Marquette’s College of Business Administration and Opus College of Engineering have announced a new concentration in Applied Supply Chain, Engineering and Technology (ASCEnT), strengthening the university’s collaborations between business and engineering students.
The ASCEnT concentration is a first-of-its-kind experience that bridges the gap between supply chain management, engineering and computer science. This selective concentration transforms students into versatile systems thinkers, equipped with the interdisciplinary skills to lead and solve complex challenges in today’s tech-driven global economy.
ASCEnT is an 11-credit interdisciplinary concentration designed to complement students’ primary major in business, engineering or computer science. Rather than repackaging existing classes, this program builds a unique skillset that enables students to translate between technical and managerial worlds.
“The ASCEnT concentration builds a vital bridge between supply chain and technology,” said Andrew DeGuire, Keyes Dean of the College of Business Administration. “Industry is interdisciplinary by nature, and it’s exciting to see Marquette’s expert faculty leading the way with courses that prepare students across colleges to thrive in that reality.”
The program is spearheaded by two faculty leaders: Dr. Marko Bastl, professor of supply chain management and director of the Center for Supply Chain Management, and Dr. Philip Voglewede, professor of mechanical engineering and director of Marquette’s Omron Advanced Automation Lab.
“As our industry partners voice a greater need for cross-functional leaders who can navigate and solve complex supply chain challenges, I am grateful for collaborative faculty like Drs. Bastl and Voglewede for designing a solution to serve students, industry and the world,” said Dr. Kristina Ropella, Opus Dean of the Opus College of Engineering. “These two experts have also keenly identified what many of our students are looking for in Marquette’s applied, relational education experiences.”
Building on Marquette’s Top 10 nationally ranked supply chain program, this concentration leverages state-of-the-art resources — like the university’s Omron Advanced Automation Lab — and an extensive industry network. The program also incorporates domestic and international travel experiences to immerse students in real-world supply chain environments.
To enroll in the ASCEnT concentration, students must apply and be accepted. To begin the program in Spring 2027, students will need to apply during the application period in fall 2026.
Program details and requirements can be found online. Students are encouraged to speak to their academic advisers to discuss course planning for this new concentration.
