Best institutions to study Retail Management
A program that prepares individuals to manage the operations of a wide variety of retail businesses, including department stores; independent and chain stores; fashion, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical establishments; and online retail businesses.
62 U.S. institutions graduated 1,362 Retail Management students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 52.0212, a specialization of Business Administration (CIP 52.02), and leads most directly to the General and Operations Managers occupation (BLS SOC 11-1021).
About Retail Management programs
A program that prepares individuals to manage the operations of a wide variety of retail businesses, including department stores; independent and chain stores; fashion, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical establishments; and online retail businesses. Includes instruction in retail management, merchandise management, customer service management, marketing, organizational behavior, accounting, finance, business law, and personnel management.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Retail Management program, a specialization within Business Administration, prepares individuals to effectively manage various retail operations. This program is designed for those interested in overseeing department stores, independent and chain stores, and online retail businesses, equipping them with essential management skills for the retail sector.
Students in the Retail Management program gain knowledge in areas such as retail management, customer service management, marketing, and finance. Coursework emphasizes skills like critical thinking, effective communication, and personnel management, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the dynamic retail environment.
Credentials awarded
What Retail Management graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year875 graduates / yr · 40 institutions64%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years222 graduates / yr · 9 institutions16%
- Bachelor's degree95 graduates / yr · 5 institutions7.0%
- Associate's degree91 graduates / yr · 15 institutions6.7%
- Master's degree79 graduates / yr · 4 institutions5.8%
Graduates over time
Retail Management completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 336 |
| 2013 | 365 |
| 2014 | 464 |
| 2015 | 691 |
| 2016 | 684 |
| 2017 | 598 |
| 2018 | 881 |
| 2019 | 1,039 |
| 2020 | 988 |
| 2021 | 1,006 |
| 2022 | 958 |
| 2023 | 985 |
| 2024 | 1,434 |
| 2025 | 1,362 |
Top 50 institutions for Retail Management, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cerritos College Norwalk, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 615 | 31% | — | $56,738 |
| 2 | Fresno City College Fresno, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 136 | 24% | — | $27,966 |
| 3 | Sinclair Community College Dayton, OHPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 114 | 41% | — | $13,181 |
| 4 | University of Arizona Tucson, AZPublicBachelor's | 83 | 68% | — | $50,924 |
| 5 | Central New Mexico Community College Albuquerque, NMPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 60 | 31% | — | $37,010 |
| 6 | LIM College New York, NYPrivate for-profitMaster's | 58 | 51% | $37,014 | — |
| 7 | Baton Rouge Community College Baton Rouge, LAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 39 | 31% | — | — |
| 8 | Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids, MIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 33 | 21% | — | $41,712 |
| 9 | City Colleges of Chicago - Olive - Harvey College Chicago, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 21 | 21% | — | — |
| 10 | Clover Park Technical College Lakewood, WAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 20 | 43% | — | — |
| 11 | Lemoore College Lemoore, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 17 | 49% | — | $30,880 |
| 12 | Phoenix College Phoenix, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 14 | 14% | — | $56,057 |
| 13 | Shasta College Redding, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 13 | 23% | — | — |
| 14 | University of North Texas Denton, TXPublicMaster's | 13 | 61% | — | $53,194 |
| 15 | Mohave Community College Kingman, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 38% | — | — |
| 16 | St. John's University - New York Queens, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 9 | 66% | $27,359 | $38,550 |
| 17 | Austin Community College District Austin, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 9 | 20% | — | — |
| 18 | Drexel University Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 7 | 78% | $36,004 | $61,478 |
| 19 | San Joaquin Delta College Stockton, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 35% | — | — |
| 20 | Glendale Community College Glendale, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 5 | 16% | — | — |
| 21 | Santa Ana College Santa Ana, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 5 | 31% | — | $30,315 |
| 22 | Moraine Valley Community College Palos Hills, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 40% | — | — |
| 23 | Tarrant County College District Fort Worth, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 34% | — | $38,168 |
| 24 | Mt San Antonio College Walnut, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 4 | 45% | — | $28,460 |
| 25 | Rio Salado College Tempe, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 3 | 9% | — | — |
| 26 | Modesto Junior College Modesto, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 3 | 30% | — | $28,331 |
| 27 | Pasadena City College Pasadena, CAPublicAssociate's | 3 | 48% | — | $20,816 |
| 28 | San Diego Mesa College San Diego, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 3 | 35% | — | $40,642 |
| 29 | Delgado Community College New Orleans, LAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 3 | 24% | — | $27,509 |
| 30 | College of Southern Maryland La Plata, MDPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 3 | 33% | — | — |
| 31 | Highline College Des Moines, WAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 3 | 35% | — | — |
| 32 | Central Arizona College Coolidge, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 27% | — | — |
| 33 | Chaffey College Rancho Cucamonga, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 36% | — | — |
| 34 | Columbia College Sonora, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 27% | — | — |
| 35 | San Bernardino Valley College San Bernardino, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 28% | — | $44,999 |
| 36 | Connecticut State Community College New Britain, CTPublicAssociate's | 2 | 24% | — | $46,393 |
| 37 | College of Southern Idaho Twin Falls, IDPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 33% | — | $34,368 |
| 38 | Anoka - Ramsey Community College Coon Rapids, MNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 30% | — | — |
| 39 | Midlands Technical College West Columbia, SCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 18% | — | $31,245 |
| 40 | Norco College Norco, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 2 | 42% | — | — |
| 41 | GateWay Community College Phoenix, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 29% | — | $42,264 |
| 42 | Mesa Community College Mesa, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 16% | — | — |
| 43 | University of Arkansas Fayetteville, ARPublicBachelor's | 1 | 71% | — | $56,456 |
| 44 | American River College Sacramento, CAPublicAssociate's | 1 | 37% | — | — |
| 45 | Butte College Oroville, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1 | 45% | — | — |
| 46 | El Camino Community College District Torrance, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 42% | — | — |
| 47 | Irvine Valley College Irvine, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1 | 57% | — | — |
| 48 | Los Angeles Trade Technical College Los Angeles, CAPublicAssociate's | 1 | 35% | — | — |
| 49 | Los Angeles Valley College Valley Glen, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 32% | — | — |
| 50 | Los Angeles City College Los Angeles, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 29% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Business Administration field (CIP 52.02) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 20 states & territories
Where Retail Management graduates come from. Each state links to all Business Administration programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 24 | 823 | Cerritos College615 / yr |
| Arizona | 9 | 120 | University of Arizona83 / yr |
| Ohio | 1 | 114 | Sinclair Community College114 / yr |
| New York | 3 | 68 | LIM College58 / yr |
| New Mexico | 1 | 60 | Central New Mexico Community College60 / yr |
| Louisiana | 2 | 42 | Baton Rouge Community College39 / yr |
| Michigan | 1 | 33 | Grand Rapids Community College33 / yr |
| Washington | 6 | 27 | Clover Park Technical College20 / yr |
| Texas | 3 | 27 | University of North Texas13 / yr |
| Illinois | 2 | 26 | City Colleges of Chicago - Olive - Harvey College21 / yr |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | 7 | Drexel University7 / yr |
| Maryland | 1 | 3 | College of Southern Maryland3 / yr |
| Connecticut | 1 | 2 | Connecticut State Community College2 / yr |
| Idaho | 1 | 2 | College of Southern Idaho2 / yr |
| Minnesota | 1 | 2 | Anoka - Ramsey Community College2 / yr |
| South Carolina | 1 | 2 | Midlands Technical College2 / yr |
| Arkansas | 1 | 1 | University of Arkansas1 / yr |
| Massachusetts | 1 | 1 | Western New England University1 / yr |
| Puerto Rico | 1 | 1 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico - Ponce1 / yr |
| Missouri | 1 | 1 | City Vision University1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 11-1021, General and Operations Managers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Retail Management program can pursue careers as General and Operations Managers or First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers. The job outlook for these positions is about as fast as average, with an expected growth rate of 4.4% and approximately 308,700 annual openings. The median wage for these roles is $102,950, typically requiring a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 52.0212
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
General and Operations Managersprimary SOC 11-1021 | $105,770 | +4.4% About as fast as average | ~308,700 | Bachelor's degree |
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers SOC 41-1011 | $48,520 | -5.0% Decline | ~125,100 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Business Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1011 | $99,080 | +5.7% Faster than average | ~8,100 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Personal Service Managers, All Other SOC 11-9179 | $69,770 | +6.5% Faster than average | ~2,100 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Retail Management programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Review financial statements, sales or activity reports, or other performance data to measure productivity or goal achievement or to identify areas needing cost reduction or program improvement.
- Direct and coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with the production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products.
- Direct administrative activities directly related to making products or providing services.
- Prepare staff work schedules and assign specific duties.
- Direct or coordinate financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.
- Plan or direct activities, such as sales promotions, that require coordination with other department managers.
Tools and technology used
Other Business Administration specializations
The 16 other 6-digit CIP codes under Business Administration (CIP 52.02).
- Business Administration and ManagementCIP 52.0201348,906 graduates / yr2,305 institutions
- Organizational LeadershipCIP 52.021316,743 graduates / yr548 institutions
- Business AdministrationCIP 52.029912,575 graduates / yr296 institutions
- Operations Management and SupervisionCIP 52.020511,666 graduates / yr144 institutions
- Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain ManagementCIP 52.020311,155 graduates / yr377 institutions
- Project ManagementCIP 52.02116,015 graduates / yr190 institutions
- Office Management and SupervisionCIP 52.02042,955 graduates / yr196 institutions
- Non-Profit/CIP 52.0206
Public/ Organizational Management 2,409 graduates / yr175 institutions - PurchasingCIP 52.0202800 graduates / yr35 institutions
- Transportation/CIP 52.0209
Mobility Management 502 graduates / yr31 institutions - E-Commerce/CIP 52.0208
Electronic Commerce 414 graduates / yr35 institutions - Science/CIP 52.0216
Technology Management 399 graduates / yr29 institutions - Research and Development ManagementCIP 52.0210318 graduates / yr24 institutions
- Customer Service ManagementCIP 52.0207237 graduates / yr17 institutions
- Risk ManagementCIP 52.0215236 graduates / yr17 institutions
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Research Administration52.0214
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
Common questions
What types of businesses will I learn to manage?+
You will learn to manage a variety of retail businesses, including department stores, chain stores, and online retailers.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in management, customer service, marketing, and financial analysis.
What is the job outlook for retail management graduates?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 4.4% and around 308,700 annual openings.
What credentials can I earn in this program?+
You can earn various credentials, including awards of less than 1 academic year, associate's degrees, and bachelor's degrees.
What is the CIP code for Retail Management?+
Retail Management is CIP 52.0212 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Business Administration (CIP 52.02). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to manage the operations of a wide variety of retail businesses, including department stores; independent and chain stores; fashion, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical establishments; and online retail businesses. Includes instruction in retail management, merchandise management, customer service management, marketing, organizational behavior, accounting, finance, business law, and personnel management.
How many institutions offer Retail Management programs?+
62 U.S. institutions reported Retail Management graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 20 states & territories, awarding 1,362 credentials in the year. That is 0.3% of all Business Administration graduates.
How much do Retail Management graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The General and Operations Managers occupation, which Retail Management most directly leads to, pays a median of $105,770 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Business Administration field report median earnings of $37,010 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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