Operations Management and Supervision: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Operations Management and Supervision equips professionals with the strategic and technical expertise needed to oversee the core functional processes within manufacturing and production environments. This program focuses on optimizing efficiency, quality, and resource utilization across the entire operational lifecycle of a business.
- Principles of General Management – Core leadership frameworks for decision-making, organizational structure, and performance oversight in complex operational settings.
- Manufacturing and Production Systems – Design and implementation of integrated systems that ensure consistent output, scalability, and adaptability in production environments.
- Plant Management – Comprehensive oversight of facility operations, including workflow coordination, safety compliance, and infrastructure optimization.
- Equipment Maintenance Management – Strategic approaches to preventive and predictive maintenance, minimizing downtime and extending asset lifespan.
- Production Control – Techniques for monitoring and adjusting workflows to meet delivery timelines, quality standards, and resource availability.
- Industrial Labor Relations and Skilled Trades Supervision – Effective management of workforce dynamics, union interactions, training, and performance evaluation in hands-on production roles.
- Strategic Manufacturing Policy – Long-term planning that aligns manufacturing capabilities with broader business objectives and market demands.
- Systems Analysis – Evaluating operational workflows through modeling and data-driven insights to identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.
- Productivity Analysis and Cost Control – Methods for measuring output efficiency, reducing waste, and maintaining fiscal discipline across production cycles.
- Materials Planning – Coordinating the acquisition, storage, and distribution of raw materials and components to support uninterrupted production schedules.
Operations Management and Supervision Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Operations Management and Supervision Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Operations Management and Supervision degrees, including Computer and Information Systems Managers, Industrial Production Managers and Construction 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 2,973,010 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers 11-3021 | $171,200 | $104,450 - $239,200 | 645,970 | $82.31 |
| Industrial Production Managers 11-3051 | $121,440 | $74,900 - $197,310 | 234,380 | $58.39 |
| Construction Managers 11-9021 | $106,980 | $65,160 - $176,990 | 348,330 | $51.43 |
| 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 |
| Logisticians 13-1081 | $80,880 | $49,260 - $132,110 | 235,640 | $38.89 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers 49-1011 | $78,300 | $48,460 - $124,280 | 600,680 | $37.64 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers 51-1011 | $71,190 | $45,790 - $106,960 | 685,140 | $34.23 |
Operations Management and Supervision Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $85,356 in Arkansas to $125,785 in District of Columbia—a 47% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Massachusetts, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 2,973,010 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 Operations Management and Supervision by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 100 institutions offering Operations Management and Supervision 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 Operations Management and Supervision is found at Miami Dade College (MDC) (6,149 graduates), Valencia College (1,552 graduates), Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) (569 graduates), Indiana Wesleyan University, National & Global (357 graduates), and Washington State University (WSU) (188 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 12,159 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Dade College (MDC) |
Other Award
|
6,149 | Miami, Florida | Public | mdc.edu |
| Valencia College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
1,552 | Orlando, Florida | Public | valenciacollege.edu |
| Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
|
569 | Manchester, New Hampshire | Private | snhu.edu |
| Indiana Wesleyan University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
357 | Marion, Indiana | Private | indwes.edu |
| Washington State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
|
188 | Pullman, Washington | Public | wsu.edu |
| University of Phoenix (UOPX) |
Other Award
|
173 | Phoenix, Arizona | Private | phoenix.edu |
| University of Cincinnati (UC) |
Bachelor's
|
152 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | uc.edu |
| Fort Hays State University (FHSU) |
Bachelor's
|
143 | Hays, Kansas | Public | fhsu.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Bachelor's
|
128 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| Ashford University (UAGC) |
Bachelor's
|
123 | San Diego, California | Private | uagc.edu |
| University of Delaware (UD) |
Bachelor's
|
110 | Newark, Delaware | Public | udel.edu |
| Miami University |
Bachelor's
|
100 | Oxford, Ohio | Public | miamioh.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) |
Bachelor's
|
92 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Public | uwm.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Bachelor's
|
91 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| Indiana University (IU Indianapolis) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
88 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | indianapolis.iu.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMN) |
Bachelor's
|
82 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | twin-cities.umn.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte |
Bachelor's
|
77 | Charlotte, North Carolina | Public | charlotte.edu |
| Lone Star College System (LSC) |
Bachelor's
|
75 | The Woodlands, Texas | Public | lonestar.edu |
| Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
67 | Green Bay, Wisconsin | Public | nwtc.edu |
| Joliet Junior College (JJC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
64 | Joliet, Illinois | Public | jjc.edu |
| Ohio University (OHIO) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
54 | Athens, Ohio | Public | ohio.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Stout |
Bachelor's
|
53 | Menomonie, Wisconsin | Public | uwstout.edu |
| Bismarck State College (BSC) |
Bachelor's
|
51 | Bismarck, North Dakota | Public | bismarckstate.edu |
| Oregon State University (OSU) |
Bachelor's
|
51 | Corvallis, Oregon | Public | oregonstate.edu |
| Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT) |
Bachelor's
|
50 | Okmulgee, Oklahoma | Public | osuit.edu |
| University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) |
Postbac Cert.
|
49 | Adelphi, Maryland | Public | umgc.edu |
| Le Moyne College |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
49 | Syracuse, New York | Private | lemoyne.edu |
| North Central State College |
Other Award
|
48 | Mansfield, Ohio | Public | ncstatecollege.edu |
| Franklin University |
Bachelor's
|
46 | Columbus, Ohio | Private | franklin.edu |
| Yavapai College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
45 | Prescott, Arizona | Public | yc.edu |
| University of Wisconsin |
Bachelor's
|
45 | Whitewater, Wisconsin | Public | uww.edu |
| Northern Illinois University (NIU) |
Bachelor's
|
43 | Dekalb, Illinois | Public | niu.edu |
| University of North Texas (UNT) |
Bachelor's
|
43 | Denton, Texas | Public | unt.edu |
| University of Wisconsin (UWO) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
43 | Oshkosh, Wisconsin | Public | uwosh.edu |
| Ferris State University (FSU) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
42 | Big Rapids, Michigan | Public | ferris.edu |
| Pellissippi State Community College (PSTCC) |
Other Award
|
41 | Knoxville, Tennessee | Public | pstcc.edu |
| ECPI University (ECPI) |
Bachelor's
|
35 | Virginia Beach, Virginia | Private | ecpi.edu |
| University of St Thomas |
Bachelor's
|
33 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | stthomas.edu |
| University of Nebraska (UNK) |
Bachelor's
|
33 | Kearney, Nebraska | Public | unk.edu |
| University of Akron |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
|
30 | Akron, Ohio | Public | uakron.edu |
| Northeastern State University (NSU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
30 | Tahlequah, Oklahoma | Public | nsuok.edu |
| Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
29 | Moorhead, Minnesota | Public | mnstate.edu |
| Georgia Military College (GMC) |
Associate's
|
28 | Milledgeville, Georgia | Public | gmc.edu |
| Pitt Community College (PCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
27 | Winterville, North Carolina | Public | pittcc.edu |
| Drexel University |
Bachelor's
|
25 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | drexel.edu |
| University of Mary Washington (UMW) |
Postbac Cert.
|
25 | Fredericksburg, Virginia | Public | umw.edu |
| Moraine Park Technical College (MPTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
25 | Fond du Lac, Wisconsin | Public | morainepark.edu |
| Blue Ridge Community and Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
25 | Martinsburg, West Virginia | Public | blueridgectc.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Bachelor's
|
24 | North Dartmouth, Massachusetts | Public | umassd.edu |
| University of Dayton (UD) |
Bachelor's
|
24 | Dayton, Ohio | Private | udayton.edu |
| The University of Texas (UTEP) |
Bachelor's
|
24 | El Paso, Texas | Public | utep.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Other Award
|
23 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| Western Wyoming Community College (WWCC) |
Other Award
|
22 | Rock Springs, Wyoming | Public | westernwyoming.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Bachelor's
|
21 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| Loyola University Chicago (LUC) |
Bachelor's
|
21 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | luc.edu |
| University of Scranton |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
21 | Scranton, Pennsylvania | Private | scranton.edu |
| Bellingham Technical College (BTC) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
21 | Bellingham, Washington | Public | btc.edu |
| Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
20 | Utica, New York | Public | mvcc.edu |
| University of Puerto Rico (UPR) |
Bachelor's
|
20 | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Public | uprrp.edu |
| College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
19 | Idaho Falls, Idaho | Public | cei.edu |
| Boston College (BC) |
Bachelor's
|
18 | Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts | Private | bc.edu |
| Southwestern College (SC) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
17 | Winfield, Kansas | Private | sckans.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMN) |
Bachelor's
|
17 | Crookston, Minnesota | Public | crk.umn.edu |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) |
Bachelor's
|
16 | Champaign, Illinois | Public | illinois.edu |
| Avila University |
Master's
|
16 | Kansas City, Missouri | Private | avila.edu |
| Southern Wesleyan University (SWU) |
Master's
|
16 | Central, South Carolina | Private | swu.edu |
| University of Idaho (U of I) |
Bachelor's
|
14 | Moscow, Idaho | Public | uidaho.edu |
| McHenry County College (MCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
14 | Crystal Lake, Illinois | Public | mchenry.edu |
| Grand Valley State University (GVSU) |
Bachelor's
|
14 | Allendale, Michigan | Public | gvsu.edu |
| Thomas Edison State University (TESU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
|
14 | Trenton, New Jersey | Public | tesu.edu |
| Spring Arbor University (SAU) |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Spring Arbor, Michigan | Private | arbor.edu |
| Strayer University (SU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
13 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | strayer.edu |
| Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) |
Other Award
|
13 | Thomasville, Georgia | Public | southernregional.edu |
| Oakland University (OU) |
Bachelor's
|
12 | Rochester Hills, Michigan | Public | oakland.edu |
| Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
12 | Rosemount, Minnesota | Public | dctc.edu |
| Laramie County Community College (LCCC) |
Associate's
|
12 | Cheyenne, Wyoming | Public | lccc.wy.edu |
| Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | New Britain, Connecticut | Public | ccsu.edu |
| Utah Valley University (UVU) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
11 | Orem, Utah | Public | uvu.edu |
| University of North Dakota (UND) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Grand Forks, North Dakota | Public | und.edu |
| Oregon Institute of Technology (OTI) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Klamath Falls, Oregon | Public | oit.edu |
| Western Washington University (WWU) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Bellingham, Washington | Public | wwu.edu |
| Ball State University (BSU) |
Bachelor's
|
9 | Muncie, Indiana | Public | bsu.edu |
| University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) |
Bachelor's
|
9 | Edmond, Oklahoma | Public | uco.edu |
| Robert Morris University (RMU) |
Other Award
|
9 | Moon Township, Pennsylvania | Private | rmu.edu |
| Ensign College |
Other Award
|
9 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Private | ensign.edu |
| Point University |
Bachelor's
|
8 | West Point, Georgia | Private | point.edu |
| Johns Hopkins University (JHU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Post-Master's
|
8 | Baltimore, Maryland | Private | jhu.edu |
| Kettering University |
Master's
|
8 | Flint, Michigan | Private | kettering.edu |
| Seminole State College of Florida |
Associate's
Other Award
|
7 | Sanford, Florida | Public | seminolestate.edu |
| Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) |
Other Award
|
7 | Rome, Georgia | Public | gntc.edu |
| Morgan State University (MSU) |
Master's
|
7 | Baltimore, Maryland | Public | morgan.edu |
| Rhode Island College (RIC) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Providence, Rhode Island | Public | ric.edu |
| The University of Texas (UTSA) |
Postbac Cert.
|
7 | San Antonio, Texas | Public | utsa.edu |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico (UIPR) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Mercedita, Puerto Rico | Private | ponce.inter.edu |
| Broward College (BC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
6 | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Public | broward.edu |
| College of Southern Idaho (CSI) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Twin Falls, Idaho | Public | csi.edu |
| Governors State University (GSU) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | University Park, Illinois | Public | govst.edu |
| Wichita State University (WSU Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
6 | Wichita, Kansas | Public | wsutech.edu |
| Wentworth Institute of Technology (WIT) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
6 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | wit.edu |
| Western Technical College |
Bachelor's
|
6 | El Paso, Texas | Private | westerntech.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Operations Management and Supervision programs
How much can I earn with a Operations Management and Supervision degree?
Salaries for Operations Management and Supervision graduates vary by role and location. Computer and Information Systems Managers earn a median of $171,200 annually, while Industrial Production Managers earn around $121,440. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $125,785 compared to $85,356 in Arkansas. Approximately 2,973,010 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 Operations Management and Supervision programs?
Currently 150 accredited institutions offer Operations Management and Supervision degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Miami Dade College (MDC) (6,149 graduates), Valencia College (1,552 graduates), and Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) (569 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 Operations Management and Supervision growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 5,276 in 2010 to 12,273 in 2023-24. This represents a 133% 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 Operations Management and Supervision degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Computer and Information Systems Managers, Industrial Production Managers, and Construction Managers. Related occupations employ approximately 2,973,010 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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