The Best Online Bachelor’s in Retail Sales Management Programs
by TBS Staff
Updated October 20, 2022
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According to PayScale, the average income of a retail store manager is $54,000, more than double the earnings of retail employees without formal education. Earning a retail management degree online increases your salary potential, whether you aspire to be a store manager, a merchandiser, or a purchasing manager.
Featured Online Schools
As the retail industry develops, and companies look for new ways to engage with customers, the demand for management positions will grow. Consider your education options when determining if retail management bachelor’s degree programs are right for your future.
Online Bachelor’s in Retail Sales Management Degree Program Ranking Guidelines
We selected the degree programs based on the quality of program and range of courses provided, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation.
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Academics
Affordability
Online Enrollment
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Academics - 75%
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The Best Online Bachelor’s in Retail Sales Management Degree Programs
#1 The Best Online Bachelor’s in Retail Sales Management Programs
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR
4 years
Online + Campus
As a leader in online education, Oregon State University supports 14,977 distance learners across 50 remote programs. Undergraduate students from across the globe can enroll in one of the college's 22 fully online bachelor's programs. One option includes a bachelor's in retail management. The program supports students from all walks of life through flexible study options.
Enrollees complete both foundational and advanced coursework, granting them the knowledge and skills needed to advance in the field. The program also incorporates general education requirements that strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Enrollees can work with their academic advisor to customize their degree through electives, minors, and concentrations.
Bachelor's degree-holders can increase their job opportunities and earning potential. The institution reports that graduates six years out from their degree earn a median salary of $42,700. Interested applicants should consider that the average price after aid for tuition and fees is $19,273. To learn more about funding opportunities and eligibility requirements, students should contact the financial aid office.
Oregon State University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 14,977
Total Online Programs: 50
Online Bachelor's Programs: 22
Admission Rate: 82%
Transfer Credits Accepted: Data not available
Average Tuition
In-state
$9,846
Out-of-state
$29,445
Retention Rate
85%
Admission Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
31,719
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
47%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#2 The Best Online Bachelor’s in Retail Sales Management Programs
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
4 years
Online + Campus
Liberty University provides flexible study opportunities to distance learners across 161 programs. Undergraduate students can choose from 30 online bachelor's degrees. Learners hoping to advance in the retail and sales management field can enroll in the college's BSBA in marketing and sales. The flexible program helps learners complete a college degree.
The curriculum consists of general and advanced coursework, amounting to 120 credits. The program prepares students for the demands of the retail and sales management field. Enrollees can customize their degree by choosing electives, minors, and concentrations.
A bachelor's degree connects graduates with numerous job opportunities and a higher earning potential. The institution reports that graduates six years out from their degree earn a median salary of $35,800. Prospective applicants can explore funding opportunities, eligibility requirements, and other opportunities by connecting with the Office of Financial Aid.
Liberty University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 78,511
Total Online Programs: 161
Online Bachelor's Programs: 30
Admission Rate: 51%
Transfer Credits Accepted: Accepted
Average Tuition
In-state
$15,417
Out-of-state
$15,417
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
51%
Students Enrolled
85,586
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 The Best Online Bachelor’s in Retail Sales Management Programs
Arizona State University-Tempe
Tempe, AZ
4 years
Online + Campus
As a leader in online education, Arizona State University-Tempe supports 24,895 distance learners in its online bachelor of arts in business with a concentration in retail management program. Enrollees complete the degree at their own pace. The program prioritizes flexibility through full- or part-time study options.
Degree candidates complete both foundational and advanced coursework, granting them the knowledge and skills needed to advance in the field. The curriculum prepares students for the demands of the field. Students can modify their studies, choose electives, and declare minors and degree concentrations.
A bachelor's degree connects graduates with numerous job opportunities and a higher earning potential. The school reports a median salary of $42,200 for graduates six years after completing a bachelor's degree. Learners can expect to pay an average of $14,081 per year for tuition and fees. Interested applicants should connect with the department to learn more about admission requirements and application materials.
Arizona State University-Tempe at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 24,895
Total Online Programs: 1
Online Bachelor's Programs: Data not available
Admission Rate: 86%
Transfer Credits Accepted: Data not available
Average Tuition
In-state
$10,710
Out-of-state
$28,800
Retention Rate
88%
Admission Rate
86%
Students Enrolled
53,286
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
47%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 The Best Online Bachelor’s in Retail Sales Management Programs
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA
4 years
Online + Campus
With its main campus in Ellensburg, Central Washington University provides competitive bachelor's programs to learners from all walks of life. The public school supports 25 online bachelor's degrees, including a bachelor's in retail technology management.
Degree-seekers complete coursework pertinent to the field. Students can collaborate with their academic advisor to find classes that complement their career interests. Electives, minors, and other modifications can benefit students and meet career goals.
Undergraduate students can expect to pay $21,999 in tuition. The school's accreditation status allows enrollees to access funding opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships. The institution averages financial aid packages of $6,774 per degree-seeker.
Central Washington University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 10,718
Total Online Programs: 49
Online Bachelor's Programs: 25
Admission Rate: 85%
Transfer Credits Accepted: Data not available
Average Tuition
In-state
$6,318
Out-of-state
$21,999
Retention Rate
71%
Admission Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
11,658
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
When selecting a retail management bachelor’s degree program, choose the institution that best suits your interests. While all programs feature some of the same core courses, many offer additional subjects for students with a career goal in mind. Examples include courses in global supply chain management for students looking to work on an international scale, entrepreneurship for those who want to pioneer their own retail organization, and e–commerce for individuals who choose to focus on online shopping.
Core subjects you can expect to cover in any retail management program include consumer behavior, business statistics, and marketing research. These courses provide you with a business foundation and the knowledge required to manage the operations of any retail business. Upon program completion, you will have the option to take the National Retail Federation’s credential exams that will certify you as a retail sales manager.
Online Bachelor’s in Retail Sales Management Careers
Earning an online retail management degree qualifies graduates for management positions in and outside of the retail industry. With skills applicable to both small startup companies and large corporations, you will find opportunities to lead a variety of teams, from a store’s band of retail staff to entire sales departments.
Sales managers direct the actions of a company's sales teams. Primary responsibilities include goal setting, developing training programs, and analyzing sales statistics. They work closely with other departmental managers to help meet sales quotas.
Assistant store managers oversee the daily operations of the retail location. Responsibilities include hiring staff, assigning employee schedules, setting the standard for customer service, and enforcing store policies.
Operations managers oversee a wide variety of areas within an organization. The specific responsibilities of this position vary depending on the size of the company but will typically include creating policy and managing daily operations, such as assigning work schedules and supervising the completion of projects.
