Merchandising

Admission decisions are based upon the predicted success of the applicant as a student and professional in the chosen field and are made only after considering all available data. A student must meet all requirements for full admission. The following criteria act as guidelines for full acceptance: a cumulative baccalaureate GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale, and a GPA of at least 3.25 during the final 30 semester credits of graded undergraduate course work, or a minimum GPA of 3.0 on 10 semester credits of graduate course work.

Recommended Skills and Academic Preparation

Adequate technical skills and access is essential to be successful in an online program. Unlimited web access at high speeds is helpful. Word processing programs that are up-to-date are important, as is knowledge of writing and publishing programs. Familiarity with diverse learning management systems is also helpful. NDSU currently uses Blackboard; other institutions have similar but different programs. An ability to self-motivate and learn independently is necessary for programs where face-to-face interactions are not available.

Financial Assistance

Graduate assistantships are not available since this program is online and facilitated through the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance and Distance and Continuing Education at NDSU. Students who are full-time (enrolled for six credits or more) may apply for financial aid.

Master of Science

The 36-credit master’s degree program consists of ten required 3-credit courses, listed below, as well options for the remaining 6 credits.  Course descriptions and tentative schedules are available at https://www.gpidea.org/program/merchandising .

Consumer Behavior in Merchandising
Product Design, Development and Evaluation
Promotional Strategies in Merchandising
Retail Theory and Current Practice
ADHM 755 Foundations of Sustainability
Merchandising Analytics
International Retail Expansion
Research Methods in Merchandising
Financial Merchandising Implications
Strategic Merchandise Planning
Comprehensive Project (or ADHM 798 or Electives )
Total Credits36

Graduate Certificate

The 12 credit graduate certificate program consists of three required 3-credit courses and one elective 3-credit course, listed below.

ADHM 710Consumer Behavior in Merchandising3
ADHM 720Professional Advancement3
ADHM 730Product Design, Development and Evaluation3
or ADHM 740 Promotional Strategies in Merchandising
ADHM 750Retail Theory and Current Practice3
Total Credits12