University of Hartford

What you'll study

This programme combines core marketing principles with specialised coursework in sales, merchandising and retail operations. You will study foundational business subjects alongside practical modules that address assortment planning, store operations and customer engagement.

• Core marketing and business: Principles of Marketing, Marketing Research, Consumer Behaviour, Business Communications, Principles of Management and Introduction to Finance.
• Sales and selling skills: Personal Selling and Sales Management, Business-to-Business Selling, Negotiation and Customer Relationship Management.
• Merchandising and retail operations: Retail Management, Visual Merchandising, Merchandise Planning and Assortment, Inventory and Supply Chain Fundamentals, Store Operations and Loss Prevention.
• Digital and analytics: E‑commerce and Digital Marketing, Retail Analytics, Social Media for Marketing, Basic Data Analysis for Marketing Decisions.
• Practical experience: Internship or cooperative education placement with a retail or sales organisation, practicum projects with industry partners, and simulation-based courses that replicate merchandising and sales scenarios.
• Electives and capstone: Options to study brand management, international marketing, entrepreneurship, or a capstone project that integrates merchandising strategy, sales planning and performance measurement.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to have a recognised high school diploma or equivalent. Typical academic preparation includes coursework in mathematics and English; prior study in business or economics is helpful but not essential. Admissions decisions consider the whole application, including transcripts, personal statement and references. Standardised test requirements (SAT/ACT) may be considered according to the university’s general admissions policy; transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and details of any post-secondary coursework. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through an approved test or equivalent evidence.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a broad range of roles across retail, wholesale, manufacturing and services. The programme emphasises practical skills employers seek, such as category planning, merchandising analytics, sales strategy and customer relationship management.

• Retail buyer or merchandising analyst — planning assortments, pricing and promotions.
• Store manager or district manager — operations, staffing and P&L responsibility.
• Sales representative, account manager or business development executive — direct selling and client relationship management.
• E‑commerce specialist or digital merchandiser — managing online product presentation and conversion optimisation.
• Category manager, visual merchandiser, supply chain coordinator or inventory planner.
• Opportunities in brand management, wholesale distribution, marketing analytics, or starting a retail/online business.

Why study at University of Hartford

The University of Hartford offers a personalised undergraduate experience with small class sizes and accessible faculty who bring industry experience to teaching. The university’s location near Hartford provides proximity to regional retailers, corporate headquarters and suppliers, creating opportunities for internships and employer engagement.

Students benefit from experiential learning through internship programmes, practicum projects with local businesses and career services that support placement, résumé preparation and interview coaching. The programme’s mix of practical merchandising labs, sales simulations and analytics coursework prepares graduates to enter the workplace with hands-on skills and professional experience.