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RCTC’s Retail Merchandising program prepares graduates for mid-management employment and subsequent advancement in the field of apparel and interior decorating.   

The program provides opportunities for careers such as:  buyers, department managers, sales managers, store managers, general manager, manufacturer’s representatives, customer service manager, visual merchandisers, sales trainer, operations manager, inventory control manager, promotions directors, fashion directors, journalists, and human resource managers.  Graduates with the interior decorating option may seek employment in retailing, interior studios, consulting, or managing their own business. 

The Retail Merchandising Diploma program prepares graduates for entry level employment and subsequent advancement in the field of retail and interior decorating.  The student may also use the diploma to satisfy the first 30 credits of a two-year retail merchandising Associate’s Degree or an interior decorating option. 

The Retail Merchandising Occupational Certificate prepares students for entry-level employment, upgrading of employment skills, and subsequent advancement in the field of retail and interior decorating.  Visit us at http://www.rctc.edu/program/rmds/. 

Curriculum-at-a-Glance 

Depending on the program/degree options selected, coursework may include:  Visual Merchandising, Interior Design, Introduction to Interior Decorating, History of Costume, Professional Image in Business,  Principles of Marketing, Retail Buying, Store Management, Textiles, Showmanship and Promotion, Business Retailing, Accounting, and a National/International Retail Merchandising Study Tour. 

For more detailed program information, refer to RCTC’s program course requirements at  http://www.rctc.edu/catalog/programs/index.html 

 Program/Degree Options 

RCTC’s Retail Merchandising program offers eight certificates, diplomas or associates degrees.  Both the Retail Merchandising Certificate and the Interior Decorating Certificate option are 10 credits each.  There is also a Retail Merchandising Diploma and an Interior Decorating Diploma option.  RCTC also offers an Associate in Applied Science and an Associate in Science in both Retail Merchandising and Interior Decorating. 

Program Start Date(s) 

Coursework can be taken any semester.  Some courses may not be offered every semester.  Check the RCTC catalog for course availability by semester.

Career Opportunities/Information 

Career Opportunities are excellent.  Graduates are employed in positions such as visual merchandisers, customer service manager, fashion consultant, merchandise managers, designers, manufacturing representatives, fashion consultant, interior decorators, advertising, real estate and banking. 

Articulations/Accreditations 

Retail Merchandising has 2 + 2 articulated agreements with the University Wisconsin Stout and the University of Minnesota. 

Rochester Community and Technical College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission:  A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. 

For additional information on the most current list of RCTC program articulations see us at: http://www.rctc.edu/catalog/articulations/index.html 

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