An online master’s degree in retail management may provide students with the training and skills to garner mid-level management positions in retail. In these one- or two-year programs, students may learn how to analyze sales statistics, prepare budgets, monitor customer preferences, and establish training programs. Coursework within these programs may include courses for a specialization area along with major-specific courses, such as communications and media planning, product development, and retail merchandising management.

Retail management graduates may seek entry to upper-level employment or continue their studies and enroll in a doctoral-level program in retail, hospitality, or tourism management. Master’s-level graduates may seek employment opportunities in retail, manufacturing, and finance.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree
• Program Length: One to two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment or Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 7% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum within an online master’s-level program in retail management may include a handful of major-specific courses along with several courses geared toward a specific area of concentration. Within these one- or two-year programs, students may study merchandising, sales, consumer behavior, and product management. Core retail management courses may include the following:

• Sales and Consumer Behavior
• Retail Merchandising Management
• Technology in Merchandising and Management
• Product Development
• Accounting and Financial Management
• Marketing
• Communications and Media Planning

Career Options

Graduates of online master’s-level programs in retail management may find job options in retail or wholesale trade, manufacturing, and finance. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those in retail management may see a 7% increase from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Advertising Manager
• Department Manager
• Merchandise Manager
• Sales Manager
• Marketing Manager

Continuing Education

Graduates of online master’s degree programs in retail management may further their studies and enroll in doctoral-level programs in retail, tourism, or hospitality management. These PhD programs may expand upon the knowledge learned in master’s degree programs, and students may study consumer behavior and strategies. Employers seeking retail management professionals may prefer to hire individuals who hold at least a bachelor’s degree in the field.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook