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What is Retail Management?

Retail management is an area in business emphasizing processes and strategies associated with training, managing, organizing, leading, and training individuals and teams within a retail organization.  A retail manager is also known as a retail supervisor in many regions.  Retail managers possess willingness and capacity to manage resources, develop plans, and organize people within a retail business.  Managers will need to carefully assess opportunities and risks as a store or company strives to meet a collective set of business objectives.

In a traditional sense, retail managers are charged with controlling a public or private, walk-in store location or a set of locations in an efficient, profitable manner to take advantage of a business opportunity, satisfy customer demand, or set of market inefficiencies.

According to the BLS, retail management is a vital role in the growth of the United States economy.  Despite common perception about retail shopping, it continues to swell over time.  In fact, retail sales have doubled in the past decade despite the belief online sales were taking over the economy at the expense of all retail commerce.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$43,910

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

15.59%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

1,194,290

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Retail Management Degree

As one of the most comprehensive research universities, Drexel University is a private research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1891, the university offers a combination of experiential learning and academic rigor in its premier education programs. Drexel Online, the university’s online platform, is one of the country’s oldest and most successful providers of online degree programs.

The Master of Science in Retail and Merchandising at Drexel is a fully-online master's program providing a general overview of the retail and merchandising industry with an emphasis on topics like branding, fashion, visual communication, product development, and supply chain management. The program is designed for both industry professionals and those who want to pursue a career in the field. The curriculum, which can be personalized based on the students’ interests and level of experience, covers ideas and concepts on cultural theory, strategic planning, social media, new merchandising technologies, and retail data analysis. View the full program curriculum at online.drexel.edu.

Acceptance Rate

74.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

St. John's University is a private, Catholic, and Vincentian university based in New York City. Founded in 1870 by the Congregation of the Mission, the university aims to prepare students for personal and career success in today’s society through providing quality higher education. St. John welcomes about 21,000 students in their confident, goal-driven, and ethical community.  Obtain admissions information from St John’s University today and find out how the school can help you kickstart a retail management career with a major or minor in business. 

Acceptance Rate

72.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

As one of the country’s top public research universities, the University of Arkansas (U of A) is the flagship campus of the University of Arkansas System located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Founded in 1871 as a land-grant institution, the university was classified as having “the highest possible level of research” by the Carnegie Foundation. It currently has around 27,000 students representing all 50 states and over 120 countries.

At U of A Sam M. Walton College of Business, the Department of Marketing offers an undergraduate major in Retail Management that leads to a BSBA degree. The program prepares students for employment in the retail industry, specifically in companies that manufacture, sell, and distribute a variety of consumer goods. Aside from the broad overview of the business and retail environments, students may choose to concentrate their retail major in the following related fields: accounting, economics, information systems, international retail, finance, management, marketing, and supply chain management. Access the program curriculum at walton.uark.edu.

Acceptance Rate

77.09

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

One of the largest universities in the country, the University of North Texas (UNT) is a public research university located in Denton, Texas. It was established in 1890 as the Texas Normal College and Teacher Training Institute. With nearly 41,000 students, UNT offers over 109 bachelor's, 94 master's, and 36 doctoral degree programs in different fields to make their students innovative leaders of tomorrow.

As one of UNT’s newest programs, the Bachelor of Science in Retail Management offered at the College of Merchandising, Hospitality & Tourism is a comprehensive program that prepares students for the rapidly changing retail industry. The program covers retail business strategies, retail store operations, and Omni-channel retail environment which makes graduates ready for a position as a retail buyer, retail operation manager, retail analyst, and retail manager. The courses in the curriculum are focused on teaching students the basics of operations, retail finance, retail strategies, retail buying, global sourcing, consumer behavior, brand development, and promotion. Explore the program at cmht.unt.edu.

Acceptance Rate

73.61

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Ranked as the best value university in 2019, the University of Arizona (UA) is one of the top public research universities in the United States. UA, founded as a land-grant university in 1885, has two independently accredited medical schools located in Tucson, Arizona. The university, built on integrity, compassion, and exploration, is widely distinguished as a student-centric university. 

The Bachelor of Science in Retailing and Consumer Science at UA College of Agriculture & Life Sciences is a program that teaches students the basics of managing retail strategy and operations within the fast-paced retail industry. Throughout the program, students receive comprehensive instruction and training in consumer behavior, management, integrated marketing communication, merchandise buying and planning, brand management, operations, product development, and digital retailing. Students also learn to interpret current research and apply the best retailing practices to make wise and data-driven decisions. The program also partnered with the leaders in the retailing sector in order to provide students with hands-on, practical experience in the industry which can be helpful for their career application. Read more about the program at cals.arizona.edu.

Acceptance Rate

84.59

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Located in Midtown Manhattan, LIM College is a private college providing education related to the global business of fashion and its related industries. Founded in 1939 to create an educational institution grounded in fashion and merchandising, the college was originally known as the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising. Today, LIM College offers several associate’s, bachelor's, and master's degree programs in various fashion-focused majors with an emphasis on the unique connection between real-world experiences and theoretical study.

With the Master degree in Retail Management at LIM College, students are certain to gain solid theoretical coursework and practical training in order to pursue diverse career opportunities in the fields of fashion merchandising and retail management. Throughout the program, students study the basics of merchandise planning, global retailing, selling channel management, product display, and product development. With an option to take the program fully online or on-campus, students will have the competence and knowledge to understand and conduct business across the areas of the industry. To get started, visit limcollege.edu.

Acceptance Rate

83.46

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Lindenwood University is a four-year private liberal arts university located in the heart of Saint Charles, Missouri. Founded in 1827, the university is globally known for innovation, entrepreneurship, and extraordinary dedication to its students. Today, Lindenwood offers over 100 degree programs that provide a values-centered education to contribute to the holistic development of individuals.   There are a number of business management degree programs offered by Lindenwood University that can help jumpstart a future in retail management, fashion, and entrepreneurship.   Gather the right information from a leading higher education institution today. 

Acceptance Rate

87.56

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Columbia College Chicago is a private college in Chicago, Illinois offering a distinctive curriculum that integrates creative and media arts, liberal arts, and business. Established in 1890 as the Columbia School of Oratory, the college has nearly 7,000 students pursuing degrees in over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs grounded in the liberal arts and sciences.  One of the key aspects of successful retail management is the discipline of marketing.  A degree in marketing is offered at Columbia College Chicago as a program conferred as a Bachelor of Arts.  Learn more about the exciting academic programs offered at CCC today. 

Acceptance Rate

90.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) is a private, open admissions entrepreneurial university based in Lima, Ohio. Built in 1920, UNOH is known internationally as a leader in the fields of automotive, diesel, and high performance. The university also offers more than 50 degree programs in business, health, information technology, marketing, and many more.  Check out the full list of degree and certificate programs offered by the University of Northwestern Ohio and find the perfect degree pathway for you. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

24:1

Part of the California Community Colleges System, Irvine Valley College (IVC) is a community college based in Irvine, California. IVC offers a small-college learning environment with the option to take the day or evening classes, on-campus or online. Since its founding in 1979, IVC grants two-year associate degrees in more than 70 majors in the liberal arts and sciences, business, social sciences, and technologies and certificates in more than 60 career and technical programs.

IVC’s Retail Management certificate, designed by managers of major retail corporations and endorsed by the Western Association of Food Chains, is a program that prepares students to become effective managers in the retail industry. Courses such as Human Resource Management, Retail Management, Organization Behavior, Principles of Business Management, and Principles of Marketing give students a broad overview and deep understanding of the scope of a retail manager’s job. Upon completion, students are awarded a certificate that enhances their opportunities for entry-level employment and advancement in a career in the retail industry. For further information, visit ivc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

31:1

Offering high-quality higher education with low fees, Las Positas College is a public community college located in Livermore, California. The college boasts state-of-the-art buildings and equipment for major programs which include science, technology, and performing arts. Students in the college enjoy flexible class scheduling where they can take classes on-campus or online, day or night, and during weekends.

As part of the White House’s Upskill Initiative, the Retail Management Certificate at Las Positas College is a comprehensive program that equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to start and advance their careers in the retail industry. This program, endorsed by the California Grocers' Association and the Western Association of Food Chains, is composed of required core courses in human relations, management, marketing, and office applications as well as courses in related fields like accounting, business communications, and marketing strategies. Explore the program at laspositascollege.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1

As part of the California Community College system, Saddleback College is a public community college based in Mission Viejo, California. Since 1968, the college has been the first choice in terms of higher education and training in the South Orange County area. It currently offers more than 300 associate degrees, certificates, and occupational skills awards in different areas of study.

The Retail Management degree at Saddleback College, designed by managers of major retail corporations, enhances students’ opportunities for employment and advancement in their careers in the retail industry. The program, leading to an associate degree, gives a broad overview of the scope of the retail manager’s duties and responsibilities which include merchandising, marketing, management, pricing, stock control, location, layout, service, and consumer behavior. Throughout the program, students learn techniques in clear and effective communication as well as classic and contemporary marketing functions that can guide them to becoming successful leaders in the retail industry. Access the program curriculum at saddleback.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

26:1

South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) is a public community college with two campuses in Olympia and Lacey, Washington. Since its founding in 1962 as Olympia Vocational Technical Institute, SPSCC has been fulfilling its mission of amplifying student success through a combination of small class sizes, world-class faculty, and modern facilities.  Earning a degree or certificate in the hospitality learning domain can help you gain access to a competitive future in retail management or craft brewing. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Ranked as one of the top colleges in the state, Orange Coast College (OCC) is a public community college located in Costa Mesa, California. The college, founded in 1947, offers more than 135 academic and career programs along with its exceptional, modern facilities. With nearly 22,000 students every semester, almost half of the student body enroll in one of the career and technical education programs offered by OCC.

The Retail Management degree at OCC, approved by the Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC), equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to function effectively as a manager in retail environments. Students learn the retail principles and ethical dimensions of effective retail managers in order to demonstrate excellence and competence in their future careers. Upon completion, students are awarded an OCC Certificate of Achievement as well as a WAFC Retail Management Certificate. To inquire about the program, go to orangecoastcollege.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

29:1

Montcalm Community College (MCC) is a public community college based in Sidney, Michigan. The college has been educating individuals through exceptional academic programs, empowers individuals, and inspiring communities since its founding in 1965. With over 1,500 students, the MCC offers more than 60 academic programs in the fields of arts and sciences, business, healthcare, technology, and trades.

The Retail Management certificate at MCC is designed to prepare students for management and supervisory positions in the retail or manufacturing industry. The curriculum is composed of courses like Principles of Accounting, Introduction to Business, Business & Technical Communication, and Small Business Management on top of 11 additional electives in the fields of accounting, business, management, and marketing. This program prepares students for the college’s degree programs in Business Entrepreneurship, Business Management, and Business Marketing.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Lower Columbia College (LCC), established in 1934 as Lower Columbia Junior College, is a public community and technical college located in Longview, Washington. It was elevated to a community college in 1961 as a result of expanding its program offerings. With more than 4,000 students each year, LCC grants over 70 programs as well as non-credit offerings and additional programs like Basic Education for Adults. 

LCC’s Retail Management Certificate of Completion, developed with and endorsed by the Western Association of Food Chains, is a comprehensive program that prepares current and future professionals in advancement and entry in the fast-paced retail industry. Throughout the program, students develop an in-depth understanding of the scope and requirements of pursuing a management position in any retail business. Graduates may advance their studies by crediting some coursework towards the Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Management. Read more about the program curriculum at lowercolumbia.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Part of the West Hills Community College District, West Hills College (WHC) Lemoore is a public community college based in Lemoore, California. The college currently serves a diverse community of students and individuals looking for an affordable, accessible, and rigorous education in different areas of study such as medicine, education, and agriculture.

The Certificate in Retail Business Management at WHC Lemoore prepares students for a career in the field of retailing. By providing an understanding of the business operations in the country’s economic system, students gain a solid foundation for starting or enhancing their own or employer’s business. Some of the courses in the curriculum include Beginning Principles of Accounting, Bookkeeping, Business Law, Introduction to Business, Business Communication, Small Business Management, and Human Resources Management. View the entire program curriculum at westhillscollege.com.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

28:1

Operated by the Santa Clarita Community College District, College of the Canyons is a public community college with two campuses in Santa Clarita, California namely Valencia and Canyon County. With nearly 34,000 students on both campuses, the college has been offering associate degree and certificate programs since its opening in 1969.

Supported and endorsed by different industry sectors, the Certificate in Retail Management at College of the Canyons offers diverse learning opportunities and competencies required for success in assuming management level positions within the retail industry. The curriculum encompasses essential business concepts such as accounting, marketing, human resource management, and business communication. Upon completion, students exhibit the skills and competence necessary to manage a retail business enterprise, including bookkeeping, human resources, and marketing. More details are available at canyons.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

26:1

Pasadena City College (PCC) is a public community college located in Pasadena, California. Founded in 1924 as the Pasadena Junior College, it is one of the earliest junior colleges in the United States. With nearly 29,000 students, PCC offers a world-class, innovative learning environment to individuals from all over the world.

The business administration Retail Management degree program at PCC, endorsed by the Western Association of Food Chains, is a nationally-recognized certificate of achievement program that prepares students for several careers in the retail industry such as market research, promotion, distribution, and pricing. Throughout the program, students learn the basics of analyzing customer service factors to enhance a company’s image and engage more effectively with customers. Aside from these, students gain the basics of applying mathematics to common business problems such as markup, markdown, simple and compound interest, payroll, and discounts. To check the program curriculum, visit pasadena.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

26:1

Started operating in 1918, Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) is a public community college located in Santa Rosa, California with another campus in Petaluma and training centers across Sonoma County. For the past 100 years, the college has been creating an inclusive, diverse, and sustainable learning community for students’ personal growth and professional development.

Endorsed by the Western Association of Food Chains, the Retail Management Certificate of Achievement at SJRC is ideal for students who plan to work in management and supervisory positions in the retail management industry. With broad coursework on effective and relevant management practices, students learn the business essentials such as management, marketing, communications, and accounting. By the end of the program, students are expected to identify and apply appropriate management and leadership principles in different scenarios to succeed in diverse retail management settings. To know more about the program, visit santarosa.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Based in Bellingham, Washington, Whatcom Community College (WCC) is a public community college providing high-quality, accessible education to the citizens of Whatcom County. Established in 1967, WCC offers professional-technical training programs, transfer degrees, as well as basic education, job skills, and community and continuing education classes to nearly 11,000 students.

Whatcom's Retail Management Certificate program provides a well-rounded management foundation that is applicable to almost all retail settings. Students learn effective communication, human resource management, management styles, and marketing and promotion which are some of the basic concepts in the industry. By the end of the program, students are expected to know fundamental accounting and basic finance principles, human resource consideration to business strategies, and different ethical ramifications that can affect the business. Check the program curriculum at whatcom.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

One of the largest community colleges in the state, Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) is a public community college based in Walnut, California. The college, established in 1945, currently offers more than 260 degree and certificate programs and 25 support programs which include counseling and tutoring.

The Associate of Science in Retail Management at Mt. SAC provides a fair amount of exposure to the business world to comprehend and appreciate the role of the retail industry. The program introduces the diverse careers in retail management as well as the latest trends and issues in this fast-paced field. Upon completion, students are expected to know the organizational culture, demonstrate socialization, and conduct mentoring while applying management concepts and functions. The college also offers short-term vocational programs in Retail Management with three levels. Learn more about the programs at mtsac.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

24:1

As one of the community and technical colleges governed by the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges, Everett Community College (EvCC) has been offering four-year degrees, certificates, and professional and technical programs in the fields of arts and sciences, science and technology, business, applied science, and general studies since 1941. With its main campus in Everett, Washington, EvCC has campuses and training centers in Monroe, Paine Field, South Everett, and Marysville.

EvCC offers a Retail Management Certificate that is under the Associate in Technical Arts degree in Business Administration where students are equipped with the competencies needed to enhance and advance their careers in retail operations. The program introduces students to general management responsibilities such as accounting, marketing, management, and human resources. The certificate program consists of courses like Principles of Management, Business Communications, Principles of Marketing, Small Business Accounting, Essentials of Supervision, and Essentials of Retailing which can all be credited to the ATA degree. To check the requirements of each program, visit everettcc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Part of the California Community College system, West Valley College (WVC) is a public community college situated in Saratoga, California. For the past 55 years, the college has been offering an exceptional education in preparation for transfer to four-year colleges and universities, diverse career programs, associate degrees, and professional certificates to nearly 10,000 students.  Earning a certificate in small business management can help you jumpstart a career in retail management or other vocational pathways. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

Clover Park Technical College (CPTC) is a technical college offering excellent, affordable education and hands-on training facilities in its nationally accredited programs. With its main campus in Lakewood, Washington, the college offers over 40 programs in the fields of aerospace, engineering, advanced manufacturing, health sciences, business, hospitality, science, transportation, and trades.

With an associate degree and certificate options, the Retail Business Management degree at CPTC aims to produce well-educated professionals in the retail industry. The Associate of Applied Technology (AAT) in Retail Business Management, which lasts for 5 to 6 quarters, covers general business applications such as marketing, sales, retailing, customer service, and entrepreneurship where students develop both technical and human relations skills required for a management position. The AAT program already has a built-in certificate component which is endorsed and approved by the Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC). Alternatively, students may choose to enroll in the certificate program, also endorsed by WAFC, which only lasts for 3 to 6 quarters depending on the student’s schedule. Know more about the programs at cptc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

Top Retail Management Degrees

Pathways to a career in Retail Management will not be identical for everyone.  In fact, some students may elect this career path early on in their lives while others will decide to go back to school to earn a degree later in life.  In either case, obtaining a job as a retail manager will be a combination of your academic qualifications, relevant work experience, communication skills, business acuity, and professional contacts.

Certificate and degree programs offered from accredited colleges will be either indirect or direct degree programs.   Indirect degree programs provide many of the transferrable skills required to succeed in management while direct degrees are designed specifically for a targeted job or career.

Direct and indirect degree programs be an important academic tool to help you succeed in a retail setting when properly coalescing with relevant business skills, life experiences, and management experience.  To help you find the best degree program, we have assembled the top degree programs for you to research.

Retail Management Certificate Programs

Certificate programs are available in retail management to support industry demands for quality leaders in this arena.  A certificate program is a tightly clustered group of classes designed to provide direct entry into a designated field.

Retail store management is a certificate track to help provide the essentials of business and customer service to students.  Examples of classes found in a typical program may include: introduction to business management, project management, organizational leadership, supervisory management, organizational behavior, and human resource management.

Retail Management Associate Degrees

Associate degrees are designed to be completed in two-years for full-time students.  Part-time students will take longer to complete based on the requirements established by the college and student course load.  Degrees will be conferred as an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS).  Students can expect to take a number of general education courses such as history, psychology, communications, sociology, and English composition in addition to core business classes.

Core course in a retail management program will vary slightly from school to school.  Many classes will be similar and will typically include classes such as:

Retail Manager Educational Requirements

Retail supervisors are expected to possess a level of mastery within their store and in their industry.  As an example, a first-time manager of a small retail outlet in a strip mall will have a different set of expectations than an experienced manager of a high-end established store in an affluent community.    As such, managers will be well served to adopt a growth mindset and continue to learn and upskill throughout their lives to remain competitive & relevant in a supervisory capacity.

In terms of educational requirements, Retail Management degree holders will have typically studied the following courses while in college:

Online Colleges Offering Degrees in Retail Management

Employment Information & Management Specializations

College graduates with a degree in retail management will have multiple industries to consider joining. In fact, retail organizations can span from esthetics and fitness to telecommunications and hardware stores. Levels of employment within an organization will depend on work experience, organizational fit, proficiency, and career trajectory. Managers in a retail setting can find themselves working in various capacities such as project specialist, facility managers, directors, leaders, human resource manager, sales executive, organizational trainer, and regional director.

Retail Management Job Growth

The Bureau of Labor statistics estimates the job growth for retail manager to increase at a clip greater than the national average. A published report from the BLS indicates a rise in employment for first-line retail managers of 8% and seven percent for sales managers during the coming decade. Compares to a national average of six percent, both are a steadily growing sector of our bustling economy.

Mean annual income of a first-line retail manager is currently $43,580. Employment of retail managers is over one million individuals which creates career opportunities when considering future growth. Industries employing the most retail managers include shoes, apparel, spirits, and consumables. For a list of top retail management colleges in the country, simply request information below today.

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