WMU supply chain management once again named a top program
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University’s supply chain management program has been recognized by Gartner as a top program in the nation, coming in at No. 22. This marks 15 consecutive years that Western’s program has been on Gartner’s list of Top 25 Supply Chain Universities. The list recognizes higher education institutions that provide exceptional skills to students through a relevant supply chain management curriculum and have an outstanding reputation with employers who hire supply chain graduates.
Gartner examines three areas when ranking supply chain programs: program size, program scope and industry value. The three areas provide a 360-degree view of programs and their ability to deliver results for students and industry partners.
WMU’s own internal data tells a similar story. According to the latest WMU Career Outcomes Report:
- 100% of supply chain management graduates participated in experience-driven learning while earning their degree.
- 98% of supply chain management graduates working full time have a job related to their degree.
- 100% of supply chain management graduates working full time are satisfied with their job.
"The consistent recognition of our supply chain management program by Gartner is a testament to our commitment to engaging our students in real-world projects and internships that prepare them for immediate success in their careers,” says Dr. Sime Curkovic, professor of supply chain management. “The ranking is an incredible honor that highlights the tremendous value we provide to both our students and the supply chain industry."
Gartner places heavy emphasis on hands-on experience for students, which translates to superior job performance as they enter the workforce as new supply chain professionals. WMU’s focus on experience-driven learning aligns perfectly with this dimension of the Gartner ranking, as internships and consulting projects allow supply chain management students to work in the field and gain experience before graduation.
Student Keaton Peyser is seeing the benefits of a WMU supply chain management degree, having just completed his junior year. Peyser has held a global sourcing internship at Weber Inc., a lean manufacturing internship at SWD, a national supply chain internship at ALDI, a supply chain internship at Parker Aerospace and is currently completing a supply chain strategy internship with Boeing. The broad experience he has gained in just three years at WMU through internships, paired with course projects and student organization networking, is common in the program and one of the reasons WMU’s program appears on Gartner’s Top 25.
“We are proud that WMU consistently ranks among the top 25 academic supply chain management programs,” says Dr. Marcel Zondag, director of the supply chain management program “It is a recognition of the hard work of our faculty, students and industry partners who jointly improve and innovate our curriculum and learning experiences in line with the opportunities in the rapidly developing field of supply chain management.”
Learn more about WMU Haworth’s supply chain management program online.
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