October 4, 2010 marked more than simply the beginning of fall quarter, academic year 2010-2011 for the Air Force Institute of Technology’s Graduate School of Engineering and Management. It also marks the inaugural date of the Graduate School’s newest academic program, the PhD in Logistics. The Department of Operational Sciences launched its new doctoral logistics program this quarter, with an initial diverse cohort of five students: one Air Force officer, one Greek air force officer, and three civilians. The program develops a strong logistics grounding with emphasis on quantitative analysis. In essence, it combines an analytical core with a flexible program that can accommodate defense-focused supply chain management, acquisition, inventory theory, transportation, and operations management thrust areas. The program is designed to prepare graduates for academic positions, senior DoD positions, consulting or other industry positions. A secondary objective is to mentor students pursuing faculty jobs by seeking teaching, publishing, and grant-writing opportunities for them whenever possible.
This new program was driven by several factors. Although AFIT has historically offered rigorous logistics masters programs, Air Force doctoral logistics degree requirements were previously being met solely by civilian institutions—a missed opportunity from the Department’s perspective. Program Director Dr. Alan Johnson notes, “Interest has grown from organizations such as the Air Force Logistics Management Agency and Aeronautical Systems Center program offices in obtaining AFIT graduates with such degree. There has been significant growth in current and projected logistics research funding levels for Department faculty, with some research being best addressed only by multi-year, in-depth investigations achievable by dissertation research. And, finally, such degrees promote AFIT's reputation as a center of excellence—it helps the Department of Operational Sciences attract and retain top researchers and advance the body of knowledge needed to solve the tough logistics problems faced by the Department of Defense.”
When asked why he had chosen to pursue his doctoral degree at AFIT, new Logistics PhD student Paul Hartman responded, “There are several premier universities with excellent Logistics, Global Supply Chain Management, and Operations Research programs. The key difference to me between an AFIT PhD (Logistics) and other leading research universities is the combined academic credentials and experience of the faculty. AFIT’s instructors have received PhDs from many of the premier universities, and most have significant military and/or industrial experience. AFIT’s PhD program is built on a strong quantitative foundation then adds relevant logistics theory and current industry best practices. This program will provide the Air Force, DoD, and industrial partners with exceptionally qualified leaders. AFIT also prepares its Ph.D. graduates for faculty positions at premier universities through its focus on research and publication in industry journals. No other program is as complete.” For more information in AFIT’s PhD in Logistics, contact Dr. Alan Johnson at (937)255-3636x4703 or e-mail Alan.Johnson@afit.edu.
