20 Best Operations Management Online Degree Programs 2023

An image of operations management professionals for our ranking of 20 Best Operations Management Online Degree Programs
Contents

Operations management is a versatile field. With the right degree you can work in any industry. An operation management degree online qualifies you for jobs in:

  • Business administration
  • Education
  • Financial management
  • Health care

You can also work in supply chain management.

Featured Programs

Project and operations managers work together to achieve the same goals. Within a company, they can have similar roles. Because of their similarities, this ranking of the best operations management degrees online programs includes both project and operations management.

Operations Manager Degree Online Methodology

For this ranking, we reviewed 56 accredited colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES College Navigator).  These schools offer online bachelor operations management degrees or related programs.

To find the top 20 schools and online bachelor’s program, we first confirmed accreditation. We considered only schools with regional or national accreditation. We then looked at a school’s rankings with a major publication. In this case, we considered schools ranked with U.S. News & World Report. Then, we listed the schools according to raw affordability.

Read on for more information on the best operations management online degree programs.

#20 – Southern New Hampshire University

Online Bachelor Operations Management

Manchester, New Hampshire

Website

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Online students find the SNHU operations management program convenient and affordable.

Undergraduate tuition: $30,386

Southern New Hampshire University offers an ACBSP-accredited online operations degree program. It has two concentration options. These include:

  • Logistics and transportation
  • Project management

The program also helps you become a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM). To do this, you take a certification course and prepare for the required exam.

Operations management students take online courses that cover many different topics. For example, you study business and technology, as well as supply chain management. Your courses include:

  • Global logistics management
  • Quality control
  • Quality management
  • Sustainable operations
  • Technical operations management

Besides its accreditation, SNHU ranks with U.S. News. Its rankings include #1 in most innovative schools. It also ranks #131-#171 in best regional universities in the North.

#19 – Malone University

Online Bachelor Project Management

Canton, Ohio

Website

A logo for Malone University for our list of 20 Best Operations Management Online Degree Programs
Online students with an associate degree can earn a bachelor’s at Malone University.

Undergraduate tuition: $27,960

Malone University offers a bachelor’s program in project management. This degree is available online and designed for working students.

You can customize the program to suit your career goals and aspirations. Your interests will help determine which classes you should take.

You take courses such as:

  • Business administration
  • Cost and risk management
  • Project quality management
  • Supply chain management
  • Technical project management

The program is for students interested in careers in many different fields. From the automotive industry to health care, you can qualify for jobs with this type of degree.

The school ranks with major publications like U.S. News. Its current rankings include #69 in best regional schools in the Midwest. It also ranks #12 in best value schools.

#18 – Spring Arbor University

Online Bachelor Organizational Management

Spring Arbor, Michigan

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Spring Arbor University is a top choice for an operations degree.

Undergraduate tuition: $25,510

Spring Arbor University offers an organizational management online program for undergraduates. The program consists of 41 credit hours of customizable courses. It helps prepare you for a job in many different industries.

The bachelor’s degree program takes 24 months to complete with an associate degree. It takes a little longer if you don’t have a two-year degree.

Students take courses that cover topics such as:

  • Global supply chain management
  • Management of financial resources
  • Operations management theory
  • Organizational behavior
  • Supply chain management

The school ranks with U.S. News. Its rankings include #63 in best regional Midwest universities and #19 in best value schools.

#17 – Charleston Southern University

Online Bachelor Project Management

Charleston, South Carolina

Website

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With a degree from CSU, you can find operations managers jobs.

Undergraduate tuition: $23,440

Charleston Southern University offers a bachelor’s degree for students interested in online operations programs. This degree program equips you for careers in the technical project management field. It also equips you for entry into a master’s program.

You take courses taught by the same professors who teach at the CSU campus. Your program requirements include 51 credit hours. These credits include many different classes such as:

  • Business operations
  • Business policy
  • Chain management science techniques
  • Project risk assessment
  • Quality control
  • Supply chain management

If you have an associate degree you can finish the program quicker. But plan on taking many foundational courses in business processes and management.

CSU ranks with U.S. News. Its current list of rankings includes #98 in top regional Southern universities. It also offers financial aid to qualifying online students.

#16 – Saint Leo University

Online BBA – Project Management

Saint Leo, Florida

Website

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Want to work in supply chain management? Saint Leo University offers online degrees that help.

Undergraduate tuition: $20,830

Looking for a degree in business administration, but want a job in quality control or technical operations management? A bachelor’s degree from Saint Leo University can help.

The school offers a BBA in project management. The online program is IACBE-accredited. This means it meets business standards set forth by its governing body.

Your classes prepare you for careers in quality management. They also help you qualify for work in global supply chain management. The courses cover topics such as:

  • Business operations
  • Materials management
  • Project risk management
  • Project teamwork and leadership
  • Quality control
  • Quality improvement

Students also have the opportunity to gain real world experience through an internship. You can complete the internship in your own town or city.

The school ranks with U.S. News. Its current rankings include #62 in best Southern regional universities. Its bachelor’s degree online programs also rank #59 out of 1,200 surveyed programs.

#15 – City University of Seattle

Online Bachelor Project Management

Seattle, Washington

Website

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CityU of Seattle is a good school for an operations management degree.

Undergraduate tuition: $16,500

City University of Seattle offers a technical project management degree online. This program is for students looking to work in business administration and technical operations management.

The accredited program teaches you how to manage several projects at a time. It also teaches you how to lead and work with teams.

Your courses cover many different critical thinking topics. They lay a foundation for your future career. Your courses include:

  • Business analytics for project managers
  • Communicating with data
  • Continuous improvement tools in management
  • Managing projects under uncertainty

Your classes also prepare you to enter a master’s degree program. You graduate ready to go to work or return to school.

CU ranks with U.S. News as a top regional Western school. Its online programs also rank #45 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#14 – Washington State University

Online Bachelor Management

Pullman, Washington

Website

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WSU is an affordable school for an operations management degree.

Undergraduate tuition: $11,967

Looking for online degree operations management programs? Washington State University offers more than an associate degree. Here you can get a bachelor’s degree online in management.

The program teaches you different management principles. These include financial management and operations management. You also learn about supply chain management and how it impacts businesses.

Your online courses cover topics such as:

  • Business operations
  • Business strategy and policy
  • Small business practice
  • Technical operations management

The program is part-time, though you can take classes in the fall, spring, and summer.

WSU ranks with major publications like U.S. News. Its ranking include #143 in best national universities. Its online programs also rank #15 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#13 – Colorado Technical University

Online Bachelor Project Management

Colorado Springs, Colorado

A logo of CTU for our ranking of the 20 Best Operations Management Online Degree Programs
Want to work as an operations manager? A CTU management degree online can help.

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $11,656

Colorado Technical University is an affordable school for an online bachelor’s program. It offers a project management program that is ACBSP-accredited.

In this program, you take courses that explore topics such as:

  • Management in a global environment
  • Managing operations
  • Project risk
  • Project scheduling
  • Spreadsheet applications

The courses teach you how to manage a project and work as a team leader. You also learn about technical operations management.

CTU ranks with major publications like U.S. News. It ranks as one of the best regional schools in the West. Its online undergrad programs rank #81 out of more than 1,200 surveyed.

#12 – University of Minnesota

Online Bachelor Construction Operations Management

Crookston, Minnesota

Website

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Learn operations management with a construction degree from UM Crookston.

Undergraduate tuition: $11,646

University of Minnesota offers a construction management program for online students. This program consists of 120 credit hours. 86-89 credits make up the major.

In this program, you learn current industry practices. Your courses cover topics in project management and quality assurance. You learn how to manage operations and lead construction sites. You also learn how to measure your results using design and construction technologies.

You can choose from five different tracks to specialize your studies. These include:

  • Commercial construction
  • Environmental Health and Safety
  • Facility Management
  • Highway Heavy and Civil Works
  • Residential Construction

UM ranks with U.S. News in many categories. It ranks #40 in best Midwestern regional colleges and #3 in top public schools. Its online bachelor’s programs also rank #212 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#11 – Franklin University

Online Bachelor Operations and Supply Chain Management

Columbus, Ohio

Website

A logo of Franklin University for our ranking of the 20 Best Operations Management Online Degree Programs
Study supply chain management online at Franklin University!

Undergraduate tuition: $11,641

Franklin University offers an accredited online operations management program for students. It prepares you for work in any industry.

Your classes cover topics such as:

  • Business intelligence modeling
  • Operations management
  • Organizational behavior
  • Supply chain management
  • Transportation and global logistics management

You also learn different business and finance aspects related to the field. You take courses that improve your business skills. These include business law, financial accounting, and global economy. You graduate with a bachelor’s in operations management.

The accredited school ranks with major publications like U.S. News. In previous years, its business school has received ranking.

#10 – Ohio University

Online Bachelor Technical Operations Management

Athens, Ohio

Website

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You can study technical operations management at Ohio University.

Undergraduate tuition: $11,548

Ohio University is a good choice for an operations management degree online. It offers a bachelor’s program with studies in operations online.

Your courses cover relevant topics to the field. You learn about technical operations management and quality assurance. You also learn how to supervise and lead in a technical organization.

You take classes such as:

  • Business administration
  • Project management
  • Quality control
  • Supply chain management

OU ranks with U.S. News. Its current rankings include #146 in best national universities and #74 in top public schools. In recent years, the school’s online bachelor programs have also earned recognition.

#9 – University of Arizona Global Campus

Online Bachelor Operations Management and Analysis

Chandler, Arizona

Website

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Earn an operations management degree at UAGC.

Undergraduate tuition: See school website

UAGC is a top school for a bachelor’s in operations management. It has an IACBE-accredited program that teaches you the skills you need to work in the field.

Operations management students improve critical thinking skills by taking online classes. These classes run for five weeks. You take one course at a time, giving you the opportunity to focus on a single subject.

Your courses cover a broad range of topics. From applied science to logistics management, you learn how to apply your knowledge to your career. Some of the courses you take include:

  • Decision and modeling analysis
  • Operations management
  • Quantitative techniques
  • Strategic management
  • Total quality management

WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) accredits the school. It is the institutional accrediting body recognized.

#8 – Arizona State University

Online Bachelor Operations Management

Tempe, Arizona

Website

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Learn technical operations management at ASU!

Undergraduate tuition: $10,158

With an associate degree, you can take the next step in your education at Arizona State University. You can earn an online bachelor in operations management.

The program requires 60 credit hours in the major. You take a total of 20 classes. Each class runs for 7.5 weeks. Taking a course one-at-a-time helps you focus your studies on a single subject.

The classes you take cover topics such as:

  • Ethical issues in technology
  • Quality assurance
  • Supply chain management
  • Systems innovation
  • Technical project management

ASU ranks with major publications like U.S. News. Its ranking include #129 in best national universities. Its online bachelor’s degree programs rank #4 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed.

#7 – University of Wisconsin

Online Bachelor Management

Menomonie, Wisconsin

Website

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UW Stout offers affordable degrees for those interested in operations management.

Undergraduate tuition: $9,203

University of Wisconsin Stout offers a bachelor’s in management. It has two concentrations that let you specialize your studies in operations or project management.

Depending on which concentration you choose, your courses dig into relevant topics. Your courses cover subjects such as:

  • Engineering economy
  • Global supply chain management
  • Industrial engineering and management
  • Project management
  • Quality tools

The school ranks with U.S. News. Its rankings include #69 in best regional Midwestern universities and #15 in top public schools. The bachelor’s degree online programs rank #110 out of over 1,200 programs surveyed.

#6 – Oregon Institute of Technology

Online Bachelor Operations Management

Klamath Falls, Oregon

Website

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OIT offers an operations management online bachelor.

Undergraduate tuition: $8,838

You can earn a bachelor’s in operations management at Oregon Institute of Technology. The program is one of the most affordable on our list. It offers financial aid to qualifying students.

Online students learn what it’s like to work as an operations manager. You take relevant courses that get you ready for entry-level employment. Your courses cover current topics in business processes such as:

  • Inventory management
  • Operations management theory
  • Production supervision
  • Project management
  • Quality control

OIT ranks with U.S. News as a top school. Its rankings include #3 in best regional colleges in the West and #1 in top public schools.

#5 – Colorado State University Global

Online Bachelor Project Management

Greenwood Village, Colorado

Website

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CSU Global offers project management degrees for online studies.

Undergraduate tuition: $8,400

Colorado State University Global is a good school for a project management degree. You can earn a bachelor’s degree in project management with a specialization.

The classes and program prepare students for a career as a PMP (Project Management Professional). It teaches you what you need to know for the PMP certificate exam.

Your courses cover industry-related topics. These include:

  • Contract management
  • Logistics management in a global environment
  • Materials management
  • Project scheduling and procurement
  • Total quality management

Colorado State ranks with major publications like U.S. News. Its current rankings include #129 in best national universities. The online undergrad programs also rank #48 out of over 1,200 surveyed programs.

#4 – Minnesota State University

Online Bachelor Operations Management

Moorhead, Minnesota

Website

A logo of Minnesota State University for our ranking of the 20 Best Operations Management Online Degree Programs
Become an operations manager with a degree from MSU!

Undergraduate tuition: $8,096

Minnesota State University is an affordable college for a degree in operations management. The program prepares you for a job in any field where you find operations managers.

Each course runs for eight weeks, but you can complete the program at your own pace. Your courses cover relevant topics to the industry. These include:

  • Continuous improvement tools
  • Cost analysis
  • Principles of management
  • Process leadership
  • Quality control

MSU ranks with major publications like U.S. News. Its current rankings include #115 in best regional Midwestern universities.

#3 – Granite State College

Online Bachelor Operations Management

Concord, New Hampshire

Website

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Granite State offers an operations management degree!

Undergraduate tuition: $7,257

Granite State College offers an accredited online operations management degree. The program prepares you for entry-level management careers. It also prepares you for entry to grad school.

You learn about strategic contributions and management. You also learn different business administration principles. Your courses cover many different operations management topics such as:

  • Financial modeling and decision making
  • Integrative strategic management
  • Legal and ethical issues in business management
  • Organizational behavior or leadership
  • Management strategies

GSC ranks with U.S. News as a top regional college in the North. Its bachelor’s degree online programs also rank #99 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#2 – Bellevue University

Online Bachelor Project Management

Bellevue, Nebraska

Website

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Study project management at an affordable price at Bellevue University.

Undergraduate tuition: $7,050

Want to earn an online operations management degree but study project management? Bellevue University has an option.

The program is one of the few accredited by the Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs. It combines operations management and project management studies. Online courses cover topics relevant to both industries.

Your studies include:

  • Business communications,
  • Foundations of professional success
  • Global supply chain management
  • Project cost

To complete the major, you need to complete forty credits. But when you graduate, you’re ready for work as a project manager or operations manager.

The school ranks with U.S. News as a top regional university in the Midwest. Its online bachelor’s degree programs also rank #92 out of over 1,200 surveyed programs.

#1 – Thomas Edison State University

Online BSBA Operations Management

Trenton, New Jersey

Website

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#1 most affordable school for operations management – Thomas Edison State University.

Undergraduate tuition: $6,135

The most affordable online operations management degree program on our list is an applied science degree from Thomas Edison State University. This 120-credit hour program teaches you how to work as an operations manager.

You can take online courses taught by the same professors who teach on campus. Your courses cover current topics such as:

  • Introduction to operations management
  • Operations planning
  • Operations research
  • Quality assurance
  • Strategic management

TESU ranks with U.S. News as a top Northern university. Its online bachelor’s degree programs have also earned recognition. The school is the most affordable on our list for an online operations management degree.

FAQ About Operations Management

What is the difference between operations management and supply chain management?

You can apply what you learn in operations management to different fields. What you learn in one is relevant to others.

Supply chain management focuses on operations. It follows the purchasing process and the delivery of goods and services. These processes take place outside of internal operations. But operations management oversees the production of goods.

How do you get accepted for a bachelor’s degree program?

If you don’t have an associate degree, you need a high school diploma or GED. Most operations management programs look at your high school transcripts for good grades and test scores.

As a high school student, you should take as many business administration and applied science courses as you can. These will help prepare you for college-level courses.

You should try to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA to get accepted to quality logistics management programs.

Do you need special skills to work in operations management?

The short answer? Yes. You do need special skills to work in this industry. But you can learn these skills while getting your operations management online degree.

What are these skills? They include good communication and critical thinking skills. They are soft skills such as leadership, team-building, and problem-solving. But you also need specialized skills in areas such as:

  • Data analysis
  • Project management
  • Quality control
  • Technical operations management

What do you learn in a program for operations managers?

Since this is a wide field, you learn many different subjects. Online students learn everything from applied science to quality assurance. You take classes that cover topics in technical project management. You also take them in business administration.

If you plan to work in a specific industry, such as automotive or healthcare, you can take relevant classes. Some programs offer courses in health operations management, for example.

Related Resources:

Top 10 Highest Paying Business Degrees

Top 20 Degrees for the Future

Top 30 Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management

Ultimate Guide to Business Degrees and Careers

30 Great Degree Programs for Working Adults

This concludes our list of the 20 best online degrees in operations management.

Brenda Rufener
Author

Julie McCaulley
Expert

Carrie Sealey-Morris
Editor-in-Chief