Central Washington University

What you'll study

This programme blends core marketing principles with specialised subjects in sales and merchandising. You will study consumer behaviour and market research alongside practical topics such as merchandising strategy, retail buying, visual merchandising, sales management and e-commerce operations. Coursework balances theory, applied projects and workplace experience to prepare you for commercial roles in retail and related industries.

• Core marketing modules – foundations of marketing, marketing research, promotion and pricing.
• Merchandising and retail – retail operations, product assortment and category management, store layout and visual merchandising.
• Sales and selling – personal selling, sales management, account and relationship management.
• Digital commerce and analytics – e‑commerce fundamentals, retail analytics, use of data for assortment and pricing decisions.
• Business fundamentals – principles of management, supply chain basics, business law and professional ethics.
• Applied learning – practicum or internship with regional retailers, capstone project focused on a real merchandising or sales challenge, and simulations or lab work.

The programme typically comprises general education requirements, a sequence of major core courses, elective options to tailor specialisms (for example visual merchandising or e‑commerce) and a culminating applied experience such as an internship or capstone project.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school qualification or equivalent. Standard entry expectations include satisfactory high school academic achievement and evidence of English proficiency for non‑native speakers. Central Washington University considers applications from transfer students with college coursework or an associate degree; transfer credit is evaluated against degree requirements.

Typical preparedness includes competency in written communication and basic mathematics; relevant work experience or part‑time retail/sales roles are advantageous but not mandatory. International applicants should consult the university for accepted proof of English language proficiency.

Career prospects

Graduates move into operational and managerial roles across retail, wholesale and supplier organisations, as well as sales and marketing teams in other sectors. Common early and mid‑career roles include:

• Retail merchandiser or buyer
• Visual merchandiser or store planner
• Sales representative, account manager or territory sales manager
• Category manager or assortment planner
• E‑commerce coordinator or online merchandising specialist
• Merchandising analyst or pricing analyst
• Management trainee programmes and operations management roles in retail chains

The degree also provides a foundation for progression into specialised marketing, supply chain or business analytics roles, and can be paired with postgraduate study in marketing, retail management or business administration.

Why study at Central Washington University

Central Washington University offers a teaching‑focused environment with opportunities for applied learning and close faculty interaction. The programme draws on the university's connections with regional and national retailers to provide internship placements and project partnerships that give students direct workplace experience.

Small class sizes support practical learning—such as merchandising labs, store simulations and team projects—and the university's career services help students prepare for interviews and employer recruitment processes. The location also gives access to a diverse regional retail economy for field visits and employer engagement.