Rochester Institute of Technology

What you'll study

The curriculum balances foundational marketing theory with applied courses in sales, merchandising and retail operations. Students take core business and marketing modules before moving into specialised subjects that address product assortment, pricing, promotion and channel management for physical and digital retail environments.

• Core marketing and business fundamentals: Principles of Marketing, Marketing Research, Managerial Finance, Business Analytics and Marketing Strategy.
• Sales and relationship management: Professional Selling, Sales Management, Key Account Management and Negotiation.
• Merchandising and retail operations: Retail Management, Merchandise Planning and Buying, Category Management, Visual Merchandising and Store Operations.
• Digital and analytics components: E‑commerce and Omnichannel Marketing, Digital Marketing, Consumer Behaviour, Pricing Analytics and Marketing Analytics.
• Practical experience: RIT places strong emphasis on experiential learning—students complete internships or cooperative education (co‑op) placements, project courses with industry partners, and capstone projects addressing real business challenges.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school qualification. Admissions decisions consider academic performance across a broad range of subjects, with particular attention to mathematics and English. Typical preparation includes courses in algebra and statistics plus coursework or extracurricular experience that demonstrates communication and problem‑solving abilities.

• RIT evaluates applications holistically, considering high school grades, curriculum strength and any standardised test scores submitted; testing policies may vary, so check the institution for current guidance.
• International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements through recognised tests or other demonstrated English ability.
• Relevant work experience, leadership activities, a portfolio of projects, or prior coursework in business/marketing can strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for operational and managerial roles across retail, wholesale and brand environments in both brick‑and‑mortar and online channels. The programme delivers skills employers value in commercial, analytical and customer‑facing functions.

• Typical roles include Sales Representative, Account Manager, Merchandiser/Buyer, Retail Store Manager, Category Manager, E‑commerce Specialist and Marketing Analyst.
• Employers range from large national and international retailers and consumer goods manufacturers to independent boutiques, wholesalers, marketing agencies and technology platforms supporting retail operations.
• Graduates also move into related areas such as brand management, supply chain planning, commercial strategy and postgraduate study in business or marketing disciplines.

Why study at Rochester Institute of Technology

RIT offers a career‑focused business education with strong links to industry and a well‑established cooperative education programme that helps students build workplace experience before graduation. The Saunders College of Business provides specialised faculty, applied learning opportunities and access to campus resources that support entrepreneurship, analytics and digital marketing skills.

• Cooperative education and internships: Structured work placements connect students with employers in retail, consumer goods and service sectors.
• Applied learning: Project courses, client engagements and capstone experiences translate theory into practical skills.
• Career support: Dedicated career services, employer engagement events and alumni networks help students secure positions in sales, merchandising and related marketing operations.
• Facilities and interdisciplinary options: Students can combine marketing studies with analytics, design, supply chain or information technology coursework to tailor their skill set to evolving industry needs.