Studying Distribution Management: Degrees at a Glance
Distribution management is a component of the supply-chain management field. Professionals in the field perform tasks in transportation, customer service, order processing, purchasing, sales, inventory and warehousing. Opportunities in management require candidates with a well-rounded education in business supplemented by courses in logistics, supply-chain management or distribution. The associate's degree program offers a foundation in traffic, warehouse and industrial concepts. The bachelor's degree can further your education through coursework that explores advanced topics in supply-chain, inventory and purchasing management.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) revealed that some entry-level occupations will experience no change or slower than average job growth over the 2010-2020 decade. The education required to enter some positions varies depending on the level of technical or scientific knowledge required and other factors. For example, technical or scientific sales opportunities may require a bachelor's degree.
| Associate's | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | People seeking entry-level support opportunities in the transportation or distribution sectors | Individuals seeking a career path in distribution or transportation management |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate median or mean annual salary) | - Shipping and receiving clerk ($30,500)* - Cargo or freight agent ($41,000 mean)* - Wholesale and manufacturing sales representative of non-technical and non-scientific products ($64,000)* - Logistician ($75,000)* | - Wholesale and manufacturing sales representative of technical and scientific products ($86,000)* - Transportation, storage or distribution manager ($89,000)* - Purchasing manager ($103,000)* - General operations manager ($115,000)* |
| Time to Completion | 2 years full-time | 2 years full-time with a transferrable associate's degree, 4 years full-time without an associate's degree |
| Common Graduation Requirements | - Approximately 60 credits in general education and core courses - | - Approximately 120 credits in general education, core and advanced or upper-level courses - Internship or capstone project |
| Prerequisites | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Online Availability | Yes | Yes |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures).
