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.

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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 three letters of support and a statement of interest, along with transcripts from your undergraduate institution(s).

Student Success


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.


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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.


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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.


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Master's Thesis

Face-to-face 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.

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Non-Thesis

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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Looking for a seamless career transition?

Upgrade your retail career in one year with a certificate in Global Fashion Industry Management, Retail Consumer Data Analytics, or Retail Merchandising Management. Affordable and online, these graduate credentials go great with any resume.
Global Fashion Industry ManagementRetail Consumer Data AnalyticsRetail Merchandising Management

Fall 2022 Class Profile

88%

In-State
Students

16

Program
Enrollment

20

Annual
Enrollments

2

Years Average Time to
Degree Completion

3.3

Average
GPA

Benefits for Military-Affiliated Students

UNCG has been named both Best for Vets and a Military Friendly School. We’re a Yellow Ribbon Program participant, and are proud to offer a variety of benefits for veterans, active-duty military, and military-affiliated students, such as:

  • Online application fee waiver for active-duty service members
  • In-state tuition for out-of-state students (in accordance with the Veterans Choice Act)
  • Credit for relevant military service/training
  • Tutoring assistance

For more information on UNCG Military-Affiliated services and benefits, visit military.uncg.edu.

Have Questions?


Jennifer Chapman

Assistant Director of Graduate Recruitment
Bryan 301K Jennifer-BryanGrad@uncg.edu 336-256-1432

Ms. Savannah Martin

Graduate Recruitment Specialist
301F Bryan Building Savannah-BryanGrad@uncg.edu 336-334-4657

HOW TO GET STARTED