Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance

Colorado State University, Kansas State University, North Dakota State University South Dakota State University, Oklahoma State University

Merchandising

Program - Master's Degree - Graduate Certificate - Course Schedule - Faculty - Contacts
Benefits - Learning Outcomes - Careers
General Program Information: Cost, Admissions, Financial Assistance, Grade Translation
Computer System Recommendations, Frequently Asked Questions

The Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (Great Plains IDEA) is a consortium of eleven universities offering fully online graduate programs. Each university brings a unique strength to the multi-institution academic programs. In a multi-institution degree program, you apply, and are admitted at one university; enroll in all your courses at that university; and, graduate or receive a certificate from that university. However, your online courses are taught by the best faculty in the discipline from several universities.

The 36 credit master's degree program consist of ten required 3-credit courses, listed below, as well as a 6-credit practicum and/or thesis as required by each institution:

• Consumer Behavior
• Professional Advancement
• Product Design, Development and Evaluation
• Promotional Strategies in Merchandising
• Retail Theory and Current Practice
• Historical and Contemporary Issues in Trade
• International Retail Expansion
• Research Methods
• Financial Merchandising Implications
• Strategic Planning

The 12 credit graduate certificate program consists of three required 3-credit courses and one elective 3-credit course, listed below.

Required

• Consumer Behavior
• Professional Advancement
• Retail Theory and Current Practice

Electives

• Product Design, Development and Evaluation
• Promotional Strategies in Merchandising

For further information please refer to the contact information on the partner institution's web sites.

• You will receive a graduate degree from a top tier university, taught by nationally recognized experts in the field of merchandising.
• Networking opportunities will emerge from your electronic learning community.

An advanced degree or certificate in merchandising is ideal for professionals in a variety of retail-related fields.

Employers: Your employee would obtain a focus on the merchandising aspect of the business - delivering the consumer the right product or service in the right place, in the right quantities, at the right time, and the right price.

Employees and prospective students: You may have chosen retailing, apparel design or business as a profession but don't have the theoretical background of merchandising. The additional expertise offered through the merchandising master's could position you for career advancement or a new career in merchandising.

Upon successful completion of the Master’s Degree in Merchandising the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a globalcentric perspective that articulates the interconnectedness of cultural, economic, political, social and environmental systems.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the character traits and skills associated with good leadership. Demonstrate the ability to analyze and synthesize these traits and skills to develop a personal leadership philosophy that can be applied to changing situational contexts.
3. Assimilate and evaluate knowledge of and critical thinking related to: consumers, technology, current and future trends, product development and distribution, the research process, the strategic planning process, ethics and social responsibility.

In the ever-changing, 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.Graduates of the program are prepared to work in product development, promotions, and retail management in this ever expanding industry.