Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I consider the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Management-Retail Option? How do I know this is a good fit for me? The Retail Management Program is perfect for anyone interested in either pursuing a career in retail or advancing into a management position. This program gives you a solid foundation in basic business principles and practices with a special emphasis in retail management, markets, and consumers.   Upon completion of this program, you will possess the knowledge and skills to be competitive in the retail industry.

What makes this program unique? NWACC’s Retail Management Program offers students across the United States access to a quality education at an affordable price in a convenient and flexible format. Once you’ve enrolled, log on from your home broadband-enabled computer to access course content, converse with your instructors and fellow classmates, perform research and submit course assignments.

Quality – Northwest Arkansas Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, a regional accreditation body. Regional accreditation is the most recognized and accepted type of accreditation in the United States.* Program courses are taught by seasoned instructors who have retail business experience.

Affordable – Total tuition costs for the Associate of Applied Science Business Management degree are under $7,500, including obtaining a Business Management certificate and Retail Management certificate along the way. Tuition is charged on a pay-as-you go basis, and there is no minimum number of courses you may enroll in. Typical per-course costs are under $350.  If qualified, students enrolled in the NWACC Business Management course program are eligible to apply for federal  and/or state financial aid.

Convenient – This program is delivered 100% online, and you can access and enroll from anywhere in the United States that has broadband internet access. Regardless of your other work and life commitments, online education also means you’re not locked into a fixed weekly schedule where you must appear in-person for class.  

Flexible - You can enroll part-time or full-time for as little as 1 course or up to 5 courses per semester.  Courses are offered in the fall, spring and two summer semesters, and you may start taking classes at any of those four entry points during the year.

Retail-Specific –Course content has been designed in collaboration with representatives from Walmart, Procter & Gamble, Walgreens, Frito Lay and other subject matter experts. The program itself was established with a $600,000 contribution from the Walmart Foundation.

Earn certificates along the way – A Business Management certificate (27 credit hours) and Retail Management certificate (21 credit hours) can both be obtained along the way to getting your Associates Degree (63 or 64 credit hours) for no additional cost.

What if I already have some college credit or a degree? You can transfer in college credits. If you already have a degree, retail or business certifications compliment any degree.

Is this degree transferable? All credits transfer into Bachelor Degree Programs at John Brown University (JBU), Franklin University, Webster University, University of Phoenix, Harding University, University of Central Arkansas, and University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.

What if I am not sure about taking online course? Sampling the Online Learning Experience - To take a free tutorial and experience the online learning environment with a Blackboard™ Tutorial go to http://www.nwacc.edu/disted/nwdewctt.php   and click on “Click here for student tutorials”.

What job will I be qualified for with this degree? You will be able to determine your level of interest in pursuing a career in the business industry.  From large corporations to single-site small businesses, the Retail Management Programs prepares you for career opportunities in marketing research, sales, human resources, finance, store operation management, manufacturing, computer information, design and other many areas.

What salary can I expect? According to the Salary Wizard at www.salary.com and the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics www.bls.gov the average salary range for retail managers is $31,400 and $57,520.

How do I apply and or get more information about the program? The Retail Management online admissions application can be completed at http://www.nwacc.edu/LSS/Adm.php. For more information about the Retail Management Degree program contact Kelley Rose, MBA, Business Faculty for the Retail Management Program via email at krose@nwacc.edu or by phone at 479-986-6780 or go online to http://www.nwacc.edu/academics/bcis/retailManagement/index.php.

For questions/comments on this content, please contact Tiphany Hall.

This page was last updated on:  December 21, 2009 @ 8:51 am