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Merchandising

Master's Degree Program


Graduate opportunities

By pursuing a master's degree in Merchandising at the University of North Texas, you'll develop the skills needed to become an accomplished leader in today's global marketplace.

We offer course work leading to a Master of Science degree or a graduate academic certificate in Merchandising. Both programs can be completed entirely online.

Our curriculum teaches you how to solve complex problems, create new opportunities in competitive markets and understand the many components that support a successful consumer-driven business venture. It also integrates your educational experience and research with merchandising concepts and strategies.

Opportunities abound

Many of our faculty members have been internationally recognized for their research and teaching by 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, among others.

As you progress through the program, you may work with a faculty member on funded, cutting-edge research projects, such as:

  • Customer experience in the marketplace
  • Lifestyle and ethnic influences on purchase motivations and product satisfaction
  • Mobile commerce applications
  • Multichannel retailing
  • Sustainable retailing

Our students often present research or test their merchandising knowledge at regional, national and international events. Annual merchandising study tours are also offered to New York, China/Hong Kong and London/Paris.

Outstanding student resources

Excellent networking, internship and employment opportunities are available because of UNT's close proximity to leading merchandising, apparel and home furnishing companies. Our graduates have worked for Fossil, J.C. Penney, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Michaels, Target and Zale Corp.

UNT provides a wide variety of services exclusively to graduate students. The Graduate Student Writing Support office can help you with writing, and the Center for Interdisciplinary Research offers assistance with statistical research.

The Toulouse Graduate School ® offers several professional development workshops, including a Thesis Boot Camp. Many of the workshops are available online for your convenience.

The Department of Merchandising and Digital Retailing provides one of the nation's most well-known, comprehensive degrees. Our recognitions include the American Textile Manufacturers Institute Award for Excellence in innovative and exemplary programs and research.

Attending UNT

Admission requirements

You must meet the admission requirements for the graduate school and the Merchandising program. The graduate school requirements are outlined at the grad school website. You'll need to submit the following items to the College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism's Graduate Programs Coordinator:

  • An essay addressing your related work experience, primary career objectives and how this degree will assist with your career goals
  • GRE or GMAT scores
  • Three letters of recommendation from employers or former faculty members
  • Résumé

Degree requirements

Thesis option

  • 3 credit hours of a merchandising core course
  • 12 to 18 credit hours of merchandising courses
  • 9 credit hours of research courses
  • 0 to 6 credit hours of electives in a related area
  • 6 credit hours of thesis research
  • Complete and defend a thesis and submit for approval

Individual research option

  • 3 credit hours of a merchandising core course
  • 15 to 21 credit hours of merchandising courses
  • 9 credit hours of research courses
  • 0 to 6 credit hours of electives in a related area
  • 3 credit hours of a Problem in Lieu of Thesis course
  • Complete and defend Problem in Lieu of Thesis project

Course descriptions and more information about degree requirements are available at the UNT catalog website.

Financial assistance

We sponsor many scholarships to help you pursue your graduate degree. Applications for teaching assistants and teaching fellows are available from the dean's office in the College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism.

New graduate students who've participated in Ronald E. McNair post-baccalaureate programs are eligible for McNair fellowships. Contact the graduate school for information about McNair fellowships and other financial aid opportunities or visit the grad school website