The Future of Logistics Education

The importance of transportation and logistics to the U.S. economy has been well documented. As we move toward a more competitive global economy, there will be an increasing demand for highly qualified people to create and manage more efficient logistics systems and supply chains. Businesses have recognized the shortage of talent in this discipline. Unfortunately, logistics education has lagged behind the needs of the industry. American universities are not providing an adequate number of students to meet the needs of American businesses, even when the field is broadened to include supply chain management. This article reviews the current status of logistics and supply chain programs, discusses the reasons for the shortage of talent, and proposes a solution to address it.