Dealership Management Certificate

NOW ENROLLING SPRING 2017 (classes begin March 20, 2017)

Do you love fast cars, powerful tractors or sleek motorcycles? Turn your passion for all things automotive into a lucrative career with a certificate in dealership management.

In the U.S., auto dealerships employ more than a million people at above-median wages. A modern dealership is a sophisticated business in an industry with an appetite for talented, success-oriented people. This certificate provides both UNT Dallas students and working professionals an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of successful dealership operations and the principals of auto retailing.

This is NOT automotive repair. More than horsepower and towing capacity, this program provides an in-depth exploration of the management, marketing and legal/compliance challenges encountered by managers in a major segment of the U.S. economy. The program compliments a general business degree, and can open career opportunities for graduates.

This program also will be available as a stand-alone certificate starting Fall 2017 for working professionals currently in the automotive/dealership industry.

Career Opportunities

New Vehicle Sales Manager
Used Vehicle Sales Manager
General Sales Manager
Finance & Insurance Manager
Service Department Manager
Body Shop Manager
Director, Fixed or Variable Operations

Course Listings (21 semester credit hours required):

Introduction to the Global Auto Industry (3 Credits)

This course explores the role of dealerships as retail networks that connect manufacturers with consumers. Key concepts include “franchise” relationships, location selection, facility planning, financial requirements, sales forecasting, customer retention and societal impacts.

Dealership Variable Operations (3 Credits)

How are cars marketed to savvy consumers?Discover ways to connect consumers with the vehicles they want to own. Course topics include: evaluation of advertising channels, customer relationship management, training and employee retention, pay plan development, inventory control and remarketing.

Dealership Fixed Operations (3 Credits)*

Fixed Operations in the modern dealership includes the Parts, Mechanical Service and Collision Repair departments. When well executed, they drive customer retention and positive cash flow. Course topics include: customer relationship management, employee selection and retention, and operational management.

*Prerequisite: Introduction to the Global Auto Industry

Finance and Insurance/Regulatory and Compliance Issues (3 Credits)

An introduction to major federal regulations that affect the automotive retail, consumer finance and other consumer-oriented businesses.This course provides an opportunity to earn a nationally-recognized certificate from the Association of Finance and Insurance Professionals.Course material/testing lab fee required.

*Prerequisite: Variable Operations and Fixed Operations

Dealership Accounting & Financial Statement Analysis (3 Credits)*

This is not the usual accounting or finance course. It is designed for non-accountants planning to work as managers in dealerships, financial institutions or with manufacturers. Emphasis involves the use of financial information and analysis of financial statements.

*Prerequisite: Finance and Insurance/Regulatory and Compliance Issues