Manufacturing Management, B.A.

Careers With a Bachelor of Arts in Manufacturing Management

A Bachelor of Arts in Manufacturing Management from Governors State University prepares graduates to pursue a range of roles in production, logistics, and operations. The following careers represent common paths for graduates of the program, with median annual salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024).

Quality Assurance Engineer

Quality assurance engineers design and implement testing processes to identify product defects before launch. The role requires strong attention to detail, proficiency with testing tools, the ability to document and report findings, and a commitment to driving continuous improvement. Quality assurance engineers typically work as part of cross-functional teams in office and production environments.

Logistics Manager

Logistics managers oversee the planning and execution of inventory, distribution, and transportation operations, working to keep supply chains running efficiently and on schedule. Responsibilities typically include managing employee schedules, coordinating deliveries, and tracking invoices and operational records. The median annual wage for transportation, storage, and distribution managers was $102,010 in May 2024.

Supply Chain Planner

Supply chain planners coordinate the acquisition of materials and supplies across industries including manufacturing, distribution, retail, and pharmaceuticals. They work to ensure procurement is efficient, timely, and within budget, and may recommend changes to suppliers or transportation methods when operations need improvement. The median annual wage for logisticians, the closest BLS occupational category, was $80,880 in May 2024.

Purchasing Agent

Purchasing agents oversee the acquisition of products and services for a company, whether for internal use or resale. Core responsibilities include evaluating suppliers, managing vendor relationships, reviewing product quality, and negotiating contracts to secure the best value for the organization. The median annual wage for buyers and purchasing agents was $75,650 in May 2024.

First-Line Supervisor

First-line supervisors of production and operating workers oversee and coordinate the activities of production staff, including precision workers, inspectors, assemblers, fabricators, machine operators, and plant personnel. The median annual wage for first-line supervisors of production and operating workers was approximately $71,190 in May 2024.

Manufacturing Manager

Manufacturing managers direct production operations to ensure performance, volume, and quality goals are met. Responsibilities include planning and scheduling production processes, evaluating workflow and facility layout, recommending operational improvements, and supervising staff across daily production activities. The median annual wage for industrial production managers was $121,440 in May 2024.