Retail & Merchandising MS

Major: Retail & Merchandising
Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 45.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 52.0212
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 41-1011

About the Program

The MS in Retail & Merchandising is designed for early to mid-career professionals in retail and merchandising and for those who are looking to make a career change into the industry. Students will develop advanced skills to think critically, consider theoretical perspectives, research and solve problems, and implement innovative solutions in a dynamic global marketplace inclusive of lifestyle areas such as home, beauty and personal care, health and wellness, prepared foods, and pet products.

The two-year program is structured with a year of core curriculum followed by a year of in-depth research, data collection, and completion of a project or thesis. Program content will challenge and engross students in the areas of analytical and critical-thinking, retail data analysis, visual and retail communication, technological movements, social media, and merchandising and retail “future” strategies through academic and applied learning online and in the field. Graduates will pursue leadership roles and career growth in the areas of retail, merchandising, supply-chain, and brand industries.

Additional Information

For more information please visit the Westphal College Graduate webpage.

Admission Requirements

  • A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, with a GPA of 3.0 or above, GRE test scores may be required for applicants with less than a 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA.
  • A completed application
  • Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
  • Two letters of recommendation (professional references preferred)
  • Personal statement (500 words) that addresses:
    • Why do you want to pursue a graduate degree in retail & merchandising at Drexel?
    • What do you consider to be the most important problem facing the retail industry today, and how will it affect the industry you will manage in the future?
    • What are the short-term and long-term plans for your career in the retail industry, and how will a degree in retail & merchandising at Drexel further those objectives?

Degree Requirements

Core Requirements
RMER 500Retail Merchandising3.0
RMER 510Research Methods in Retail & Merchandising4.0
RMER 520Retail: Social and Cultural Issues3.0
RMER 530Retail Lifestyle Product Analytics3.0
RMER 535Retail Lifestyle Product Forecasting3.0
RMER 540Retail Brand Storytelling3.0
RMER 550Retail Store Technology & Visual Display3.0
RMER 560Selling Techniques & Strategies3.0
RMER 570Retail Supply Chain Analysis3.0
RMER 580Retail & Merchandising Seminar in Leadership3.0
RMER 585The Inclusive Retail Leader4.0
RMER 600Retail Futures3.0
RMER 697Research & Data Collection3.0
RMER 698Project/Research Thesis4.0
Total Credits45.0

Sample Plan of Study

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
RMER 5003.0RMER 5303.0RMER 5403.0RMER 5603.0
RMER 5203.0RMER 5353.0RMER 5503.0RMER 5854.0
 6 6 6 7
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
RMER 5703.0RMER 5104.0RMER 6973.0 
RMER 5803.0RMER 6003.0RMER 6984.0 
 6 7 7 
Total Credits 45

Program Level Outcomes

  • Demonstrate advanced skills in corporate and market research, wrlitten communication and visual presentation as applicable in the retail industry
  • Demonstrate the aptitude to analyze and interpret historical and current retail data integrating theoretical principles, data computationJ pr,oduct evaluation, visual acuity, and retail and consumer analysis
  • Demonstrate the ability to assess merohandising technologies and the related impact on development, buying, manufacturing, shipping and retailing
  • Demonstrate proficiency of global product supply chains that impact design, production, and consumption
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the confJuenoe of corporate culture, retajl management, merchandising strategiesJ sales and retail analysis, product qualityJ and future goals as they relate to leadership in the organization
  • Demonstrate the ability to conduct an advanced research project by applying quantitative and qualitative methodologies and then analyze the results using critical analytical thinking skills

Retail & Merchandising Faculty

Kimberlyne Bethea, MS (Iowa State University). Adjunct Faculty. Sales, home textiles, apparel, buying and merchandising, product and brand development, entrepreneur, operations, retail analytics, revenue, and profit growth.
Anne Cecil, MA (University of the Arts). Adjunct Instructor. Web designer, product designer, shoes and accessories expert, visual and retail merchandising entrepreneur and design artist.
Joseph H. Hancock, II, PhD (Ohio State University) Retail & Merchandising Program Director. Professor. Apparel merchandising, retail operations, brand culture, GLBTQIA lifestyles and marketing fashion strategies.
Tsz Kwok, EdD (Drexel University). Adjunct Faculty. Leadership development, creative leadership, comparative and international education, qualitative research methods.
Krista Lowther, MS (The Ohio State University). Adjunct Instructor. Planning, Allocations, Merchandising, Trend Analysis, Scouting Services, Leadership
Joel Rodriguez, MA (Indiana University of Pennsylvania). Adjunct Instructor. Technology trends across industries such as education, retail and finance