Broad undergraduate programs ranked No. 1 in supply chain for 13 years, among top 25 overall

By Chelsea Stein

Monday, September 18, 2023

Michigan State University is known around the world for its excellence in supply chain management. The Broad College of Business, home to the Department of Supply Chain Management, has been renowned as a leader in research and academic programs for years. Top ranks in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Undergraduate Business Rankings, released today, reflect another victory for MSU.

For the 13th consecutive year, the Broad College’s undergraduate supply chain management/logistics programs are ranked No. 1 among both public and private schools.

“The continued recognition from U.S. News & World Report is a testament to the hard work of our students, staff and faculty,” Jason Miller, interim chairperson of the department and professor of supply chain management, said. “We look forward to further strengthening our efforts in research, teaching and service as the supply chain management discipline continues to evolve over the coming years.”

A group of students pose and smile. One holds a Broad College of Business laptop sticker.

The Broad College’s undergraduate programs have ranked among the top 25 for 10 consecutive years.

The packed auditorium classroom in the Broad College Complex during Welcome Week, as seen from the back row.

The Broad College serves more than 3,000 students each year through its undergraduate programs.

A Spartan wears a Broad College sweatshirt and takes notes.

The latest rankings underscore the dedication of our faculty, staff and students.

Spartans are leaders in supply chain beyond the undergraduate realm. MSU also holds the No. 1 spot for graduate programs for seven consecutive years in U.S. News & World Report’s national ranking and No. 1 for research productivity on the SCM Journal List since 2015. Our faculty conduct research that solves real industry problems and has shaped the very definition of supply chain.

“Reaching 13 years as the No. 1 undergraduate program in supply chain management is an honor and something that we’re extremely proud of,” Judith Whipple, interim dean and Donald J. Bowersox and Robert W. Thull Professor in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, said.

Whipple has been a faculty member in the supply chain management department since 2006 and underscores the dedication of its faculty, staff and students. “We maintain an unwavering commitment to excellence in all that we do, not only in the classroom but also through leading-edge research and strong industry partnerships. This ranking reinforces how Spartans are prepared to solve the supply chain challenges of today and tomorrow.”

Top 25 for 10 years

The Broad College’s undergraduate programs have garnered a strong reputation in this ranking, landing among the top 25 for 10 consecutive years. This year, the college came in at No. 12 among public universities and No. 21 overall, among both public and private schools.

“Across the Broad College, our faculty and staff create moments that matter for our students to provide exceptional educational experiences. We intentionally weave research thought leadership into the classroom and create experiential learning opportunities, supported by academic and support services, to ensure our students are career ready at graduation and beyond,” Whipple said. “This year’s rankings, placing us in the top 25 overall and 12th among public universities, shine a light on these efforts and solidify our position among the top business schools in the nation. We continue to inspire the future of business.”

“Our academic departments continue to be at the cutting edge of scholarship, and this is infused into the classroom.”

The annual business-school rankings produced by U.S. News & World Report are based on judgments made by deans and senior faculty at peer schools accredited by AACSB. These deans and senior faculty were also asked to nominate programs in specialty areas, where Broad also consistently performs well:

3rd for Production/Operations Management, its best placement of all time; ranked in the top 10 since 2016
10th for Management, its best placement; ranked in the top 25 since 2014
17th for Accounting, ranked in the top 25 since 2018

“At the Broad College we are all committed to delivering a high-quality, innovative educational experience, and our improvement in this year’s ranking shows the dedication of Broad faculty and staff,” Richard Spreng, associate dean for undergraduate programs and associate professor of marketing, said. “Our academic departments continue to be at the cutting edge of scholarship, and this is infused into the classroom. Our directors of Undergraduate Academic Services, the Russell Palmer Career Management Center, Residential Business Community, Multicultural Business Programs, Undergraduate Student Engagement and Education Abroad programs, and all the members of their teams, work tirelessly to continuously improve the undergraduate student experience.”

The complete rankings are available at U.S. News & World Report (subscription required for full access).