Traditional Master's (M.S.)
The Department of Retailing and Tourism Management offers a Master of Science (M.S.) in two areas:
Hospitality Management and Tourism
A combination of coursework, independent study and research experience compile the Hospitality Management and Tourism graduate curriculum to provide students with a program of study designed around future career goals. Students have the option to complete a professional internship or to conduct an industry research project. Applicants are expected to have an undergraduate degree in hospitality management and tourism or a closely related field.
Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles
A combination of coursework, independent study and research experience compile the Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles graduate curriculum to provide students with a program of study designed around future career goals. Students have the option to complete a professional internship or to conduct an industry research project. In this way, the M.S. in Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles offers students unique and imaginative options for completing their graduate degrees. Applicants are expected to have an undergraduate degree in merchandising, apparel and textiles or a closely related field.
Students work with a faculty advisor and committee members to select a thesis or non- thesis project and review appropriate supporting coursework.
Plan A Students
- RTM 600: Research Methodology in Human Environmental Sciences - 3 Credits
- RTM 650: Survey of Current Theories & Literature - 3 Credits
- RTM 768: Residence Credit - 6 Credits
- RTM 772: Seminar in Retailing & Tourism Management - 3 Credits
- STA 570: Basic Statistical Analysis - 3 Credits
Curriculum requirements vary based upon the track chosen. Students on the thesis track are required to take an additional 16 hours of 500-700 level courses (structured course and not independent study).
Plan B Students
- RTM 600: Research Methodology in Human Environmental Sciences - 3 Credits
- RTM 650: Survey of Current Theories & Literature - 3 Credits
- RTM 690: Industry Experience (Internship) or MAT 790 Research Problems - 3 Credits
- RTM 772: Seminar in Retailing & Tourism Management - 3 Credits
- STA 570: Basic Statistical Analysis - 3 Credits
Curriculum requirements vary based upon the track chosen. Students on the non-thesis track are required to take an additional 16 hours of 500-700 level courses (structured course and not independent study).
Students work with a faculty advisor and committee members to select a thesis or non-thesis project and review appropriate supporting coursework.
Plan A Students
- RTM 600: Research Methodology in Human Environmental Sciences - 3 Credits
- RTM 650: Survey of Current Theories & Literature - 3 Credits
- RTM 768: Residence Credit - 6 Credits
- RTM 772: Seminar in Retailing & Tourism Management - 3 Credits
- STA 570: Basic Statistical Analysis - 3 Credits
Curriculum requirements vary based upon the track chosen. Students on the thesis track are required to take an additional 16 hours of 500-700 level courses (structured course and not independent study).
Plan B Students
- RTM 600: Research Methodology in Human Environmental Sciences - 3 Credits
- RTM 650: Survey of Current Theories & Literature - 3 Credits
- RTM 690: Industry Experience (Internship) or MAT 790 Research Problems - 3 Credits
- RTM 772: Seminar in Retailing & Tourism Management - 3 Credits
- STA 570: Basic Statistical Analysis - 3 Credits
Curriculum requirements vary based upon the track chosen. Students on the non-thesis track are required to take an additional 16 hours of 500-700 level courses (structured course and not independent study).
Presentations
Cavender, R., Thompson, K., & Wesley, S. (October 2022). Exploring knowledge gaps in merchandising curriculums: Perceptions of recent retail internship participants. International Textiles and Apparel Association 2022 Annual Conference, Denver, CO.
Chen, J.*, & LU, Y. (2021). Attitude Change towards Virtual Event Websites: Comparing Customer Reviews before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The 40th Annual Conference of ISTTE, October 4-6. -Best Paper Award
Chen, J.*, Zhang, P., & LU, Y. (2021). Co-created values of Human Robot Interaction in mega event and the mediating role of front-line employees. The 26th Annual Graduate Education & Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism, January 8-9, Houston, TX.
*Graduate Student
Publications
Sengupta, A., Wesley, S., Cavender, R. and Lee, M-Y. (2021). Global vs local: analysis of the consumer-brand relationships in India. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, 50(3), 361-376. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJRDM-08-2020-0306
How to Apply
Interested individuals must apply both to the Graduate School and to the Department of Retailing and Tourism Management. An overall GPA of at least 2.75 in all undergraduate work and a 3.0 in undergraduate major is required. Students are encouraged to apply for admission as early as possible.
For domestic students, all application materials must be submitted no later than one month prior to the start of the term for which the applicant intends to apply.
Questions?
Dr. Scarlett Wesley
Director of Graduate Studies
315B Erikson Hall
(859) 257-7778
Internship Pathway
Master's students can complete their program via thesis, non-thesis or an internship project. The graduate internship gives students hands-on experience and holds them to more rigorous standards, as students are expected to work at a managerial or corporate level. The semester-long internship culminates with students presenting findings and suggestions for the business in their internship defense.
Explore InternshipsAssistantships
Graduate assistantships and scholarship opportunities are available on a competitive basis through teaching or research assistantship positions. These position selections are based on academic potential for future students or academic standing for current students. Over 1,800 assistantships are available throughout the university for full-time graduate students to perform teaching or research duties.
Explore AssistantshipsTravel Opportunities
Each year our graduate students participate in graduate consortiums with other students from institutions such as UNC Greensboro, UT, FSU, Auburn, U of Georgia and more. Students give a 20-minute presentation before a panel of their peers highlighting their current research. Our students also submit articles for presentations at the International Textile and Apparel Association yearly conference.
Explore the ConferenceUniversity Scholars Program
Students pursuing a B.S. in MAT can begin their grad school education while still an undergraduate student. This program provides an opportunity to acquire a master’s degree on a fast track in three semesters. Students begin taking graduate-level courses their senior year, and up to 12 credit hours can be shared between undergraduate and graduate curriculum.
Explore the Program