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Global Supply Chain Management GCERT

College of Management / Marketing, Supply Chain Operations Management and International Business
Graduate certificate

About The Program

Supply chain management is one of the fastest growing career fields in business. Specialists in this field have a deep understanding of the structures and rhythms of global supply chains, how to optimize them, manage costs and assure uninterrupted commodity, component, and product supplies, and streamline systems integration. Students undertaking this certificate will master the basics of international trade and regulations, transportation and logistics, customer service, order fulfillment, sales and operations planning, ecommerce/omni-channel, warehousing and inventory management, and, supplier relations, sourcing and purchasing.

As organizations use supply chain management to achieve key strategic objectives, this graduate certificate prepares students with knowledge and skills necessary to initiate, plan and implement supply chain projects, policies and systems successfully--globally.

Student outcomes

A student achieving a Certificate in Project Management will be able to:

  • Assess global sourcing strategies.
  • Compare international logistics alternatives.
  • Evaluate global supply chains.

 

How to enroll

Application instructions

Questions?

For questions about applying to the Global Supply Chain Management GCERT program, email graduate.studies@metrostate.edu (preferred) or call 651-793-1302.

Deadlines

Jul 1 - Fall semester
Nov 15 - Spring semester
Mar 15 - Summer semester

*U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents

Applications are complete once all requirements are met and fee received. Completed application files will be forwarded to the College of Management Graduate Admission Committee for review, please allow 7-10 business days.

Late applications: applications will continue to be accepted beyond the deadline, however we cannot guarantee admission, though we can defer admission to the next available semester.

Incomplete applications will be moved to the next available semester for up to three terms total, giving applicants who need it, up to one year to complete their application file.

International Students

Because this is not a degree-granting program, applications from international students studying on an F-1 student visa will not be accepted.

Application packet

A complete application file consists of two parts. Begin by completing the online graduate application. All application materials become the property of Metropolitan State University and are not returned.

Part one

  • Complete the Online Graduate Application—You will use your Minnesota State StarID to complete the application. If you don't have a Minnesota State StarID you will create one at the beginning of the application.
    • If you do not have or choose not to provide your Social Security number (SSN) please follow the No SSN instructions to activate your StarID.
    • If you encounter difficulty with the online application please email graduate.studies@metrostate.edu
  • $20 non-refundable application fee; pay online
    • Waived for graduates of Metropolitan State, and for certified veterans & active military.
  • Official transcripts
    • Transcript showing a baccalaureate degree or equivalent earned from a regionally accredited institution with grade-point average or narrative description describing courses completed.
    • Transcripts from any graduate or professional programs are required.
    • All transcripts from non-U.S. schools must be evaluated (course-by-course) by either ECE (preferred) or WES.
    • Electronic transcripts should be sent to admissions@metrostate.edu
    • Paper transcripts should be sent directly from the sending institution (preferred) to:

      Metropolitan State University
      Attn: Graduate Admissions
      700 East Seventh Street
      Saint Paul MN 55106

Part two

After you have submitted your online application, log in to the Applicant Portal using your Start ID and password to upload application materials, and check on the status of your application.  The Applicant Portal will indicate missing application items.

  • Current Resume; upload via the Applicant Portal using your StarID.
    • One year of professional work experience is required for the program.
  • Completion of an undergraduate statistics class with a grade of B or better or completion of MBA Math.
    • If you choose to take MBA Math, you must achieve a minimum proficiency score on each of the lessons (see MBA math Frequently Asked Questions page).
    • MBA math is self-paced; you can retake any lesson until you reach minimum proficiency at no additional cost.
    • The STATS prerequisite will be waived if you take MBA Math and reach minimum proficiency in each of the STATS lessons.
    • Email your name and StarID to graduate.studies@metrostate.edu and request the promo code.
    • Register for MBA Math
  • After you register, while logged in to MBA Math:
    • Go to My Account | My Schools.
    • If you see a Metropolitan State entry, make sure the Allow School Access box is checked.
    • If you don't see Metropolitan State in the My Schools section, click Add School w/ School-Provided RSVP Code, enter the promo code given to you when you registered, click Add Code and make sure the new entry's Allow School Access box is checked.
  • Admission Essay; upload via the Applicant Portal using your StarID. Your admission essay will serve as both a goals statement and a writing assessment. The admission essay is extremely important to the application review process. Submit your essay in 600-700 words (about three pages) in 12-point font, double-spaced, clearly written, well-organized, with correct grammar, accurate spelling and punctuation, good sentence structure, and clear sub-headings. Make sure that you carefully address each of the following:
    • Pledge of Authorship: Please begin your admissions essay with the following statement: (Your essay will not be accepted if this is not included.) I, (complete name)____________________________________, verify that this admissions essay is my own work, and I am fully aware that discovery otherwise will invalidate my entire application.
    • Describe the kinds of responsibilities and positions you have held in your past work and professional experience (volunteer or employed).
    • Explain why you are pursuing a Global Supply Chain Management graduate certificate. Please note areas of particular interest and why you are interested.
    • Describe how a graduate certificate in Global Supply Chain Management will enhance your career and life plans for the future.

Courses and Requirements

SKIP TO COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites (4 credits)

DSCI 681 or Instructor's consent

The growing interdependence of business functions such as marketing, accounting, finance, information systems, and engineering requires effective and efficient operations management strategies and practices. The main objective of this course is to develop basic skills and knowledge necessary for managing the operations function in both manufacturing and service delivery firms. Special emphasis will be placed on contemporary issues facing operations managers such as supply chain structure and strategy, enterprise resource planning issues, product and process design, process management, value chain, and lean systems. Another objective of this course is to develop analytical skills necessary to identify and solve problems in the operations management arena.

Full course description for Operations Management

Requirements (12 credits)

This course examines those activities involved in planning, implementing and controlling the flow of raw materials, in-process inventories, and finished goods from the point of origin to the points of consumption at the lowest total costs. Topics emphasized include inventory management, transportation, warehousing, information systems, performance measurement, materials handling, customer services, and the overall management of logistical functions.

Full course description for Supply Chain Logistics

Global competition makes it increasingly important for American firms to contract with foreign companies in order to establish efficient and reliable sources of industrial materials and supplies. Topics include starting a global buying program; dealing with foreign cultures, business practices, monetary systems, and related legalities; writing international purchase orders; controlling global logistics costs; and U.S. programs designed to benefit importing buyers.

Full course description for Global Sourcing

This course will bring together the full range of factors influencing companies doing business across borders that were covered in the required IBUS 611; globalization, political economies, culture, ethics, legal systems, trade, investment, currency issues, market entry, production, logistics and marketing, and apply them to management decision-making in national and regional operating environments around the world. The syllabus may be modified at short notice to accommodate current world events impacting the international business environment.

Full course description for Doing Business Internationally

This course will cover the fundamental concepts in supply chain management, including the forward and backward flows of materials, information, and money. Different configurations of supply chains will be examined, along with the fit of different supply chains to different organizational environments. Techniques for analyzing supply chains and their effectiveness will be examined, including qualitative and quantitative models. Specific topics include concepts and methods in supply chain strategies, planning and operations, inventory and information management, warehousing and materials handling systems, logistics, distribution and transportation systems, distribution strategies, supply chain design, and information technology. Integration of functional areas such as purchasing, materials management, and distribution is addressed.

Full course description for Supply Chain Management: Concepts and Techniques

Program planner