Master of Science Concentration in Merchandising (Online)

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES

*WE ARE NO LONGER ENROLLING FOR THIS PROGRAM*

The Master of Science (M.S.) with a concentration in Merchandising provides specialization for retail managers, merchandisers, fashion designers, educators, and those interested in the industry. The program is intended for professionals who area employed in the field and need to enhance their theory knowledge and practical skills in specific areas relevant to their present position or future responsibilities, or seek beginning steps to a career in academia. All courses are offered online.

Program Requirements

The program requires a total of 11 course-credits: five (5) core course-credits, four (4) “choose” elective course-credits, and one capstone experience as either a two (2) semester sequence thesis (one course-credit each) or a two (2) semester sequence practicum (one course-credit each). Some students may also be required to complete undergraduate prerequisite courses as required for those without appropriate academic backgrounds.


Undergraduate Prerequisite Courses (equivalent to the following FSU courses):

*If applicant has had undergraduate course in merchandising and retailing, or experience in the field, this prerequisite course may be waived.

 

Program Core Courses (5):

Program Required Elective Courses (4) – Choose four (4) from:

All listed Elective courses will not be offered each semester. Please consult with your program advisor regarding when electives are scheduled.

 Program Capstone Experience (2):

OR

 

Application Deadline

Admissions is on a rolling basis; however, individuals seeking admission for the fall semester should have a completed application on file by July 1st or for the spring semester by December 1st. Applications received or completed after these dates cannot be guaranteed timely matriculation.

 

Admission Requirements

Individuals possessing a baccalaureate degree in any major from a regionally accredited institution are eligible to apply for admission to the Master’s program. Applicants are evaluated based on numerous factors including previous college coursework; Graduate Record Examination scores; letters of recommendation; and personal statement. The personal statement describes the applicant’s goals and reasons for applying to the graduate program.

  1. The applicant must complete the online graduate admission application.
  2. The applicant must submit a $50.00 application fee.
  3. The applicant must have earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university and must submit an official transcript from each college or university attended as an undergraduate or graduate student.
  4. Applicants must have an overall undergraduate quality point average (QPA) of at least 2.70 on a 4.00 scale.
  5. Applicants must have a competitive Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score.
  6. Applicants must submit official test score reports for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) which includes verbal and quantitative reasoning and analytical writing.
  7. Applicants must provide two letters of recommendation from professors, supervisors, and/or colleagues, submitted on the Framingham State University Letter of Recommendation form and sent directly to the University by the recommender.
  8. Applicants must submit a typed, 300-word personal statement discussing their motivation for seeking a master’s degree in view of prior formal education, current job responsibilities and career plans.

 

Effective as of the 2019-2020 Graduate Catalog