Guide to Online Associate's Degrees in Sales

When you stop and think about it, sales drive our economy. As consumers, we buy stuff every day. From groceries to clothes to televisions, we’re a nation of shoppers. If you have ever been interested in why people buy the things they do, and how to get them to buy what you have to sell, then a sales associate degree might be for you.

The great thing about getting a sales associate degree is the fact that it’s so flexible. If you have a degree in sales then you can sell pretty much anything: from cars, to manufacturing machinery, to sweaters. This means that you can live, and work, pretty much anywhere you choose. And that’s always a good thing.

Another great thing about getting a sales associate degree is that it gives you the chance to make a pretty great income, but it all depends on what you’re selling.

For example, if you’re in a retail environment selling things like clothing or shoes you’re not going to make that much, probably $10 an hour. And really, for retail sales you don’t need a degree anyway. But, if you get into the manufacturing, wholesale, tech, medical, or scientific sector you can make a really great living, especially if you’re good at what you do. In these industries, you can count on $50,000 upwards to six figures. But it all depends on your skills as a salesperson.

Your job as a sales associate will be to make sure that you communicate the benefits of your company’s products, not just the features.

For example, the new Widget AXI that you’re selling is streamlined, lightweight, and comes in a new snazzy black color. These are features. Features are facts.

Benefits, however, tell your customers “what’s in it for them”. A good salesperson will tell their customer that the Widget AXI is streamlined to cut down on wind resistance (which saves them money in energy costs), lightweight (again to save money on energy costs), and black (because that color soaks up the sun’s heat, which is then turned into power, which then saves them money in operating costs).

See the difference between features and benefits? With a sales associate degree, you’ll learn how to immediately tell the difference between features and benefits. That knowledge will help you earn more money selling products.

With a sales associate degree you’ll be learning things like:

Communication skills
Buying behavior
Organizational skills
Accounting
Sales and Marketing
Management techniques
And much more!

Skilled sales reps are in extremely high demand right now. Because companies compete so heavily for market share, they’re always looking for skilled professional to help sell their products. Sales jobs are expected to grow at least as fast as the national average.

So, if you enjoy talking with people and think you’d love a career networking and closing deals, then getting a sales associate degree might be the perfect path for you.

Guide to Online Associates Degree Programs

Associate degree holders generally have better job prospects than those with only a high school diploma. Earning an associate degree usually takes two years, and doing so in at an online school can be much more convenient than at a traditional campus. Below are the top accredited online schools offering associate degrees in the US.

	With one of the largest offerings of accredited online associate degrees, Post University is consistently highly rated by its students because of its flexibility and affordability. All associate degrees offered are fully accredited. Post was founded in 1890 and has been providing highly-rated degree programs to students ever since with an emphasis on practicality and application. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The University of Phoenix was one of the first accredited colleges to offer online degrees. Today, it has grown to become one of the nation's largest universities through its online division and campuses coast to coast. They remain one of the top choices for students looking for an associates degree online because of the broad array of choice and affordability they offer students. Read full school profile » Request Information
	With perhaps the largest number of online associates degrees offered, Kaplan University's degrees are fully accredited, affordable, and offer a flexibility that many other online schools cannot match. This unrivaled selection spans several industries, hundreds of specializations, and all degree levels of education, empowering students to choose their own path to a career. Read full school profile » Request Information
	One of the nation's leading Christian universities, Liberty offers a broad range of accredited associate degrees online. Their incorporation of moral and ethical considerations into study make them a popular choice for students seeking a well-rounded education built on academic integrity. Established in 1985, Liberty University has one of the longest-standing online education programs in the country. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The online associates degrees at Everest University can be completed in under 2 years, making this a great way for students to quickly works towards their life goals. An associates degree can give you a jump-start on your career and open opportunities around every corner. Many of the programs help students pursue positions in ever-growing fields. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Virginia College offers a wide range of accredited associates programs. VC takes several steps in helping students pays for college by offering financial aid to those who qualify, including textbooks in the tuition cost, and providing online programs that can be completed under two (2) years, giving students a quick way to jump start their careers. Read full school profile » Request Information
	DeVry University is a highly-regarded leader in education with campuses across the nation and several online degrees available. DeVry focuses on providing degrees centered in the technology industry or fields that require a broad understanding and need for technical skills. DeVry has several highly popular degrees like Accounting, Web Graphic Design, Health IT, and Network Systems Administration. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Strayer University has over the last decade become one of the most respected schools offering accredited online associate degrees. Their strong reputation among employers, broad course offerings, and over one hundred years in education make them consistently a top choice for students. Strayer has over 85 campuses and 60,000 students currently attending online or at one of its campuses. Read full school profile » Request Information