Traditional Master's (M.S.)
The Department of Retailing and Tourism Management offers a Master of Science (M.S.) degree with two dynamic areas of specialization designed to meet the demands of today’s rapidly evolving job market and the growing workforce needs in Kentucky and beyond.
Hospitality Management and Tourism (HMT)
Kentucky’s hospitality and tourism industries are expanding at a record pace, driven by bourbon tourism, equine events, culinary experiences, and the state’s unique natural and cultural attractions. At the same time, organizations across sectors, including government, healthcare, corporations, and community agencies, are increasingly recognizing the value of hospitality and tourism expertise in areas such as experience design, customer engagement, wellness and patient service leadership, event management, and community development.
Our HMT graduate curriculum blends coursework, research, and applied experiences to prepare students for leadership roles in the industries where customer engagement or service principles are in demand. Students may choose between a hands-on industry or community problem solving project or a scholarly research project to develop deeper expertise.
Graduates are prepared to meet evolving workforce needs in Kentucky and globally, whether advancing careers in hospitality and tourism development, healthcare services, corporate event management, government service programs, or community-based experiential initiatives.
Merchandising, Apparel, and Textiles (MAT)
The apparel and retail industries are undergoing major transformation, driven by digital commerce, sustainability initiatives, and global supply chain innovation. Kentucky is home to a strong and growing retail and fashion sector, creating opportunities for professionals who understand consumer trends, fashion, branding, product development, sustainability, and merchandising strategies with AI and technology.
The MAT graduate curriculum integrates coursework, independent study, and research to prepare students for diverse careers in fashion merchandising, product development, retail analytics, sustainable practices, and brand management. Students may complete a professional, problem-solving project for local or national leading retail or fashion organizations or conduct a scholarly research project that addresses emerging issues, such as sustainable textiles, digital merchandising, or consumer engagement.
Graduates of the MAT program are uniquely equipped to address the industry’s evolving challenges and contribute to Kentucky’s retail and creative economy, and the industry at large.
Our RTM master’s program is designed to give students the flexibility to pursue either a research-focused path (Plan A – Thesis Track) or a career-focused path (Plan B – Non-Thesis Track). Both options require 30 credit hours of graduate coursework and a minimum GPA of 3.0 for graduation. Students work closely with a faculty advisor and committee members to select the right track and supporting coursework.
Why Choose Our Program?
- Flexibility: Two pathways (thesis or non-thesis) to match your academic and career goals.
- Faculty Support: Work one-on-one with expert faculty advisors.
- Industry Connections: Opportunities for hands-on experience and applied projects.
- Strong Foundation: Gain the research, analytical, and professional skills to advance in academia or the industry.
Ideal for students who want to conduct a research project to develop deeper expertise, prepare for doctoral study, or pursue research-related careers.
Core Requirements (18 Credit Hours):
- RTM 600: Research Methodology in Human Environmental Sciences (3)
- RTM 650: Survey of Current Theories & Literature (3)
- RTM 772: Seminar in Retailing & Tourism Management (3)
- STA 570: Basic Statistical Analysis or EPE 557: Gathering, Analyzing, and Using Educational Data (3)
- RTM 748: Master’s Thesis Research (6)
Electives (12 Credit Hours):
- Additional 500–700 level courses (structured courses, not independent study) chosen with advisor approval.
Best suited for students interested in applied learning and professional advancement in retailing, hospitality, tourism or events industries.
Core Requirements (18 Credit Hours):
- RTM 600: Research Methodology in Human Environmental Sciences (3)
- RTM 650: Survey of Current Theories & Literature (3)
- RTM 772: Seminar in Retailing & Tourism Management (3)
- STA 570: Basic Statistical Analysis or EPE 557: Gathering, Analyzing, and Using Educational Data (3)
- RTM 690: Industry Experience (6)
Electives (12 Credit Hours):
- Additional 500–700 level courses (structured courses, not independent study) chosen with advisor approval.
Presentations
Cavender, R., Thompson, K., & Wesley, S. (October 2022). Exploring knowledge gaps in merchandising curriculums: Perceptions of recent retail internship participants. International Textiles and Apparel Association 2022 Annual Conference, Denver, CO.
Chen, J.*, & LU, Y. (2021). Attitude Change towards Virtual Event Websites: Comparing Customer Reviews before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The 40th Annual Conference of ISTTE, October 4-6. -Best Paper Award
Chen, J.*, Zhang, P., & LU, Y. (2021). Co-created values of Human Robot Interaction in mega event and the mediating role of front-line employees. The 26th Annual Graduate Education & Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism, January 8-9, Houston, TX.
*Graduate Student
Publications
Sengupta, A., Wesley, S., Cavender, R. and Lee, M-Y. (2021). Global vs local: analysis of the consumer-brand relationships in India. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, 50(3), 361-376. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJRDM-08-2020-0306
How to Apply
Interested individuals must apply both to the Graduate School and to the Department of Retailing and Tourism Management. An overall GPA of at least 2.75 in all undergraduate work and a 3.0 in undergraduate major is required. Students are encouraged to apply for admission as early as possible.
For domestic students, all application materials must be submitted no later than one month prior to the start of the term for which the applicant intends to apply.
Questions?
Dr. Tracy Lu
Director of Graduate Studies
303-C Erikson Hall
(859) 257-1275
Internship Pathway
Master's students can complete their program via thesis, non-thesis or an internship project. The graduate internship gives students hands-on experience and holds them to more rigorous standards, as students are expected to work at a managerial or corporate level. The semester-long internship culminates with students presenting findings and suggestions for the business in their internship defense.
Explore InternshipsAssistantships
Graduate assistantships and scholarship opportunities are available on a competitive basis through teaching or research assistantship positions. These position selections are based on academic potential for future students or academic standing for current students. Over 1,800 assistantships are available throughout the university for full-time graduate students to perform teaching or research duties.
Explore AssistantshipsTravel Opportunities
Each year our graduate students participate in graduate consortiums with other students from institutions such as UNC Greensboro, UT, FSU, Auburn, U of Georgia and more. Students give a 20-minute presentation before a panel of their peers highlighting their current research. Our students also submit articles for presentations at the International Textile and Apparel Association yearly conference.
Explore the ConferenceUniversity Scholars Program
Students pursuing a B.S. in MAT can begin their grad school education while still an undergraduate student. This program provides an opportunity to acquire a master’s degree on a fast track in three semesters. Students begin taking graduate-level courses their senior year, and up to 12 credit hours can be shared between undergraduate and graduate curriculum.
Explore the Program