COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master’s in Merchandising and Digital Retailing at the University of North Texas is designed to prepare students for advanced careers in the global retail, apparel, and consumer goods industries by combining strategic business knowledge with digital innovation and consumer behavior insights. The program focuses on developing students’ ability to solve complex problems, identify emerging opportunities, and understand the key factors that contribute to successful, consumer-driven business ventures in highly competitive markets. A strong emphasis is placed on applied learning and research, and students may collaborate with faculty on funded, cutting-edge research projects exploring topics such as customer experience in retail environments, lifestyle and ethnic influences on purchasing behavior, mobile commerce applications, omnichannel retailing, and sustainable retailing practices. The program also encourages students to actively engage in professional development beyond the classroom, with opportunities to present research findings or test merchandising knowledge at regional, national, and international conferences and events. One of the distinctive features of the program is its exposure to global industry perspectives through annual study tours to major fashion and retail hubs such as New York, China/Hong Kong, and London/Paris, providing valuable international experience and networking opportunities. The university’s proximity to leading merchandising, apparel, and home furnishing companies further enhances access to internships and employment opportunities. Faculty members are internationally recognized for their research and teaching excellence, with accolades from organizations such as the American Textile Manufacturers Institute, the International Textile and Apparel Association, the American Collegiate Retailing Association, and the European Institute of Retailing and Services Studies. Graduates are well-prepared for careers as merchandisers, retail buyers, brand managers, and store analysts, as well as for academic and research careers, including progression into Ph.D. programs for those pursuing tenure-track positions in higher education. The curriculum includes courses such as Socio-Cultural Analysis of Dress, Digital Channel Strategies, Consumer Theory, Sustainable Strategies in Merchandising, and Merchandising Strategies, all aimed at building strong analytical, strategic, and industry-relevant skills.