Looking For a Promotion?

ACC’s Retail Management program isn’t just for those looking to work in retail – it’s also for those already working in retail.

ACC is the No. 1 community college in Colorado that offers this certificate and associates program, which began in 2012 and has been going strong for 3 years.

“This program was created hand-in-hand with Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC),” said Connie Strain, business department chair at ACC.

They take people from retail, especially those who are older or those who have never gone to college, and through this program, help them get an education and move up.

“People who are looking to move up while in retail should take the certificate,” Strain said.

“Companies are so supportive of this program, they pay tuition,” Strain said. “King Soopers pays 100 percent of the tuition. Other retailers provide significant tuition reimbursement.”

Locally, the primary retailers supporting the program are King Soopers, Albertsons, Safeway and Loaf N’ Jug.

Companies use this program to fill positions and find employees. If a current employee takes these classes and gets the certificate, they tend to get promoted quickly.

“[This program] provides an opportunity for those interested in a career of moving up,” Strain said.

Many of the students who receive the certificate go on to earn their associates. The classes taken to receive the certificate are also needed to earn the associates. Students will be almost halfway finished with all the classes by the time they earn the certificate.

ACC offers all of these courses online for those with tight schedules and busy hours at their current retail jobs. Although if students want to take a course at a campus, Littleton offers them all and the Parker and Castle Rock campuses offer some.

The Retail Management program helps with a variety of industries:

• Grocery
• Fashion
• Food and Beverage
• Home Interior
• Technology
• Services
• E-commerce
• Multiple business areas:
• Sales to marketing
• Management to customer service
• Accounting to logistics
• Information technology to human resources

Retail Management Associates Degree:
General Education Courses: 15 credit hours
Major Courses: 30 credit hours
Elective Courses: 15 credit hours
TOTAL: 60 credit hours

Retail Management Certificate:

• BUS 217
• CIS 118
• MAN 128
• MAN 200
• MAN 226
• MAR 117
• MAR 216

Click here for more information about the Retail Management Certificate, participating employers and FAQs.