Graduate Program

Global Merchandising and Product Development

The Department of Retail Merchandising & Product Development’s (RMPD) offers a Master’s of Science degree in Clothing, Textiles and Merchandising with a major in Global Merchandising and Product Development. This new major provides students with advanced knowledge to tackle problems and issues in global merchandising and product development and to apply best practices in solving these problems at the corporate level. Content will include, but not be limited to: color communication, computer-aided-design, consumer research, creative and innovative problem solving, leadership, promotions and branding, product development and performance, retail merchandising theory and research, state-of-the-art technology communication strategies, sourcing and procurement, and sustainability. Graduates of this program will be able to serve in management positions in production, distribution and consumption areas.

Separately, the RMPD Department also offers a graduate certificate program. Please contact the department at 850-644-2498 or rmpd_gs@fsu.edu for more information.

Program Admission Requirements

• An earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or a comparable degree from an international institution, with a minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average (GPA) in all work attempted while registered as an upper-division undergraduate student working towards a bachelor's degree; or
• A graduate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or a comparable degree from an international institution; and
• An earned undergraduate degree in a related field or additional required coursework; and
• Submission of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE); and
• International Students submission of a TOEFL score of at least 550 (paper-based) or 80 (internet-based).
 

Attainment of these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Admission decisions are based on assessments of all aspects of the student’s application materials. We reserve the right to increase standards if warranted by enrollment limitations and by the number and quality of applicants.

Departmental Application Deadlines

If you wish to be considered for admission, all fees must be paid and materials received by the university and department prior to the following deadlines.

• Fall Admission Deadline is July 1^st.   International students are encouraged to submit their applications by March 1^st in order to allow time for visa documents to be processed.

• Spring Admission Deadline is November 1^st.  International students are encouraged to submit their applications by July 1^stin order to allow time for visa documents to be processed.

Application Process

1. Apply online through the Admissions website; upload three (3) letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak directly to your ability to complete advanced academic work and upload a one (1) or two (2) page professional goals statement.
2. Submit official GRE scores and official transcripts to the Office of Admissions.
3. If an international student, submit TOEFL scores to the Office of Admissions. International students may have additional requirements. Questions should be directed to the Center for Global Engagement.
4. The assistantship application, found on this page, must be submitted to the department by the admission application dates listed above.

Requirements for Retention in the Major

1) Maintain a minimum FSU 3.00 Grade Point Average; and
2) Receive satisfactory assessment by supervisory committee; and
3) Make satisfactory Progress toward completion of the major.