Advance your career with

Supply Chain Planning

Gain essential supply chain and logistics skills and earn an ASCM Certificate in 14 weeks without quitting your day job. Pay $0 upfront

  • 14 weeks
  • 18 hours/week
Two Merit America alumni smile while holding a laptop.
Warehouse Associate     Logistics Coordinator
Why Supply Chain

Why Supply Chain Planning?

Thinking about a career shift into operations and logistics? Supply chain professionals keep the world moving. They manage how goods flow from suppliers to customers — ensuring products arrive on time, in the right place, and in the right quantity.

Competitive CompensationEntry-level supply chain roles offer starting salaries at $56,200, with strong potential for growth as experience builds.
In-Demand CareersWith a certificate from the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) and support from expert coaches, you’ll unlock opportunities across retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics.
Fulfilling Work If you’re organized, enjoy problem-solving, and like seeing how systems fit together, this could be your path. Our learners step into roles like:
Logistics Coordinator
Inventory Planner
Materials Coordinator
Supply Chain Analyst
Warehouse Associate
Shipping & Receiving Clerk
Supply chain logistics professional working in a modern operations facility
Salary Trajectory · U.S. Median
Entry
$56K
Mid
$81K
Senior
$116K
Source: Lightcast, 2025
The Career Track

Coursework plus a coach who gets you hired

A Career Track is a guided pathway that pairs industry-recognized coursework with real human coaching — together, they turn a certificate into an actual career change.

The coursework

Industry-recognized coursework — the ASCM Supply Chain Planning Certificate from the Association for Supply Chain Management. Six structured courses, built for career changers, no experience required.

The coach

Merit America career coaching — workshops, peer support, and 1:1 guidance that keep you on track and help you get hired.

The Path — Start to Hired
1

Get connected

We meet learners where they are and connect their prior experience to where they want to go — no degree required.

2

Learn with tech & “touch”

Complete ASCM coursework through Coursera while receiving Merit America coaching, peer support, and 1:1 guidance.

3

Get hired

We help learners identify tailored opportunities across a network of 500+ employers hiring for entry-level supply chain roles.

4

Keep growing

Lifetime Coursera access, ongoing alumni support, and continuing education — long after you complete the program.

Your 14-Week Roadmap to Logistics

Our program structure is designed to fit your life while giving you the rigorous skills employers expect. We provide a blended learning environment where you’ll participate in live virtual meetings and complete coursework independently online.

Getting Oriented

In your first month, you’ll establish the foundational principles of operations management and distribution. You’ll meet your coach, learn about the industry, and begin your technical journey.

By the end of Week 4, you’ll have completed your prerequisite courses and laid the foundation for modern supply chain logistics. You’ll have through the end of Week 5 to explore and receive a full refund if you decide not to continue.

18 Hours / WeekExpected Commitment

Technical Skills

Operations FoundationsComplete prerequisite coursework in operations management.
Distribution & LogisticsUnderstand the core concepts of moving products and managing logistics networks.
Google WorkspaceMaster the essential digital tools used in modern supply chain environments.

Professional Skills

Career PathingGain a comprehensive overview of the industry and define your career goals.
Transferable SkillsLearn how to identify and articulate your past skills for logistics roles.
Resume BasicsBegin drafting your professional resume with the assistance of AI tools.

Deep Technical Training

This phase integrates advanced ASCM training with rigorous career preparation. You’ll progress through the remaining ASCM courses, gaining expertise in operations planning and optimization.

Simultaneously, you’ll engage in intensive interview prep, LinkedIn networking, and active job applications with your coach.

Up to 18 Hours / WeekPeak Intensity
Outcome:ASCM Supply Chain Planning Certificate

Technical Curriculum

Inventory ManagementLearn foundational strategies for tracking and controlling stock efficiently.
Manufacturing & PlanningMaster operations planning and the fundamentals of manufacturing management.
SCOR OptimizationGain hands-on knowledge of supply chain management using the SCOR framework.

Career Preparation

Strategic NetworkingBuild your professional network on LinkedIn and conduct informational interviews.
Job Application TacticsAnalyze job descriptions, tailor cover letters, and interact with recruiters.
Interview & NegotiationPrepare for interviews and learn proven strategies for negotiating salaries.

Job Search Your Way

Once you complete the program, you’re in control of how you engage in your job search, with no single required path. Some learners choose a more structured, focused job search through our Alumni Career Accelerator program, while others take advantage of on-demand tools and resources.

Regardless of your path, you’ll retain full access to our Perspectives Wellness Program, lifetime Coursera access, continuing education opportunities, and ongoing alumni support.

Goal: Hired

Option A: Alumni Career Accelerator

A structured job-search sprint with weekly 1:1 coaching, strict accountability targets, and select employer partner opportunities.

Option B: Flex Support

On-demand access to our Career Services team for mock interviews, resume refinement, career coaching, and job boards.

How It Works

How Merit America fits around your real life

$0 upfront

Build a career based on your potential, not your bank account. You won’t pay anything until at least three months after you complete or exit your program.

Learn about the costs
And if it doesn’t work out — you don’t pay. If you don’t earn at least $40k within the two years after the Immersion end date of your chosen Merit America program, you don’t have to pay. Learn how it works.
A Merit America learner receiving one-on-one career coaching
  1. 1 Learn in-demand skills
  2. 2 Land a great job
  3. 3 Pay only after the program
  4. 4 Support future learners

Learn on your time, from anywhere, while keeping your day job

Our programs are built for people with busy lives. Your coursework and meetings are online, and live meetings are only 3–5 hours per week. You can complete the certificate coursework through industry-recognized partners like ASCM in-between shifts, on weekends — whatever works for your life.

Explore career options
A woman sits on the floor, working her remote job in tech

Work with a coach who gets you hired

Your coach is in your corner from day one — helping you build the job search skills, confidence, and strategy to land a role you actually want. Sessions are 1:1, scheduled around your life, and the support continues after you complete the program.

Meet our coaches

Hear what our alumni have to say

“I researched multiple tech programs, but none of them felt right. Then I came across Merit America and it was a perfect fit.”

Stephanie|Program Assistant
Stephanie, Program Assistant

“Merit provides the resources and support I wouldn’t have alone. It’s truly a safety net for career growth.”

Brittney|Financial Analyst
Brittney, Financial Analyst

“Merit America showed me I don’t need a 4-year degree. I have the skills and know how to prove it and present myself.”

Michael|Director of Communications
Michael, Director of Communications
Partners & employers in the Merit America network
Google
Amazon
JPMorgan Chase
Accenture
Infosys
Lyft
DoorDash
Intact Technology
CareerCircle
Instacart
OneTen
Opportunity@Work

How does Merit America compare?

If you’re considering a career change into Supply Chain Planning, here’s an honest, side-by-side look at how we stack up against full-time programs and community college programs.

CompareMerit AmericaFull-Time ProgramsCommunity College
Course Length14 weeks20–24 weeks50–100 weeks
In-Person or RemoteRemoteRemoteIn-person / Remote
Part-Time?18 hoursVariesVaries
Program Cost$5,700$16,000–$19,000$5,000–$10,000
Certificate EarnedASCM Supply Chain Planning CertificateVariesVaries
Organization TypeNon-profitFor-profitPublic / Non-profit
Coaching & Job Search SupportYesYesVaries
Downside ProtectionMerit America GuaranteeVariesNo

The Merit America Guarantee

We’re so confident in our program that we promise that if you don’t earn at least $40k within the two years after the Immersion end date of your chosen Merit America program, you don’t have to pay.

Learn how it works
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the Supply Chain Planning program and how Merit America works.

When does the program start? Are there fixed cohort dates?

Merit America uses dynamic enrollment, which means new cohorts begin every two weeks — you don’t have to wait months for a single fixed start date. Once admitted, you’ll choose the cohort that fits your life, and if the timing isn’t right, you can defer to a later one.

Here’s how it works:

  • Apply when you’re ready. No application deadlines.
  • Once admitted, claim a spot in an upcoming cohort. Spots fill on a first-come, first-served basis — completing your onboarding steps early gives you the most flexibility.
  • Or defer to a later cohort if the timing isn’t right.
  • Complete onboarding steps like coach selection and device setup.
  • Begin your program when your cohort opens.

This structure ensures every learner starts when they’re ready — supported from day one.

Is the training in-person, online or both?

Merit America provides a blended online learning environment where you will participate in live virtual meetings and complete coursework independently online from industry-recognized partners, like Google.

We leverage learning tools such as the widely used digital workplace platforms and software, including: Zoom, Slack, Google Suite, and our customized Merit America Learner Portal.

What are the admission requirements?

To be eligible for any of Merit America’s programs, the following must be true:

  • You have a high school diploma or GED.
  • Associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree holders are welcome.
  • You are a resident of the U.S. and authorized to work in the U.S.
  • DACA and Temporary Residents must have a status/visa that does not expire within six months of the Immersion start date.
  • Residents of U.S. territories are eligible for our program.
  • You are 18 years of age or older.
  • You will be seeking full-time employment upon completion of the program.
What does a typical week look like at Merit America?

Merit America’s Supply Chain Planning program is designed to fit into your busy schedule with a commitment of approximately 18 hours per week — a mix of self-paced online coursework and live, topic-based workshops focused on career coaching and skills practice. Technical advisors are available to help talk through coursework questions as needed.

Live workshops typically take place outside of standard business hours, and while you can complete coursework on your own time, there are required assignments and deadlines that must be met to move forward in the program.

Live workshops typically take place outside of standard business hours, and while you can complete coursework on your own time, there are required assignments and deadlines that must be met to move forward in the program.

What kind of support will I receive during the course?

When you join Merit America, there’s a team dedicated to your success.

Your coach helps you build the professional and job search skills you need to succeed in today’s market — from refining your resume and preparing for interviews to networking effectively and navigating job offers. They’ll also work with you to chart a clear career path aligned with your goals, and the support continues after you complete the program.

You’ll also join live, topic-based workshops alongside other learners on the same journey. You can pick the sessions that fit your schedule and the skills you want to focus on, like interviewing, resumes, or LinkedIn.

Your technical advisor is available to direct you to appropriate resources if you’re struggling with your ASCM Supply Chain Planning Certificate coursework.

And our Career Services team provides on-demand support, with optional structured programs like the Alumni Career Accelerator if you want a focused job-search sprint.

Can you guarantee me a job?

We can’t guarantee job placement or salaries, but we do provide you with a structured training curriculum, professional career development, and dedicated job-placement support. Because of this, the majority of job-seeking alumni are placed in new jobs within three months of completion.

But under the Merit America Guarantee, if you qualify by fulfilling the requirements, and don’t earn at least $40k a year within two years of the Immersion end date of your program, you may be eligible for a full refund.

What does the Supply Chain Planning program cover?

Merit America’s Supply Chain Planning program combines technical training from the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) with personalized career coaching to prepare you for in-demand roles in logistics and operations.

You’ll earn an ASCM Supply Chain Planning Certificate while learning foundational and advanced concepts in Distribution and Logistics, Inventory Management, Operations Management, Manufacturing Management, Operations Planning, and Supply Chain Optimization using the SCOR framework.

Throughout the program, you’ll complete six ASCM courses designed to equip you with the essential knowledge to manage and improve supply chain processes. You’ll also gain hands-on experience with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office — key tools used in modern logistics and operations roles.

In addition to technical skills, the program places a strong emphasis on professional development. You’ll engage in approximately 30 hours of 1:1 coaching and live, topic-based workshops where you’ll build critical skills like resume writing and interview preparation, professional communication, networking and job search strategy, and salary negotiation and recruiter engagement.

Upon completing the program, you’ll be ready to pursue roles such as Logistics Coordinator, Supply Chain Analyst, Inventory Planner, Materials Coordinator, Warehouse Associate, Shipping and Receiving Clerk, and more.

You can view the full program syllabus here.

A Merit America learner ready to start their supply chain career
Take the next step

Your success is our mission. Get started.

Apply today and you’ll pair with a coach of your choosing. New cohorts open every two weeks — claim a spot in the next one or defer to a later cohort that fits your life.

20,000+Learners since 2018
75%Alumni success rate
$21KAvg wage increase
Application takes ~10 minutes · Dynamic enrollment

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