Best institutions to study Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations
A program that focuses on the general process and techniques of direct wholesale and retail buying and selling operations and introduces individuals to related careers.
138 U.S. institutions graduated 3,572 Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 52.1801, a specialization of General Sales (CIP 52.18), and leads most directly to the Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products occupation (BLS SOC 41-4012).
About Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations programs
A program that focuses on the general process and techniques of direct wholesale and retail buying and selling operations and introduces individuals to related careers. Includes instruction in the principles of entrepreneurial economics, basic sales skills, the distribution channels for goods and services, and supervised practical application experiences.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Sales program, officially titled Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations, General, is designed for individuals interested in the techniques and processes of wholesale and retail buying and selling. This program introduces students to various careers in sales, equipping them with essential skills for success in the business world.
Learn more about Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations →
Students in this program will gain knowledge in sales and marketing principles, customer service, and entrepreneurial economics. Coursework emphasizes practical applications, including sales skills, distribution channels, and effective communication techniques.
Credentials awarded
What Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree1,320 graduates / yr · 24 institutions37%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year867 graduates / yr · 68 institutions24%
- Associate's degree745 graduates / yr · 80 institutions21%
- Master's degree553 graduates / yr · 3 institutions16%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years66 graduates / yr · 13 institutions1.8%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate21 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.6%
Graduates over time
Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 2,475 |
| 2013 | 2,464 |
| 2014 | 2,600 |
| 2015 | 2,687 |
| 2016 | 2,960 |
| 2017 | 2,827 |
| 2018 | 3,247 |
| 2019 | 3,402 |
| 2020 | 3,285 |
| 2021 | 3,351 |
| 2022 | 3,191 |
| 2023 | 3,318 |
| 2024 | 3,274 |
| 2025 | 3,572 |
Top 50 institutions for Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations, 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 | CUNY Bernard M Baruch College New York, NYPublicBachelor's | 540 | 72% | — | $41,897 |
| 2 | New York University New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 521 | 88% | $29,023 | — |
| 3 | Texas A&M University - College Station College Station, TXPublicBachelor's | 292 | 84% | — | $66,372 |
| 4 | West Chester University of Pennsylvania West Chester, PAPublicBachelor's | 197 | 71% | — | — |
| 5 | Santa Monica College Santa Monica, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 159 | 36% | — | — |
| 6 | Greenville Technical College Greenville, SCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 106 | 21% | — | $27,524 |
| 7 | Cerritos College Norwalk, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 80 | 31% | — | — |
| 8 | Orange Coast College Costa Mesa, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 61 | 48% | — | — |
| 9 | Ohio University - Main Campus Athens, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert.Master's | 57 | 65% | — | — |
| 10 | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Minneapolis, MNPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 51 | 85% | — | $51,066 |
| 11 | Los Angeles Valley College Valley Glen, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 48 | 32% | — | — |
| 12 | Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GAPublicBachelor's | 45 | 52% | — | $72,092 |
| 13 | Midlands Technical College West Columbia, SCPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 44 | 18% | — | $28,150 |
| 14 | College of the Canyons Santa Clarita, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 39 | 45% | — | — |
| 15 | Baylor University Waco, TXPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 36 | 80% | $35,682 | $84,271 |
| 16 | Diablo Valley College Pleasant Hill, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 31 | 49% | — | — |
| 17 | Ana G. Mendez University Orlando, FLPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 31 | — | — | — |
| 18 | Pasadena City College Pasadena, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 30 | 48% | — | — |
| 19 | City College of San Francisco San Francisco, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 29 | 40% | — | — |
| 20 | Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 29 | 70% | $28,133 | $45,947 |
| 21 | Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Green Bay, WIPublicAssociate's | 29 | 51% | — | — |
| 22 | Chippewa Valley Technical College Eau Claire, WIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 29 | 50% | — | — |
| 23 | Sierra College Rocklin, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 28 | 42% | — | — |
| 24 | Des Moines Area Community College Ankeny, IAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 27 | 39% | — | — |
| 25 | Saddleback College Mission Viejo, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 26 | 48% | — | — |
| 26 | Ventura College Ventura, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 26 | 38% | — | — |
| 27 | Minnesota State Community and Technical College Fergus Falls, MNPublicAssociate's | 26 | 47% | — | $39,563 |
| 28 | Bowling Green State University - Main Campus Bowling Green, OHPublicBachelor's | 26 | 64% | — | $58,773 |
| 29 | University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh Oshkosh, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 24 | 46% | — | $54,213 |
| 30 | MiraCosta College Oceanside, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 23 | 41% | — | — |
| 31 | Fresno City College Fresno, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 20 | 24% | — | — |
| 32 | Glendale Community College Glendale, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 20 | 37% | — | — |
| 33 | Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids, MIPublicAssociate's | 20 | 21% | — | — |
| 34 | Central New Mexico Community College Albuquerque, NMPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 20 | 31% | — | — |
| 35 | Milwaukee Area Technical College Milwaukee, WIPublicAssociate's | 20 | 25% | — | — |
| 36 | New York Institute of Technology Old Westbury, NYPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 19 | 59% | $22,158 | — |
| 37 | Gateway Technical College Kenosha, WIPublicAssociate's | 19 | 51% | — | — |
| 38 | Mt San Antonio College Walnut, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 18 | 45% | — | — |
| 39 | San Jose City College San Jose, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 18 | 34% | — | — |
| 40 | University of Akron Main Campus Akron, OHPublicBachelor's | 18 | 52% | — | $49,605 |
| 41 | Florence - Darlington Technical College Florence, SCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 18 | 34% | — | — |
| 42 | Hawkeye Community College Waterloo, IAPublicAssociate's | 17 | 43% | — | — |
| 43 | Northland Community and Technical College Thief River Falls, MNPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 17 | 56% | — | — |
| 44 | De Anza College Cupertino, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 16 | 68% | — | — |
| 45 | College of DuPage Glen Ellyn, ILPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 16 | 25% | — | — |
| 46 | Waukesha County Technical College Pewaukee, WIPublicAssociate's | 16 | 44% | — | — |
| 47 | Long Beach City College Long Beach, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 15 | 30% | — | — |
| 48 | Riverside City College Riverside, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 15 | 37% | — | — |
| 49 | High Point University High Point, NCPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 15 | 74% | $37,072 | — |
| 50 | Moraine Park Technical College Fond du Lac, WIPublicAssociate's | 15 | 58% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader General Sales field (CIP 52.18) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 27 states & territories
Where Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations graduates come from. Each state links to all General Sales programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 41-4012, Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Sales program can pursue careers such as Sales Representatives and Business Teachers. The job outlook is stable, with an annual opening of 114,800 positions and a median wage of $66,780. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for entry-level roles.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 52.1801
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Productsprimary SOC 41-4012 | $72,080 | +0.3% Little or no change | ~114,800 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Business Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1011 | $99,080 | +5.7% Faster than average | ~8,100 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products SOC 13-1022 | — | — | — | — |
Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products SOC 13-1023 | — | — | — | — |
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 Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations 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
- Answer customers' questions about products, prices, availability, product uses, and credit terms.
- Recommend products to customers, based on customers' needs and interests.
- Estimate or quote prices, credit or contract terms, warranties, and delivery dates.
- Consult with clients after sales or contract signings to resolve problems and to provide ongoing support.
- Prepare sales contracts and order forms.
- Provide customers with product samples and catalogs.
Tools and technology used
Other General Sales specializations
The 4 other 6-digit CIP codes under General Sales (CIP 52.18).
- Selling Skills and Sales OperationsCIP 52.18041,847 graduates / yr85 institutions
- Retailing and Retail OperationsCIP 52.1803960 graduates / yr22 institutions
- General Merchandising, Sales, and Related Marketing OperationsCIP 52.1899229 graduates / yr12 institutions
- Merchandising and Buying OperationsCIP 52.1802limited data50 graduates / yr2 institutions
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, Associate's degree, or an Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication.
What types of jobs can I get after graduation?+
You can work as a Sales Representative, Business Teacher, or in purchasing roles.
What is the job outlook for sales careers?+
The job outlook shows little or no change, with 114,800 annual openings expected.
What is the CIP code for Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations?+
Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations is CIP 52.1801 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within General Sales (CIP 52.18). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the general process and techniques of direct wholesale and retail buying and selling operations and introduces individuals to related careers. Includes instruction in the principles of entrepreneurial economics, basic sales skills, the distribution channels for goods and services, and supervised practical application experiences.
How many institutions offer Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations programs?+
138 U.S. institutions reported Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 27 states & territories, awarding 3,572 credentials in the year. That is 53.6% of all General Sales graduates.
How much do Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products occupation, which Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations most directly leads to, pays a median of $72,080 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader General Sales field report median earnings of $49,605 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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