Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Retail Studies is an interdisciplinary field of academic study that explores the various aspects of the retail and eCommerce industry, encompassing subjects such as business, marketing, economics, data analytics, supply chain management, supplying to retailers, consumer behavior, and technology. It offers students a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics and challenges within the retail sector, preparing them for careers in areas such as retail management, buying, merchandising, marketing, sales, eCommerce, and analytics.
Below are the key Reasons to Study Retailing
- $6.86 Trillion Dollar Economy
- Retailers are the gateway to consumers
- Retail in Detail (Integration of the 4 Ps)
- Dynamic Change due to eCommerce and Technology
- Rich Spectrum of Business Models
- Large Source of Employment (20 million individuals)
- Extremely democratic employment
- Large ecosystem of suppliers and service providers
Below are some of the benefits we offer:
| Benefits | Description |
|---|---|
| Cutting-edge Curriculum | Equips students with the latest trends and technologies shaping the retail industry. Learn from leading faculty and industry partners who have state-of-the-art knowledge. |
| Access to and Support for Internships | Retail Studies Minor students have access to numerous exclusive opportunities and support for securing internships. These include the Fall & Winter Internship Career Fair, webinars with industry experts, and special on-campus evenings with organizations to explore their internship programs and career paths. Additionally, students benefit from one-on-one career coaching with the RMI Director, who provides guidance on crafting resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles, as well as offering mock interviews and advice on which companies to target for internships. |
| Scholarships | All scholarships are merit-based. Interested students are encouraged to email rmi@scu.edu to learn more about the qualifications for these scholarships. |
| Fully Paid Opportunity to Visit New York City | Retail Studies Minor students can apply for a fully paid trip to New York City, scheduled for the second week of January and lasting between 3 to 5 days. Students selected through the application process will have the opportunity to attend the National Retail Federation (NRF) Student Program, the largest retail conference in New York. |
| CEO Collaboration | Students directly collaborate with CEOs through the C-Level Project, gaining valuable real-world experience. |
| Access to Leading Executives and Mentoring via the Retail Management Institute Board | The RMI Board comprises industry experts from diverse sectors of the retail world, committed to accelerating your career journey. Our board members offer personalized mentorship, valuable industry insights, and networking opportunities to help you refine your skills and connect with influential leaders. Whether you're looking to advance in your current role or explore new opportunities, the RMI Board provides the guidance and support you need to succeed. Learn more about our Board Members here. |
| Digital Merchandising Certification | Provides an opportunity to obtain a certification focusing on cutting-edge technologies crucial for digital retailing. For more information on the certification, click here. |
| Access to Exclusive On-Campus Events | The Retail Studies Minor offers access to unique events, networking sessions, and career fairs tailored to the retail sector, providing valuable connections and insights from industry professionals. |
Below is a table highlighting how the Retail Studies Minor differs from other minors at Santa Clara University.
| BENEFITS | RETAIL STUDIES MINOR | OTHER MINORS |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting-edge Curriculum: Stay ahead with the latest trends and technologies in retail, taught by leading academic faculty and practical knowledge from industry experts. | ✓ | X |
| Access to and Support for Internships: Benefit from exclusive internship opportunities, career fairs, and personalized career coaching. For more information, contact us at rmi@scu.edu. | ✓ | X |
| Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships are available; contact rmi@scu.edu for details. | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fully Paid New York City Visit: Experience the pinnacle of retail industry insights with a fully sponsored trip to New York City! Selected students will attend the largest retail conference, connect with industry leaders, and explore emerging trends. The opportunity also includes private, exclusive tours of top retail headquarters such as LVMH, Tiffany & Co., Kenneth Cole, Apple, and Google, providing a comprehensive and immersive experience in the world of retail. | ✓ | X |
| CEO Collaboration: Gain real-world experience by working directly with CEOs in-person through the C-Level Project. | ✓ | X |
| Access to Leading Executives and Mentoring: Receive mentorship and networking opportunities from industry leaders on the Retail Management Institute Board. Click here to learn more about our board members. | ✓ | X |
| Digital Merchandising Certification: Earn a free certification in digital retail technologies from Bloomreach, in partnership with the Retail Management Institute, in less than 8 hours to enhance your career prospects. Get more details here. | ✓ | X |
| Exclusive On-Campus Events: Join unique events and networking sessions tailored to the retail industry. | ✓ | ✓ |
Students with a Retail Studies Minor have access to diverse career paths in retail management, buying, category management, planning, merchandising, marketing, sales, supply chain management, digital retailing, analytics and many more. The minors' emphasis on practical experiences and industry connections prepares students for leadership roles and meaningful contributions to the retail sector.
For detailed information on the course requirements for the Retail Studies Minor, please visit our Retail Studies Requirements Page .
Digital Merchandising Certification is a key offering within the Retail Studies Minor, providing students with specialized skills crucial for success in the evolving landscape of eCommerce. This certification equips students with the knowledge and expertise needed to leverage technology and data analytics for optimizing digital retail strategies, enhancing their career readiness and competitiveness in the job market. This certification is optional and typically offered in September in an online format. For more information on this program click here.
The Retail Studies Minor complements a wide range of majors, including marketing, economics, communications, management information systems, accounting, finance, psychology, and more. Students can customize their academic path to align with their interests and career goals. The Retail Studies Minor is the perfect way to differentiate yourself!
Students who apply to the Retail Studies Minor come from a variety of majors; however, the minor attracts certain majors more commonly.
Marketing: Those with a Marketing major are attracted to the minor in order to gain retail-focused marketing experience centered around consumer behavior and omnichannel strategies.
Economics: Those who study economics can leverage their skills in analyzing market dynamics while creating successful retail-centered strategies
Communication: The Retail Studies Minor provides communication majors with courses that focus on practical knowledge of the retail industry and how to apply their communication skills in a retail setting.
Management Information Systems: Those with an MIS major gain skills in utilizing technology to manage and analyze retail data effectively.
Accounting: Those with an Accounting major gain knowledge and experience surrounding financial operations directly correlated to the retail industry.
Psychology: The Retail Studies Minor provides psychology majors with the opportunity to more closely analyze consumer behavior in the retail sector.
Though these majors take up a majority of the Retail Studies Minor, the Retail Management Institute welcomes students from all majors!
Yes, the Retail Studies Minor is designed to complement students' existing academic commitments. The flexibility of the minor allows students to balance their coursework with other academic and extracurricular activities.
The best time to apply for a Retail Studies minor is during your freshman year, sophomore year & until the spring quarter of the junior year.
Applications for the Retail Studies Minor are accepted for enrollment in the Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters, providing flexibility for students to apply throughout the academic year.
To apply for the Retail Studies Minor, candidates must apply here. We will review your submission and schedule a meeting with a designated member of the Retail Management Institute team to discuss your application. Upon their approval, you will be enrolled in the Retail Studies Minor.
No. You must meet with the designated team member of the Retail Management Institute to discuss your application. Upon their approval, you will be able to enroll in the Retail Studies Minor.
The minimum GPA required for admission to the Retail Studies Minor is 3.3.
If you’re considering studying abroad and want to ensure it aligns with the requirements for the Retail Studies Minor, it largely depends on your schedule. Please email us at rmi@scu.edu to arrange a consultation, and we’ll help you navigate your options.
Please email us at rmi@scu.edu for any questions related to Retail Studies Minor i.e. interest in the minor, application process, any questions related to course curriculum, when It is offered, enrollment, waitlist, Internships, anything at all.
You may also choose to stop by our office to speak with the Program Director.
Office Location - Lucas Hall, Suite 111 E.
Yes, students in the Retail Studies Minor have the opportunity to participate in industry conferences such as the NRF Conference, held in New York City. Additionally, scholarships are provided to support students in attending these events, offering valuable networking opportunities and insights into the latest trends and developments in the retail sector.
Yes, in addition to internships, students can engage in impactful retail-related projects such as the CEO-Level Project. This project allows students to collaborate directly with industry executives, tackling real-world challenges and presenting solutions for impactful results.
The Retail Studies Minor maintains close relationships with industry partners, advisory boards, and professional organizations to ensure curriculum relevance and responsiveness to evolving retail trends and technologies. Our close ties to industry are a key differentiator, providing students with unique opportunities for networking, and real-world insights that are critical for success in the dynamic retail environment.
Yes, students have access to a network of industry mentors including our advisory board who provide guidance, career advice, and networking opportunities to support their professional development in the retail field.
We host a variety of on-campus events, including different types of tabling activities, a Welcome Back Dinner at the start of each quarter, study nights, and promotional events, webinar with the industry leader on topical issues among others.
The Retail Studies Student Association (RSSA) is a student organization managed and led by the Agency R team, including the President, Directors, and Ambassadors. You can join RSSA upon being selected for the Retail Studies Minor through the application process.
Agency R serves as the leadership model within the Retail Studies Student Association (RSSA). Each year, in mid-Spring, we announce open positions for leadership roles for the following academic year to all Retail Studies Minor students. However, it's always a good idea to reach out to us via email at rmi@scu.edu to inquire about any current open positions.
Below are the positions available within Agency R each year:
- President of Agency R
- Social Media Director
- Marketing Director
- Events Director
- Vice President of Recruitment
- Marketing Ambassador
- Economics Ambassador
- Communications Ambassador
- Management Information Systems Ambassador
- Accounting Ambassador
- Psychology Ambassador
Yes, there are student work opportunities within the Retail Management Institute. Each year, in mid-Spring, we announce available positions for the upcoming academic year to all Retail Studies Minor students.
Here are some of the positions typically available:
- President of Agency R
- Social Media Director
- Marketing Director
- Events Director
- Vice President of Recruitment
- Marketing Ambassador
- Economics Ambassador
- Communications Ambassador
- Management Information Systems Ambassador
- Accounting Ambassador
- Psychology Ambassador