About this Program
³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ's Master of Science in Maritime Trade and Supply Chain Management is a 30-credit graduate program offered through the School of Supply Chain, Logistics, and Maritime Operations within the AACSB-accredited Strome College of Business. The program is offered online or on-campus in Norfolk, Virginia, adjacent to the Port of Virginia, the fifth-largest container port in the United States, and Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base.
The program prepares supply chain managers, logistics professionals, military officers, and procurement specialists to lead in global trade, port operations, ocean freight, naval logistics, freight forwarding, sourcing, and supply chain analytics. Students take coursework in international shipping, reverse logistics, port operations, and digital supply chain management. The curriculum is designed for working professionals, and no GRE or GMAT is required. Courses run on flexible part-time or full-time pacing.
Military and Federal Career Pathways
Norfolk is the largest military concentration on the East Coast. Naval Station Norfolk is the world's largest naval base by personnel and infrastructure. The city also hosts U.S. Fleet Forces Command, NATO Allied Command Transformation, Joint Forces Staff College, and significant logistics infrastructure for the Department of Defense. Naval logistics, military sealift, federal supply chain management, defense contractor logistics, and security clearance career routes are all geographically anchored in the region.
The M.S. in Maritime Trade and Supply Chain Management is built to develop military officers, enlisted personnel transitioning to civilian roles, civilian DoD employees, defense contractors, and federal logistics professionals into supply chain and logistics leadership.
Military and Federal Career Pathways
Norfolk is the largest military concentration on the East Coast. Naval Station Norfolk is the world's largest naval base by personnel and infrastructure. The city also hosts U.S. Fleet Forces Command, NATO Allied Command Transformation, Joint Forces Staff College, and significant logistics infrastructure for the Department of Defense. Naval logistics, military sealift, federal supply chain management, defense contractor logistics, and security clearance career routes are all geographically anchored in the region.
The M.S. in Maritime Trade and Supply Chain Management is built to develop military officers, enlisted personnel transitioning to civilian roles, civilian DoD employees, defense contractors, and federal logistics professionals into supply chain and logistics leadership.
Program Highlights
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Norfolk and the Port of Virginia. ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ sits adjacent to the Port of Virginia, the fifth-largest container port in the United States. Students learn alongside professionals working in active port operations, ocean freight, and intermodal logistics, with direct access to one of the most active maritime trade corridors on the East Coast.
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AACSB-accredited Strome College of Business. The program is housed in the AACSB International-accredited Strome College of Business, signaling adherence to the highest international standard for business school accreditation.
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Online or on-campus. Choose fully online through ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏGlobal or on-campus in Norfolk. The same degree, the same faculty, the same outcomes.
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No GRE, no GMAT. The application does not require standardized test scores. Admission is based on academic record, professional experience, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.
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Military and federal pathways. Norfolk hosts Naval Station Norfolk, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, NATO Allied Command Transformation, and significant Department of Defense logistics infrastructure. The program is built to develop officers, civilian DoD employees, and contractors moving into supply chain and logistics leadership roles.
Common career pathways include:
Operations management at container terminals, breakbulk terminals, intermodal yards, and inland distribution centers.
Carrier operations, vessel scheduling, container management, ocean freight forwarding, and shipping line operations.
U.S. Navy logistics specialist roles, Military Sealift Command, Defense Logistics Agency, and federal contractor logistics positions requiring security clearance.
Strategic sourcing, supplier management, category management, contract management, and procurement analytics across private sector and government.
Demand forecasting, inventory optimization, transportation analytics, and supply chain data science.
International freight forwarders, customs brokers, trade compliance specialists, and global trade management.
Circular supply chain design, reverse logistics operations, sustainable sourcing, and ESG-aligned supply chain leadership.
Operations management at container terminals, breakbulk terminals, intermodal yards, and inland distribution centers.
Carrier operations, vessel scheduling, container management, ocean freight forwarding, and shipping line operations.
U.S. Navy logistics specialist roles, Military Sealift Command, Defense Logistics Agency, and federal contractor logistics positions requiring security clearance.
Strategic sourcing, supplier management, category management, contract management, and procurement analytics across private sector and government.
Demand forecasting, inventory optimization, transportation analytics, and supply chain data science.
International freight forwarders, customs brokers, trade compliance specialists, and global trade management.
Circular supply chain design, reverse logistics operations, sustainable sourcing, and ESG-aligned supply chain leadership.
Featured Courses
Requirements
Prospective students may apply for admission to the program for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. We welcome applicants who have earned bachelor’s degrees from accredited institutions. Admission to the program is competitive and is granted to those who show high ability in graduate study. To be considered for admission, students must submit the following:
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A bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited university in the U.S. or an equivalent foreign institution;
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Official copies of transcripts of all colleges and universities attended;
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Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s professional and/or academic background;
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A current resume;
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A statement of professional goals;
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The GRE or GMAT is not required.
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English language requirements: TOEFL (IBT): 79, TOEFL (paper-based): 550, IELTS: 6.5 for those whose native language is not English (waived if an applicant has earned a college degree from an institution in an English-speaking country). Students may be considered for conditional admission. Contact the Graduate Program Director for more information.
Careers
Maritime supply chain master's graduates pursue careers across global trade, port operations, ocean freight, military and federal logistics, procurement and sourcing, supply chain analytics, and sustainability.
Direct or coordinate production, purchasing, warehousing, distribution, or financial forecasting services or activities to limit costs and improve accuracy, customer service, or safety. Examine existing procedures or opportunities for streamlining activities to meet product distribution needs. Direct the movement, storage, or processing of inventory.
Analyze product delivery or supply chain processes to identify or recommend changes. May manage route activity including invoicing, electronic bills, and shipment tracing.
Analyze and coordinate the ongoing logistical functions of a firm or organization. Responsible for the entire life cycle of a product, including acquisition, distribution, internal allocation, delivery, and final disposal of resources.
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services. Includes wholesale or retail trade merchandising managers and procurement managers.
Norfolk and the Port of Virginia
³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ's location in Norfolk gives students direct geographic access to an active maritime trade ecosystem. Faculty research connects to Port of Virginia operations, regional supply chain employers, and Hampton Roads' logistics workforce. Students pursuing internships, capstone projects, applied research, or full-time roles after graduation have direct proximity to one of the most concentrated maritime supply chain employer markets in the country.
Cost of Attendance
Tuition is charged per credit hour. Amounts shown are tuition only and do not include mandatory fees, technology-delivered course fees, course-specific fees, books, housing, meal plans, or other costs. Campus-based students may take technology-delivered or online courses. Tuition is based on student classification. Fees for technology-delivered courses and other costs are listed on the ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ tuition and fees page.
Ways to Fund Your Degree
There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.
Frequently Asked Questions
The M.S. is 30 graduate credits.
Yes. The M.S. is offered online through ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏGlobal and on-campus in Norfolk. The same degree, the same faculty, and the same curriculum across formats. Choose the format that fits your career and schedule.
No. The M.S. in Maritime Trade and Supply Chain Management does not require GRE or GMAT scores for admission.
Yes. The M.S. in Maritime Trade and Supply Chain Management is offered through the Strome College of Business, which holds AACSB International accreditation. AACSB is the most rigorous and globally recognized business school accreditation.
Tuition costs vary by program and are subject to change. Visit the Current Tuition Rates page for the most up-to-date tuition information.
Graduates pursue careers in port operations, ocean freight, naval and military logistics, procurement and sourcing, supply chain analytics, freight forwarding, customs and trade compliance, and supply chain leadership across the private sector, government, and defense industry.
³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ accepts applications for fall, spring, and summer entry.
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