University of Central Oklahoma

What you'll study

The programme combines core business education with specialist marketing and merchandising knowledge. Typical study areas include principles of marketing, consumer behaviour, sales management, retail management, visual merchandising and buying. You will also study market research methods, advertising and promotion, pricing strategies, e‑commerce and product assortment planning.

Course structure generally follows a four‑year pattern of lower‑division general education and business foundation courses, followed by upper‑division major subjects and electives. Practical components are emphasised through applied projects, case studies and technology tools used in retail analytics, point‑of‑sale systems and merchandising planning. Many students complete an internship or practicum with a retailer, manufacturer or marketing agency and undertake a capstone or senior project that integrates sales, merchandising and marketing operations topics.

Entry requirements

• Completion of a secondary school diploma or equivalent. Applicants are expected to present a competitive cumulative GPA from high school.
• Required supporting documents typically include official transcripts and any national or secondary school examination results. International applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency if their prior education was not in English.
• Some students will benefit from having completed coursework in mathematics and business‑oriented subjects at secondary level; specific prerequisite subject requirements are confirmed by the university admissions office.
• Transfer applicants should supply college transcripts; transfer admission decisions consider prior college performance and completed prerequisites for the business major. Additional materials such as a personal statement or résumé may strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles across retail, wholesale and marketing functions. Common entry and mid‑career roles include sales representative, account manager, retail buyer, merchandising planner, visual merchandiser, store manager and e‑commerce or digital merchandising specialist. Other pathways lead to positions in brand or product management, category management, marketing coordination, trade marketing and operations roles within supply chain or inventory control.

The programme’s practical focus and internship opportunities also support careers in independent retailing, wholesale distribution and marketing services such as advertising or shopper marketing. With experience, graduates frequently move into supervisory and leadership positions, or specialise in analytics, buying or commercial strategy.

Why study at University of Central Oklahoma

• UCO’s College of Business offers hands‑on learning with access to local retail and commercial employers in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, creating internship and placement opportunities.
• Faculty combine academic teaching with applied industry experience, and coursework emphasises practical skills such as merchandising software, sales techniques and retail analytics.
• Students can enhance their studies through on‑campus resources and extracurriculars, including marketing and retail student organisations, career services, and business incubator or small business support centres.
• The programme prepares graduates for a broad set of employer needs in merchandising and sales while providing flexibility to pursue related business specialisms or further study in marketing and management.