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Are you interested in retail management? Recent reports reveal that the average annual income of a retail store manager is $56,315. This amount applies to individuals who have had formal education and is higher than the wages of those who have not. The difference in earning potential alone is a good reason to get a diploma in the field.
If you’re adamant about obtaining your degree because of attendance and cost issues, attending an online school for a Bachelor’s in Retail Management degree program is your best choice.
Retail Management majors land a number of jobs. Sales Managers are your merchandisers, purchasing managers, and retail store managers. As trends point to the continuous growth of the retail industry, it is projected that between 2022 and 2032, there will be a 4% increase in job openings in the field.
METHODOLOGY
An online bachelor’s degree in Retail Management equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge required for leadership positions. If you’ve earned your place in the industry even without formal training, you raise your chances of advancing your career with a bachelor’s degree diploma.
The cost of attending an online Bachelor’s Degree in Retail Management Program is generally lower than earning the degree from a brick-and-mortar institution. You also enjoy the benefits of online education, such as flexible schedules and easy, almost-instant access to working, reliable Internet and other equipment.
Here, we rounded up the top online colleges and universities that offer an online bachelor’s degree in Retail Management. We chose not to list the schools in an ordered way, but we put the spotlight on their highlights and other features, such as:
- Examines a wide array of skills needed to serve consumers, provide services, and sell products,
- Covers a broad platform of Retail Management positions within the US and abroad,
- Prepares students for research in consumer behavior habits and the psychology behind retail management,
- Focuses on interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving, in addition to communication, leadership, and human resource skills, laws, and ethics,
- Helps current retail employees advance into management positions,
- Provides entry-level opportunities for those beginning a career in Retail Management,
- Adheres to proper accreditation requirements,
- Financial Aid opportunities,
- Offers innovative technology used in Retail Management; designed to ensure that you are trained in the relevant trends of today’s industry.
To learn more, please check out our Methodology page, where our process of school selection is outlined.
ONLINE SCHOOLS FOR BACHELOR’S IN RETAIL MANAGEMENT
Oregon State University
Location: Corvallis, Oregon
Prominent Program Features:
Oregon State University (OSU) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis on Retail Management. This top-ranked business program offers a solid foundation in entrepreneurship and management while delving into the retail industry.
To earn this degree, you’ll be covering a total of 180 credit hours, part of which is 60 credit hours of upper-division courses. Some courses include:
- supply chain strategy,
- consumer behavior,
- and professional sales.
Online students may complete the degree in four years or less with the help of its accelerated track and transfer credits accreditation. As an online student, you get access to online resources, enjoy 24/7 library assistance, and request online tutorial services.
In terms of admission, applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and must demonstrate strong leadership. At the end of the program, you’ll be qualified to fill a wide variety of roles in sales and store management for both local and international businesses.
Did You Know?
Oregon State University offers the 4th best online business program in the country according to the U.S. News and World Report. This is made possible by the school’s excellent faculty line-up and innovative training program.
Learn more about Oregon State University’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Arizona State University
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Prominent Program Features:
Are you looking to improve your managerial skills? Arizona State University’s Skysong Department features an online Bachelor of Arts in Business with an emphasis on Retail Management to help you succeed in the retail industry.
The 120-credit degree program focuses on introducing different business models and consumer trends through courses like:
- Global Supply Operations,
- Retail Management,
- and Business Statistics.
With this, you’ll be equipped to pursue different roles like Purchasing Managers, Sales Representatives, or Business Analysts.
Finish this program in four years through seven-and-a-half-week courses that run on two-class cycles every semester and six yearly start dates each semester. Students earning this degree 100% online may access virtual learning resources like tutorial services, faculty advising, and ASU libraries.
In terms of applications, Freshman applicants should be high school graduates with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and should be included in the top 25% of their graduating class, while transfer students need to have a college GPA of 3.0 or better.
Did You Know?
Arizona State University provides personal care services aside from its academic coaching to help with their mental health and wellness. Some services include career counseling, anxiety management, and stress therapy.
Learn more about ASU Online’s Bachelor of Arts in Business with an emphasis on Retail Management.
American Public University
Location: Charlestown, West Virginia
Prominent Program Features:
The online Bachelor of Arts in Retail Management degree program at the American Public University prepares students for future careers in retail and sales management. Through a blend of theoretical concepts and hands-on application, the degree program hones each student’s managerial, leadership, and communication skills.
Learn to think critically and interpret online business data and have that competitive edge in the marketing world. The 120-credit coursework covers:
- Consumer Behavior,
- Supply Chain Management,
- Management Communications,
- and Organizational Behavior.
Toward the end of the curriculum, online students are required to take elective courses and attend a Retail Management Seminar. An online Retail Management degree at APU will surely propel your professional career and help you land higher positions in the retail management industry. Best of all, enjoy zero application fees and free credit transfers, so you’ll save a lot on school expenses.
Did You Know?
American Public University has been a military-friendly academic institution since 1991. It offers over 200 degree programs and certificates and offers various tuition discounts and financial aid.
Learn more about American Public University’s Online Bachelor of Arts in Retail Management Degree Program.
University of Houston
Location: Houston, Texas
Prominent Program Features:
The University of Houston offers an online Bachelor of Science in Retailing and Consumer Science degree program that focuses on translating merchandising concepts into business strategies.
The degree program aims to tackle some of the most significant issues in consumer behavior, sales, retailing, and public relations. It also seeks to understand consumer behavior and how this can help businesses grow. The curriculum intends to enrich students’ know-how in consumer trends and enhance their skills in merchandising processes.
Some specialization includes:
- Retailing and Consumer Science,
- Technology Entrepreneurship,
- e-Tailing,
- Training and Development,
- and Professional Studies.
The program is purely online in format and is designed to help both new students and individuals with previous credits from accredited colleges and universities. Learn only from the best instructors and gain first-hand knowledge from working with local business owners. Succeed in the corporate ladder and work in various roles in Public Relations, Fashion Merchandising, and E-Commerce.
The university is accredited by the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences.
Did You Know?
The University of Houston, with its brand of academic excellence and innovation, has received a lot of recognition since its establishment in 1927. It has received distinction from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is one of the best colleges according to U.S. News and World Report.
Learn more about The University of Houston’s B.S. in Retailing Management and Consumer Science.
Lamar University
Location: Beaumont, Texas
Prominent Program Features:
If you’re passionate about fashion and want to succeed in the business industry, Lamar University’s online Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising may be the best option for you.
With a strong emphasis on Retail Management, the comprehensive curriculum aims to provide the basic foundational courses in business and management while focusing on merchandising and styling. The coursework is also designed for working professionals who desire to pursue specific careers in:
- buying and retail management,
- visual merchandising,
- and retail sales analysis.
Aside from business core courses, the 120-credit coursework consists of a variety of topics in design, and hospitality management and even includes intensive training in computerized merchandise systems. The degree can be earned through 100% online instruction and offers an internship opportunity to gain real-world experience.
The online school also features small online classes with a low student-to-instructor ratio, making it one of the leading institutions that excel in academic development.
Lamar University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Did You Know?
Lamar University provides a lot of ways to keep its students healthy and active. It offers a selection of recreation facilities like an Indoor Walking Track, a Game Room, and a Rock Climbing Wall. There are also nearby off-campus activities like canoeing and golfing to enjoy the outdoors.
Learn more about Lamar University’s Family and Consumer Science.
Bellevue University
Location: Bellevue, Nebraska
Prominent Program Features:
Bellevue University features an online Bachelor of Science in Management degree that will equip its students to succeed in the Retail Industry. This degree program is geared towards topics in management, marketing, and financial analysis to produce well-rounded graduates.
Students will improve their leadership and communication skills and have the chance to be immersed in the business world by professional mentors.
The 127-credit coursework comprises general education and core business courses like Global Business, Organizational Behavior, and Fiscal Management. It can be accomplished through purely virtual learning that lets you take one course at a time so you can focus on each course.
Additionally, you’ll take classes with the same set of classmates so you can establish connections and build your network. Hands-on applications, such as capstone projects, are integrated with conceptual theories for excellent learning and academic experience for online students.
Did You Know?
Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. With the accreditation, students from the university may be qualified to receive loans, federal grants, and employer tuition assistance.
Learn more about Bellevue University’s Bachelor of Science in Management specializing in Retail Management Online.
Strayer University
Location: Herndon, Virginia
Prominent Program Features:
Strayer University- District of Columbia offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Retail Management.
The online program utilizes different forms of online instruction in the fields of marketing management and merchandising. Learn about consumer behavior and apply business theories to develop effective strategies for boosting retail sales.
The program also introduces essential principles across different topics like:
- strategic planning,
- the structure of retail firms,
- market research,
- and location considerations.
Additionally, the online program also aims to check the important functional disciplines of retail operation management such as merchandising, finance, logistics, and the marketing aspects of pricing and promotion. Have an edge in the modern business industry with courses on Social Media Strategy and Strategic Market Pricing.
You’ll need to cover 40 courses through an 11-week duration so you can finish the degree in four years. What’s more, you can take minor courses to acquire additional knowledge in your field of interest.
Did You Know?
Strayer University puts its students’ safety as its top priority and found a way to inform its students in times of crisis. The institution has a unique StrayerALERT system that automatically sends a text message or email whenever there’s an emergency inside the campus.
Learn more about Strayer University- District of Columbia’s B.S. in Business Administration-concentration in Retail Management.
Salem University
Location: Salem, West Virginia
Prominent Program Features:
Salem University offers an online BachSalem University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program with a Retail Management concentration. The program aims to cover different business concepts in marketing and management while getting in-depth knowledge of retail management and operations.
Take up courses like Human Resource Management, Retail Operations, and Purchasing to understand different business functions and improve your communication skills to effectively lead a team.
The university provides accelerated courses that can be accomplished online or on a hybrid arrangement. The online setup is perfect for professionals who want to improve their management skills without having to leave work or lose their jobs.
With this program, you’ll be prepared to take on roles like Store Manager, Retail Business Analyst, or Operations Supervisor. In terms of admission, some requirements include a completed online application and a nonrefundable application fee. The university also prides itself on being diverse and multicultural making it a safe learning space for everyone!
Salem University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Did You Know?
Salem University provides different networking and growth opportunities to its enrollees. Its selection of student organizations offers a way for students to meet new friends and enjoy themselves while supporting a great cause. Some organizations include the Rainbow Alliance and the Black Student Union.
Learn more about Salem University’s Management Concentration-Online Bachelor of Science.
Purdue University Global
Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
Prominent Program Features:
Purdue University Global formerly Kaplan University, offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program that offers different concentrations that are useful in retail and sales.
The general program provides a good foundation for the different aspects of business like operations, marketing, and finance, which are all needed to become successful retail managers and store supervisors. This degree program also prepares its students through intensive training in financial analysis and courses geared toward leadership and communication.
In terms of concentrations, the Supply Chain Management and Logistics specialization will focus on procurement and negotiations while the Digital and Social Media Management specialization tackles the marketing and E-Commerce side of the retail business. Its curriculum is taken in a purely online format where students can take control of their coursework and schedules.
You’ll also develop a range of skills relevant to future career paths in the fields of accounting, human resources, and even real estate. Toward the end of the program, students will be asked to complete a capstone project to demonstrate their competencies and apply all the business theories learned.
Purdue University Global is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Did You Know?
Purdue University Global offers an accelerated degree program for working professionals and individuals with previous college credits. The ExcelTrack offers a more focused approach to achieving your degree by taking up the major courses. Having accredited credit hours leaves more space for extra courses that you can choose based on your interests.
Learn more about Purdue University Global’s Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis on Sales Management.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Retail Management?
Retail Management is the process of managing and controlling a retail business. It involves various activities such as marketing, inventory management, customer service, financial management, and setting and achieving goals. It requires knowledge and understanding of business and retail theory, as well as sales and customer service techniques.
Retail Management also involves planning and executing strategies to drive revenues, profits, and customer satisfaction.
What classes are commonly included in a Bachelor’s in Retail Management Degree curriculum?
The curriculum entails a combination of topics in business, finance, and management while developing skills in leadership and customer service. Online classes include:
- global supply chain management for students who wish to pursue careers on a worldwide scale,
- entrepreneurship for those who want to establish their own retail organization and companies,
- and E-Commerce for those who plan to put up or manage online businesses.
Other classes include retail management, consumer behavior, business statistics, and marketing research, which introduces relevant knowledge to succeed in the retail industry.
What are some requirements to be admitted to an online Retail Management degree program?
Universities have specific sets of admission requirements that you need to fulfill in order to begin your retail management journey. Some of the requirements include:
- Application Form – It always starts with filling out personal information and waivers to review your documents. These forms are usually readily available on the school’s website and can be easily downloaded so you can fill them up with necessary information. Some institutions even utilize a mobile app for convenience.
- Official Transcripts – If you graduated from High School or have taken credit courses in the past, schools will ask for an official transcript as proof that you’ve successfully fulfilled all the requirements. This is also vital in applying for transfer credits as the school will usually base accredited courses on your official transcript.
- Test Results – Some universities require that you pass college entrance exams like the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Testing (ACT) exam. This will help the school to further evaluate your application and check if you’re truly ready for college.
- Recommendation Letters – Often, universities require recommendation letters from your instructors to have an honest opinion on your academic performance and have them vouch for you. For working professionals, you can secure a recommendation letter from your supervisor or direct superior.
What are the career paths of graduates with a Bachelor’s in Retail Management Degree?
Career paths include lucrative and stable positions in the retail industry, particularly in retail store management, marketing, purchasing, and supervisory positions at corporate levels.
Career paths include lucrative and in-demand positions in the retail industry, particularly in retail store management, marketing, and procurement.
Some graduates land supervisory and managerial positions in big corporations and international franchises. Since graduates have a good command of market analysis and consumer behaviors, many take on roles like merchandising supervisors, purchasing managers, and sales heads.
With the shift in global markets, more positions in luxury marketing and E-Commerce are also made available for retail management holders. Plus, with this degree, you can open your own business and run a retail store.
How much will a Retail Management student earn after graduation?
Your salary will vary depending on your position and chosen career path. Here are some of the positions and their average annual base salary range:
- Retail Store Manager – $76,373
- Sales Director – $197,381
- Operations Supervisor – $68,209
- Procurement Manager – $125,600
- E-Commerce Head – $117,718
What factors should I consider when choosing an online degree?
There are many academic institutions claiming to offer the best online program for you, but it’s best to take a closer look at what they really offer. Aside from a comprehensive course lineup, you should also check their student services. This adds value to your learning experience and will help you progress in your academic journey.
You should look out for services like career advising to help you realize your full potential and internship programs to acquire real-world experience. Tutoring services will also be helpful especially when you’re struggling with a course.
Another factor to consider is the learning format. Choose online programs that allow flexibility so you can take charge of your schedule. Most schools have adopted asynchronous learning, where you can access pre-recorded videos or presentations and go through them at your convenient time.
Lastly, always consider the tuition assistance options. Some programs can be heavy on the pocket, so go for online schools that offer scholarships and financial aid.
How will earning a Bachelor’s degree in Retail Management boost my career?
Earning a Bachelor’s degree in Retail Management can open up a wide range of opportunities in the retail industry. It can give you the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in retail management, such as effective communication, problem-solving, financial analysis, customer service, and marketing.
In addition, a degree in retail management can give you the ability to make strategic decisions about merchandising, inventory, and pricing. It can also provide an understanding of the legal and ethical considerations related to the retail industry.
Finally, a degree in retail management can help you build a network of contacts in the industry to help you further your career.