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Why choose automotive supply chain management at the Ilitch School of Business?

The online executive master of science in automotive supply chain management (EMS-SCM) degree program at Wayne State University’s Mike Ilitch School of Business prepares you for a successful career in complex manufacturing industries. Designed for working professionals and recent graduates, our virtual program provides the knowledge and skills needed to oversee sourcing, logistics, operations and quality management in the auto industry.

Through our industry-approved curriculum, develop important skills such as analyzing data, optimizing processes and making informed strategic decisions. Our faculty, who are academic and industry experts, help you apply your knowledge and provide real-world examples.

Take advantage of our close ties with Detroit, America’s Motor City. Our partnerships with automotive companies and the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) ensure you develop the connections you need to advance. We provide networking and professional development resources to assist you in finding your dream opportunity.

See how our online executive master’s in automotive supply chain management can be the stepping stone to the rest of your career.

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Explore the program

  • Build the skills and knowledge needed to advance in the automotive supply chain field through our AACSB accredited programs, which cover the following topics:

    • Customs administration
    • ERP systems
    • Global logistics
    • High-tech purchasing
    • Manufacturing planning
    • Operations management
    • Quality control
    • Risk management
    • Strategic procurement 
    • Supply chain analytics
    • Sustainability

    Online full-time students can complete our program in four semesters, while online part-time students can finish their degrees in six semesters. Many of our courses are asynchronous, meaning you can watch the lectures and submit the assignments on your own time.

    View online EMS-SCM program requirements

    Leverage the Ilitch School’s connections to the automotive industry in Detroit. Michigan is home to three major automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), as well as the headquarters of over half of the top 100 global automotive suppliers and more than a thousand automotive-related manufacturing establishments.

    Because of our proximity and relationships, our school provides an ideal setting for studying automotive supply chain management. See how the Ilitch School can open doors to hands-on education and unique career opportunities.

    The Ilitch School of Business and the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) have partnered to create the Global Automotive Purchasing and Supply Chain Network (GAPSCN). Running for over a decade, GAPSCN provides students and industry professionals with the most up-to-date knowledge, best practices and standards.

    Enrolling in the Ilitch School’s online executive master’s in automotive supply chain management program gives you access to the latest industry case studies, knowledge assessments and training opportunities to enrich your education inside and outside the classroom.

    Directed Study in Global Supply Chain Management

    Directed Study in Global Supply Chain Management includes five online training modules from AIAG that cover topics such as supply chain management, quality and sustainability from an automotive industry perspective. It also includes participation in two conferences (minimum of four hours attendance) or four hours of webinars on broad supply chain management topics approved by the course instructor. This class ensures you acquire cutting-edge industry insights, equipping you with the upgraded knowledge for career success.

    To ensure a well-rounded understanding of the global nature of supply chains, we require online EMS-SCM students to participate in an international experience. You can choose to study abroad as part of a faculty-led course to visit and observe companies in another country. You can also write a paper on an international experience or topic as part of your capstone. Our commitment to international exposure enriches your learning journey and prepares you for the complexities of the supply chain landscape.

Student services and opportunities

Discover the support services and unique student life opportunities at the Ilitch School while earning your degree in supply chain management.

What sealed the deal for me at Wayne State was the simple fact that they had a supply chain program specifically geared towards the automotive industry, and I thought, ‘Absolutely.'

Ilitch School of Business alum Erica Workman smiles and wears a blue dress
Erica Workman
M.S. ‘23
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Meet the faculty

Our Ilitch School of Business professors are ready to take you to the next level. As accomplished researchers and seasoned business leaders, they know how to enrich your learning and sharpen your skills. See how their expertise can help shape your future.

See all Global Supply Chain Management faculty

Toyin Clottey
Professor of Global Supply Chain Management

Research theme: Information sharing in manufacturing assembly systems.

Research topics: 1. Synchronizing the supply of components for automotive assembly amid chip shortages and other supply delays and 2. Impact of sharing imprecise information on fixed-bin selective assembly

View Toyin Clottey's profile

hp9434@wayne.edu

Prabhjot Mukandwal
Assistant Professor of Global Supply Chain Management

View Prabhjot Mukandwal's profile

prabsm@wayne.edu

Ta-Wei (Daniel) Kao
Associate Professor of Global Supply Chain Management

View Ta-Wei (Daniel) Kao's profile

taweikao@wayne.edu

Chao Wu
Assistant Professor of Global Supply Chain Management

Research theme: Non-profit operations management

Research topics: 1. Improving the quality of in-kind donations for non-profit organizations, 2. Volunteer retention for non-profit organizations

View Chao Wu's profile

Chao-Wu@wayne.edu

Careers and outcomes

  • Discover the diverse range of professional opportunities available with an executive master’s in automotive supply chain management.

    Graduates of our online EMS-SCM program secure mid- to senior-level roles in supply chain management within the automotive industry. Armed with a broad spectrum of knowledge — from transportation management to information technology — they are well prepared to navigate increasingly complex, globe-spanning networks and processes.

    The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 18% increase in supply chain management positions over the next decade, showing high demand for SCM experts. Potential career paths include:

    • Logistics manager
    • Operations manager
    • Procurement analyst
    • Purchasing manager
    • Supply chain manager
    • Vice president of supply chain

    Discover key tips for career success as you begin the job search process or look to advance in your current organization.

    Explore career resources

Career insights

This tool provides a broad overview of how major selection can lead to careers and is provided without any implied promise of employment. Some careers will require further education, skills, or competencies. Actual salaries may vary significantly between similar employers and could change by graduation, as could employment opportunities and job titles.

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Take the next step

Equip yourself with the latest technical expertise to drive supply chain management into the future with an online EMS-SCM degree from the Ilitch School of Business.