MS in Retail Studies

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).

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.