Retail and Merchandising Management, BS
Earn your Bachelor of Science in Retail and Merchandising Management (RMM) and step into the dynamic world of retail and fashion. Our program provides the strategic insights, analytical skills, and hands-on experience needed to excel in roles such as buying, brand management, e-commerce, and retail analytics.
Program overview
In RMM, you’ll gain hands-on experience and career-ready skills like data analysis, leadership, and consumer insights—skills that will take you far no matter where your career path leads. Whether you’re passionate about fashion, technology, or strategy, this major helps you build a career that’s as exciting as the industry itself.
From global fashion brands to cutting-edge e-commerce platforms, you bring the vision, and we’ll help you turn it into a career. Additionally, students earn a minor in business administration, allowing them to be fluent in business while specializing in retailing.
Concentrations
Fashion Retailing Concentration
Dive into the world of fashion retail with hands-on experience and industry knowledge. Students in this concentration learn the principles of retailing, merchandise management, and consumer behavior, preparing for entry-level roles in fashion retail, from store management to visual merchandising. With field study opportunities and industry connections, you’ll gain real-world experience that often leads to career placement upon graduation.
Merchandising Analytics Concentration
Combine your passion for retail with data-driven decision-making. The Merchandising Analytics concentration equips students with the skills to analyze retail data, forecast trends, and drive consumer insights. You’ll gain the expertise to optimize retail strategies and business operations through both classroom instruction and field-based experience, setting you up for success in the evolving retail landscape.
Why study Retail and Merchandising Management
Personalized Learning in a Supportive Environment
Our intimate program size fosters close relationships with faculty and peers, creating a collaborative and engaging learning experience. Students receive individualized academic and career mentoring, ensuring they are well-prepared for success in the retail industry.
Customizable Degree with Retail Expertise & Strong Job Placement
Students can tailor their degree by specializing in Fashion Retailing or Merchandising Analytics while also earning a Business Administration minor, providing a strong foundation in general retail business principles. With a 90%+ job placement rate at or shortly after graduation, RMM graduates enter the workforce with confidence and competitive skills.
Industry-Focused Skills for a Competitive Edge
The RMM program equips students with essential skills in customer behavior, product management, inventory optimization, and retail sales strategies. With a focus on both applied and soft skills, graduates enter the workforce ready to navigate the fast-paced retail environment.
Exciting Career Opportunities with Top Brands
RMM graduates secure positions at leading companies such as Amazon, Kohl’s, Belk, Wayfair, Ulta Beauty, and Tractor Supply, with many advancing into high-level roles. Career paths range from buying, product development, and brand management to e-commerce strategy, retail analytics, and supply chain operations. The program’s flexibility allows students to tailor their careers to their passions, whether in fashion, beauty, or major retail corporations.
What can you do with a BS in Retail and Merchandising Management?
With a degree in Retail and Merchandising Management, the possibilities are endless! Graduates are equipped with dynamic careers in fashion, beauty, e-commerce, and retail management. Our alumni thrive in leadership roles at top companies and successfully launch their own businesses, carving their own paths to success. You can, too! Explore a variety of exciting career paths available to our graduates, including:
Brand Manager
Lead the marketing and development of iconic brands.
Visual Merchandiser
Craft unforgettable in-store experiences through design and display.
Social Media Strategist
Grow and manage a brand’s online presence, connecting with audiences in exciting ways.
E-Commerce Manager
Optimize online retail strategies and enhance customer experiences.
Featured Courses
Fashion Trend Analysis and Forecasting
Explore the intersection of fashion, culture, and consumer behavior to forecast future trends. Gain valuable skills in predicting shifts in theme, color, fabrics, and design, applicable across various fields in fashion and retail.
Product Development
Unleash your creativity in product development! Learn to design and build apparel lines from the retailer’s perspective, focusing on brand management, textile principles, specification writing, and creating products that resonate with target markets.
Retail Buying and Merchandising
Explore how retail buyers plan assortments, forecast demand, and allocate inventory. Through hands-on Excel work and industry cases, develop the analytical skills essential for today’s data-driven merchandising roles.
Rocky Top Retail Strategies
Dive into the development and management of the Rocky Top Brand! Gain hands-on experience in product development, licensing, operations, promotion, and analytics, equipping you with the skills to drive retail success.
Complementary minor
To enhance your major and broaden your academic experience, consider a minor that pairs well with your BS degree. Additional minors may also align with your interests and goals. Explore all available options to find the best fit for your academic and career aspirations.
Our Minor
We offer the Retail and Merchandising Management minor that will add value to your academic journey.
