Associate's, bachelor's and master's degree
programs in merchandising are available via distance learning, with
courses offered fully online. Some online programs examine merchandising
as it applies to all sorts of retail fields, while others focus solely
on the fashion industry. Similar online classes in core merchandising
topics are required for both types of program.
Overview of Online Merchandising Courses
Online merchandising courses may be offered as part of a 2-year or
4-year degree program, either at the undergraduate or graduate level.
These programs may lead to a broad merchandising degree, like a Bachelor
of Science in Merchandising and Consumer Science or a Master of Science
in Merchandising. Degree programs focused on fashion and apparel
merchandising are also commonly available online.
Students who complete an online associate's or bachelor's degree in
merchandising may find employment as product promoters and stylists,
retail buyers, sales assistants or manufacturer representatives, among
other positions. Master's degree programs often include courses in
global or international merchandising, preparing graduates to manage and
coordinate inventory on a much larger scale.
Course Requirements
Schools usually utilize a course management system to deliver online
merchandising classes. These systems are entirely Web-based, meaning
that students usually don't need to download or install any software;
they simply navigate to the proper webpage and log on to access their
course materials. Instructors may post reading assignments online, such
as case studies of the merchandising practices of a particular store or
brand. Typically, course management systems also include message boards
through which students can participate in group discussions about these
readings with their distance-learning classmates.
Types of Online Merchandising Courses
Merchandising Fundamentals Online Course
Taken near the beginning of an undergraduate merchandising degree
program, the online fundamentals class introduces students to the
procurement, pricing and promotion of goods, all with an eye on profit.
Mathematics and statistics are an important part of the curriculum,
since merchandisers must be able to compute the optimal markup for a
product. Students typically complete math exercises in which they price
sample products. Often, students also practice using Microsoft Excel on
their home computers to plan and track simulated inventories and
expenses.
The online visual merchandising class examines the types of in-store
displays and advertising that attract consumers to a product. Students
study the use of colors, lighting, graphics, fonts, window displays,
signs and mannequins. The online course relies heavily on materials like
digital photographs, sketches and diagrams to help students understand
these visual concepts.
E-marketing Online Course
Building on the visual merchandising course, this online class
translates the study to a Web environment. Students learn to apply
visual merchandising strategies to the promotion of a product on a
website instead of in a store. This class may be offered near the end of
an undergraduate program or within a graduate program; at the graduate
level, students may be required to complete more in-depth studies in Web
design. One of the assignments in a master's-level e-marketing class
may involve the creation of a functional, appealing website for a
specific product.
A common upper-level course offering, the promotional strategies
class explores topics such as public relations, salesmanship, publicity
tools, persuasion and target markets. The curriculum may also introduce
issues of social and environmental responsibility that influence the
merchandising of goods. Online students might participate in message
board discussions about cultural awareness, eco-friendly packaging
choices and ethical practices. Responsibility in promotion and
advertising is also discussed. Students learn to develop merchandising
plans that are appropriate for the targeted consumers, whether the
targets are children or adults.
Consumer Behavior Online Course
Courses in consumer behavior are usually intended for graduate
students in merchandising. Students strive to predict - and influence -
what consumers will want to buy and why. Consumer behavior models are
often introduced, as are the sociological and psychological factors that
affect trends and consumption. Other topics of study in this online
class may include demographics, product positioning and brand loyalty.
International Merchandising Online Course
Global or international merchandising classes increase the scope of
students' merchandising skills, preparing them to oversee the
distribution and promotion of goods all over the world. Sourcing,
buying, advertising and selling products internationally requires
merchandisers to be aware of the politics, cultures and economies of
different countries. Using Web-based discussion forums, students in this
online class analyze case studies of international merchandising
ventures and global trends. Intended for graduate students, the class
teaches students to apply their understanding of target markets to the
world market.
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