Transform your passion for fashion into a successful, lifelong career.
If you want to make yourself a top candidate for the highest-level positions within an organization, a Master of Science in Retail Studies is an outstanding investment in your future, remaining a tremendous asset for steady advancement throughout your career.
How can I leverage a Master’s degree?
A Master’s degree can create many opportunities for your future – consider the possibilities:
- Position yourself for advancement at your current apparel or retail company
- Learn what it takes to open your own apparel retail store
- Gain access to jobs in the exciting world of the fashion business
- Teach introductory courses at the university level
Students who have graduated from our program have gone on to high-level positions at companies like VF Jeanswear, Nautica, Tommy, Polo/Ralph Lauren and Born Shoes.
To apply, all you need to do is complete the application and include GRE scores*, three letters of support and a statement of interest, along with transcripts from your undergraduate institution(s).
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An extension of class into the real world
Cortney Addison is in her second year in her master’s program in the consumer, apparel, and retail Studies (CARS) program – a perfect complement to her position as a men’s western tops merchandising intern at VF Corporation, a global leader in apparel, footwear, and accessories, headquartered in Greensboro.
Cortney sees her work at VF as an extension of her CARS classes, not simply a job.
She has the unique opportunity to experience first hand the sales meetings, photo shoots, costing, and patterns at the start of each new season. “I’m happy to get paid for learning!”
The biggest challenge for Cortney right now is managing time. “With so many classes, papers, a practicum, and my career – it’s critical that I stay organized and prioritize all my commitments. Multitasking is something you learn in a graduate program and in the workplace – you have to stay on top of everything, all the time.” With the support of her family, however, she knows she can do anything. “At the end of the semester, I am overwhelmed with papers and projects. Mom and dad calm me down – they are always there reminding me that I can do anything.”
Juggling a demanding career and a full-time graduate program
Charlotte Gross recently received her master’s in consumer, apparel, and retail studies from the Bryan School while pursuing a 11-plus year career as a business consultant for Oracle Corporation’s retail clients.
Living 85 miles from Greensboro and traveling for work, Charlotte started her graduate program by taking one class to establish success, and worked her way to multiple classes. Juggling full time work and school was challenging.
UNCG’s CARS program provided an excellent education and the flexibility she sought.
“Once I decided to do this, I stayed organized, focused, and powered through. The CARS program allowed me to work in a fulltime, and demanding career. The flexibility provided was the only way I could have accomplished my graduate degree while continuing my career.”
The opportunity to shine
Avin Jayawickrema, a new master’s student in consumer, apparel, and retail studies (CARS), is on his way to fulfilling his dream becoming an executive at a top fashion organization. He is the recipient of this year’s VF Corporation Student Fellowship, and is beginning a graduate assistantship for the CARS department. He is also lifetime member of both the international business honor society Beta Gamma Sigma and the national leadership honor society Omicron Delta Kappa.
“The credibility, validity, and reputation was amplified here; I sought to be part of this dynamic and successful program.”
“At UNCG we have the opportunity to shine. There are so many rarities unique to the Bryan School that makes it, quite honestly, a jewel. Faculty members are solid, with well-recognized credibility – and equally as grounded. The genuine humility, and concern for each student’s success goes beyond the classroom. The faculty goes above and beyond to make sure graduates are set to embark on a career of their chosen path.”
Master's thesis concentration
This concentration includes a mix of face-to-face and online courses and requires a minimum of 30 hours with a thesis (24 hours of courses, 6 hours of thesis).
Sample courses:
CRS 620: Analysis of Apparel and Related Industries
Analysis of apparel and related industries from raw materials through consumption. Examination of production and marketing of products, technological developments, and domestic and global market strategies.
RCS 662: Behavior of Soft Lines Consumer
Study of environmental, individual and psychological influences on the behavior of consumers in the soft lines consumption process.
Master's Global Apparel and Retail Management online concentration
This concentration is entirely online and requires a minimum of 30 hours of coursework with a capstone.
Sample courses:
RCS-584: Retail Strategy
Investigation of retailing from a strategic perspective. Concepts are analyzed and integrated into applied problem-solving scenarios focused on consumer needs.
CRS-570: Apparel Brand Management
All aspects of managing an apparel brand portfolio, including creating and positioning the brand, establishing brand equity and differentiation, and providing a brand experience for global apparel consumers.
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