You may not think of yourself as a hot commodity. But the University of San Francisco (USF) reports that qualified supply chain professionals are in short supply and that companies are crazy to fill positions. USF's new Master Certificate in Supply Chain Management could help you seize this opportunity by broadening your expertise and putting the school's seal of approval on your existing skills.

The program features three eight-week online courses: "Functional Perspective of Supply Chain Management," "Tactical Implementation of Supply Chain Management," and "Strategic Best Practices of Supply Chain Management." Instructors include professors from the university, industry professionals from companies such as beverage giant Diageo, consultants, and a contract law attorney. Students will "attend" classroom lectures through online streaming video, participate in online chat room and message board discussions, analyze real-life case studies, and take part in a supply chain simulation exercise. Topics include best practices and tools, forecasting, cost management, outsourcing, supplier selection, eco-friendly planning, Lean Six Sigma, and key trends.

The certificate program also prepares participants for certification exams from organizations like APICS and the Institute for Supply Management. For more information, visit usanfranonline.com.