Retail managers are responsible for managing a store and ensuring that the business is well-organized and profitable.
If you want to start a career as a retail manager, a Bachelor’s Degree program in this field will help you perfect your leadership, management, and communication skills- abilities that are essential to any manager.
This field of study covers a variety of topics, including the visual presentation of merchandise, consumer behavior, marketing, and sales.
Online bachelor’s degree programs that focus on retail management, merchandising or sales management are available at several schools and are designed especially for busy adults who want to advance in their career or change professions.
Students enrolled in a Retail Management program typically learn about store layout, employee training, inventories, marketing and leadership and many other useful skills that make them ready for a retail management position.
Arizona State University-Skysong
Arizona State University-Skysong offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Business with a concentration in Retail Management under the W.P. Carey School of Business.
The program is designed for students who want to pursue a career in retail management and covers topics such as economics, accounting, and business statistics.
Students who choose the Retail Management concentration will also learn finance, economics, global supply chain, business and sustainability, quality management, and management.
The 120-credit program is composed of 41 classes and can be completed in four years.
Students also have access to several online resources, such as faculty advising, virtual libraries, tutorial services, career services, and success coaching and may also have the opportunity of studying abroad.
Tuition is $520 per credit hour.
Arizona State University is accredited by the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
Official WebsiteLamar University
The online Bachelor of Business Administration in General Business offered by Lamar University features a Retail Management concentration.
The fully online program teaches students about the fundamentals of general business focusing mostly on retail management.
The 120 credit-hour program includes 51 credits of business core courses and is designed for busy adults who want to start a career in the retail field.
The curriculum focuses on intensive training in computerized merchandise systems and consumer services.
The program offers a low student-to-instructor ratio to ensure that each student receives the attention he/she needs.
Students who are Texas residents pay $8,314 per year for tuition.
Lamar University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Official WebsiteOregon State University
The entirely online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with emphasis on Retail Management offered by Oregon State University requires 180 credit-hour for completion.
The program focuses on relevant skills, such as human resource management, consumer behavior, retail management, and supply chain strategy.
The academic year is composed of a quarter-term system, wherein students can choose between different start dates in a year.
The university also offers accelerated summer courses.
Online students can complete this program in four years or less.
Students have access to resources such as 24/7 library assistance and online tutoring.
Transfer credits are also allowed.
Students pay in-state tuition of $538 per credit hour.
Oregon State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Official WebsiteStrayer University
Strayer University features an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Retail Management.
The program covers topics such as merchandising, finance, human resource management, logistics, operations management, retail image, consumer behavior, marketing research and more.
Students also have the opportunity of examining models for successful store-based, online or non-store retail operations.
Students enrolled in this program pay $337 per credit hour
Strayer University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Official WebsiteNational American University
The online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration offered by the National American University includes a concentration in Retail Management.
The program focuses on teaching business principles that students can later use for career advancement in the retail sector.
The curriculum covers topics on store management, consumer trends, marketing, and human resources.
Students enrolled in this online program pay $334 per credit hour.
The National American University is approved by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.
Official WebsiteSalem University
The online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration offered by Salem University includes a concentration on Retail Management.
Graduates are prepared for careers in store management, operations management, business analysis, district or regional management, purchasing, and private business ownership.
The fully online program allows students to study at their own pace while working full-time or handling family issues.
Tuition is $510 per credit hour.
This degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
Salem University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteFlorida State University
The Bachelor of Science in Marketing degree program offered by Florida State University features a major in Retail Management, run by the school’s College of Business.
The program is designed specifically for students who want to start a career as managers in the retail industry.
The university also offers internships for students enrolled in this online program, giving them the chance of obtaining hands-on experience in the field.
Students pay $180.49 per credit hour.
Florida State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Official WebsiteAmerican Public University
The online Bachelor of Arts in Retail Management offered by the American Public University is designed to educate students for a career in retail and sales management.
The program combines critical thinking, communication, interpersonal and analytical skills.
The 120-credit program includes classes in Supply Chain Management, Consumer Behavior, Management Communications, and Organizational Behavior.
Online students are also required to take elective courses.
Students enrolled in this program pay $270 per credit hour; students with military grants pay $250 per credit hour.
The university’s business program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
Official WebsiteUniversity of Houston
The University of Houston offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Retailing and Consumer Science.
The program is designed for students who have completed general education courses at other accredited colleges or universities.
The curriculum covers topics on consumer behavior, retailing, sales, and public relations.
The program also offers students the opportunity of earning certificates in the following areas: Apparel Merchandising, E-Tailing, Retail Organizations, Retail Promotion, and Technology Entrepreneurship.
Tuition is $383.47 per credit hour.
The University of Houston is accredited by the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences.
Official WebsiteUniversity of Arizona
The online Bachelor of Science in Retailing and Consumer Sciences degree program offered by the University of Arizona is designed for busy students who are looking for career advancement in business and sales.
The program includes asynchronous coursework delivered in 10 to 12 weeks through the D2L learning management system.
The curriculum covers topics in accounting, economics, business, retailing, statistics, consumer behavior, retail promotion, and retail technology.
Online students can also reach out to their mentors if they need help with coursework assignments.
Tuition is $1,294 per credit hour and students pay the same rate regardless of their residency.
The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
Q. What courses does a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Retail Management offer?
Although coursework requirements vary depending on the program you choose, a Bachelor’s in Retail Management typically focuses on topics such as leadership, business, and retail management.
Most programs also teach global supply chain management, entrepreneurship, e-commerce, retail management, consumer behavior, business statistics, and marketing research.
Students who graduate from an online bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Retail Management are equipped with the skills needed for a career in retail operations or retail management.
Q. What careers can I pursue with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration Retail Management?
Graduates of a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Retail Management may pursue careers in fields such as store management, marketing, advertising, purchasing or administration at a corporate level.
With a degree in this field, you can find employment or gain promotion as a Merchandising Manager, Buying Director, Retail Store Manager, Retail General Manager, Purchasing Manager, Product Manager, or Sales Manager.
Q. How much will I earn with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration- Retail Management?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for sales managers was $124,220 as of May 2018.
Salaries in the retail industry vary based on many factors.
Depending on your employer and your level of experience, with a degree in Retail Management, you can make anywhere between less than $60,000 and more than $200,000 a year.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a busy adult with experience in the retail industry and you’re looking for a promotion as a sales manager, an online Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration- Retail Management can help you become qualified for such a position.
There are several reputable schools that offer students the chance of earning their degrees fully online.
Now that you have read our list, we invite you to continue your research and apply to the program that best fits your educational needs, schedule, budget and professional aspirations.