Ball State’s Logistics and Supply Chain Management Program Earns STEM Designation

Topics: Academic Programs, Faculty, Miller College of Business

September 29, 2026

Ball State University's Logistics and Supply Chain Management degree program has received approval from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education for a STEM designation, formally recognizing the program's quantitative, analytical, and technology-focused curriculum while strengthening its role in preparing graduates for high-demand industries across Indiana.

The designation reflects the growing importance of data, technology, forecasting, optimization, and complex systems management across sectors central to Indiana's economy, including manufacturing, distribution and warehousing, transportation, healthcare logistics, retail and e-commerce, and agricultural and food supply chains.

Effective for students graduating in Fall 2026 and later, the designation applies to both the bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degrees offered through Ball State's Miller College of Business, including both on-campus and online delivery.

"The designation recognizes what we already teach and what employers increasingly need," said Dr. Cathy DuBois, Bryan Dean of the Miller College of Business. "Supply chain leadership requires professionals who can interpret data, manage technology, forecast disruptions, optimize complex systems, and make decisions across global networks."

Ball State's Logistics and Supply Chain Management program prepares students to make the movement of goods and services more efficient and effective. Students study logistics and supply-chain decision-making, production and operations, customer relationship management, and other business disciplines while building a foundation in areas such as management, marketing, accounting, finance, and information systems and operations management.

The program's curriculum includes significant quantitative and technology-focused coursework. In Supply Chain Analytics, for example, students use computer modeling and simulation, optimization tools, regression, and linear and integer programming. Other coursework incorporates forecasting, inventory models, enterprise resource planning, materials requirements planning, capacity planning, production control, business analytics, statistics, and information systems.

Students also gain hands-on experience through industry-based internships, projects addressing real business challenges, business tours, professional events, and a senior capstone project.

"Our Logistics and Supply Chain Management program graduates are well-prepared to excel as part of the state and regional workforce, thanks to the rigorous classroom and real-world learning opportunities we offer," Dr. DuBois said. "The STEM designation underscores the technical, mathematical, analytical, and interdisciplinary capabilities our graduates gain through our program."

Those experiences are supported by the Kent C. "Oz" Nelson Logistics and Supply Chain Management Center for Excellence, which connects students, faculty, and industry partners. Through the center, students can participate in experiential-learning projects, case competitions, internships, site visits, and professional networking while working with organizations on real-world supply chain and operational challenges.

"Our students will leave Ball State ready to build fulfilling careers, keep learning as the industry evolves, and use their talents to make a meaningful difference here in Indiana and around the world," said Dr. Michael Gambrel, the center's director.

The STEM designation also may expand students' eligibility for certain STEM-focused scholarships, grants, internships, and other opportunities. For eligible international students, the designation allows F-1 graduates to apply for a 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training extension, subject to federal requirements.

Together, the designation and the program's emphasis on analytical, technical, and experiential learning position graduates to contribute across industries that depend on increasingly complex supply chains and logistics systems in Indiana and beyond.