M.S. in Merchandising
The online Master of Science (M.S.) in Merchandising prepares graduates of the program to work in product development, promotions, and retail management in this ever expanding industry. In the ever changing and global atmosphere of retailing, the ability to merchandise the product to the consumer is a strategic advantage. Understanding merchandising at every level, which this degree provides, will distinguish a person among their peers. Retailing is a major impact on the U.S. economy, representing 1/3 of the total U.S. economy or $4 trillion.
An advanced degree or certificate in merchandising is ideal for professionals in a variety of retail-related fields. You may have chosen retailing, apparel design or business as a profession but don’t have the theoretical background of merchandising. Through the online M.S. in Merchandising you will learn to deliver the consumer the right product or service in the right place, in the right quantities, at the right time, and the right price. This program could position you for career advancement or a new career in merchandising.
Students in the online M.S. in Merchandising program will be able to accomplish the following items.
- Gain leadership skills for ever-changing situational contexts.
- Advance within the field of merchandising or begin a new career.
- Work at every level, from product development to promotions and retail management.
- Think critically about issues related to consumers, technology, industry trends, product development and distribution, the research and strategic planning process, ethics and social responsibility.
We also offer a 12 credit online Merchandising Graduate Certificate. Graduate certificates are valuable tools for career advancement and are designed for individuals who want to gain credentials at the graduate-level prior to completing a full master's program. Credits from the graduate certificate are designed to transfer into a full graduate degree program.
Merchandising Brochure.pdf
Merchandising Graduate Student Manual.pdf
"Taking this course online was so much more exciting because the students enrolled in the course were located from one coast to the other, had exciting careers in the industry, and as a result we had a variety of perspectives and experiences to share. The teacher was innovative as well with a virtual field trip and lots of online discussion on current issues."
- Gail, Crookston, MN
ADHM 750 Retail Theory & Current Practice
Sample Plan of Study
The program consists of ten required 3-credit courses, listed below, as well as a 6-credit practicum and/or thesis.
Required Core Courses:
- ADHM 710 Consumer Behavior in Merchandising (3 CREDITS)
- ADHM 720 Professional Advancement (3 CREDITS)
- ADHM 730 Product Design, Development and Evaluation (3 CREDITS)
- ADHM 740 Promotional Strategies in Merchandising (3 CREDITS)
- ADHM 750 Retail Theory and Current Practice (3 CREDITS)
- ADHM 760 Historical and Contemporary Issues in Trade (3 CREDITS)
- ADHM 770 International Retail Expansion (3 CREDITS)
- ADHM 775 Research Methods in Merchandising (3 CREDITS)
- ADHM 780 Financial Merchandising Implications (3 CREDITS)
- ADHM 785 Strategic Merchandise Planning (3 CREDITS)
Total Credits: 36
Graduate Faculty
For information about graduate faculty for this program as well as their current research interests, visit the M.S. in Merchandising bulletin page.
Admission
Apply for admission
View Getting Started Guide
For current admission requirements, visit the M.S. in Merchandising bulletin page.
TUITION AND FEES
View Great Plains IDEA tuition and fee information.
Contact Information
NDSU Department of Apparel, Design, and Hospitality Management
Phone: 701-231-5273
Email: Linda.Manikowske@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.edu/adhm/graduateprogram.html
NDSU Distance & Continuing Education
Phone: 1-800-726-1724 or 701-231-7015
Email: ndsu.dce@ndsu.edu
NDSU Graduate School
Phone: 701-231-7033
Email: ndsu.grad.school@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.edu/gradschool/