Mar 28, 2024  
2014-2015 Graduate Catalog 
    
2014-2015 Graduate Catalog [Not Current Academic Year. Consult with Your Academic Advisor for Your Catalog Year]

Global Retailing, M.S.


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Major and Minor Fields of Study Listed Alphabetically

Advisor:  Dr. Shirley Ezell

Interactive courses, global cases and experiences designed and taught by a team of industry executives and retail faculty creates a new generation of creative global retail thinkers.  The Global Retailing Master’s program at The University of Houston looks different because it is different.

Globalization, already standard practice, will be a key driver of future growth for retailers.  Houston, as a city filled with global industries and opportunities, is poised as a hub for global retail expansion.  The Master of Science in Global Retailing, taught by collaborative teams of retail professionals includes:  the dynamics of global strategic forces; analysis of world regions; multi-cultural consumer behavior; retail analytics, profitability and financial models; cross-cultural consumer behavior; cross-cultural perspectives in retail management; applied retail management; applied retail market research and evaluation; international regulations and trade restrictions; and global trends.  Optional electives allow individuated enrichment that facilitates probing future ventures and pushes the boundaries of new ideas.

The Masters in Global Retailing program expands opportunities to operate, lead, and innovate, successful retail markets throughout the global economy.  Coursework and experiences prepare students to actively respond to pressing questions such as:  How will social innovation, diverse cultures and now organizational retail practices affect the way we live and deliver innovation?  In the face of globalization, how do we establish meaningful connections with local and global communities?

Retailers throughout the United States are now expanding their organization into global markets and need executives prepared to lead in these new markets.  The applied research thesis is an option for those graduates anticipating continued graduate work, teaching, consulting and retail planning.  This program serves a unique need to shape global retail visionaries for a proactive retail workforce with excellent placement opportunities for promising graduates in compelling new global markets.

The degree program requires all students to complete courses in Global Retailing plus approved enriching electives.  Students elect a thesis or non-thesis option.  Program and thesis guidelines specifying other requirements are updated regularly and are available from the department office.

Thesis Option


Requirements (36 Credit Hours)


  • Core Courses:  18 Credit Hours
  • Approved Electives:  12 Credit Hours
  • Thesis:  6 Credit Hours

Total Credit Hours = 36


Non-Thesis Option


Requirements (36 Credit Hours)


  • Core Courses:  18 Credit Hours
  • Specialization Area:  12 Credit Hours
  • Approved Electives:  6 Credit Hours

Total Credit Hours = 36


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Major and Minor Fields of Study Listed Alphabetically