Purchasing and Contracts Management: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Prepared for leadership in procurement and contractual operations, this program equips professionals with the strategic expertise to oversee the acquisition of goods and services essential to organizational performance, as well as the management of external agreements for product and service delivery. Students develop a comprehensive understanding of legal, financial, and operational frameworks that govern sourcing decisions and contract execution across diverse industries.
- Contract Law and Compliance: Explore the legal foundations of binding agreements, including enforceability, terms, and risk mitigation in commercial and governmental contexts.
- Negotiation Strategy and Tactics: Master advanced techniques for achieving favorable outcomes in supplier and partner discussions, balancing value, timelines, and relationship sustainability.
- Procurement and Buying Procedures: Learn standardized processes for identifying needs, issuing requests for proposals, evaluating bids, and selecting qualified vendors.
- Government Contracting: Understand the unique regulations, documentation, and compliance requirements governing contracts with public sector entities.
- Cost and Price Analysis: Develop skills in evaluating supplier pricing models, identifying cost drivers, and ensuring fiscal responsibility in purchasing decisions.
- Vendor Relationship Management: Cultivate strategies for building long-term partnerships, assessing supplier performance, and managing supply chain risks.
- Contract Administration: Gain hands-on knowledge of monitoring contract fulfillment, managing changes, and ensuring adherence to agreed-upon terms.
- Auditing and Inspection Protocols: Apply methods to verify compliance, assess deliverables, and maintain quality standards throughout the contract lifecycle.
- Interdepartmental Coordination: Learn to align procurement objectives with finance, operations, legal, and project management teams for cohesive organizational performance.
- Specialized Applications: Study advanced topics including high-technology procurement, international trade logistics, cross-border regulations, and construction project contracting.
Purchasing and Contracts Management Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Purchasing and Contracts Management Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Purchasing and Contracts Management degrees, including Purchasing Managers, Administrative Services Managers and Facilities Managers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 572,470 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purchasing Managers 11-3061 | $139,510 | $85,500 - $219,140 | 81,240 | $67.07 |
| Administrative Services Managers 11-3012 | $108,390 | $64,740 - $200,010 | 254,140 | $52.11 |
| Facilities Managers 11-3013 | $104,690 | $62,550 - $173,080 | 141,090 | $50.33 |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1011 | $97,270 | $46,460 - $210,530 | 81,780 | N/A |
| Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes 13-1011 | $96,310 | $48,530 - $239,200 | 14,220 | $46.30 |
Purchasing and Contracts Management Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $89,330 in Arkansas to $136,385 in District of Columbia—a 53% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Washington, and California. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 572,470 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Purchasing and Contracts Management by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 39 institutions offering Purchasing and Contracts Management programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Purchasing and Contracts Management is found at Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) (357 graduates), Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) (234 graduates), University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) (154 graduates), Webster University (65 graduates), and Purdue University Global (39 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,230 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Bachelor's
|
357 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
234 | Monterey, California | Public | nps.edu |
| University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
154 | Adelphi, Maryland | Public | umgc.edu |
| Webster University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
65 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | webster.edu |
| Purdue University Global |
Other Award
|
39 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdueglobal.edu |
| University of Virginia (UVA) |
Postbac Cert.
|
38 | Charlottesville, Virginia | Public | virginia.edu |
| Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
34 | Melbourne, Florida | Private | fit.edu |
| Central Michigan University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
30 | Mount Pleasant, Michigan | Public | cmich.edu |
| Arizona State University |
Bachelor's
|
30 | Scottsdale, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) |
Bachelor's
|
28 | Niceville, Florida | Public | nwfsc.edu |
| South Plains College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
25 | Levelland, Texas | Public | southplainscollege.edu |
| University of Oklahoma (OU) |
Master's
|
18 | Norman, Oklahoma | Public | ou.edu |
| Athens State University |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
17 | Athens, Alabama | Public | athens.edu |
| Greenville Technical College (GTC) |
Associate's
|
15 | Greenville, South Carolina | Public | gvltec.edu |
| Strayer University |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
14 | Arlington, Virginia | Private | strayer.edu |
| Strayer University (SU) |
Associate's
|
11 | Chamblee, Georgia | Private | strayer.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMCP) |
Postbac Cert.
|
10 | College Park, Maryland | Public | umd.edu |
| George Mason University |
Postbac Cert.
|
10 | Fairfax, Virginia | Public | www2.gmu.edu |
| Cuyahoga Community College District (Tri-C) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
7 | Cleveland, Ohio | Public | tri-c.edu |
| Weber State University (WSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
7 | Ogden, Utah | Public | weber.edu |
| Strayer University (SU) |
Associate's
|
7 | Farmers Branch, Texas | Private | strayer.edu |
| Strayer University |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
6 | Suitland, Maryland | Private | strayer.edu |
| Merrimack College |
Master's
|
5 | North Andover, Massachusetts | Private | merrimack.edu |
| West Texas A & M University (WTAMU) |
Master's
|
5 | Canyon, Texas | Public | wtamu.edu |
| Old Dominion University (ODU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
5 | Norfolk, Virginia | Public | odu.edu |
| Strayer University (SU) |
Associate's
|
5 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | strayer.edu |
| William Rainey Harper College |
Other Award
|
4 | Palatine, Illinois | Public | harpercollege.edu |
| Capella University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Private | capella.edu |
| University of Alabama (UAH) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Huntsville, Alabama | Public | uah.edu |
| Strayer University |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
3 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | strayer.edu |
| University of Arkansas Grantham (UA) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | LIttle Rock, Arkansas | Public | uagrantham.edu |
| Strayer University |
Associate's
|
3 | Memphis, Tennessee | Private | strayer.edu |
| Montana Technological University (Montana Tech) |
Other Award
|
2 | Butte, Montana | Public | mtech.edu |
| Chemeketa Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
2 | Salem, Oregon | Public | chemeketa.edu |
| York Technical College (York Tech) |
Associate's
|
2 | Rock Hill, South Carolina | Public | yorktech.edu |
| Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | New Haven, Connecticut | Public | southernct.edu |
| Strayer University |
Associate's
|
1 | Trevose, Pennsylvania | Private | strayer.edu |
| Strayer University |
Associate's
|
1 | Scott Depot, West Virginia | Private | strayer.edu |
| Strayer University (SU) |
Associate's
|
1 | Jackson, Mississippi | Private | strayer.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Purchasing and Contracts Management programs
How much can I earn with a Purchasing and Contracts Management degree?
Salaries for Purchasing and Contracts Management graduates vary by role and location. Purchasing Managers earn a median of $139,510 annually, while Administrative Services Managers earn around $108,390. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $136,385 compared to $89,330 in Arkansas. Approximately 572,470 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Purchasing and Contracts Management programs?
Currently 43 accredited institutions offer Purchasing and Contracts Management degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) (357 graduates), Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) (234 graduates), and University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) (154 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Purchasing and Contracts Management growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 993 in 2010 to 1,230 in 2023-24. This represents a 24% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Purchasing and Contracts Management degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Purchasing Managers, Administrative Services Managers, and Facilities Managers. Related occupations employ approximately 572,470 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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