Formats for the Merchandising Graduate Program
Catering to the unique needs of students, IDEA offers a master's degree and a graduate certificate program in merchandising. This allows students the flexibility to select the program format that best fits their academic and professional goals.
There is no GRE requirement for application to this program.
Please note that degree and certificate titles vary by university. Consult with your selected home university for the title as it will appear on the diploma or certificate. This degree program does not lead to licensure. Review the official master's degree names at our member institutions in our Merchandising Student Handbook.
The online merchandising master's degree has a 36-credit hour curriculum consisting of ten (10) 3-credit core courses that build expertise in sustainability, retail theory, product design and development, consumer behavior, and financial merchandising implications.
Students round out their merchandising degree by completing six credit hours of practicum, thesis, or elective credits that allows them to specialize in an area of interest and dive deeper into practical learning. Students work closely with their academic advisor to develop a course sequence that meets academic and professional needs.
The ideal fit for someone not ready to pursue a full master's degree, the 12-credit online merchandising graduate certificate features three required courses and one elective course. Courses include consumer behavior, professional advancement, retail theory and current practices, promotional strategies, and product design and development. The certificate supports the acquisition of skills that can accent a professional career in retail and merchandising.
Program Outcomes in Merchandising
Today's socially conscious customers rely on real-time reviews and social feedback of products and services to make their purchasing decisions, and the power they hold is instrumental in an organization's success. The programs at IDEA prepare you to navigate the retail industry, understand the far-reaching impact of consumers, and develop corporate social responsibility initiatives in the following functions:
- Buying and merchandising
- Market research and entrepreneurial initiatives
- Product development
- Retail and sales leadership
- Promotions and social media marketing
- Sourcing and supply chain management
As a result of this comprehensive preparation, IDEA alumni credit the degree and certificate programs as a reason for promotions and salary increases. Furthermore, the merchandising master's degree graduates have made major career advancement in prominent professional roles such as:
- Fashion Buyer
- Retail Sales Manager
- Market Forecaster
- Advertising or Marketing Manager
- Wholesale Sales Manager
- Supply Chain Manager
- Market Research Analyst
- Purchasing Agent
What You Will Learn
How You Will Learn