Customer Service Degree Program: A Helpful Career

You're a people person and helping others is what brings in your paycheck. If this statement describes you, then you should consider completing a customer service degree program from an online university. The pay is competitive and the opportunities to assist customers are virtually endless.

Career Options in Customer Service

• Customer Service Representative (CSR). The largest category of professionals in this industry, CSRs handle daily operations at the register and in the aisles.
• Call Center Representative (CSR). CSRs manage telephones in a call center, handle issues with customers over the phones, and must have excellent communication skills.
• Customer Service Manager. The strength of the CSR department, these managers supervise employees and create work schedules to cover shifts.

Customer Service: Employment Outlook and Salary Potential

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of customer service representatives is projected to grow by 25 percent over the decade through 2016; that's much faster than the national average for all occupations. PayScale reports that graduates with an online degree in customer service can potentially earn a median hourly salary of $10.25 in their first year of employment. Those with twenty or more years of on the job experience can expect to earn $14.69.

Online Degree Program Coursework in Customer Service

An online education in customer service is a liberal arts-based program that is grounded in retail and consumer studies. While many customer service positions require only a high school diploma for qualification, an increasing number of employers are looking for candidates with at least some college education. And the online degree program is perfect for students looking to earn their diploma while meeting family or work obligations.
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Customer Service Representatives
PayScale

Kelly Richardson has over fifteen years of creative and technical writing experience. He teaches secondary Honors-level English and writes ad copy for a variety of clients in industries such as medicine, technology, and education.