Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design — Merchandising

Retailing has a major impact on the United States, representing 1/3 of the total U.S. economy or $4 trillion.

In this ever-changing global atmosphere of retailing, the ability to merchandise a product to the consumer requires a strategic advantage.

Gain the theoretical background needed to deliver the right product or service to the consumer in the right place, at the right time and price with quantities to meet the needs of the customer.

You'll be prepared to work in:

• product development
• promotions
• retail management

Great Plains IDEA Program

This program is part of the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (Great Plains IDEA), a consortium of 11 universities offering fully online graduate programs. Each university brings a unique strength to the multi-institution academic programs.

• You apply, and are admitted at one university. In this case the University of Nebraska-Lincoln;
• enroll in all your courses at UNL; and,
• graduate or receive a certificate from UNL.

Core Courses (30 credit hours)

• Consumer Behavior / 3 credit hours
• Financial Merchandising Implications / 3 credit hours
• Historical & Contemporary Issues in Trade / 3 credit hours
• International Retail Expansion / 3 credit hours
• Product Design, Development & Evaluation / 3 credit hours
• Professional Advancement / 3 credit hours
• Promotional Strategies in Merchandising / 3 credit hours
• Research Methods / 3 credit hours
• Retail Theory & Current Practice / 3 credit hours
• Strategic Planning / 3 credit hours

Practicum/Creative Component/Thesis (designed by the student's home institution) (6 credit hours)

Transfer Credits

Each degree program within the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is responsible for evaluating transfer credit and determining how the credit will apply to your specific degree program.

The evaluation of transfer credit is based on a review of the comparability of the nature, content and level of the learning experience and its appropriateness to the degree program.

If you're interested in transferring credit, you will need to consult with the UNL academic department associated with your major.

Application for Graduate Admission$50 non-refundable application processing feeOne set of transcripts, uploaded to MyRED (seeupload requirements)If your native language is not English: verification of English proficiencyIf you are not a US citizen and you expect to hold an F or J visa: financial resource informationEntrance exam(s): GRELetter of application describing career interestsResumeStatement of educational goalsThree recommendation letters English Language Requirements TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test: 79 Technological Requirements PC Processor: Core 2 Duo or Equivalent or better Operating System: Windows XP (Home/Professional) or higher Web Conferencing: Web Camera/ Sound Card & Speakers/ Microphone or Headset with Microphone Internet Connection: High-speed DSL or Cable Modem Browser: Windows IE 7.0 or higher/ Firefox 3.0 or higher Anti-Virus: Current & Updated Anti-virus Software : Microsoft Office 2007 or higher Plug-Ins (download) : Java/ Windows Media Player/Acrobat Reader/Flash/Shockwave/Powerpoint Viewer MAC Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo or better Operating System: OS 10 X Snow Leopard Web Conferencing: Web Camera/ Sound Card & Speakers/ Microphone or Headset with Microphone Internet Connection: High-speed DSL or Cable Modem Browser: Windows IE 7.0 or higher/ Firefox 3.0 or higher/ Safari 3.0 or higher Anti-Virus: Current & Updated Anti-virus Software : Microsoft Office 2007 or higher Plug-Ins (download) : Quicktime

The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid provides information on loans and need-based funds.

Accreditation

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, one of six regional accrediting agencies. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has been continuously accredited since 1913. The Office of Academic Affairs is responsible for coordinating University efforts to prepare for the accrediting agency’s periodic site visits and reviews. The university last underwent a comprehensive self-study and site visit during the 2006-07 academic year. The next comprehensive evaluation will be in 2016-17.

UNL’s Statement of Affiliation Status (confirmation of accreditation) can be accessed on the Higher Learning Commission’s website.