Department of Merchandising and Digital Retailing

UNT Diving Eagle

The Department of Merchandising and Digital Retailing (MDR) prepares students for leadership positions in the dynamic and ever-evolving fashion and retail industries. As new consumer trends collide with innovations in technology, opportunities abound for graduates of our unique degree programs in merchandising, home furnishings merchandising, consumer experience management, digital retailing, and retailing.

Defined by strong industry connections, innovative curriculum, and cutting-edge research, UNT’s merchandising program is one of the largest of its kind in the nation and routinely earns high marks in college rankings. According to recent reports by Universities.com, UNT’s merchandising program was ranked 6 out of 125 of colleges offering this exciting degree and was named the number one program in the state. In 2019, Stateuniveristy.com and Collegeraptor.com placed the program in the top 10%.

Whether you join one of our many organizations, study abroad in Europe, or complete a corporate internship, our caring faculty are here at every step to create a one-of-a kind educational experience for you. Graduates of our program work for some of the industry's most successful companies as product developers, buyers, fashion forecasters, sourcing specialists, brand agents, e-commerce directors, social media content managers, and consumer analysts. Explore our website to learn more about our exciting degree programs.

 

Our Vision

To be global leaders in innovative education and research in consumer-focused industries.

Our Mission

To develop talent for careers in consumer-and technology-driven global industries through an innovative curriculum, cutting-edge research, and strong industry connections.

Our Goals

Goal 1: Foster a culture of innovation and expertise development that will keep MDR curricula aligned with a dynamic, consumer-centric retail industry.
Goal 2: Maximize resources and develop leadership skills.
Goal 3: Enhance opportunities for exposure to the global retail industry.
Goal 4: Establish common space for undergraduate students and determine best use for curricular needs.
Goal 5: Become more intentional with regard to assessment outcomes and curricula adjustments.

Degree Programs

The retail math and advanced buying and planning classes have been integral to my success as a buyer.  I've been fortunate to combine these analytical skills with some amazing experiences on buying trips around the world.  I even learned how to weave seagrass in Vietnam.

Jimmy Seifert
Buyer, Container Store
Class of 2012, Merchandising

Studying abroad was a a transformative experience. Walking through that sliding glass door, changed my life and set me on a path that would lead me to work for some of Europe's top luxury labels. I would encourage all students to take a chance, walk through that sliding door.

Roxanne Paschall
SVP, Women's Merchandising and Planning at Salvatore Ferragamo
Class of 1994, Merchandising

Helping others launch and grow their businesses in a low risk environment is such fulfilling work.  Thanks to my product development and marketing experiences I have achieved a lifetime dream of owning my own business,  Hudson Kitchen, a culinary incubator located in New Jersey.

Djenaba Johnson-Jones
Hudson Kitchen, Founder & CEO
Class of 1993, Merchandising

Leadership roles that I held in college were key to my current success.  Retailers are looking for employees who are great team players, can multi-task and work really hard.

Alexis Leatherman
At Home, Buyer
Class of 2012, Merchandising

 

Meet our team

        
Corporate and Academic Partnerships