Professional Selling Minor

Virtually any position benefits from sales skills. The 18-credit Sales Management minor provides the student an opportunity to develop and document an understanding of sales management issues. To be granted this minor, the student must complete at least 9 credit hours of 6600 courses, in addition to the requirements for any other major, minor, or certificate that has been earned.

Experts estimate that almost 10 percent of all U.S. employment is accounted for by people working in sales. The job performance of members of the sales force is often crucial for the overall success of the firm. The Sales Management minor enables students to develop knowledge and skills in sales management that will complement their major.

This minor provides the student an opportunity to develop and document an understanding of sales management issues. A total of 18 credit hours are required for this minor.  The student must complete 9 credit hours of required courses and 9 credit hours must be selected from a list of electives.

To be granted this minor, the student must complete at least 9 credit hours of 6600 courses in addition to the requirements for any other major, minor, or certificate that has been earned.

Required - 9 credits

Course Number Course Name Credits
6600:275 Professional Selling 3
6600:475 Business Negotiations 3
6600:478 Advanced Professional Selling 3

Electives - 9 credits

6100:101 Business Issues in a Connected World 3
6600:480 Sales Management 3
6300:201 Introduction to Entrepreneurship 3
6400:200 Foundations in Personal Finance
6400:343 Investments 3
6400:417 Retirement Planning (Fall only) 3
6600:205 Marketing Principles 3
6500:302 Organizational Behavior and Leadership Skills 3
6500:341 Human Resource Management 3
6500:457 International Management 3
6800:421 Foreign Market Entry 3
Total Credits Required 18

Akron Advantage

The program is accredited at the highest possible level by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The College of Business Administration is considered to be one of the best business schools by Princeton Review and ranked in the top 6 percent of all undergraduate programs by BusinessWeek.

Hands-On Research

Our sales students get a lot of practice making sales calls and conducting business negotiations in our newly renovated Fisher Sales Laboratory. This seven room complex provides an opportunity for students to get immediate feedback and advice on how to improve performance in sales interactions.

Real-World Experience

Our students also gain insights into the world of business by interacting with leading executives who work in sales. Members of the Executive Advisory Board for the Fisher Institute for Professional Selling often speak to classes, meet with sales students at events, and provide key insights about the world of sales.

Sales Management Student Organizations:

The University of Akron has a chapter of Pi Sigma Epsilon, the national, co-ed, professional fraternity for sales and marketing. The Akron chapter has a long history of excellence within national competitions.


Sample Curriculum


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For More Information:

Department of Marketing

Contact: Adam Hemminger

Career Opportunities

Career Outlook

Career opportunities in sales are also expected to increase as products and services become more complex, more technical, and more expensive. Customers need the expert advice and assistance of sales representatives as they examine the numerous market offerings available.

Career Services

Career Services is located in Student Union 211, with another office in College of Arts and Sciences Building 126. Career Services provides career coaching and programming, and develops valuable relationships with employers and campus partners to provide students with many opportunities for experiential learning and career development.