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 GRE scores*, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 veterans.uncg.edu.
Have Questions?
If you still have questions regarding our MS in Retail Studies program please reach out to our graduate recruitment team by phone or email. You may also schedule a time to meet with one of our recruiters or attend one of our upcoming information sessions.
