Academics

Instructor Tom Kelly stands in front of classroom, wearing a mask, instructing from a large screenThe Integrated supply management experience

The WMU integrated supply management program is more than a curriculum—it is a complete educational experience. Students have a variety of opportunities to develop their professional skills, from participation in professional organizations to special topic courses and workshops. 

Curriculum

Since its inception in 1992 as the first supply management program to integrate business and engineering courses, the program has consulted its industry partners to continuously improve the curriculum. Today, the program provides students with a unique, in-depth education with flexible elective options, as well as special topic courses and industry workshops that provide students with an integrated development environment to prepare them academically, personally and professionally to achieve their career goals. 

The program’s curriculum is unique, providing more supply management courses in the major than other well-known programs:

  • Integrated Supply Management, WMU (43 credits)
  • Supply Chain Management, Arizona State University (21 credits)
  • Supply Chain Management, Michigan State University (18 credits)
  • Supply Chain Management, Penn State University (24 credits)
  • Supply Chain Management, University of Texas, Austin (21 credits)

This gives WMU graduates a significant advantage in the job market and the workplace and has led to WMU being consistently ranked a top program in the nation by the Gartner research firm.

The extensive curriculum means that supply chain students must plan their course of study carefully. 

Application and advising

The program advisor helps students plan their courses and start the competitive application process early. Students who are planning on transferring classes from another institution should also meet with the ISM academic advisor. 

After reviewing the application process and the suggested course sequence, students should schedule an appointment with the academic advisor. 

supply chain management

Nationally ranked a top program for undergraduate education, technology integration and quantitative methods, the integrated supply management program at Western Michigan University will prepare you for challenging and high-paying careers with leading companies.

An integrated supply management degree means you'll be involved in every step of the process of providing goods and services to consumers, from the time of inception through consumption and redemption. Expect a curriculum that combines strengths of supply chain, engineering and information technology, along with skills in team management, communications and problem solving.

Learn what it takes to make a business work better with an ISM major at WMU Haworth.

experiential learning

As an integrated supply management student, you will have many opportunities for experiential learning, which will allow you to explore supply chain management concepts in real-world contexts. Manufacturing simulations, class projects based on business issues from industry partners, internships, and consulting on supply chain issues for companies and organizations will all be a part of your learning experience. In the course, Applied Six Sigma Problem-Solving (MGMT 3810), for example, students work in teams with local companies applying supply chain concepts to real industry problems.

Hands-on education, connecting classroom information with actual business practices, is a defining aspect of the curriculum. And because of the program’s experiential focus, you will be ready to add value to a company on day one! 

supply chain management coursework

It is recommended that you enroll for these courses as follows:

  • MGMT 2800—Introduction to Supply Management (enroll as a sophomore and during the semester that you apply for this program) 
  • MGMT 3200—Managing ERP Systems (first or second semester in program) 
  • MGMT 3810—Applied Six Sigma Problem-Solving (first or second semester in program) 
  • EDMM 3280—Quality Assurance and Control (first semester in program) 
  • EDMM 1420—Engineering Graphics (first or second semester in program) 
  • EDMM 1500—Introduction to Manufacturing (first or second semester in program) 
  • EDMM 1501—Processes and Materials in Manufacturing Laboratory (first or second semester in program) 
  • MKTG 3720—Sourcing and Purchasing (second semester in program) 
  • MKTG 4630—Supply Chain Logistics (third semester in program) 
  • MGMT 4640—Production Management and Control (third semester in program) 

And either:

  • LAW 4840—International Business Law (third semester in program)

OR

  • LAW 4860—Marketing and Sales Law

And either:

  • GEOG 3010—Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (fourth semester in program)

OR

  • EDMM 4870—Manufacturing Productivity Techniques

OR

  • EM 5120—Management of Service Operations

And either:

  • EDMM 4880—Applied Process Reengineering

OR

  • MKTG 4880—Applied Process Reengineering

View more information on prerequisites, core courses and electives in the WMU catalog.

career placement

The diversity of the integrated supply management curriculum provides the opportunity to enter supply chain careers from many different avenues such as purchasing, operations management, quality management and logistics.

Graduates maintain a 95% engagement rate and are some of the highest paid graduates of the college. Additionally, 96% of students have landed careers related to their degree, according to the 2019-20 WMU Post-Graduation Activity Report.

advising

Students with questions related to their coursework should contact:

Alyshia Garrett
Office: 2382 Schneider | (269) 387-5856
Email Alyshia Garrett