The Department of Apparel, Textiles, and Interior Design
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Specialization in Merchandising
In conjunction with the Great Plains IDEA, Kansas State University's Department of Apparel, Textiles and Interior Design offers an M.S. degree in Merchandising. The 36-hour master's degree distance program allows students to do course work at times convenient to their lives. In addition to the 36 credit hours a culminating experience is required. The inter-institutional program draws on the knowledge and expertise of graduate faculty and graduate courses from five universities:
- Colorado State University
- Kansas State University
- North Dakota State University
- Oklahoma State University
- South Dakota State University
All institutions are members of the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance and have a history of success in distance education. The program is taught entirely via the Internet. Students completing the master's degree program from Kansas State University will earn an M.S. in Apparel and Textiles with a specialization in Merchandising.
Graduates of the program are prepared to work in product development, promotions and retail management. For professionals in the industry who lack the theoretical background of merchandising, the expertise offered the the Merchandising master's degree may provide for diversification or career advancement.
For further information contact the campus coordinator at or the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance.
Note: KSU does not offer a Great Plains IDEA Merchandise Certificate.
Upon completion of the 36-hour master's degree, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a global-centric perspective that articulates the interconnectedness of cultural, economic, political, social and environmental systems.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the character traits and skills associated with good leadership.
- Demonstrate the ability to analyze and synthesize these traits and skills to develop a personal leadership philosophy that can be applied to changing situational contexts.
- Assimilate and evaluate knowledge of and critical thinking related to: consumers, technology, current and future trends, product development and distribution, the research process, the strategic planning process, ethics and social responsibility.