Academic Catalogs

Retail Management, Certificate of Achievement

Banner Code: 2_CN_RMGT

Control Number: 19379

Financial Aid Eligible


This Retail Management Certificate, designed in collaboration with industry leaders, prepares individuals for promotion in management in the retail field. This program is also intended to help students develop an understanding of the retail manager’s job and the requirements for success in the retail environment.

Individuals completing the prescribed courses are eligible to receive both the Golden West College Certificate of Achievement and the Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) Retail Management Certificate.

The certificate is designed to prepare current and future retail employees for the fast-paced challenges in a competitive retail industry. This certificate includes business essentials such as accounting and marketing, and also emphasizes the “soft skills” of behavioral management and communication required for career success. Completion of the Retail Management certificate enhances the opportunity for entry employment as well as advancement in a retail career.

Program Level Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

  1. Develop a business plan for a small business which will include a mission statement, organizational structure, financial plan, cost analysis, and logistics and supply chain management.
  2. Develop guidelines for customer service for both suppliers and customers.
  3. Incorporate business solutions software to logistics and supply chains.
  4. Develop employment guidelines following Federal policies governing affirmative action and the American Disabilities Act.

Potential careers students may enter upon completion are as follows:

  • First line supervisors of retail sales workers
  • Retail salespersons
  • Administrative service managers
  • Sales representatives, services

Review Graduation Requirements.

Course Title Units
Required Courses
ACCT G100Introduction to Accounting3
BUS G139Business Communication3
or BUS G130 Introduction to Business Writing
CS G130Survey Of Computer Science/Information Technology4
MGMT G110Elements Of Management3
MGMT G111Human Resources Management3
MGMT G115Essentials of Organizational Behavior3
MKTG G100Principles Of Marketing3
MKTG G135Retail Management3
Suggested Electives
ACCT G102Managerial Accounting4
ACCT G215Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Internal Controls3
BUS G100Introduction To Business3
BUS G108Legal Environment of Business3
CMST G110Public Speaking3
MGMT G152Starting a Business - Entrepreneurial Small Business3
MGMT G130Team Building And Group Dynamics3
MGMT G140Business and Organizational Ethics3
Total Units25

Recommended Program Sequence

These sequences are general maps for students to finish all requirements for the Certificate. There may be advisories or time requirements that students may want to consider before following these maps. Students are advised to meet with a GWC Counselor for alternate sequencing.

Year 1:

Course Title Units
Semester 1
ACCT G100Introduction to Accounting3
CS G130Survey Of Computer Science/Information Technology4
MGMT G110Elements Of Management3
ENGL G100Freshman Composition (or placement)4
Units14
Course Title Units
Semester 2
BUS G130Introduction to Business Writing3
or BUS G139 Business Communication
MGMT G115Essentials of Organizational Behavior3
MKTG G100Principles Of Marketing3
MKTG G135Retail Management3
Units12

Year 2:

Course Title Units
Semester 3
MGMT G111Human Resources Management3
Select one of the following:3-4
ACCT G102Managerial Accounting4
ACCT G215Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Internal Controls3
BUS G100Introduction To Business3
BUS G108Legal Environment of Business3
CMST G110Public Speaking3
MGMT G130Team Building And Group Dynamics3
MGMT G140Business and Organizational Ethics3
MGMT G152Starting a Business - Entrepreneurial Small Business3
Units6-7