Why an International Business Degree Can Give You an Edge

What Can You Do with a BBA in Operations Management?

If you are drawn to understanding how organizations run, how products move from production to delivery, and how businesses keep their operations efficient, a degree in operations management may be worth exploring. The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a specialization in Operations Management at AIU is designed to help students study the foundational principles of how organizations design, manage, and improve their productive processes.

Whether you are considering a career change, returning to school after time away, or pursuing a degree for the first time, understanding what this program covers and what potential career paths it may relate to can help you make a more informed decision about your next step.

What Does Operations Management Cover?

Operations management sits at the intersection of business strategy, logistics, and process improvement. It focuses on how organizations produce goods and deliver services, and how those processes can be designed and refined over time.

At AIU, the BBA in Operations Management is built on a core business foundation combined with specialized coursework designed to explore these concepts in depth.

Specialized courses in the program include:

• Cost Control Management: Covers materials management challenges, benchmarking, inventory control and management, production processes, lean manufacturing, and waste in manufacturing.
• Production Planning and Quality Management: Focuses on forecasting aggregate production planning, capacity planning, materials requirement planning, scheduling, and modern approaches to designing manufacturing and service systems.
• Supply Chain Management and Purchasing: Explores supply chain economics, e-procurement, logistics management, global supply chain issues, vendor selection, and management of supply chain performance.
• Global Operations Management: Covers critical path methods, PERT charts, resource allocations, Gantt charts, budgeted project cost and scheduling, and the management of production and service delivery processes.
• Strategic Manufacturing Policy: Examines how organizations align resources and operating procedures with their strategic plans, including implementing change across supply chain functions.

The program also includes core business courses in areas such as financial management, management information systems, managerial accounting, and principles of marketing, providing a broad business foundation alongside the operations-specific curriculum.

The BBA in Operations Management at AIU is programmatically accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). This programmatic accreditation reflects a commitment to quality in business education.

Potential Career Paths for a BBA in Operations Management

A BBA in Operations Management may be relevant to a range of roles across business and industry. Career paths can vary based on experience, location, employer requirements, and additional qualifications.

The following are examples of roles that may be possible with a BBA in Operations Management¹:

• General and Operations Manager: Oversees the daily operations of an organization, coordinating resources, managing staff, and ensuring that production or service goals are met efficiently.
• Supply Chain Manager: Directs and coordinates supply chain functions, including procurement, logistics, inventory management, and distribution, to support organizational goals.
• Industrial Production Manager: Oversees manufacturing or production processes, balancing labor, materials, and equipment to meet output targets and quality standards.
• Management Analyst: Evaluates organizational processes and recommends improvements to help businesses operate more efficiently and effectively.
• Business Operations Specialist: Supports the operational functions of an organization, often working across departments to analyze processes, coordinate activities, and address operational challenges.

These roles reflect a range of responsibilities that align with the skills and knowledge areas covered in an operations management curriculum. Requirements vary by employer, position, and location.

How AIU Structures the Learning Experience

AIU's BBA in Operations Management is available online, as well as at AIU's Atlanta and Houston campuses, offering flexibility for students managing work, family, and other commitments. AIU offers online degree programs so students can engage with coursework on a schedule that fits their lives.

AIU's intellipath adaptive learning platform is designed to personalize the learning experience based on what students already know. Rather than spending time reviewing familiar material, intellipath helps focus attention on the concepts that still need development, making study time more efficient.

Students also have access to career service resources designed to support resume development, interview preparation, and job search strategies, available to both current students and alumni at no additional fee.

Is This Program a Fit for Your Academic Goals?

If you are interested in how organizations function, how processes are designed and improved, and how businesses manage the flow of goods and services, the BBA in Operations Management may align with your academic interests.

A few questions worth thinking through before you apply:

• Are you interested in how businesses manage production, logistics, or supply chains?
• Do you want a business degree that goes beyond general management to explore operational processes in depth?
• Are you looking for a program you can pursue online, on campus, or both?

If these questions resonate, exploring the full program details is a good next step. You can also browse all AIU degree programs to compare options across disciplines and degree levels.

Take the Next Step

When you are ready to learn more about the admissions process, eligibility requirements, and how to get started, visit the AIU Admissions page for a step-by-step overview. No SAT or ACT scores are required for enrollment in undergraduate programs, and an AIU Admissions Advisor can help guide you through the process.

¹The list of career paths related to this program is based on a subset from the Bureau of Labor Statistics CIP to SOC Crosswalk. Some career paths listed above may require further education or job experience.

AIU cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states. REQ2227213 05/2026