Sales Specialist

Why Sales Specialist?

Sales professionals play a critical role in helping organizations grow by connecting people with the right products and services. In this program, you’ll learn how to approach sales as a consultative process—listening to customer needs, understanding value, and recommending solutions that fit both goals and budgets. Today’s sales careers demand professionalism, adaptability, and strong relationship-building skills, all of which are developed here.

At Mid-State, you’ll gain hands-on experience through role-playing, client simulations, and digital communication strategies. The curriculum emphasizes modern sales techniques, including social media and presentation skills, while building a strong foundation in marketing, problem solving, and professional communication. Graduates are prepared to succeed in sales roles across a wide range of industries and markets.

Apply consultative selling techniques to build trust and long-term customer relationships.
Practice sales conversations and presentations through hands-on role-play activities.
Develop strategic thinking skills to position products and services competitively.
Use digital tools and social media to support modern sales efforts.
Learn prospecting and customer relationship management fundamentals.
Enter a career field with strong demand and opportunities in local communities.

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Program Facts

Total Credits

19 Credits

Degree Type

Technical Degree

Program Length

Less Than One Year

Delivery Method

Online

Location

Online

Start Dates

Fall, Spring, Summer

Estimated Program Cost

$3,367.50

View Cost of Attendance

Financial Aid Eligibility

Partially Eligible

View Types of Aid

Program Outcomes

Graduates leave ready to succeed in their careers. Each year, data from Mid-State's Graduate Survey and statewide reports show consistently high satisfaction and strong starting salaries. Here's a snapshot of what success looks like after graduation.

Career Opportunities

Account Executive

Field Sales Representative

Inside Sales Representative

Sales Consultant

Sales Manager

$64k Median Annual Salary

Recent program grads in Wisconsin earned a starting salary of $64,270. Source: Lightcast Data Set

915

Average Monthly Hires

915 of recent Wisconsin program grads landed jobs within six months of graduation. Source: Lightcast Data Set

100%

Mid-State Graduate Satisfaction Rate

Students leave proud, prepared, and confident in what comes next. Source: Mid-State Graduate Survey Results

Program Details

Take a closer look at what the program offers and what to expect.

Program Courses

Your course plan may vary, and you'll get a recommended sequence once you're enrolled. See below for full course details, see the program information guide, or talk with your advisor.

Program Information Guide (PDF)

Instructors

Meet our full-time instructors.

Debra Wallner, BS, MBA
Debra’s teaching in the digital marketing field has allowed her to work with a wide variety of businesses, people, and marketing situations. She has previously held positions in the fields of advertising, sales, marketing research, and human resources–compensation. She holds an MBA from UW–Oshkosh.

“I believe that learning should be as close to real life as we can make it. Creating real-life opportunities for our students by partnering with local businesses produces graduates who come to employers with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform that job.”

Program Outcomes

Employers will expect graduates of this program to be able to:

Develop marketing strategies.
Develop selling strategies.
Deliver sales presentations.
Apply customer relationship building strategies.
Analyze sales information.
Prepare selling strategies.
Promote products, services, images and/or ideas to achieve a desired result.

Employability Skills

Alongside your career training, you'll develop key workplace strengths. Explore the additional skills you'll build.

Employability Skills (PDF)

Technical Standards

To succeed in this program, you'll need to meet certain technical standards. These are the key skills and abilities needed for the program and future career success—with or without reasonable accommodations. Be sure to review them carefully before you apply.

Technical Standards (PDF)

Career pathways help you build your education step by step. Each stage offers one or more credentials that are recognized by employers and lead to real jobs—and you can keep building toward your career goals as you go.

Prior Learning

Certificate

Technical Diploma

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Get credit for what you already know. You may be able to earn college credit for prior learning through skills you’ve gained through high school classes, previous college work, self-study, military training, jobs, or volunteer experience.

Credit for Prior Learning
High School Dual Credit
Mid-State Fast-Track – Open to high school students

“My degree from Mid-State and the encouragement I received from my teachers gave me the skills and confidence to move forward in my life and excel in my career.”

- Sharon R.

Mid-State Grad

“The education I received at Mid-State has been invaluable. It built a foundation that is endlessly improving, providing excellent growth opportunities in my career.”

- Kevin B.

Mid-State Grad

“Most students go to college to find good-paying careers doing something they enjoy. Mid-State gave me that and so much more, as I discovered my passion and achieved more than I ever could have anticipated.”

- Bryce C.

Mid-State Grad

“I couldn't have asked for a better education. My instructors were some of the most incredible people, and they were willing to do whatever was necessary to help everyone.”

- Leslie T.

Mid-State Grad

“Mid-State’s hands-on learning, convenient scheduling, updated technology, and instructors who can relate to the field have all helped me become successful and even advance in my career in under a year.”

- Stephanie B.

Mid-State Grad

“I value my experience at Mid-State tremendously. Even with a disability my education gave me the opportunity to join the workforce before I even graduated. Education equals opportunity.”

- Jake A.

Mid-State Grad