Online Sales Management Schools

Sales Management Programs

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Sales managers motivate teams of sales professionals, set long-term sales goals, and implement plans to gain customers. An online sales management degree prepares graduates for lucrative careers. The median salary for sales managers exceeds $132,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Our list ranks the top online sales management schools to help prospective students find the best fit for their career goals. This page also introduces sales management salary data, common sales management courses, and the cost of a sales management degree.

FAQ

Why Get a Degree in Sales Management?

A degree in sales management trains students for lucrative careers. Many sales occupations offer above-average salaries, such as sales engineers and advertising sales agents. Sales management majors strengthen their business administration, marketing, and strategic planning skills. The degree also builds research and analytical abilities.

Online sales management schools offer a flexible and accessible route to a degree. The flexibility of the online format often appeals to working students and other busy learners balancing school with other responsibilities.

How Much Does a Sales Management Degree Cost?

The cost of a sales management degree varies by factors like school, location, and delivery format. Public colleges typically charge lower tuition rates than private schools. For example, in-state public university students pay an average of $9,200 per year in bachelor's programs, while out-of-state public school students pay around $26,000 per year. Private universities charge an average of nearly $32,000 per year in tuition and fees.

Two-year colleges generally cost less than four-year colleges. At public community colleges, for instance, in-state students spend around $3,300 per year on tuition and fees. Students seeking a bachelor's degree can save money by enrolling in a community college for their associate degree and then transferring to a four-year college or university.

An online sales management program can also help students save money on their degree. Many online sales management programs offer tuition discounts for fully online learners. Online enrollees also save on some of the expenses that on-campus students incur, such as commuting costs.

Additional Online Student Fees for Sales Management

In addition to tuition, online students may need to pay technology, textbook, and graduation expenses. Distance learners must meet any technology requirements for their program, which may require purchasing or upgrading a laptop, buying a webcam, and/or investing in sales software programs. Any in-person components that require a campus visit can also add to a degree's cost.

After earning a sales management degree, sales professionals may need to spend money on professional certifications, business start-up costs, and other expenses.

How Much Do Sales Management Majors Make?

An online sales management degree prepares graduates for jobs like sales manager. These professionals earn a median annual salary of over $132,000. The highest-paid sales managers earn more than $208,000 per year.

Several factors contribute to the earning potential for sales management majors, including location, industry, and experience. For example, sales managers in finance and insurance earn median salaries of over $163,000 per year, while those in the retail trade sector make around $93,000 per year.

Many sales manager jobs require several years of related experience. To gain this experience, graduates with a sales management degree can work as wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives, who make a median salary of $65,400 per year. They can also work as advertising sales agents, who make a median annual salary of $55,000.

Courses in Sales Management

Sales management careers require strong leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills. Students in sales management programs study core concepts in marketing, business administration, and sales to gain the knowledge and skills required for supervisory roles.

During an online sales management program, learners also strengthen their market research and analytical skills through courses in strategic marketing and customer service. Some sales management online schools incorporate an internship, giving students hands-on experience. Courses vary by program, but this section introduces common sales management courses.

• Professional Sales Management

  In this course, learners study topics like data analysis, presentation, and management within a sales context. Students complete sales presentations, analyze the sales process, and study approaches to sales management. The course prepares graduates for careers in sales management.

• Strategic Marketing

  Strategic marketing courses introduce learners to marketing campaigns, data analysis techniques, and promotion strategies. Coursework prepares students to identify consumer needs, research target markets, and set prices for goods and services. The course strengthens analytical and market research skills through case studies, projects, and assignments.

• Customer Service

  Strong customer service skills help sales professionals succeed. In this course, learners study topics like customer needs, services marketing, and service quality. Sales management students also learn to analyze service delivery and improve customer service.

Sales Management Certifications

Professional certifications demonstrate sales and management abilities. These voluntary credentials can help sales representatives and sales managers advance their careers. Many certifications require or recommend previous experience and/or a degree in sales.

For example, the American Marketing Association (AMA) offers the professional certified marketer (PCM) credential. Although the certification does not set eligibility requirements, the AMA recommends that candidates hold a bachelor's degree and four years of marketing experience, a master's degree and two years of marketing experience, or seven years of marketing experience for those without a degree.

To earn the PCM credential, candidates typically take practice exams, study for the test, and build their skills. Candidates must then pass a 100-question exam to earn their certification.

How to Become a Sales Manager

Sales managers typically need a bachelor's degree and professional experience in sales. During a sales management program, learners study concepts in accounting, finance, sales, marketing, and management. Sales management programs may also incorporate an internship to give students hands-on experience.

Best Online Sales Management Schools