Dexomia Livia, Staff Writer
Saint Leo University now offers an online business administration degree program with a specialization in logistics. Starting the summer of 2014, students will be able to pursue a new specialization that will get them ready for a future in business.
“Logistics is very important because it has two aspects. To the business point of view, it has the supply changes which is how do we get the resources that we need get the product and services,” said Bryan Reagan, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems.
Logistics is the study of how materials and finished goods are delivered where they are needed in a timely and cost effective manner.
“It also has to do with getting the product out, how you actually get the products from where the goods are made to where they are sold,” said Dr. Reagan.
Logistics is a vital component for industries; it is vital for success in both civilian and military sectors. This online course is great for either one because the student can study at his/her own pace. It also meets the school’s core values such as Personal Development because logistics helps students to become emerging professionals.
“With the online classes for logistics students can learn about transportation, storage and warehousing, distribution, how to manage inventory,” said Dr. Bryan. In addition, logisticians analyze and coordinate an organization’s supply chain and manage the life cycle of a product.
Furthermore, this program is great for students because it will increase the students’ understanding of an industry’s value from a global perspective.
Having a career in logistics is very profitable and highly competitive in this cost-competitive economy. Logistics is skilled labor and thus well-paying. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, logistics has increased in the global economy, and by the year 2020 the employment of logicians is expected to grow by 26 percent – faster than the average for all occupations.
Salary
According to “U.S News”, logicians are paid better than the average American worker. In 2011, the median earnings were 71,910 dollars, the lowest-paid 10 percent were earning less than $44,830, and the highest-paid 10 percent earning more than 110,720 dollars. Also, the top profitable places to live in with this career would be the metropolitan areas of Bellingham, Washington, San Jose, California, and Santa Rosa, California.
Nonetheless, all types of companies, either small or big, need logistics managers to help with inventory and accounts receivable. Most logicians start their career in entry level positions and work their way to the top with more responsibilities and higher salaries.
Some of the careers for logistics majors are Manufacturing, Retail, Analyst, Consultant, International Logistics Manager, Logistics Engineer, Logistics Manager, Logistics Services Salesperson, Production Manager, Purchasing Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Transportation Manager, Vendor Managed Inventory Coordinator, and Warehouse Operations Manager.
This online program is offered to the students in response to the needs and desires throughout the school’s system, military, and otherwise. The Logistics Program is consistent with the University’s Benedictine-inspired values such as excellence and personal development. This program has been designed to assist the students to become well-prepared professionals in this profitable career.
“It is fantastic opportunity for a number of people. It will also allow military people to study at their own pace,” said Dr. Bryan.
Lastly, the online degree in business administration is accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), a professional accreditor for business programs in student-centered colleges and universities throughout the world. This online degree will begin this next semester, Spring 2014.
Specialization Classes for this Course
COM 203-Computer Systems
MGT 309-Itroduction to Logistics Management
MGT 312-Introduction to Project Management
MGT 342-Transportation and Distribution Management
MGT 377-Procurement, Purchasing, and Vendor Management
MGT 410-Quality Improvement and Management
MGT 417-Inventory Control and Materials Management
MGT 492-Logistical Specialization Portfolio
Two upper-level (300- or 400-level) business courses.
