University of Kentucky®
Master's Degree (MS) in
Retailing & Tourism Management
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PROGRAM DETAILS
FORMAT
TOTAL CREDITS 30
CREDENTIALS MS Degree
COST PER CREDIT
$790.00
- UK Online
- All Programs
- Master's Degrees
- Retailing & Tourism Management (MS)
About this Program
The Master of Science in Retaining and Tourism Management is designed for forward-thinking professionals who want to elevate consumer experience, drive sustainable commerce, and lead global retail and tourism industries. This flexible, online 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.
Thesis and non-thesis options of this program are available.
Designed For
This program is ideal for individuals interested in advancing their careers in retail management, tourism development, or hospitality operations. Prospective students often have backgrounds in business, hospitality management, marketing, or related fields, and seek to specialize in strategic management, customer experience, and destination marketing within the retail and tourism industries.
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Learn more about the Retailing & Tourism Management online program.
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Fill out this form to be sent information on the Master's (MS) in Retailing & Tourism Management program, including deadlines, tuition, application requirements and more!
What You’ll Learn
You’ll develop the strategic, analytical, and creative experience needed to excel in hospitality, tourism, and retail. Through advanced coursework and real-world applications, you’ll gain the skills needed to thrive as a leader in today’s fast-changing global marketplace.
Choose a path that aligns with your goals:
- Plan A (Thesis): Research-oriented, including six credit hours of research residency
- Plan B (Non-Thesis): Coursework and practice-focused
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.
As an MS student, you’ll collaborate with faculty experts, engage in interdisciplinary projects, and connect with industry leaders across tourism and retail sectors. You’ll master emerging technologies like AI tools, data analytics, marketing systems, and smart-event platforms. You’ll also gain hands-on experience solving real-world challenges through partnerships with companies, destinations, and community organizations. Through these experiences, you’ll learn how to apply tech-driven insights to consumer analytics and trend forecasting, use destination data for tourism planning, evaluate digital hospitality platforms, and incorporate sustainability practices into retail and event operations.
Graduate with portfolio-ready projects, technological fluency, and the competitive edge needed to lead in modern tourism, hospitality retail, and fashion environments.
Course Examples
- RTM 600 Research Methodology in Retailing and Tourism Management
- RTM 650 Survey of Current Theories and Literature
- RTM 772 Seminar in Retailing and Tourism Management
- RTM 690 Industry Experience in Retailing and Tourism Management
- Basic Statistical Analysis Course
GOT QUESTIONS?
Schedule time to meet with a representative from UK Online to discuss your online learning options.
How to Apply
Admissions Criteria
- Must have obtained a baccalaureate degree, prior to the start of the admission term, from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
- An overall grade point average of 2.75 on undergraduate work and 3.00 on all graduate work, if applicable.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
Application Requirements
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation (Only an email address is required. Our system will ask them to upload their letter.)
Program Contact
Deadlines
Fall 2026
Why UK Online
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success.
No test scores required.
Degrees are conferred by the University of Kentucky, an accredited university.
Save money by paying for only 9 standard credit hours per semester, even if you take more.
Fit learning into your busy schedule with no prescribed class times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
What is the admission criteria?
Admission Criteria is located on each Program Page under the section titled "How to Apply".
Tuition
How much does the online program cost?
The tuition rate for this program is listed at the top of this page. If you still have questions, please reach out to the program representative.
Is there a tuition cap?
Yes! For graduate students who enroll full-time (9+ credit hours) exclusively in a distance education program, will receive a capped tuition rate. To see the current term’s capped tuition rate, please visit https://www.uky.edu/studentaccount/tuition and look for “Graduate Students Enrolled Exclusively in Distance Education Courses -- full-time.” This is the per semester rate you will pay when enrolled for 9 or more credit hours. Please note, this rate only applies to programs using the standard graduate tuition rate.
What tuition assistance is available for graduate students?
Graduate students should review the Student Funding information available through the Graduate School. Specific programs may offer additional funding that is unique to that program. Contact the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) in the department in which you wish to enroll with questions about the availability of assistantships and the application process.
I'm not in Kentucky. What's my tuition rate?
For our fully online programs, state of residence does not affect tuition rate. Tuition is the same no matter where you live.
Online Learning
Should I enroll as a full-time graduate student?
This depends on each student and their ability to manage the heavy course load of enrolling full-time, which is 9 credit hours (typically, 3 classes) per semester. Students who enroll full-time may find it difficult to keep even a part-time job. Students who are able to manage a full-time courseload can take advantage of our Graduate Tuition Cap and save on tuition, which offers a flat tuition rate per semester when enrolled in 9 or more credit hours.
Will I have to attend class at a specific time?
No, all classes are asynchronous. This means that students complete the course requirements according to the syllabus and deadlines, but they have flexibility within their own schedule to complete coursework at times that work best for their schedule. We recommend students log in everyday to ensure they are staying on top of communication and assignments.
What should I expect in online classes?
It's important to know how to approach learning in an online program. Online classes are not harder nor easier than in-person classes, but they are different due to their asynchronous modality. This means students should expect to:
Develop a routine: Login to your online class routinely (we recommend at least once daily) to receive updates and contribute meaningfully to any ongoing discussions.
Be good time managers: Determine when you have time to work on coursework throughout the week so you don't fall behind or put off assignments until the last minute.
Communicate: If you are having any trouble, message your peers and/or your instructor right away to ask for help or clarification. Never be afraid to reach out to your instructors or Student Affairs if you need assistance--we have many resources to help you, but we need to know your situation to act accordingly on your behalf.
If you need additional support in navigating the online classroom, Canvas (our learning management system) has a number of helpful tools, including a module for new students that walks through everything you need to know about navigating information in your online class.
Will my degree say “online”?
No, you are awarded the same diploma from UK as students who take classes in-person. There is no denotation of “online” on your diploma or your transcripts.
Can I meet with faculty even though the program is online?
Yes. Our faculty are happy to meet with our students by phone call, email, or an online meeting. You are also welcome to set up an in-person appointment if you ever find yourself in Lexington.
Are there any on-campus requirements?
No, there is no on-campus requirement.
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
Our team is here to help you with the next stage of your journey. Reach out to us today!
Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure
Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.
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