B.A. in Anthropology
The University of South Carolina offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program...
B.S. in Retailing
Columbia, South Carolina
INTAKE: Jan, May & Aug
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Retailing program at the University of South Carolina (UofSC) provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the retail industry and prepares them for successful careers in various sectors of retail management, merchandising, marketing, and operations. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Retailing program at the University of South Carolina provides students with a comprehensive education in retail management, merchandising, marketing, and operations, preparing them for diverse and rewarding careers in the retail industry. With its focus on experiential learning, industry partnerships, technology integration, and global perspective, the program equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies needed to succeed in today's dynamic and competitive retail environment. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to pursue careers in retail management, merchandising, marketing, e-commerce, supply chain management, sustainability, and other areas of retailing, and to make meaningful contributions to the future of retail.
Core Curriculum: The B.S. in Retailing program begins with a core curriculum that covers foundational concepts in retail management, marketing, merchandising, consumer behavior, and business operations. Students learn about the principles of retailing, including retail strategy, store management, inventory control, pricing, promotion, and customer service. They develop a solid understanding of the retail environment, market dynamics, and industry trends.
Specialized Tracks: The program offers specialized tracks or concentrations that allow students to focus their studies on specific areas of interest within the retail industry. Common tracks may include retail management, fashion merchandising, e-commerce, supply chain management, or sustainability in retail. Students have the flexibility to choose a track that aligns with their career goals and interests, tailoring their coursework to gain expertise in their chosen area.
Retailing Courses: Students take a variety of retailing courses that provide practical knowledge and skills relevant to the retail industry. Course topics may include retail analytics, retail technology, retail buying and merchandising, retail operations management, visual merchandising, retail sales and management, consumer research, retail branding, and retail innovation. Students learn how to analyze retail data, develop retail strategies, manage retail operations, and create compelling retail experiences for customers.
Experiential Learning: The program emphasizes experiential learning opportunities that allow students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world retail settings. Students may participate in internships, co-op programs, practicums, or field experiences with retail companies, brands, or organizations. These hands-on experiences provide students with valuable insights into the retail industry, practical work experience, and networking opportunities with industry professionals.
Industry Partnerships: The University of South Carolina has strong partnerships with retail industry leaders, companies, and organizations, providing students with access to guest speakers, industry mentors, networking events, and career opportunities. Students may have the opportunity to engage with retail executives, attend industry conferences, participate in industry-sponsored projects, and collaborate on research initiatives with retail partners.
Case Studies and Projects: Students engage in case studies, projects, and simulations that simulate real-world retail scenarios and challenges. They work individually or in teams to analyze case studies, develop retail strategies, solve problems, and present their findings and recommendations to faculty and industry professionals. Case studies and projects allow students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills relevant to retail management and leadership roles.
Technology Integration: The program integrates technology into retail education and practice, equipping students with the skills and competencies needed to succeed in today's digital retail landscape. Students learn how to use retail technology tools and platforms for inventory management, sales forecasting, customer relationship management (CRM), e-commerce, omni-channel retailing, and data analytics. They explore emerging technologies and trends shaping the future of retail, such as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and blockchain.
Professional Development: The program offers professional development opportunities to help students prepare for careers in retailing. Students receive guidance on resume writing, job searching, interviewing, networking, and professional etiquette. They may participate in career workshops, job fairs, mock interviews, and alumni panels to gain insights into the retail industry, connect with potential employers, and advance their career prospects.
Global Perspective: The program emphasizes the global nature of the retail industry and the importance of understanding international markets, cultures, and trends. Students learn about global retailing strategies, international supply chain management, cross-cultural consumer behavior, and global retail expansion. They may have the opportunity to study abroad, participate in international internships, or engage in global retail research projects to gain firsthand experience in global retail environments.
Ethical and Sustainable Retailing: The program addresses ethical and sustainability issues in retailing, encouraging students to consider the social, environmental, and ethical implications of retail practices and decisions. Students explore topics such as corporate social responsibility (CSR), ethical sourcing, fair trade, sustainable supply chain management, and green retailing. They learn how retailers can contribute to positive social and environmental impact while meeting consumer demand for ethical and sustainable products and practices.
Capstone Project: In their final year of study, students complete a capstone project that integrates and applies their knowledge and skills in retailing to address a real-world retail challenge or opportunity. Working individually or in teams, students conduct research, analyze data, develop recommendations, and present their findings to faculty and industry partners. The capstone project allows students to demonstrate their readiness for careers in retail management and leadership roles.
Licensure and Certification: Upon completion of the program, students may pursue professional licensure or certification in retailing or related areas. Certification options may include credentials in retail management, merchandising, digital retailing, or supply chain management offered by professional organizations such as the National Retail Federation (NRF), Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), or American Purchasing Society (APS). Licensure and certification can enhance students' credentials and competitiveness in the job market.
Location
Columbia, South Carolina
Score
IELTS: 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 35034
Entry requirements for Undergraduate programs
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Academic Qualifications: Prospective undergraduate students are typically required to present strong academic qualifications, typically falling within the range of 80% to 86%. This criterion evaluates the applicant's academic performance in their secondary education or equivalent. Admissions committees review transcripts and academic records to assess the applicant's overall academic ability and achievement.
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English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum score of 6.5.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score of 77 (iBT).
- PTE (Pearson Test of English): Minimum score of 54.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 115.
The University of South Carolina (UofSC) offers a range of scholarships to support international students in pursuing their academic goals and achieving success. These scholarships aim to attract talented individuals from around the world and provide them with financial assistance to pursue their education at UofSC. The University of South Carolina is dedicated to supporting the academic success and personal development of its international student community through a variety of scholarship opportunities. By providing financial assistance and other forms of support, UofSC aims to create a vibrant and inclusive campus environment where all students can thrive and excel in their academic pursuits.
International Student Scholarships: UofSC offers various merit-based scholarships specifically for international undergraduate and graduate students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership qualities, extracurricular involvement, and other criteria. The amount of the scholarship may vary depending on the student's qualifications and available funding.
Global Carolina Scholarships: The Global Carolina Scholarships are awarded to outstanding international undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding. Recipients of this scholarship receive financial support to cover tuition fees and other educational expenses.
Graduate Assistantships: Graduate assistantships provide international graduate students with opportunities to gain valuable work experience while pursuing their graduate studies at UofSC. These assistantships may involve teaching, research, or administrative duties and typically come with a stipend, tuition waiver, and sometimes health insurance coverage.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UofSC offer scholarships specifically for international students enrolled in their programs. These scholarships may be based on academic achievement, field of study, or other criteria determined by the department. Students are encouraged to inquire with their respective departments for scholarship opportunities.
Diversity and Inclusion Scholarships: UofSC is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. As part of this commitment, the university offers scholarships to support underrepresented and diverse student populations, including international students. These scholarships aim to foster a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Retailing from the University of South Carolina (UofSC) opens up a wide range of career opportunities in the retail industry and related fields. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Retailing program at the University of South Carolina prepares graduates for diverse and rewarding careers in retail management, merchandising, marketing, e-commerce, supply chain management, and related fields. With its comprehensive curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, industry partnerships, and focus on professional development, the program equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to succeed in today's dynamic and competitive retail environment.Graduates of the program are well-positioned to pursue fulfilling careers, advance into leadership roles, and make meaningful contributions to the future of retail.
Retail Management: Graduates can pursue careers in retail management, overseeing the day-to-day operations of retail stores, departments, or locations. They may work as store managers, assistant managers, or district managers, responsible for managing staff, setting sales targets, optimizing inventory levels, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maximizing profitability. Retail managers may work in various retail sectors, including apparel, electronics, home goods, grocery, specialty, or department stores.
Merchandising and Buying: Graduates may work in merchandising and buying roles, responsible for selecting and sourcing merchandise, negotiating contracts with suppliers, analyzing market trends, and managing product assortments. They may work for retail companies, brands, or e-commerce platforms, developing merchandising strategies, pricing strategies, and promotional plans to drive sales and meet customer demand. Merchandisers and buyers may specialize in specific product categories, such as apparel, accessories, electronics, beauty, or home goods.
Marketing and Advertising: Graduates can pursue careers in marketing and advertising within the retail industry, developing and implementing marketing campaigns, promotional strategies, and advertising initiatives to attract customers and drive sales. They may work as marketing coordinators, brand managers, digital marketers, social media managers, or advertising executives for retail companies, agencies, or marketing firms. They collaborate with cross-functional teams to create compelling marketing content, engage with customers on various channels, and enhance brand visibility and loyalty.
E-commerce and Digital Retailing: Graduates may work in e-commerce and digital retailing roles, managing online stores, websites, or digital platforms for retail companies. They may work as e-commerce managers, online merchandisers, web developers, user experience (UX) designers, or digital marketing specialists, responsible for optimizing the online shopping experience, driving website traffic, and increasing online sales. They stay abreast of digital retail trends, technologies, and best practices to enhance the online presence and performance of retail brands.
Supply Chain Management: Graduates can pursue careers in supply chain management within the retail industry, overseeing the flow of goods from suppliers to customers. They may work as supply chain analysts, logistics coordinators, inventory planners, or procurement specialists, responsible for managing inventory levels, optimizing distribution networks, reducing transportation costs, and ensuring product availability and delivery accuracy. They use supply chain management software and tools to streamline operations and improve supply chain efficiency.
Customer Experience and Service: Graduates may work in customer experience and service roles, focusing on enhancing the customer journey and fostering positive interactions between customers and retail brands. They may work as customer experience managers, service representatives, or client relationship managers, responsible for addressing customer inquiries, resolving complaints, and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction. They may also develop customer loyalty programs, conduct customer surveys, and implement customer feedback initiatives to improve the overall customer experience.
Retail Analytics and Data Science: Graduates can pursue careers in retail analytics and data science, leveraging data and analytics tools to gain insights into consumer behavior, market trends, and business performance. They may work as retail analysts, data scientists, or business intelligence specialists, responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to inform strategic decision-making, optimize marketing campaigns, and identify growth opportunities. They use statistical modeling, data visualization, and predictive analytics techniques to extract actionable insights from large datasets.
Consulting and Advisory Services: Graduates may work in consulting and advisory roles, providing strategic advice, market research, and business solutions to retail clients. They may work for consulting firms, advisory agencies, or market research companies, advising retail companies on issues such as market entry strategies, expansion plans, competitive analysis, and performance improvement. They collaborate with clients to develop customized strategies and recommendations that drive business growth and profitability in the retail sector.
Entrepreneurship and Retail Startups: Graduates may pursue entrepreneurship opportunities in the retail industry by starting their own retail businesses, ventures, or startups. They may establish boutique stores, online retail platforms, pop-up shops, or specialty stores that cater to specific niche markets or customer segments. They develop business plans, secure funding, source merchandise, build brand identity, and create unique retail experiences to differentiate their businesses in the competitive retail landscape.
Sustainability and Ethical Retailing: Graduates may work in sustainability and ethical retailing roles, promoting sustainable practices, responsible sourcing, and ethical business conduct within the retail industry. They may work as sustainability managers, corporate social responsibility (CSR) coordinators, or ethical sourcing specialists for retail companies, responsible for implementing sustainability initiatives, reducing environmental impact, and ensuring ethical supply chain practices. They collaborate with stakeholders to drive positive social and environmental change through sustainable retail practices.
Career Advancement and Leadership: With experience and expertise, graduates can advance to higher-level positions and leadership roles within retail organizations. They may progress to roles such as retail directors, regional managers, vice presidents, or chief retail officers, overseeing multiple stores, departments, or divisions and shaping the strategic direction and growth of retail businesses. They demonstrate leadership, innovation, and vision in driving business success and achieving organizational goals.
Professional Development and Networking: Graduates can enhance their career prospects by participating in professional development opportunities, continuing education programs, and industry networking events. They may join professional associations, such as the National Retail Federation (NRF), Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), or American Marketing Association (AMA), to access resources, training, and networking opportunities that support their career growth and advancement in the retail industry.
