The Retail Management part-time degree program allows students employed in the retail sector or related fields, to pursue part-time studies through year round flexible programming.

The part-time program is offered to accommodate those students who intend to take the degree at a slower pace than the full-time day program, due to the demands of daytime employment and/or family obligations. In addition, students gain exposure to a variety of teaching and learning methods strengthening their ability to adapt and communicate within a high tech environment. Part-time students fulfill their course requirements primarily in the evenings by enrolling in courses through The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education for the first three semesters, and through the Ted Rogers School of Retail Management day and evening course offerings for semesters four to eight. Part-time students are entitled to access up to a maximum of two courses per semester, space permitting. The School can make no guarantees that all courses required will be offered or available each semester for the part-time program. Therefore, enrollment is subject to availability. Students who feel that the part-time course accessibility no longer suits their personal and academic needs and have taken at least eight courses (including RMG 200), should apply to transfer permanently into the full-time day program.

The Bachelor of Commerce in Retail Management prepares students for professional careers in the retail/distribution sector and/or to engage in postgraduate studies in this or related areas. The program is designed to develop flexible, people-oriented, analytic and creative retail professionals who have 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.

Liberal Studies

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