Retail managers handle the daily operations and concerns of a store. Regardless of the manner and location of their work, retail managers are responsible for ensuring that the company or organization is profitable and well-organized. This field of study entails an examination of displays and visual presentation of any merchandise for greater appeal for customer service, marketing, and sales purposes.
There are bachelor’s degree programs online that focus on retail management, sales management, and merchandising. Through these degree programs, students learn to establish an excellent store layout, train and manage employees, keep inventories in check, direct marketing efforts, and demonstrate leadership in the retail industry.
The skills you learn in a retail management online program will help you promote a competent and excellent retail environment featuring products and services in a department store, an online boutique, a restaurant, or a small shop.
What does it take to be a good Retail Manager? Good communication skills, strong customer service prowess, being a great listener, have excellent organization skills, and above all… PATIENCE!
Students who plan to take up a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on Retail Management should be able to learn how to work in fast-paced, constantly changing environments.
Retail management positions typically do not require advanced accreditation past a bachelor’s degree. Hands-on experiences in the form of internships are also taken into consideration, aside from mock management exercises in the retail industry.
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- Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Business with a Focus on Retail Management Programs
- Frequently Asked Questions
Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Business with a Focus on Retail Management Programs
METHODOLOGY
Listed in random order, we present the 8 best online schools across America that offer bachelor’s degree programs in Business or Business Administration with a particular focus on Retail Management. These academic institutions feature curriculum descriptions and courses offered that produce exceptional retail managers.
We also highlight other aspects, such as:
- 100% Online distance learning platform,
- Affordable tuition rates; often offering Financial Aid options,
- Properly Accredited for a quality degree program in Retail Management,
- Excellent faculty dedicated to your success in the field of Retail Management,
- Ease of academic transfer credits,
- Training in the most innovative technology used in today’s retail arena,
- Integrates knowledge of Retail Management and the Psychology of consumer behavioral buying habits.
If you would like to learn more, please see our Methodology page.
See Also: The 20 Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Marketing
Arizona State University – Skysong
B.A. In Business Online Degree Programs
Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, Arizona State University-Skysong offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Business with a concentration in Retail Management degree program under the W.P. Carey School of Business. The program is designed for students seeking leadership careers in the retail industry. The curriculum entails business courses such as economics, accounting, and business statistics.
The retail concentration features coursework in:
- food retailing,
- finance,
- global supply chain,
- business and sustainability,
- and quality management and measurement.
The 120-credit coursework can be completed in four years, and it is composed of 41 classes, one class is seven-and-a-half weeks two class cycles every semester, and six multiple start dates yearly. Online resources such as:
- tutorial services,
- faculty advising,
- virtual libraries,
- success coaching,
- and career services are readily accessible.
Students may also have the opportunity to study abroad. Tuition is $561 per credit hour. Arizona State University has regional accreditation from the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges (NCASC).
Learn more about Arizona State University’s B.A. In Business Online Degree Programs.
Oregon State University
Online B.S. In Business Administration
Oregon State University (OSU) in Corvallis, Oregon offers an entirely online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis on Retail Management option. The university received regional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
The degree program requires 180 credit hours for completion, which consists of 60 credit hours of upper-division coursework. Through this degree program, relevant skill sets can be learned such as:
- human resources management,
- supply chain strategy,
- consumer behavior,
- and retail management.
The academic year of the university is composed of a quarter-term system, wherein new students can learn at different start dates in a year. Accelerated summer courses are also offered. Online students may complete the degree in four years or less.
Students pay in-state tuition, and online resources can be accessed easily including 24/7 library assistance and online tutorial services. Transfer credits are also allowed. Online students may complete the degree in four years or less. Tuition is $340 per credit hour.
Learn more about Oregon State University’s Online B.S. In Business Administration.
Strayer University
B.S. Concentration In Retail Management Online Programs
Strayer University in Herndon, Virginia offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Retail Management degree program. The degree program aims to study models for effective store-based, online, and non-store retail operations and establish a retailing approach for store facilities, direct marketing services, and e-commerce. It aims to assess the crucial areas of retail operation management, such as:
- merchandising, finance,
- human resource management,
- operations management,
- logistics,
- retail image and atmosphere,
- and the marketing aspects of pricing and promotion.
Important principles like strategic planning considerations, the structure of retail firms, consumer behavior, market research, and location considerations are also tackled.
Tuition is $329 per credit hour, and the cost per class is $1,525 per course. The university is also accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Learn more about Strayer University’s B.S. Concentration In Retail Management Online Programs.
Salem University
Online Degree Programs-B.S. in Business Administration
Salem University in Salem, West Virginia, offers an online Bachelor of Science in Management with an emphasis on Retail Management degree program. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), while the degree program itself is the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Through the retail management degree program, graduates become well-trained for careers in the areas of:
- business analysis,
- operations management,
- purchasing,
- customer service management,
- food service management,
- store management,
- district or regional management,
- store management,
- and private business ownership.
Coursework is in a fully online format and is flexible since they allow students to study at their own pace while working full-time or handling family concerns.
Learn more about Salem University’s Online Degree Programs-B.S. in Business Administration.
Florida State University
B.S. In Marketing-Major in Retail Management Online Programs
Florida State University is known for its online Bachelor of Science in Marketing with a major in Retail Management degree program run by the school’s College of Business. The program is ideal for students who want to become business leaders managing their retail businesses. It also enables students to enhance their leadership skills for the establishment and motivation of successful teams, along with the effective implementation of best retail practices.
Coursework includes topics in domestic and global retail and necessary connections in the supply chain. The limited-access online program also includes internships, so students obtain hands-on experiences in the field.
The Tallahassee, Florida-based university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Learn more about Florida State University’s B.S. In Marketing-Major in Retail Management Online Programs.
American Public University
B.A. in Retail Management Online
Located in Charles Town, West Virginia, the American Public University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Retail Management degree program that educates students for a future career in retail and sales management.
The university’s business programs, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), combine interpersonal, communication, analytical, and critical thinking skills in their flexible coursework.
The program focuses on interpersonal, managerial, human resource, leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills. Graduates of this degree program contribute towards the success of retail industries with their potential for management positions.
The 120-credit coursework includes topics like:
- Consumer Behavior,
- Supply Chain Management,
- Management Communications,
- and Organizational Behavior.
Online students are also required to take elective courses.
Learn more about American Public University’s B.A. in Retail Management Online.
University of Houston
B.S. In Retailing and Consumer Science Online
Located in Houston, Texas, the University of Houston features an entirely online Bachelor of Science in Retailing and Consumer Science degree program. It is designed for students who have previously completed general education courses in other accredited colleges and universities.
This degree program develops students’ understanding of some of the most critical issues in consumer behavior, sales, retailing, and public relations. It also has a goal of evaluating the manner by which consumers behave and respond as members of a massive economic and social community.
The curriculum caters to working adults who can combine consumer knowledge with merchandising processes. It also includes the application of this knowledge to consumer processes and practices, specifically in areas of emphasis such as:
- Retailing and Consumer Science,
- Technology Entrepreneurship,
- E-tailing,
- Training and Development,
- and Professional Studies.
The University of Houston is accredited by the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences.
Learn more about the University of Houston’s B.S. In Retailing and Consumer Science Online.
University of Arizona
B.S. in Retailing and Consumer Science Online Programs
The University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, offers an online Bachelor of Science in Retailing and Consumer Sciences degree program. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The degree program is ideal for online students who are looking for opportunities for career advancement, specifically in business and sales.
The asynchronous coursework is delivered in 10 to 12 weeks through the D2L learning management system. It includes topics such as:
- accounting, business,
- economics,
- retailing,
- statistics,
- consumer behavior,
- retail promotion,
- and retail technology.
Online students can readily reach out to their mentors for the completion of course assignments and for taking exams. Students are offered the same tuition rates regardless of residency status.
Learn more about The University of Arizona’s B.S. in Retailing and Consumer Science Online Programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What classes are generally included in a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Retail Management program?
Any bachelor’s degree program focusing on retail management online involves a blend of business, leadership, and retail topics.
Online classes often tackle global supply chain management for students who want to:
- enter careers on a worldwide scale,
- entrepreneurship for those who want to build and manage their retail organizations and businesses,
- and e-commerce for those planning to build and operate their online stores or do online shopping.
Coursework also includes retail management, consumer behavior, business statistics, and marketing research. Classes usually allow students to gain solid foundational knowledge of retail operations and management of retail businesses.
What careers can a graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration focusing on Retail Management pursue?
A graduate of any bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis on retail management may pursue careers in the areas of retail store management, marketing, luxury marketing, advertising, purchasing, and administrative positions at the corporate level.
These specific careers are:
- Merchandising Manager
- Buying Director
- Retail General Manager
- Retail Store Manager
- Purchasing Manager
- Product Manager
- Sales Manager
What is the average annual salary of careers involving a major in Retail Management?
Generally, the average salary of a retail store manager or retail general manager is $51,556, according to Payscale.com. The possibility of increasing this wage can be achieved through an online degree in business administration with an emphasis on retail management.
Will a Bachelor of Business Administration degree benefit me in the field of Retail Management?
Yes, a Bachelor of Business Administration degree can be highly beneficial for Retail Management. A BBA degree provides a comprehensive foundation in business principles, including marketing, accounting, finance, economics, and operations management. Understanding these concepts can help you develop more effective strategies for managing a retail business.
Additionally, a BBA degree will give you the opportunity to learn how to use technology to analyze data and gain valuable insights about customer behavior, which can be essential for success in retail management.