Written by Marijn Overvest | Reviewed by Sjoerd Goedhart | Fact Checked by Ruud Emonds | Our editorial policy
How to Get a Procurement Degree — And Should You?
Table of contents
What is a procurement degree?
- A procurement degree is a program that provides you with the essential skills to source, negotiate, and manage contracts to get the best value for businesses.
- Due to high demand for procurement professionals, a degree in procurement can lead to exciting career opportunities and high salary compensation.
- Certifications and connections can improve your credentials and position as a top candidate in the procurement field.
What is a Procurement Degree?
A procurement degree is an academic program that provides essential skills and knowledge required to source, negotiate, and manage contracts to achieve the best value for businesses. It covers principles such as supply chain management, strategic sourcing, negotiation techniques, contract management, and ethical procurement practices, preparing graduates for effective procurement roles across various industries.
Through this degree, students gain practical and analytical capabilities needed to optimize organizational purchasing strategies, manage supplier relationships, and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards. Graduates typically pursue careers as procurement specialists, purchasing managers, supply chain analysts, or strategic sourcing experts, directly contributing to the efficiency and profitability of their organizations.
How to Get a Procurement Degree?
Individuals can pursue a procurement degree through several educational pathways, tailored to their career objectives and lifestyle.
The most common method is enrolling in traditional academic programs offered by universities and colleges, typically as undergraduate or postgraduate degrees within fields such as business, management, or supply chain studies.
These programs usually combine theoretical coursework with practical experiences, including internships or case studies, to develop essential procurement competencies.
Another increasingly popular option is obtaining procurement knowledge through online courses, certifications, or distance-learning programs.
Online education offers flexibility, allowing individuals—particularly those already employed—to enhance their skills at their own pace without disrupting their current careers.
Additionally, professional certifications provided by recognized procurement institutes and specialized training programs offer targeted expertise, enabling learners to quickly gain practical skills valuable for advancement within procurement and supply chain roles.
Should You Get a Procurement Degree?
Deciding whether to pursue a procurement degree depends on your career goals, interests, and the skills you wish to develop. A procurement degree can be highly beneficial if you’re interested in supply chain management, purchasing, contract negotiation, or managing supplier relationships. It equips you with specialized knowledge and practical skills valuable across various industries, enhancing your employability and potential for career advancement.
The foundational theories presented in traditional procurement literature and textbooks are incredibly valuable, offering timeless insights and core principles essential for understanding procurement and supply chains. However, in today’s rapidly changing business environment, online courses and certifications play a crucial role by continually updating and delivering contemporary knowledge, technological advancements, and current best practices. Additionally, online procurement courses often feature numerous case studies drawn from real-world scenarios, enabling learners to gain practical insights, understand complex issues, and effectively apply theoretical concepts.
Ultimately, combining classical theoretical foundations with modern, up-to-date online resources and case-based learning ensures a comprehensive education, preparing individuals effectively for dynamic procurement challenges. Assessing your career ambitions, preferred learning style, and job market opportunities will help determine whether a procurement degree aligns with your personal and professional goals.
Bachelor Programs in Procurement Management
Mainly, a course in procurement management is the start of your procurement journey. However, there aren’t a lot of universities offering procurement degrees. The good news is that there are a lot of alternatives you can choose to explore.
For instance, a course in business administration can expose you to numerous concepts that can prepare you for your career in procurement.
There are also procurement management courses which include project management, procurement laws, administration of contracts, and federal acquisitions. Typically, it covers national and international issues besides tackling federal and corporate transactions. These are great options as well because many international universities are offering courses in procurement management, as well as online courses.
Graduates of procurement management courses can secure a job in the fields of warehouse management and supply chain management.
You must remember that the cost of enrolling in procurement management courses varies from institution to institution. Before you apply, you must do your research by asking your potential school about the course details.
But courses aren’t the only way you can achieve a career in procurement. Several certifications and online courses can help you have a headstart on your procurement career.
Below are the following courses that you can apply for if you want to improve your skills in the field of procurement:
1. Negotiation Course for Procurement
2. Procurement Strategy Course
3. Sustainable Procurement Course
4. ChatGPT & AI in Procurement Course
5. Junior Procurement Management
6. Mini-MBA for Procurement Managers
7. Strategic Procurement Leadership Program
8. Soft Skills for Procurement
9. Supplier Relationship Management
10. Category Management in Procurement
11. Risk Management in Procurement
12. Cultural Impact on Negotiations
13. Value Chain Analysis
14. Spend Analysis Course
15. Managing Gen Z in Procurement
16. AI Prompt Engineering for Procurement Course
17. Contract Management Course
18. Innovation in Procurement Course
What is a Procurement Course all About?
Procurement courses are structured educational programs designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective management of procurement processes within organizations. These courses cover a broad spectrum of topics, including strategic sourcing, negotiation techniques, contract management, supplier relationship management, and the integration of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) in procurement.
With the advent of AI, courses like the ChatGPT & AI in Procurement Course explore how AI tools can enhance procurement processes, offering insights into leveraging technologies such as ChatGPT for tasks like negotiation preparation and supplier management.
These courses are typically structured into modules comprising video lessons, reading materials, practical assignments, and templates, allowing for self-paced learning. They often include real-world case studies, enabling learners to apply theoretical concepts to practical scenarios. Upon completion, participants receive certifications, enhancing their professional credentials in the procurement field.
Best Procurement Certifications
Obtaining an industry-recognized procurement certification can significantly boost your career prospects and salary. According to ASCM.org, certified professionals earn on average 16% more than their non-certified peers.
We provide industry-recognized procurement courses trusted by global companies such as Walmart, IBM, Shell, and SCIEX.
Why Considera Career in Procurement?
Procurement is now getting recognition due to the onslaught of the pandemic and political conflicts that are happening around the world. The following are the reasons why you should consider a career in procurement:
1. Procurement professionals are in demand
Procurement professionals are sought by many companies to streamline the procurement process in the organization. According to a recruitment firm, procurement is the fourth most in-demand executive role in 2025.
It is clear why they are in demand. There have been many organizations established throughout the years. The competition right now is so tough that even the shortest delays can impact their development severely.
Right now, as the war and the pandemic are still present in the world, the supply chain is critical for every organization to meet the demands of the customers.
2. Well-paid
Procurement professionals have an increased salary throughout the years. According to a report made by ASCM.org, 59% of supply chain professionals received a salary increase.
3. It can take you places
Globalization is always associated with procurement as many organizations source outside their country. This made procurement professionals work closely with their suppliers from the four corners of the world.
Procurement professionals travel to different countries to attend meetings, visit factories, negotiate contracts, and source new supplies.
Best Procurement Certifications
Conclusion
To sum it up, having a procurement degree is indeed one of the best milestones a professional in the field of procurement can have. It’s not for the faint of heart and much like every other degree, it takes a lot of sweat, tears, and sometimes blood too.
To jumpstart your procurement journey, you have to enroll in numerous courses, especially focusing on the purchase, sale, and transfer of goods and services, trade, negotiation, and basically other business practices.
Moreso, it’s also important to study management which includes project management, procurement laws, administration of contracts, and other federal acquisitions.
If you’re looking for reasons why to apply for a procurement degree, just know that it will take you places, you are in demand, and therefore, well-paid. However, it doesn’t just stop there. The world is thriving with businesses here and there and not all of them are 100% guaranteed to succeed, and that’s where your skills, talent, and experience come in.
Frequentlyasked questions
What is a procurement degree?
It is the degree that mainly focuses on purchasing, sale, and transfer of goods. It is the start of every procurement professional’s journey.
What course can I take in college to pursue a procurement career?
You can take any business administration degree in college to pursue a career in procurement.
Do I need procurement certificates?
Yes! Having a certificate pays higher than those who do not have one. Additionally, it is also proof that you have extensive expertise in procurement.
About the author
My name is Marijn Overvest, I’m the founder of Procurement Tactics. I have a deep passion for procurement, and I’ve upskilled over 200 procurement teams from all over the world. When I’m not working, I love running and cycling.
