Eastern Michigan University

What you'll study

This applied master's combines strategic marketing theory with operational skills used in retail, merchandising and sales organisations. Typical course topics include advanced marketing strategy, consumer behaviour, sales management and negotiation, merchandising and category management, retail and e-commerce operations, pricing and promotion strategy, and marketing analytics. The programme emphasises practical competencies: assortment planning, inventory and supply-chain considerations for retailers, visual merchandising principles, CRM and sales technology, and performance measurement.

Students usually complete a mix of core courses, elective modules and a culminating experiential component such as a capstone project, practicum with an employer, or an internship. Teaching methods include case studies, live client projects, simulations and data-driven assignments that develop skills in Excel, retail analytics platforms and CRM systems. Depending on prior preparation, students may be able to tailor electives toward omnichannel retailing, brand management or B2B sales operations.

Entry requirements

• Completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any discipline; degrees in business, marketing, economics or related fields are advantageous.
• A competitive undergraduate GPA; programmes commonly expect a solid academic record. Applicants with lower GPAs may strengthen their application with relevant work experience.
• Current résumé/CV detailing academic and professional experience.
• Personal statement or statement of purpose outlining career goals and reasons for choosing the programme.
• One or two professional or academic references.
• Standardised test scores (GMAT/GRE) may be requested but many applicants can be considered for waivers based on prior academic performance or relevant work experience; check the programme office for policy.
• For international applicants whose first language is not English, a recognised English language test score (such as IELTS or TOEFL) or approved alternative evidence of proficiency is required.

Career prospects

Graduates move into roles across retail, consumer packaged goods (CPG), e-commerce and business-to-business sales organisations. Typical positions include sales manager, territory manager, merchandising manager, category manager, buyer, retail operations manager, e-commerce operations specialist, brand or product manager, and account manager. The programme also prepares graduates for specialist functions such as sales enablement, pricing and promotion analysis, retail analytics and supply-chain coordination.

Alumni find opportunities with regional and national retailers, wholesalers, CPG firms, manufacturers and digital commerce companies. The programme’s applied components and local industry connections help students secure internships and employer projects that can lead directly to graduate employment or promotion into supervisory and managerial roles.

Why study at Eastern Michigan University

• Location and industry access: Eastern Michigan’s proximity to the Detroit metropolitan area provides access to a wide range of retail, manufacturing and distribution employers for internships, projects and recruitment.
• Applied learning focus: The programme emphasises experiential learning—capstone projects, practicum placements and employer-led cases—so students graduate with hands-on experience in merchandising, sales operations and analytics.
• Faculty and career support: Courses are taught by faculty with academic and industry experience in marketing and retail operations, and students benefit from the university’s career services and business school employer networks for job search support.
• Flexibility: The programme typically offers formats suitable for full-time and part-time students, allowing working professionals to balance study with employment.
• Small cohorts and personalised attention: Class sizes and advising are structured to provide mentoring and direct feedback, helping students build professional portfolios and networks relevant to the sales, merchandising and marketing operations careers they seek.