Retail Management (APRM)

Associate in Applied Science

This associate degree program prepares students to be knowledgeable, capable, and enthusiastic employees who can handle both customer-facing and behind-the-scenes jobs in a retail setting. These retail jobs can be divided into 4 main areas:

  • customer relations,
  • store upkeep,
  • product handling, and
  • administration.

Students who complete this associate degree will have had exposure to all 4 of these areas, and will gain the skills and knowledge to project a can-do, professional, and results-focused attitude.

This is a high demand, high skill and high wage program as defined by the Michigan Community College Network.

Career Outlook in Michigan

124,511Median Earnings

281Annual Job Openings

6% 10 Year Employment Growth

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63,460Median Earnings

2623Annual Job Openings

14% 10 Year Employment Growth

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61,550Median Earnings

1808Annual Job Openings

-2% 10 Year Employment Growth

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61,550Median Earnings

1808Annual Job Openings

-2% 10 Year Employment Growth

Learn More

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2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24

Program is also available online

2023-2024 Academic Requirements

This program emphasizes both the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills needed to succeed in both customer-facing and behind-the-scenes jobs in any type of retail setting. The curriculum was developed with input from industry experts and topics include the role of retailing in the supply chain, retailing formats and locations, organizational structure and key positions, growth and expansion, consumer communication, and brands and private labels. Student also learn about productivity, operational and financial measures, purchasing and inventory control, pricing schemes, and merchandise layout and presentation.

Students will take restricted electives toward completing a certificate as part of the program requirement in one of the following areas (9-16 credits): Accounting for Business Certificate, Human Resource Management (HRM) Certificate, Business Sales and Marketing Certificate, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Certificate, Management Advanced Certificate or a Certificate or Degree in any occupational/technical area.

Eastern Michigan University, BS and BBA degrees

Copies can be obtained from the Counseling Office, a program advisor, or from the Curriculum and Assessment Office Web site: https://www.wccnet.edu/learn/transfer-wcc-credits/articulation-agreements.php .

Division
Business/Computer Technologies
Department
Business Department
Advisors
Donna Rochester
Rhonda GIlmore
Christie Pagel
Devin Streur
First Semester
Class Title Minimum Credits
BMG 205   Creating the Customer Experience 3
BMG 206   Retail Principles and Practices 3
ENG 111   Composition I 4
Elective   Soc. Sci. Elective(s) 1 3
  Restricted Elective(s) 1: Choose a course toward completion of selected certificate. 3
Total 16
Second Semester
Class Title Minimum Credits
BMG 228   Purchasing and Inventory Control 3
Elective   Nat. Sci. Elective(s) 3
MTH 125 or   Everyday College Math
MTH 160 or   Basic Statistics
Elective   Math Elective(s) Any math level 4 or higher course 3
COM 101 or   Fundamentals of Speaking
COM 102   Interpersonal Communication 3
  Restricted Elective(s) 2: Choose a course toward completion of selected certificate. 3
Total 15
Third Semester
Class Title Minimum Credits
BMG 273   Managing Operations 3
BMG 275   Business and Supply Chain Analytics 4
Elective   Soc. Sci. Elective(s) 2 3
Elective   Arts/Human. Elective(s) 1 3
  Restricted Elective(s) 3: Choose a course toward completion of selected certificate. 3
Total 16
Fourth Semester
Class Title Minimum Credits
BMG 230   Principles of Management 3
BMG 295   Supply Chain Field Studies 2
Elective   Nat. Sci. Lab Elective(s) 3
Elective   Arts/Human. Elective(s) 2 3
  Restricted Elective(s) 4 0-7 credits: Choose course(s) toward completion of selected certificate as needed.
Elective   MTA Elective(s) (0-2 credits) to reach minimum 30 MTA credits 2
Total 13

Total Credits Required
60