Love Products and Retail? Why You Should Get Your Degree from the University of North Texas

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Here in the Department of Merchandising and Digital Retailing at the University of North Texas, one of our passions is to prepare students for exciting and rewarding careers in the constantly changing retail industry.  We have a leading-edge, comprehensive program that sets us apart from other universities.  Here’s a look at the 6 degrees and programs we offer:

Bachelor of Science in Merchandising

Merchandising and retail is big business these days and graduates from our program are in high demand at top retail and product companies. Students in the program receive a solid retail merchant foundation through courses such as Global Sourcing, Consumer Studies, Visual Merchandising & Promotion and Sustainability. Additionally, students can travel on the annual New York Study Tour, visiting key industry partners based in the fashion capital of the world. To fully prepare for the work environment, all students complete an internship, typically between their Junior and Senior years. Example career paths of our graduates include product buying, planning and distribution, analytics, store operations and product development.

Bachelor of Science in Digital Retailing

Every retailer has an online presence and this unique degree is the only Bachelor’s degree in the U.S. that focuses on Digital Retailing. We proudly boast a 100% job placement rate. Retail and eCommerce companies are clamoring for our graduates who understand the new online retail paradigm. Most of our students add this to their major in Merchandising, which provides them a unique academic foundation that positions them ahead of their job competition.  Courses include Introduction to Digital Retailing, Analytics, SEO & SEM, and Virtual Merchandising.  A new optional Digital Study Tour course was added in spring 2017, which exposes students to key industry online companies. The digital retailing student video diary depicts the itinerary that travels to the virtual company meccas of Seattle, Portland and the Silicon Valley in San Francisco.  Students are hired for positions including eCommerce manager, site merchandiser, web analytics and social media manager.

Bachelor of Science in Retailing

Launched in fall 2016, this degree focuses on the three primary areas of current retail businesses:  merchandising, digital and operations.  Understanding the customer’s in-store and online journey is critical to operate a profit-centered retail business.  The need for an omni-channel strategy requires retailers to connect with their customers across all touchpoints as they search for information, products and services.  Examples of courses include Retail Operations, Visual Merchandising and Promotions, Profit-Centered Retail, and Omni-Channel Retail Strategies.

Bachelor of Science in Home Furnishings Merchandising

The multi-billion dollar home furnishings business is booming, with consumers seeking to design and decorate their homes with the latest trends. Our degree program is one of only a few in the nation that specifically focuses on home products. Graduates are able to work in a variety of aspects of the industry including product development, creative and functional. Some of the courses include Introduction to the Furniture Industry, Home Furnishing Textiles and Decorative Accessories Merchandising. Typical types of companies that hire our students include home décor, furniture, home builders, ecommerce and manufacturers.

Master of Science in Merchandising

Most would agree a bachelor’s degree is table stakes for progression to a mid to high level retail career. Adding a master’s degree can extend your expertise in areas that are in high demand by hiring managers. Going the extra mile demonstrates your persistence, determination and ability to thrive in rapidly changing retail environments. Industry leading companies are always seeking these qualities in their leadership. Additionally, an advanced degree on your resume makes a statement about who you are and the commitment you have to your chosen field. Finally, you will enjoy a great sense of personal accomplishment by completing your advanced degree.

Our MS in Merchandising is intentionally designed to accommodate the busy working candidate’s schedule. The degree can be completed in person on the Denton campus, 100% online or a combination. It is even possible to take one course per semester until completion. Typical courses in this program include Managing Customer Experiences, Promotional Strategies and Consumer Theory. Additional course options include Sustainability, Brand Development and Advanced Merchandising.

Graduate Academic Certificate in Digital Retail Merchandising

Professionals with digital knowledge and skillsets are able to address the digital disruption that is challenging retail organizations. The program offers a way for retail professionals to bridge the gap in digital skills and understanding.  This 100% online post-baccalaureate certificate is composed of four graduate courses including Global Retailing, Digital Optimization, and Digital Retailing and a choice of either Consumer Theory or Managing Customer Experiences. All of the courses may be applied toward completion of the M.S. in Merchandising.

If you’re passionate about products, retail and online shopping, a Merchandising or Digital Retailing degree from the University of North Texas could be your path to a long and exciting career.  To learn more about our undergraduate degree programs, contact Kelly Ayers at 940.565.3518.  For Graduate and Certificate programs, contact Dr. Dee Knight at 940.565.3262.

 

Martin, D., (2012, June 29). 6 reasons why graduate school pays off. U.S. News and World Report Retrieved at: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/2012/06/29/6-reasons-why-graduate-school-pays-offpays-off

 

 

Posted by Linda Mihalick on: 
Jun 23 2017