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Harper College

Procurement Certificate

Get a career-ready certificate

Program facts Liberal Arts icon


  • Credit hours: 12
  • Stackable to degree: No
  • Potential job outcomes: 
    Inventory specialist, junior buyer, materials analyst, procurement analyst, purchasing coordinator

Get an overview of procurement operations with this 12-credit-hour certificate program, which emphasizes the competencies necessary for success in the procurement and supply management fields.

Take classes in supply chain management, sourcing and supply management, inventory management and procurement. All courses are taught by skilled instructors who are extremely knowledgeable across all areas of supply chain management.

Take advantage of Harper's Fast Track program and complete all four certificates in supply chain management in one year.

Certificate program requirements

This 12 credit-hour certificate program is designed for those currently employed in or seeking employment in procurement positions in various industries. The curriculum emphasizes developing the competencies necessary for success in the procurement and supply management field. The Associate in Applied Science in Advanced Manufacturing includes a specialized study area for Supply Chain Management. Please refer to Manufacturing in this section of the catalog if you are interested in pursuing a degree in this discipline.

Required:

Number Course Title Credits
SCM 101 3

Description:  Introduces Supply Chain Management (SCM) and the end-to-end (E2E) business processes necessary to achieve market and financial value, as well as competitive advantage. SCM is achieved by an organization proactively adopting initiatives to move suppliers and customers into collaborative relationships for mutual gain. Attention is focused on the fundamentals including customer service, fulfillment, demand planning and forecasting, inventory control, procurement, storeroom/warehousing, production control/operations, and physical distribution/logistics. All topics focus on technology, financial trends and career paths within the field.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

SCM 122 3

Description:  Provides an overview of the dynamics of managing inventory within the constantly evolving supply chain environment. Topics include forecasting inventory requirements based upon customer and consumer demand, understanding inventory management as related to production planning, modeling various scenarios based upon demand information, and recognizing the various processes and technology used in inventory management today.

Prerequisite: SCM 101 or consent of program coordinator.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

SCM 125 3

Description:  Covers the overall function of Procurement and its importance within the Supply Chain. Focuses on the strategic role of Procurement within the organization and how it directly contributes to the financial results of the business. Discusses overall roles and responsibilities within the function including preparation for and analysis of supplier bids and quotations, processes for purchase orders and contracting, inventory management and materials planning, supplier relationship management and performance management, total cost of ownership review, business continuity planning, and social and ethical responsibility.

Prerequisite: SCM 101 or consent of program coordinator.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

SCM 259 3

Description:  Takes the study of the procurement function to the next level following the completion of SCM 125. Focuses on a deeper look at the total cost of ownership (TCO), the overall processes and details behind strategic sourcing, the function of category management, more complex negotiation skills, the components of supplier relationship management (SRM), and the leadership function and role of the Procurement/Supply Management professional.

Prerequisite: SCM 101 and SCM 125, or consent of program coordinator.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

Related programs

Students interested in supply chain management may also be interested in:

Resources

Next steps

For more information about procurement management courses, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.

Last Updated: 12/19/24