Master's Degree (MS) in Retailing and Tourism Management
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
The Master of Science in Retailing and Tourism Management is designed for forward-thinking professionals seeking advanced expertise in hospitality, tourism, retailing, fashion, customer engagement, and event management. Graduates gain expertise in emerging technologies like AI tools, data analytics, marketing systems, and smart-event platforms.
Program Overview
This master’s degree program offers two dynamic specializations: Hospitality Management and Tourism (HMT) or Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles (MAT).
Hospitality Management and Tourism (HMT)
Kentucky’s hospitality and tourism sector is booming – fueled by bourbon tourism, equine-related events, culinary experiences, and the state’s rich cultural heritage and natural attractions. Beyond traditional roles, expertise in hospitality and tourism is increasingly sought in healthcare, government, corporate services, and community development, where expertise in experience design, customer engagement, and event management is critical.
Our curriculum will prepare you for leadership roles in sectors where service principles matter most. Graduates thrive in careers spanning tourism development, healthcare service leadership, corporate event management, government programs, and community-based experiential initiatives – locally and globally.
Merchandising, Apparel, and Textiles (MAT)
Retail and fashion are transforming through digital commerce, sustainability, and global supply chain innovation. Kentucky’s growing retail and fashion ecosystem offers exciting opportunities for professionals skilled in consumer trends, branding, product development, and AI- and tech-driven merchandising strategies.
Our curriculum will prepare you to address industry challenges while contributing to the retail and creative economy. Graduates are prepared for careers in fashion merchandising, retail analytics, sustainable practices, and brand management.
Research-oriented thesis and coursework and practice-focused non-thesis options of this program are available. Both options require 30 credit hours, and applicants typically hold a bachelor's degree in hospitality, tourism, management, merchandising, textiles, retailing, marketing, or a related field.
Related Careers
The Master of Science in Retailing and Tourism Management degree will prepare you for dynamic careers in the private, public, and non-profit sectors as well as professional programs.
- Brand or product manager
- Digital merchandiser/social media specialist
- Event or tour director
- Fashion or visual merchandiser
- Food and service manager
- Global sourcing or quality assurance manager
- Hotel or resort manager
- Revenue or sales manager
- Spa or theme park operations manager
- Textile lab supervisor
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Application Deadlines
Domestic
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Fall
- 07/24/2026
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Spring
- 12/12/2025
International
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Fall
- 04/15/2026
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Spring
- 09/15/2025
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!
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Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
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