Guide to Operations Management Schools, Degrees

Below is a list of highly-regarded colleges from around the nation with online Operations Management degree programs. Find additional schools by using the search widget on the left or further down. You can also receive free information from each school by filling out the “Request Information” form with the links provided. We recommend you request info from multiple schools with similar degrees can help you better compare your options.

Click here to see more Accredited Operations Management Degrees

Operations Management is the only non-profit website dedicated to promoting the study of operations management as a career. By explaining the many educational and career opportunities that exist within this growing field, we help answer the common “who, what, where, how, and why” questions that individuals considering operations management often have. If you are a student considering entering the field of operations management, we invite you to read the information on our website. If however, you find that you still have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

What types of operation management degrees/programs exist and what are they called?

  • Hospitality Management Degree

    A hospitality management degree is ideal for someone who is looking to work in the restaurant or hotel industries. There are various degrees of lower and upper level management in both industries and the hospitality industry is slated to flourish in the next decade, even with the turn the economy has taken.

  • Retail Management Degree

    You may think of retail management as manning a chain store all day. This can be the case (and can pay well), but there are many other jobs someone with a retail management degree can obtain. District and regional managers are above store managers, command serious pay and are responsible for the proper management of anywhere from 6-12 stores, making trips to see how to improve efficiency and team morale.

  • Business Administration Degree

    This is a general degree that makes you versatile for the work place. Areas of specialized study are appreciated in the world of operations management, but a business administration degree is also useful because it allows you to work in any field. It is also a good choice if you aren’t interested in any specialized area, but do want to work in operations management.

  • Masters of Business Administration, MBA

    A masters of business administration doesn’t guarantee you’ll jump to the top spot in a company right away, but it does ensure your earning power over time. Often, when promoting from within, a company will look at the standing education in a field an operations manager has before moving them to a position with additional responsibility and pay. You do not have to have your bachelors degree in one of the above areas in order to apply to go to school for an MBA, but they are smart starting points.

Operations management degree school rankings?

Rankings for an operation management degree aren’t based on any valid system and are usually biased. What you want to look for from an operation management degree or program is that it’s accredited by a regional or national accreditation organization. Once you know this, you know whether the school and program you’re interested in are legit. Online schools and programs may be accredited by an online distance learning accreditation program, which is accepted by employers and viewed the same as a conventional degree.

Can I transfer operations management credits?

Credits in the early stages of obtaining your operations management degree will most likely be transferable, as long as the potential school is accredited by the same organization. Even without being accredited by the same organization, some core classes will transfer. Still, it’s best to seek the help of an academic advisor when moving schools to ensure you get the most credit transfers you can out of courses you’ve already completed.

If you have some schooling behind you and wish to transfer credits to an operations management online degree program, it is best access the curriculum of a few different schools before committing. Again, the help of counselor or advisor will pay off since they will be able to thoroughly explain the credits that will be accepted towards your online degree.

What sorts of careers are common for students with this degree?

Manager of quality management – This person oversees the quality control of a product or place. It is a very important job that employers take seriously, as this is the product that is representing the company and ultimately, bringing in dollars.

Project manager – A project manager is exactly that and manages various projects a company is developing. These projects can take a few months or several years, depending on the size. Project managers oversee several employees and make critical decisions that can make or break a project’s success. Operations managers can be made a project manager for a company after they have proven themselves to be an effective manager.

How to Become an Operations Manager

Becoming an operations manager is a little less cut-and-dry than becoming a lawyer or doctor. Basically, it’s a job you apply for, do well at and hopefully rise through the ranks over the years, whether it’s within the same company or by moving jobs. Operations management is very different from company to company and depends on what the company is handling. For example, someone working in operations management with FedEx will quickly becoming accustomed to how things are delivered around the world, while one working as an operations manager for Best Buy will know electronics, manufacturers, performance and what products are moving in certain areas. These two operations manager could not necessarily switch jobs for the day, so it’s important to find your niche and build upon it if you wish to gain a high paying position in the long run.

After finishing your degree, you can apply for jobs as an operations manager. Unless you have additional work experience in the field, you will likely start in a lower level management position. This will include some responsibility for the day-to-day operations of a department and may even include supervision over a few employees.

What are the average salaries of a person with this degree?

The average salary for an operations manager is $48,000-$50,000. This varies based on the company and what level of operations management you work in, as some corporations will have several different sectors. The companies examined to obtain this median of salary were FedEx, Verizon, Best Buy and Sears.

Operations management scholarships and grants

Business administration scholarships are offered through various degrees and programs at individual schools. Check with your academic advisor for any grants for students through local companies that may want to recruit you after receiving your degree. In addition to this, students with financial needs for tuition can apply for FAFSA. The amount of money granted primarily revolves around need, so keep this in mind when applying.

Hospitality scholarships and grants

There are many hospitality scholarships and grants since it is a booming industry and companies are eager to encourage new blood to join the ranks. Check out this page for an extensive look at hospitality scholarships throughout the United States. Scholarships range from $500-$1000+ and are based financial need as well as academic performance.

Complete Database of Colleges offering Operations Management Degree Programs

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