The Department of Retailing and Tourism Management offers an ONLINE 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 online 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 ONLINE Program?

✔ Flexible, Accessible and Affordable

Online courses allow students, especially working professionals, to complete degree requirements at their own pace and from any location.

✔ Same Faculty and Curriculum as On-Campus

Courses are taught by RTM faculty known for expertise in retailing, fashion, customer engagement, sustainability business practices, tourism development, hospitality, and event planning and innovation.

✔ Supportive and Personalized

Students work closely with faculty mentors to plan their coursework, complete a thesis or applied industry project, and prepare for professional advancement.

✔ Strong Industry Integration & Real-World Problem Solving

A distinctive strength of our program is our our deep partnership with industry professionals and communities across Kentucky and beyond. Faculty routinely collaborate with retail companies, tourism destinations, convention and event venues, and nonprofit organizations, and we bring these real industry and community problems into the classroom and applied projects.

Students have opportunities to gain hands-on experience by:

• Working on industry-sponsored projects,
• Developing solutions to current challenges, and
• Presenting findings to professional partners.

This ensures graduates leave with practical, portfolio-ready skills and professional connections.

Explore the Degree See Course Descriptions