What is Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management?

Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management is an integrated professional education made up of three components. The Operations Management component develops knowledge on process design and analysis, materials planning and control systems, quality improvement, and strategic decisions. The Business component provides an understanding of business fundamentals as well as current business trends and practices. The Engineering Technology component provides a solid framework in engineering and manufacturing fundamentals, including computer-aided design with materials sciences. Finally, the work experience requirement puts all three segments into practice.

Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management Degree(s)

Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management, BS

The Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management degree is unique in the blending of core business, manufacturing, supply chain and engineering courses into a comprehensive degree program. Combined with six months of internship experience, students leave the program uniquely prepared for successful careers in industry.

Contact

Keaton Seifert, Major Information: Academic Department Manager
Keaton.Seifert@wwu.edu | 360-650-3275

Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management at Western

Western’s Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management program is a product of a cooperative effort between faculty and industry which has resulted in a curriculum that combines leadership, technology, and operations management.

The program is designed to prepare students to meet the changing needs of the marketplace. Industry scholarships and internships coupled with a curriculum taught by dedicated and accomplished faculty is a combination resulting in student success. The size of the program is relatively small (100-130 students), which means each student is given individual attention from a faculty advisor, senior level student mentor, and business mentor, and is eligible for scholarships.  

The Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management program and Decision Sciences Department are part of the College of Business and Economics.

Western in Top 1/3 of Supply Chain Programs

Western ranked #18 in Gartner's 2022 Rankings of North American Supply Chain Undergraduate University Programs. 55 programs from public and private institutions participated in the rankings.

Explore Courses

MKTG 380 – Principles of Marketing

MGMT 491 – Small Business Entrepreneurship

MFGE 261 – Introduction to Computer-Aided Design

OPS 463 – Enterprise Resource Planning Systems

Hands-on-Experience and Internships

Organizations and Clubs

Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management (MSCM) students have learning opportunities beyond the classroom like tours, guest speakers, panels, and clubs. Students are often involved with the WWU Chapter of APICS, the Association for Operations Management, an active and vital opportunity for every MSCM student. The club hosts weekly meetings and special events - such as speakers, professional development meetings, facility tours, simulation exercises, career skill workshops, and more - which link the students' academic education with current developments within industry. 

Internships

Students in the APICS CPIM program opt to train for a Certification in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), which enhances credibility among peers, employers, and customers. The program is organized into five modules, each focusing on key areas of study that are integral to an understanding and mastery of production and inventory management principles. Candidates must pass an exam for each of the modules to successfully complete the APICS CPIM program. 

Each MSCM student completes two internships (typically three months in the summer) which promotes confidence for future successes. 

“I have worked for the past two summers at Boeing creating meaningful changes and improvements within the organization. This [internship experience] has given me a very strong resume, post-graduation preparation, and invaluable learning.” 

Kayla Thomas

Student

MSCM students have interned at:
  • Blue Nile
  • Boeing
  • Cascade DAFO
  • Crane Aerospace
  • Dri-Eaz
  • EKOS Corporation
  • Everett Clinic
  • Fluke
  • Fred Meyer Logistics
  • Genie industries
  • Heath Tecna
  • Kaas Tailored
  • Microsoft
  • Milgard Windows
  • Nike
  • Nordstrom
  • Outback Power Systems
  • PACCAR
  • Pathway Medical Technologies
  • Physio-Control
  • Quest Diagnostics
  • Starbucks
  • Sterling Life Insurance
  • Target Distribution

What can you do with Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management?

MSCM graduates find challenging and rewarding careers that are in high demand and have a 97% placement rate at graduation.

Western graduates have gained employment as:

  • Business Unit Manager
  • Cash Operations Analyst
  • Consultant - Supply Chain
  • Contract Manufacturing Representative
  • Industrial Engineer
  • Lean Workshop Leader
  • Manager - Business Continuity Planning
  • Manager - Supply Planning
  • Production Supervisor
  • Product Manager - Food Service
  • Purchasing Manager
  • Senior Buyer/Planner
  • Senior Capacity Planning Manager
  • Senior Deployment Program Manager
  • Senior Supply Chain Analyst
  • Stainability Specialist
  • Systems Analyst
  • Quality Assurance Specialist

Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management careers

  • Transportation Manager
  • Buyer
  • Systems Manager
  • Project Engineer
  • Production Supervisor
  • Inventory Manager
  • Quality Engineer
  • Industrial Engineer
  • Business Systems Analyst