Online M.S. Supply Chain Management Degree Helps Overcome Obstacles, Challenge Variables

Carolyn Keller ’23 M.S. is a continuous improvement specialist at McIntosh Box & Pallet in E. Syracuse, New York. Despite living and working just a short distance from the Syracuse University campus, she knew an online program was the right choice for her when she decided to pursue a master’s degree in supply chain management.

“The program fits nicely into my schedule, and I really enjoy interacting with peers and meeting others from various disciplines all over the world who are happy to share their experiences and the lessons they’ve learned, too,” she explains of her classmates.

Keller has industry and management experience but decided to pursue a master’s degree because she felt like she had a gap in areas like accounting and operations. Most of all, she wanted the supply chain background that the Whitman School’s online program provides. 

“With all of the global supply chain issues we’ve been experiencing since COVID, along with the inflation and labor issues we’ve all been experiencing, having skilled professionals in the field of supply chain is valuable for any business,” Keller explains.

She has already applied lessons learned at Whitman in her workplace. A recent project management class helped her construct network diagrams and plan projects more directly and effectively. Another course, Operations and Supply Chain Management, taught her to speak effectively to more areas of her company, as well as work more effectively with the finance and management teams to create plans for improvement. 

Keller not only intends to earn a master’s degree in supply chain management but eventually wants to sit for her Lean Six Sigma black belt certification. Graduate students in Whitman’s online supply chain management program take a Capstone course that provides them with the necessary body of knowledge and eligibility to pursue a green belt from the American Society of Quality. Keller sees this as an excellent starting point, and, with the addition of projects at her company, she is confident she will eventually achieve her black belt.

Keller finds the demands of the program “workable” and is pleased she chose to study online at the Whitman School. She expects to complete her master’s degree in supply chain management this fall. 

“I enjoy the challenge of overcoming obstacles, figuring out a plan to get over hurdles and thinking through things analytically. That is where I thrive,” she says. “Things change every day. There is always going to be variability and a demand for someone who can successfully meet the requirements that go with that. Whitman’s online master’s degree program in supply chain management will ensure that I’m prepared to advance in my field and bring what I’ve learned back to my team to create a plan for further improvement.” 


By Caroline Reff