Find your perfect college degree
One of the most booming industries in the US is the retail industry. Recent data show the retail industry in the US is worth $4,938 billion. It is expected that the market will grow at a rate of more than 4% from 2022 to 2032. If you’re embarking on a career in retail management, it pays to earn an online Associate in Retail and Sales Management for starters!
Obtaining an associate’s degree in retail management can be an affordable approach for prospective employees to stand out from the competition and grow along a variety of professional pathways. Students learn how to manage workers, engage with clients, and run a business efficiently in this associate degree.
You might also gain exposure to some of the inner workings of retail businesses through your curriculum’s structures and experienced instructors who represent different subsectors of the broad retail industry.
The Lowdown
A solid foundation of the nitty gritty aspects of retail will be laid out as you study for an online associate degree in Retail Management. It also develops the must-have competencies that employers in the retail sector seek, including people who easily adapt, have a broad range of transferable abilities, and possess an in-depth knowledge of the sector.
With these solid career-ready skills, students can work right earning their associate degree as entry-level retail or sales associate or management trainee for local and global businesses.
Take Your Retail Management Career to The Next Level
By earning an online associate’s degree in retail management, you will gain access to a plethora of opportunities and choices in your career. After graduation, you will be able to use the skills you learn right away. An associate degree in retail management usually runs for two years, but you can slow or rush it depending on your pace.
Besides learning the technical competencies, students can enhance their soft skills in leadership, communication, entrepreneurship, problem-solving, collaboration, and analytical skills.
However, the first step to acquiring all these results is to find the best associate degree in retail management online. In order to succeed as a future retail manager or retail business owner, you need to select a program that is accredited and includes all the coursework you need. It’s best to start planning your future and ensure that the associate program you choose will help you succeed.
Methodology
Although several business schools offer a retail management program, few offer online or blended degrees. In order to maximize your learning journey, it’s important to select the best associate program in retail management.
We have compiled the top online Associates in Retail Management programs to help you decide! Each institution or program on this list satisfies the following criteria:
- Available as a hybrid program or as a 100% online degree,
- Features the core Retail courses, including Retail Management, Supply Chain, Logistics, Human Connection, Customer Psychology, and other topics relevant to retail and sales management,
- Opens doors of opportunities to proceed to a bachelor’s degree or other higher studies,
- Prepares graduates for different career pathways, including when starting their own business or working in retail,
- Features professors with extensive industry expertise who are global business and retail leaders,
- Provides financial assistance to eligible students, including grants, loans, scholarships, and transfer credit programs,
- Regionally accredited and comes with a solid curriculum devised by industry experts.
Learn more about our ranking on our Methodology page.
10 Best Online Associates in Retail Management
Santa Ana College
An Associate’s degree program in Retail Management is offered and made available at Santa Ana College. The Western Association of Food Chains has recognized this Associate Degree program. Students who complete the required courses are eligible to acquire the Environmental Compliance Certificate of Competence and WAFC Retail Management Certificate, which are both valuable in landing positions in retail. This associate degree features coursework that satisfies the quick-paced retail industry needs.
The goal of this program is to provide students with a better knowledge of what a retail manager does and what it takes to succeed in that setting. Santa Ana College comes with a Career & Academic Pathways feature that will give you a set of precise actions to take in order to accomplish your goals. This college is transfer-friendly and welcomes various kinds of learners, such as career changers and beginner learners.
Each path includes a carefully chosen educational program and access to support services, making it simpler to acquire the assistance you require. The instructors and staff at Santa Ana College are committed to giving their students the best learning opportunities. Academic achievement and unwavering dedication to student services are principles they uphold.
Some of the courses to expect in this two-year associate degree are the following:
- Principles of Retailing
- Business Communications
- Culture and International Business
- Principles of Marketing
- The Computer and Society
- Introduction to Interpersonal Communication
- Legal Environment of Business
- Principles of Management
- Financial Accounting
- Introduction to Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Human Resource Management
- Human Relations and Organizational Structure
Glendale Community College
Glendale Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science in Retail Management program, which can be taken online. This online degree readies studies for the rigors of mid-level management positions in the food business and other related professions.
Business fundamentals are covered in the curriculum, which also emphasizes the skill sets required for efficient management and communication in the workplace. Students will receive the background and knowledge necessary to develop the skills they need as future retail professionals.
Business principles in retail are covered in the 62-credit program’s course material, which also emphasizes the skill sets for effective communication and management at work. The course material aims to prepare students for the demands of mid-level management roles in the future in the retail, food, and related industries. Every semester, you are allowed to take a maximum of 18 credits, and part-timers can also customize their program and take fewer classes.
Some of the core courses to expect in this online degree are below:
- Retail Management
- Society and Business
- Introduction to Human Communication
- Accounting Coursework
- Principles of Marketing
- Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success
- Human Relations in Business
- College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking
- Techniques of Supervision
- Computer Usage and Applications
Los Angeles Trade-Technical College
Los Angeles Trade-Technical College devised and launched a comprehensive online program, which is an Associate of Arts in Retail Management degree. The purpose of this program is to prepare current and future retail employees for the fast-paced and competitive retail industry.
The competencies needed to succeed at the management level within the dynamic retail industry will be taught to the student through this curriculum. The curriculum structure was developed in partnership with retail industry professionals.
Through this curriculum, online and hybrid students will learn the abilities required to succeed at the management level in the dynamic and developing retail industry. Only 59 credits total across four semesters are necessary to earn a degree in retail management. There will be an emphasis on substantial courses.
Here are some of them:
- Principles of Marketing
- Introductory Accounting
- Human Relations
- Introduction to Business
- Business Law
- Personnel Management
- Principles of Selling
- Oral Communications
- Business Communications
- Retail Management
- Computerized Payroll Accounting
- Public Speaking
- Fundamentals of Advertising
Clover Park Technical College
Associate of Applied Technology in Retail Business Management students at Clover Park Technical College are prepared for professions in sales, business, marketing, retailing, customer service, and entrepreneurship. They acquire both technical and interpersonal abilities through online retail courses that highlight modern business practices and computer applications.
The Western Association of Food Chains has approved the program’s built-in certificate component. This qualification equips persons to oversee a range of retail sales or product lines. Both candidates for entry-level positions and current employees benefit from the program. After graduation, retail management graduates can enter the retail grocery sector more easily.
The curriculum integrates business theory with real-world applications, such as the appropriate use of technology in the workplace today, to ensure that students are making the right judgments in professional situations. Students are also taught how to use social media to engage with potential clients and are introduced to e-commerce ideas and applications.
Some of the topics covered in this online Associate in Retail Management degree include:
- Customer Service
- Principles of Retailing
- Speaking for Success
- Consumer Behavior
- Business Law
- Human Resource Management
- E-Commerce Principles & Applications
- Introduction to Business Etiquette
- Marketing
- Social Media Marketing
- Marketing Communications
- Essentials of Business Communication
- Fundamentals of Organizational Behavior
- Principles of Management
- Business Technology for Retail Applications
Rio Salado College
The Rio Salado College Associate in Applied Science in Retail Management program can be completed online. It is a program that prepares students for mid-level management roles in the food industry and other related fields.
Besides covering business fundamentals, the curriculum emphasizes communication and management skills. This course will provide students with the background and knowledge they will need to develop decisions as future retail managers.
To graduate, students must finish 63 credits. Students have the option of taking classes full- or part-time. The application and transcripts must be submitted in person or online in order to be considered for the program. When students begin the program at different periods of the year, the suggested term in which each course is to be taken may have an impact on the course order.
A student should consult with an academic counselor to create a personalized education plan that fits both their academic and professional objectives. Determine the educational prerequisites, including potential university transfer alternatives, for your desired job field by speaking with your academic advisor or faculty mentor.
Some of the sample courses to take in this associate degree are:
- Retail Management
- Society and Business
- Exploration of College, Career, and Personal Success
- Principles of Marketing
- Human Resources Management
- Techniques of Supervision
- Management and Leadership
- Introduction to Human Communication
- Human Relations in Business
- Computer Usage and Applications
Saddleback College
Saddleback College provides online learners with an Associate’s degree in Retail Management. Managers of significant retail organizations develop this reputable degree. It is focused on training students to be effective managers or to advance to management in the retail sector.
As a result of the course material, students gain a deeper understanding of the nature of the retail manager’s position and the skills that are required to succeed in the position. The possibility for an entrance job and progress in the retail industry is improved by completing this online associate degree.
This program prepares students for a variety of jobs in the retail sector, including general and operations managers, retail associates, customer service support, retail supervisors, inventory staff, stockers, and order fillers, and many other jobs. As this program equates to certification by the Western Association of Food Chains, employees of the grocery industry are encouraged to get information from their human resources office about it.
This program comes with the following courses:
- Marketing
- Human Resource Management
- Principles of Retailing
- Business Management
- Computer Information Systems
- Business Statistics
- Introduction to Information Systems
- Computer Discrete Mathematics
- Financial Accounting
- Introduction to Business
- Business Communication
Northwest Arkansas Community College
The online Associate of Applied Science or AAS in Business Management – Retail Management program at Northwest Arkansas Community College prepares you for entry-level management positions in retail and business. You will learn about retail management, merchandising, sales, inventory, e-commerce, marketing, logistics, and supply chain management. Additionally, you’ll improve your knowledge of basic accounting and company management concepts, as well as supply and demand economics.
While this is a hybrid degree, most courses can be fulfilled completely online. After graduation, some jobs that await you are retail manager, district manager, inventory staff, merchandise planner, retail salesperson, merchandising representative, grocery operations staff, and store manager. This degree can be completed after you finish studying 60 credits.
The following courses are expected from this online associate program in retail management:
- Microeconomics
- Legal Environment of Business
- Principles of Accounting
- Pro Selling & Marketing
- Survey of Technical Math
- Business Communications
- Spreadsheet Analysis
- Social/Behavioral Science
- Retail Management
- Supervision
- Macroeconomics
- E-commerce
Cerritos College
Cerritos College offers an Associate of Arts in Business Administration: Retail Management program. This online degree offers students the qualifications necessary for both personal self-efficacy and a fulfilling profession. The foundation for managerial competency in the global economy can be laid by students who master this curriculum. Students who study retail management also gain a better understanding of fundamental management tasks.
Students will also be trained on collaborating and working with one another and mastering the organization’s market niche. After graduation, you can find jobs in the retail industry, public government agencies, or consider opening your retail business.
Here are some of the courses to expect in this online degree:
- Motivational Presentation Skills for Managers
- Introduction to Communications Studies
- Management – Accounting and Internal Control
- Human Resource Management
- American History and Constitution
- Marketing
- Human Relations in Business
- Retail Management
- Human Resource Management
- Computer Applications for Managers
Mesa Community College
Mesa Community College offers an online Associate in Applied Science in Retail Management degree for distance learners. This online program is intended to prepare students for the rigors of mid-level management positions in the food business and other related professions. Students study business fundamentals in this program, which also focuses on skills needed for effective communication and management.
Students will receive the background and knowledge necessary to develop the judgment abilities they will need to use as company managers during instruction. There is also a Retail Management Certificate of Completion available. To graduate, students must complete a minimum of 61 credits, and they must earn a C or higher in each course.
The following are the courses required for this online associate program:
- Technical and Professional Writing
- Management and Leadership
- Human Resources Management
- Computer Usage and Applications
- Introduction to College, Career, and Personal Success
- Society and Business
- Principles of Marketing
- Managerial Accounting
- Accounting Principles
- College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking
- Survey of Computer Information Systems
Mt. San Antonio College
An Associate degree in Retail Management Programs is available at Mt. San Antonio College. This online degree exposes students to the corporate world and the function of retail distribution. Students learn about professions in retail management as well as the most recent trends in this rapidly evolving industry. The student’s search for an entry-level position in retail management is aided by completing this program.
Some of the sample courses to partake in this online associate degree are below:
- Business Organization and Management
- Principles of Marketing
- Fundamentals of Accounting
- Human Resource Management
- Bookkeeping – Accounting
- Business Communications
- Microcomputer Applications
- Principles of Accounting – Financial
- Human Relations in Business
Retail Management Careers for Associate Degree Graduates
With a job in retail management, you’ll have the chance to oversee all aspects of how your business runs, from interactions at the highest corporate level to those with customers on the sales floor. A profession in retail management entails supervising all aspects of running a business, including the merchandise itself, visual presentation, the sales force, and customer service, from entry-level store managers to behind-the-scenes buys and merchandisers.
If you’re ready to explore the wide career opportunities in retail, here are some positions that you can land after graduating with an online Associate in Retail Management degree:
Retail Manager
To accomplish daily objectives and needs, a shop manager assigns operational responsibility to assistant managers, manager candidates, and other sales staff. To guarantee enough staffing, store managers schedule employee shifts and run hiring or training initiatives. To maintain stock levels and profit margins, these managers bargain supplier contracts.
General Manager
A general manager is in charge of a company’s whole operation, from hiring to marketing. While this position is achieved after some tenure and work experience, an associate degree in retail management can be helpful as a solid plan to become a general manager. To optimize corporate processes, they hire, train, and assess personnel. These managers develop status reports for budget or profit target implementation and review by top management.
Departmental Head Manager
A department manager assigns duties, plans shift schedules, and oversees and assesses staff. This is another high-management position that can be acquired after promotion. Departmental head managers keep an eye on the inventory to stop theft and keep records of the stock, prices, and invoices. They usually mediate the company’s higher-ups and the frontline staff and ensure smooth daily operations in business.
Store Merchandiser
A retail merchandiser arranges goods and ensures that they are in their proper locations for buyers to find them readily. They examine slow-selling items by tracking purchasing trends, and they create plans to boost sales. They also ensure that all stocks are in their best quality and condition. Finally, these merchandisers compile data on customers and products to determine what goods a store should carry to appeal to its intended market.
Tips to be Successful as a Retail Manager
In the past, operating a single store in a single location was all that retail management involved. Today, it also encompasses operating global chain stores, running online businesses, and purchasing online. All business owners should be familiar with this definition of retail shop management. Here are some tips to help you succeed as a retail manager:
Take care of financial and legal matters.
Today’s retail industry has major compliance issues, including cyber security and consumer privacy, which retail management must address. As a retail manager, you have to list down all the paperwork and legalities necessary to ensure operations are smooth and seamless. Both financial and legal aspects must be prepared in order to be compliant with all entities in your state.
Research the market for customers.
Retail managers must constantly study the market for their customers. The retail management process requires constant market research, which will gather all the data required about the requirements and preferences of your customers for the goods and services. You can identify and assess the issue, as well as the implications of the issue for your intended audience, at this step.
Create and test goods and services in response to market needs.
After searching the market, it’s now time to address their needs and demands. You must now create goods and services that can address all of your clients’ issues. Quality must be ensured, and testing goods and services are crucial in this tip. Evaluate how you can improve your offerings in order for your customers to be constantly satisfied.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Retail Management work?
You may put your communication and organizational skills to the test in the demanding yet rewarding sector of retail management. Professionals in this field may have to make a variety of decisions, from hiring staff to locating and choosing merchandise.
They could also be in charge of maintaining thorough financial records. Store department managers, purchasing managers, merchandising managers, and human resources managers are typical managerial roles for a retail-based company.
Is a Retail Management Associate Degree worth it?
For many students, getting an associate’s degree in retail management is worthwhile. Federal data show that the retail industry will remain stable during the next ten years. And there will be a 4% job growth in the employment of sales managers.
As many people visit retail stores to buy almost all of the items they need every day, commerce is a mainstay for everyone. The retail sector is very vast, and it will continue providing many job opportunities for Retail Management associate degree graduates.
What can you do with a Retail Management associate’s Degree?
The retail sector is changing, demonstrating an apparent shift from traditional brick-and-mortar stores to internet commerce. Fortunately, retail managers already possess the skills that are required for e-commerce professionals.
Most online Associate in Retail Management degrees now cover courses and topics related to digital business and operations. After graduation, you can land jobs in both physical and online businesses.
How long does it take to complete an online associate’s degree in Retail Management?
Even though different institutions may have varied credit hour requirements, full-time attendance and conventional 16-week semesters often allow you to finish an associate degree in 2 years. If your program offers 8-week terms, you might be able to complete it faster if you enroll regularly all year round. This can be subjective according to your curriculum requirements and your studying pace.
Key Takeaways
- Aspiring professionals in retail can raise their chances of landing entry-level jobs in the sector by earning an associate’s degree in Retail Management. Additionally, you may enroll in a bachelor’s program to qualify for even better employment opportunities, or you can go to graduate school to become an authority on a particular area of Retail Management research.
- Obtaining an associate’s degree in Retail Management can be an affordable approach for prospective employees to stand out from the competition and grow along a variety of professional pathways.
- The fundamentals of running a business on a daily basis, managing workers, and engaging with clients are taught to online Associate in Retail Management students.
Additional Information:
