Prepare for career advancement in contracting, acquisition, supply chain management, and procurement with a graduate certificate in acquisition and supply chain management.
The acquisition and supply chain management graduate certificate at University of Maryland Global Campus will help you build a foundation in the strategic and operational aspects of the end-to-end supply chain and procurement functions. Learn best practices to use in your current role and develop new contacts through networking opportunities in our career-focused program.
These program requirements are for students who enroll in the 2019–2020 academic year. For prior year academic requirements, visit the catalog archive in the Current Students section.
About the Acquisition and Supply Chain Management Graduate Certificate
The acquisition and supply chain management graduate certificate curriculum features projects sponsored by companies and clients, as well as case studies of real supply chain management issues, so what you learn can be applied immediately in the workplace.
What You'll Learn
Through your coursework, you will learn how to
- Apply the legal structure for public and private acquisition processes
- Use technology effectively for establishing sustainable supply chains supporting product and service delivery
- Apply knowledge of efficient contract management processes throughout the acquisition life cycle
- Plan, conduct, and manage negotiated procurements
- Perform cost analysis preparations and understand all categories of costs, including profit
- Apply strategic purchasing and logistics methodologies
Coursework Examples
In past projects, students have had the opportunity to
- Serve as a supply chain manager in a simulation, analyzing critical supply chain problems by using a hands-on SCM Globe Simulation tool.
Acquisition and Supply Chain Management Graduate Certificate Requirements
Our curriculum is designed with input from employers, industry experts, and scholars. You'll learn theories combined with real-world applications and practical skills you can apply on the job right away.
Required Courses
- UCSP 615
(to be taken within the first 6 credits of study) - ASCM 626
- ASCM 627
- ASCM 628
- ASCM 629
- ASCM 630
You may take ASCM 650 in lieu of ASCM 627 and ASCM 630
Overall Certificate Requirements
Career Preparation
This program is designed to help prepare you for work in contracting, acquisition, supply chain management, and procurement.
Experience Recommended for Success in the Program
This program is appropriate for midcareer professionals and also those new to the field. We recommend you have strong writing and analytical skills. We recommend UCSP 605 if you'd like to improve your graduate writing skills.
Special Designations
UMGC's graduate acquisition coursework is focused on the core competencies recognized by the National Contract Management Association. NCMA members can apply successfully completed 3-credit courses within UMGC's acquisition and supply chain management graduate certificate and management master's degree specialization toward continuing professional education credits required for NCMA certification and recertification.
If you're looking to advance your career in acquisitions, take advantage of UMGC's educational alignment with the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act and the Federal Acquisition Certification requirements.
UMGC is working with Defense Acquisition University and the Federal Acquisition Institute to help ensure that the acquisition workforce gains the skills, certifications, and academic credentials needed for increased effectiveness and career advancement.
Take the following courses at UMGC to meet DAWIA/FAC-C certification requirements while earning 3 credits per course toward your Master of Science in management with a specialization in acquisition and supply chain management.
- ASCM 626
(equivalent to DAU's CON 100) - ASCM 627
(equivalent to DAU's CON 216) - ASCM 630
(equivalent to DAU's CON 200)
About the Faculty
Our world-class faculty members combine academic credentials with a wealth of experience in the field.
Faculty members in this program hold or have recently held positions including
- Attorney
- Chief procurement officer
- Contracting manager
- Course developer
- Logistics manager
- Procurement manager
- Procurement specialist
- Senior consultant
- Senior contracting administrator
Our faculty work or have worked at organizations including
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- Defense Acquisition University
- Los Angeles Transportation Authority
- National Security Administration
- Small Business Administration
- U.S. Department of Defense
- U.S. Postal Service
Featured Faculty
Freda Powell-Bell
Chair and Professor of Acquisition and Supply Chain Management Programs