The Bachelor of Commerce in Retail Management prepares students for professional careers in the retail sector and its related industries. An expanding global industry, the retail career opportunities are increasingly diverse. As well, the program will prepare those students interested in postgraduate studies in this, or related areas. The program is designed to develop effective leadership, analytic and creative skills and knowledge, positioning graduates with an appreciation of how all of the variables of the retail marketing mix interrelate in a successful retail environment.

Graduates of the Retail Management program may pursue a variety of career options within the industry:

• buying and supply chain management positions in a retailer's or manufacturer's head office including: trend identification, assortment planning, selection and procurement, supply chain management and logistics functions;
• store operations management positions in single-unit or multi-unit organizations which specialize in products or services;
• marketing positions in retail companies and related industries of advertising and communications;
• planning and analysis positions for retailers in areas such as: rapidly changing consumer needs, the global retail environment and the impact of technology on changing retail formats;
• retail real estate companies in marketing, leasing or analytics;
• new venture start-up and management.

The program provides students with an integrated perspective of the many facets of a retail organization as well as insight into the broader context of retailing in society. A practical and comprehensive knowledge in the basic foundations of customer service strategies, 'people' skills and the acquisition of computer knowledge will be the key aspect that would provide the essential foundation in the Retail Industry.

The four-year program is divided into two parts. First and second year provide students with the foundational skills and knowledge of a Bachelor of Commerce degree and introductory courses with an emphasis on retail management. Some of the topics that will be focused on include: Consumer Insight, Logistics and Supply Chain, buying and merchandising and service quality leadership.

In third and fourth years, students have the opportunity to delve into more advanced (and strategic) theories, concepts and practices. Retailing in the context of the entire supply chain is explored with concepts related to service strategy taking on a broader dimension. A package of elective courses provides students with flexibility in building a program of study that meets individual needs. Research and consulting skills are developed during third year and during the first semester of fourth year; this is in preparation for an independent optional project which the student would complete under the guidance of a faculty member. The optional independent project enables students to make an individual contribution to the industry.

Exchange and Travel Study

In sixth semester, students have the opportunity, subject to availability of spaces and academic performance, to study for a semester abroad. Travel/Study trips to Europe, Asia, and/or North America may be available to students in conjunction with specific courses. In a given year, students may complete an assignment or a project based on the student’s travel/study experience which will be used in the final assessment of the course.

Internship

In seventh semester, an academic and career preparedness allows students to gain management skills in a real-life environment and provides guidance for career planning. After sixth semester, students are required to obtain work experience through the Internship program. However, after second and fourth semester, students have the option of obtaining valuable work experience by participating in the Internship program. Students are required to obtain work experience from one of a broad range of Retail Management opportunities.

Challenge Credits

Challenge Credit provides the opportunity for applicants with retail or business experience to earn credit and reduce the total number of courses required to complete their degree program. This option is available in several professional courses. Please refer to the Challenge Credits section in this calendar for further information on policies and procedures. The Ted Rogers School of Retail Management holds challenge examinations in August, April and December of each year. Challenge examinations must be written within the first year of admission to the program. Course outlines are available for reference on the TRSRM website at www.ryerson.ca/tedrogersschool/rm

Liberal Studies

Students must take three lower level liberal studies courses and three upper level liberal studies courses to graduate.

Minors

Students may pursue any Minor offered by Ryerson (with exceptions), and are eligible for only one Minor. Please refer to the Minors Policy section of this calendar for further information on individual Minor requirements and restrictions.

The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education Certificates

Undergraduate students wishing to pursue a continuing education certificate program should be aware of possible restrictions. Please refer to the Curriculum Advising website at www.ryerson.ca/curriculumadvising for complete details.

PART-TIME DEGREE PROGRAM

The Ted Rogers School of Retail Management offers its curriculum on a part-time basis. Please refer to the 2010-2011 Part-Time Undergraduate Calendar.