Retailing, M.R.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the retail industry using a multi-operational approach.
- Conduct a comprehensive market research plan within the retailing domain.
- Create and execute a retail business in the omnichannel environment by utilizing best entrepreneurial practices and emerging technologies.
- Analyze consumer and market environments to enhance customer experience and solve real-world business problems applying advanced research and data analytics.
- Analyze and develop applied solutions for retail merchandise categories.
- Apply the advanced knowledge and innovative skills to conduct an applied project or to develop a thesis.
Degree Requirements (30 Hours)
The Master of Retailing curriculum consists of 30 semester hours of graduate credit in approved courses. Required courses help students attain technological and decision-making skills to help solve real-world problems encountered in today’s fast-paced retail environment. Additionally, faculty members use case studies and group projects to build competency in oral, written and applied analysis of complex business situations. There are two options from which a student may choose to earn a Master of Retailing degree. For students planning to continue their education with a higher degree, such as a Ph.D., the Academic (thesis) option is recommended. For students who want a Master of Retailing degree for the content in the courses and/or to benefit them in their career, the Professional (non-thesis) option may be more suitable. If you are unsure as to which option to pursue, the Department of Retailing Graduate Director (hereafter Graduate Director) may be able to help you decide.
According to academic regulations of The Graduate School, at least half of the credit hours in a Program of Study, exclusive of thesis preparation (RETL 799), must be earned in courses numbered 700 and above.
Academic (Thesis) Option
A graduate student electing the Academic (thesis) option must successfully pass a comprehensive exam upon completion of 21 credits of course work (of which at least 12 credits must be at the 700 level). In addition, the student must enroll in 3 hours of thesis preparation (RETL 799), an approved statistics course, an approved research methods course, and prepare and successfully defend a thesis.
Courses for Academic (Thesis) Option (30 Hours)
Choose at least four 700-level courses:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 21 hours of the following: 1 | 21 | |
| Legal Aspects of Entrepreneurship and E-Commerce | ||
| Retail and Fashion Business Planning | ||
| Advanced Retail Promotion and Social Media Analytics | ||
| Fundamentals of Omni-Channel Retailing | ||
| Customer Relationship Management for the Retail Industry | ||
| Retailing E-Commerce | ||
| Customer Experience Optimization in the Retail Environment | ||
| Competitive Strategies in Retailing | ||
| Advanced Retail Space Management | ||
| Advanced Category Management | ||
| STAT 600 | Statistics for Applied Management | 3 |
| HRSM 788 | Business Analytics in Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management | 3 |
| RETL 799 | Thesis Preparation | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
| 1 | At least 12 credits must be at the 700 level. |
Professional (Non-Thesis) Option
A graduate student electing the Professional (non-thesis) option must take and successfully pass all courses listed below and pass a comprehensive exam.
Courses for Non-Thesis Option (30 Hours)
Must take all 10 courses listed below:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| RETL 525 | Legal Aspects of Entrepreneurship and E-Commerce | 3 |
| RETL 551 | Retail and Fashion Business Planning | 3 |
| RETL 569 | Advanced Retail Promotion and Social Media Analytics | 3 |
| RETL 600 | Fundamentals of Omni-Channel Retailing | 3 |
| RETL 662 | Customer Relationship Management for the Retail Industry | 3 |
| RETL 710 | Retailing E-Commerce | 3 |
| RETL 725 | Customer Experience Optimization in the Retail Environment | 3 |
| RETL 748 | Advanced Retail Space Management | 3 |
| RETL 749 | Advanced Category Management | 3 |
| RETL 747 | Competitive Strategies in Retailing | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |