Online Degrees in Operations Management

Jobs in operations management typically require a degree in the field, which can be found at the associate, bachelor's or master's degree level. According to Salary.com, 11 percent of operations managers hold an associate degree, 49 percent hold a bachelor's and 19 percent hold a master's. Additionally, since operations managers can work their way up in a company through relevant experience, 20 percent of operation managers held a high school diploma, but no college degree.

According to The Association for Operations Management (AOM) and The College Board, the following skills are key for operations managers:

• Communication skills
• Customer service
• Data analysis
• Information management
• Leadership
• Problem solving
• Creativity
• Flexibility

Online operations management degrees are available through a wide variety of schools. Operations managers are typically executives at their companies, and as such, are often promoted from within, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). While some of those who work their way up may benefit from on-the-job experience, others can climb the corporate ladder by pursuing education such as online operations management degrees. The flexible schedule of online degree programs makes them particularly attractive to professionals already working in the field.

Operations managers handle the processes that actually make a business move. They might work in goods production, quality control, supply chain management, product formulation, product design, warehousing, ordering, vendor contacts and more. In short, operations managers can expect to handle a wide variety of jobs throughout their careers.

The BLS says that operations managers might work long hours, including evenings and weekends, though their schedules can be flexible. Depending upon the employer, the job could include a great deal of travel. Many positions are results-based; if the operations manager isn't able to meet specified goals, the worker could be in jeopardy of losing his or her job.

The BLS reports a mean annual wage of $113,100 for general and operations managers in 2010. Industries with the highest levels of employment include companies and enterprises, local government, computer systems design, management and consulting services, and building equipment contractors.

The Association for Operations Management conducted a survey in the fourth quarter of 2010 that found 64 percent of survey respondents predicted hiring new employees in 2011--an increase from 48 percent the year before. According to AOM, these results are "very promising" for operations managers.

Related professions include operations research, materials manager, manufacturing manager, director of operations, and numerous other management positions. A degree in management, business, or operations management can open the door to these and more careers.

• Degree requirements: According to Salary.com, nearly half of all operations manger's hold a bachelor's degree
• Salary range: $65,290 to $142,030 (2010 data for middle 50 percent of general and operations managers, Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• Key skills: Customer service, communication, problem solving, data analysis