February 13, 2023
New Supply Chain Management Major Prepares La Roche Students for Jobs in Demand
PITTSBURGH, Feb. 13, 2023 – In response to a growing need for supply chain professionals domestically and abroad, La Roche University has launched a Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management.
In a recent Gartner survey, 76 percent of executives reported more frequent disruptions to their business’ supply chain compared to three years ago. With its new Supply Chain Management major, La Roche addresses an increased demand for professionals who have specialized skills to effectively respond to these disruptions.
“By expanding the range and impact of our academic portfolio, La Roche continues to meet the changing demands of today’s workforce,” said Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Howard Ishiyama, Ph.D. “The COVID-19 pandemic uncovered challenges in the global supply chain and the complications that result when interruptions occur. The new Supply Chain Management major will produce graduates who are skilled in identifying, mitigating and solving potential supply chain problems in a post-pandemic world.”
The major exposes students to all aspects of the supply chain, preparing them for a wide range of in-demand careers, including positions as logisticians, procurement managers, logistics analysts, supply chain analysts, quality managers or operations research analysts.
“This is an exciting time in supply chain management. More firms are realizing that sustainability—providing products and services that meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs—can be a competitive advantage,” said Kevin Lhota, assistant professor of management at La Roche. “Firms can do this by providing sustainable products or leveraging their reverse supply chain. Future supply chain managers will need to be trained to look for these unique opportunities.”
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of logisticians will grow 28 percent through 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. Similarly the job outlook for operations research analysts is projected to grow at 23 percent.
“The Pandemic has shown supply chain managers that the question is no longer if a supply chain disruption will occur, but when. The goal must now be for a firm to be resilient enough to quickly recover from a supply chain disruption. This redesign will require supply chain professionals who can guide their firms through this ever-changing environment,” Professor Lhota said.
La Roche’s program, beginning in Fall 2023, prepares students to sit for the Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) designation. The program also positions students for graduate-level study.
Students can meet faculty, explore the program and learn how to apply at an open house event on Saturday, April 22 at La Roche’s campus in the North Hills of Pittsburgh.
For more information please contact Freshman Admissions at 412-536-1263 or admissions@laroche.edu. Transfer students should email transferadmissions@laroche.edu or call 412-536-1260.
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About La Roche University: A private liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers 66 undergraduate programs of study, six master’s degrees and one doctoral degree, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, psychology, nursing, and health and medical sciences as well as interior architecture & design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for nearly 1,200 men and women enjoying 30-plus student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche University embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche University educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.