Top Schools for Retail Management Bachelor's Degree Programs

<h2 id="section---WhatAreSomeCharacteristicsOfTopRetailManagementSchools">What are Some Characteristics of Top Retail Management Schools?</h2> <p>Students looking for a bachelor's degree in retail management should look for a school that is well ranked by <i>U.S. News and World Report</i>. These schools will offer comprehensive programs with specialization or minor options and internship opportunities that prepare students for careers in store management, retail technology, product purchasing, merchandise analysis, and category management. Read below about three options for schools offering a bachelor's degree in this field. </p> <h2 id="section---ThreeTopRetailManagementSchools">Three Top Retail Management Schools</h2> <h3 id="section---PurdueUniversityInWestLafayetteIN">Purdue Global in West Lafayette, IN</h3> <p>Purdue Global was tied at #51 among all national universities and tied at #18 among public schools in 2022 by <i>U.S. News and World Report</i>. The College of Health and Human Sciences at Purdue Global offers a Bachelor of Science in Retail Management that includes experimental learning and hands-on experiences in addition to courses in merchandise management, purchasing, marketing, sales, retail strategies and visual merchandising. The program allows students the chance to participate in the department's International Fashion and Retailing study abroad tour, study at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City or complete internships with major retailers at locations around the country. Students who complete the FIT program also earn an Associate in Applied Science degree from the partner school. </p> <ul><li>Bachelor of Science in Retail Management </li></ul><h3 id="section---TheUniversityOfSouthCarolinaInColumbiaSC">The University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC</h3> <p>The University of South Carolina (USC), which was tied for #53 among top public schools in 2022 by <i>U.S. News and World Report</i>, is home to one of the largest retailing programs in the country. USC's Department of Retailing offers a Bachelor of Science in Retailing with specialization options in retail management and fashion merchandising with courses taught by award-winning faculty and industry experts. Students in the retail management track take courses in retail buying and promotion, marketing, retail management strategies, store operations, accounting and sales strategies. The department also offers multiple study abroad and internships opportunities. The school reports that there is a 100% placement rate for student internships during the program. </p> <ul><li>Bachelor of Science in Retailing </li></ul><h3 id="section---UniversityOfArizonaInTucsonAZ">University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ</h3> <p>The University of Arizona was ranked tied #48 among top public schools in the nation by <i>U.S. News</i> in 2022 and has a strong reputation for business education and research. The University of Arizona offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Retailing and Consumer Sciences that includes courses in managing the retail supply chain along with research and internship opportunities. Students in this bachelor's degree program take courses in consumer behavior, management models, merchandising planning, supply chain management, and retail strategies. Students have the option of earning a minor in business administration or fashion. </p> <ul><li>Bachelor of Science in Retailing and Consumer Sciences </li></ul><h2 id="section---TopRetailManagementSchools">Top Retail Management Schools</h2> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>College/University</th><th>Institution Type</th><th>Location</th><th>Estimated Undergrad In-State Tuition (2021-2022)*</th></tr> <tr><td>California State University, Los Angeles</td><td>4-year, Public</td><td>Los Angeles, CA</td><td>$6,780</td></tr> <tr><td>Central Washington University</td><td>4-year, Public</td><td>Ellensburg, WA</td><td>$8,680</td></tr> <tr><td>Columbia College, Chicago</td><td>4-year, Private</td><td>Chicago, IL</td><td>$27,780</td></tr> <tr><td>Lindenwood University</td><td>4-year, Private</td><td>St. Charles, MO</td><td>$18,640</td></tr> <tr><td>University of Arkansas</td><td>4-year, Public</td><td>Fayetteville, AR</td><td>$9,570</td></tr> <tr><td>University of North Texas</td><td>4-year, Public</td><td>Denton, TX</td><td>$11,090</td></tr> <tr><td>Texas Tech University</td><td>4-year, Public</td><td>Lubbock, TX</td><td>$11,850</td></tr> <tr><td>Simmons University</td><td>4-year, Private</td><td>Boston, MA</td><td>$43,060</td></tr> <tr><td>Arizona State University</td><td>4-year, Public</td><td>Phoenix, AZ</td><td>$11,340</td></tr> </table><p><i>*Source: NCES, U.S. Department of Education</i></p>