OSUIT launches new Logistics and Supply Chain Technology degree and Applied AI option program

Friday, August 28, 2026

Media Contact: Jeramy Pappas | Director of Marketing and Communications | 918-293-5423 | jeramy.pappas@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology is expanding its career-focused academic offerings with two new programs launching in fall 2026: an Associate in Applied Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Technology and an Applied Artificial Intelligence option within the existing Bachelor of Technology in Information Technologies.

Both programs were developed to address changing workforce needs and prepare students with practical, industry-relevant skills.

“By preparing students with the skills and credentials Oklahoma’s industries need, we are helping build a strong workforce ready to support the state’s continued growth and economic future,” said Dr. Richie Roberts, OSUIT provost. “Getting students quickly into critical, high-paying jobs right here in Oklahoma is a big win for everyone.”

OSUIT’s new AAS in Logistics and Supply Chain Technology is a 60-credit-hour, fully online program designed to prepare students for careers in logistics, distribution, inventory control and supply chain operations.

Hands on courses include warehousing, transportation, inventory management, lean process improvement and data-informed logistics decision-making.

The program also prepares students for the nationally recognized Manufacturing Skill Standards Council’s Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) and Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) credentials. These critical industry-recognized certifications make graduates immediately qualified for more than 11 million jobs nationwide.

“Employers in every industry need people who understand how to keep products, materials and information moving efficiently,” said Dr. Melissa Dreyer, dean of the OSUIT School of Technology, Arts, Science and Health. “This program gives students entering the field for the first time or advancing in a career they already have the skills for advanced roles such as logistics coordinator, inventory specialist, warehouse operations supervisor and supply chain coordinator."

Designed with working adults and career changers in mind, the fully online program can be completed in as few as four semesters, with a five-semester option available for students balancing work and family responsibilities.

Career opportunities include logistics coordinator or analyst, distribution center manager or supervisor, inventory control specialist, supply chain coordinator, warehouse operations supervisor and purchasing or procurement specialist.

The new Applied Artificial Intelligence option builds on OSUIT’s existing Information Technologies foundation and moves beyond simply teaching students how to use AI tools.

Students will develop practical skills in areas including AI technologies, prompting, machine learning, AI programming, cloud technologies, data engineering, systems integration and AI deployment. The curriculum also emphasizes communication, ethics, governance and the ability to connect technical solutions with organizational needs.

The program was developed through a collaborative process involving faculty and an advisory group focused on identifying workforce-relevant skills and balancing technical knowledge with systems thinking, business application and professional skills.

“From the beginning, our intent was to develop an applied AI pathway within existing Bachelor of Technology in Information Technologies, not a program centered solely on AI tools or theory,” OSUIT Vice-Provost Heather Ortiz said. “This means students learn to use AI methods to solve real problems and support human decision-making while considering feasibility, ethics, governance, and the needs of the organization.”

This hands-on, career-focused approach is designed to give students experience working with AI technologies and developing solutions to real problems.

“We want students to understand AI not simply as a tool to use, but as a technology they can thoughtfully integrate into real organizations,” Ortiz said. “Our goal is to help students connect technical capability with business value, responsible decision-making and human needs.”

Both programs will welcome their first students in the upcoming fall 2026 semester.

For more information about these and other programs at OSUIT, visit osuit.edu.