New master's degree for professionals focuses on industrial distribution

Purdue University will offer a master’s degree in technology with a specialization in industrial distribution beginning this fall. The 33-credit-hour degree program, offered by the College of Technology, is designed for managers and professionals who are looking to develop and improve their skills in the distribution industry.

Courses are taught through a convenient weekend and distance-learning format that provides an ideal environment for learning and allows the students to maintain focus on career and family.

The program builds on Purdue’s traditional graduate degree programs in industrial distribution, which have been in place for close to 20 years. Classes will be taught by Purdue faculty, with some of the best-known and well-respected leaders in the industry providing input as guest lecturers.

The curriculum culminates with the student completing an applied directed project, incorporating various aspects of the program into a project, usually for their company, that improves a distribution process. A highlight of the program is an optional summer international trip to tour industry, speak with business leaders and experience cultural differences of industrial distribution.

“This program is a great step forward for the professional’s education by incorporating industrial distribution experts, a format that provides a great learning environment, and an optional international experience,” said Kathryne Newton, coordinator of the program and professor of industrial technology.

The program is administered by the Center for Professional Studies in Technology and Applied Research (ProSTAR) in Purdue’s College of Technology.

Find out more about the industrial distribution concentration and other ProSTAR programs.