CLC

Get the bigger picture

A Certificate in Supply Chain Management is just one possible way to study business, hospitality and information technology. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Supply Chain Management Program Overview

Frequently asked questions

You can complete your supply chain management degree 100% online or in person in 15 credit hours. Attend class in the way that works best for you.
- Online: Have the flexibility to complete coursework without scheduled meetings while staying actively engaged in a fully online environment.
- In-person at the Grayslake Campus: Keep your degree on track with classes that meet face-to-face, providing you with opportunities to interact in person with faculty and peers.
This certificate requires the completion of five classes.
You can learn the skills necessary for supply chain management and career growth, in general. Your classes cover:
- speaking and writing
- numerical reasoning
- critical thinking
- computer software
- organization and productivity
You can prosper with a career in supply chain. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics points to Illinois as a hub with the most supply chain managers in the country.

In Illinois, jobs are plentiful, with more transportation, storage and distribution managers per thousand jobs than any other state. Nearly 88% of managers are happy with their careers and most would recommend supply chain management to others

*Cost includes tuition and other fees, including books and materials before financial aid is applied, such as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

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Gain a foundation in one semester

What can you do with a certificate in Introduction to Supply Chain Management?

Grainger grant helps students design their future

Save money and time: Stackable credentials

Highlights

Stackable Credentials

100% Online

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Career Certificate

Program Length: 4 Months

Career Outlook

Aircraft Service Attendants

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Bridge and Lock Tenders

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Data Warehousing Specialists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Freight Forwarders

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Logisticians

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Logistics Analysts

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Logistics Engineers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 12 Credits

Semester 2 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Supply Chain Management at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

Can I take classes online?

What skills do I need for this program?

What is the outlook for supply chain management?

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

Explore careers

Request info

Get started