Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Purchasing and Merchandising Management
Majors Overview May 11, 2014Those with an interest in purchasing and merchandising management should look into a bachelor’s degree program in Merchandising, Business Administration, or Retailing; the latter of which usually allows students to minor or focus in retail management or purchasing and supply management.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Programs in Purchasing and Merchandising Management
Schools offer numerous bachelor’s degree options for individuals seeking education in purchasing and merchandising management; these are in both Business Administration bachelor’s degree and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Retailing formats. Business majors are often allowed to choose a concentration or minor in purchasing or retailing and supply management. Graduates of these programs can expect to become adept at taking care of the business’s logistical concerns by ensuring that goods are kept flowing between providers and customers. The focus of the field is concentrated on marketing theory, consumer reactions, and supply and demand.
Admissions criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma; additional criteria may vary from school to school.
Coursework
Along with variations in the program and focus of purchasing and merchandising management majors, there may be variations in coursework too. Some schools may offer study abroad programs and internships as additional options, whereby students may be taught about global and real-world business applications. Coursework may commonly include topic areas such as:
•Marketing strategies
•Microeconomics
•Merchandise logistics
•Business management
•Computer applications for buying and selling
•Business law
•Accounting
•Macroeconomics
Career Choices
Graduates of bachelor’s degree programs in Purchasing and Merchandising Management and related programs can seek occupations in various industries. They may opt for general job titles such as:
•Product manager
•Marketing and sales team member
•Merchandise coordinator
•Procurement specialist
•Logistics controller
Job and Wage Outlook
Purchasing managers took home an average annual wage of $109,640 in May 2012 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)). The lowest 10% of purchasing managers earn less than $60,000 annually, while the highest 10% take home a wage in excess of $150,000. A job growth of 7% has been predicted for purchasing managers over the 2010-2020 decade.
Continuing Education Choices
Graduates of a bachelor’s degree in Business may seek continued education by earning a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.). Students enrolled in some schools are offered accelerated programs whereby they are allowed to earn both an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) simultaneously. Schools also offer doctoral programs related to purchasing and merchandising management and business.
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