New program coming Fall 2027: Major in Retail
Business Management - Retail Major Curriculum
Program overview
The program is designed to develop effective leadership and analytic skills toward a strategic understanding of shopper insights and drivers of the value chain. Students will develop practical and comprehensive knowledge of many facets of a retail organization, as well as insight into the broader context of retailing in society.
Exchange and Travel Study
In the fifth or 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 also choose to participate in an extra-curricular Travel Study in major retail centres such as Montreal, New York or Chicago.
Internship placement
Internships are an integral part of the Retail major, giving students an opportunity to put theory into practice by working with a retail manager to develop new skills and personal learning objectives. This work experience may cover one or more areas from a broad range of retail management opportunities including store management, visual merchandising, buying, shopping centre management, retail banking, e-commerce, digital marketing roles and more.
Before starting an internship, students are required to enrol in the RTL 79A/B: Retail Internship course during their sixth semester of the curriculum.
The internship work term is completed in the spring/summer following RTL 79A/B as the final graded component in that course.
Work term scheduling is noted in the Sequence of Academic and Work Terms for Co-op Program section(s).
The Ted Rogers School offers an optional co-op program which provides graduates with up to 16 months of work experience integrated into their academic program.
The co-op option extends the program by one year. The Ted Rogers School cannot guarantee work term jobs, but the Business Career Hub and the school will prospect for employers and make every effort to locate suitable positions, as well as be available to advise students on their search for program related jobs. The co-op program enables students to earn prevailing wages for the level of responsibility and contribution of the jobs they perform and thus finance at least part of their university education.
The first two semesters of the program are common for all Business Management Majors.
1st & 2nd Semester
1st Semester
Required:
- ECN 104: Introductory Microeconomics
- ENT 101: Building an Entrepreneurial Mindset
- GMS 200: Introduction to Global Management
- QMS 110: Applied Mathematics for Business
Liberal Studies:
- One course from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies.
*ENT 101 and MKT 100 will be timetabled either in 1st or 2nd Semester.
Business Management students must declare their major before course intentions in March of their first year. See How to Change My Plan or Major for more information.
3rd & 4th Semester
3rd Semester
Required:
- FIN 300: Managerial Finance I
- LAW 122: Business Law
- GMS 401: Operations Management
- RTL 200: Introduction to Retail
Liberal studies:
- One course from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies.
4th Semester
Required:
- ACC 406: Introductory Managerial Accounting
- ITM 102: Business Information Systems
- RTL 400: Buying & Assortment Planning
- RTL 910: Digital Retail
Liberal studies:
- One course from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies.
5th & 6th Semester
5th Semester
Required:
- FIN 401: Managerial Finance II
- RTL 302: Shopping Behaviour & Experience
- RTL 434: Retail Location & Distribution
Liberal Studies:
- One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
Open Elective:
- One Open Elective.
6th Semester
Required:
- RTL 700: Retail Research & Insights
- RTL 452: Visual Merchandising: Design Meets Data
Core Elective: Two courses* from Table I.
Core Elective: One Open Elective.
* Non co-op students must complete RTL 79A/B as one of their core electives this semester. RTL 79A/B is graded on a pass/fail basis. Please read the program overview (above) for information about the scheduling of this course.
7th & 8th Semester
7th Semester
Required:
- BUS 800: Strategic Management
- RTL 303: Leading in Retail
Liberal Studies:
- One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
Core Elective: One course from Table I.
Open Elective: One Open Elective.
8th Semester
Required:
- RTL 908: Retail Futures
Liberal Studies:
- One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
Core Elective: One course from Table I.
Open Elective: Two Open Electives.
Students wishing to be considered for this program must apply for admission into the co-op option after the fourth semester of the program. Admission into the co-op program is based on the following four items:
- Recommended CGPA of 3.00 (or higher). Subject to competition, grades above the minimum may be required.
- Evidence of superior oral and written communications skills
- Interview
- Resume/Cover Letter
1st & 2nd Semester
The first two semesters of the program are common for all Business Management majors.
1st Semester
Required:
- ECN 104: Introductory Microeconomics
- ENT 101: Building an Entrepreneurial Mindset
- GMS 200: Introduction to Global Management
- QMS 110: Applied Mathematics for Business
Libertal Studies:
- One course from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies.
*ENT 101 and MKT 100 will be timetabled either in 1st or 2nd Semester.
Business Management students must declare their major before course intentions in March of their first year. See How to Change My Plan or Major for more information.
3rd & 4th Semester
3rd Semester
Required:
- FIN 300: Managerial Finance I
- LAW 122: Business Law
- GMS 401: Operations Management
- RTL 200: Introduction to Retail
Liberal Studies:
- One course from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies.
4th Semester
Required:
- ACC 406: Introductory Managerial Accounting
- ITM 102: Business Information Systems
- RTL 400: Buying & Assortment Planning
- RTL 910: Digital Retail
Liberal Studies:
- One course from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies.
5th & 6th Semester
5th Semester
Required:
- FIN 401: Managerial Finance II
- RTL 302: Shopping Behaviour & Experience
- RTL 434: Retail Location & Distribution)
Liberal Studies:
- One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
Open Elective: One Open Elective.
6th Semester
Required:
- RTL 700: Retail Research & Insights
- RTL 452: Visual Merchandising: Design Meets Data
Core Elective: Two courses from Table I.
Open Elective: One Open Elective.
7th & 8th Semester
7th Semester
Required:
- BUS 800: Strategic Management
- RTL 303: Leading in Retail
Liberal Studies:
- One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
Core Elective: One course from Table I.
Open Elective: One Open Elective.
8th Semester
Required:
- RTL 908: Retail Futures
Liberal Studies:
- One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
Core Elective: One course from Table I.
Open Elective: Two Open Electives.
The sequencing of academic and work terms is shown below:
| Year | Fall | Winter | Spring/Summer |
| Year 1 | 1st Semester | 2nd Semester | -- |
| Year 2 | 3rd Semester | 4th Semester | Apply for Co-Op Pathway 2 |
| Year 3 | 5th Semester | 6th Semester | WKT 104 or WKT 100 - Work Term I |
| Year 4 | WKT 204 or WKT 200 - Work Term II | 7th Semester | WKT 304 or WKT 300 - Work Term III |
| Year 5 | WKT 404 or WKT 400 - Work Term IV | 8th Semester | -- |
Please be advised that this schedule may be subject to revisions.
Work terms are graded on a pass/fail basis. Each work term is assessed by the Co-op Faculty Advisor on the basis of the student's comprehensive written report and the employer's evaluation of the student's performance on the job.
Students are expected to follow the sequence prescribed for their program. Graduation with the co-op designation requires successful completion of a minimum of three work terms.
Direct Entry students will normally be admitted into 5th semester (3rd Year) of this program. Students should refer to their Offer of Admission for details.
Direct entry students must complete the curriculum below, in addition to the following reachback courses. Reachback courses are courses from the first four semesters of the program that must be completed in order to graduate.
5th & 6th Semester
5th Semester
Required:
- FIN 401: Managerial Finance II
- RTL 302: Shopping Behaviour & Experience
- RTL 434: Retail Location & Distribution
Liberal Studies:
- One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
Open Elective: One Open Elective.
6th Semester
Required:
- RTL 700: Retail Research & Insights
- RTL 452: Visual Merchandising: Design Meets Data
Core Elective: Two courses* from Table I.
Open Elective: One Open Elective.
* Non co-op students must complete RTL 79A/B as one of their core electives this semester. RTL 79A/B is graded on a pass/fail basis. Please read the program overview (above) for information about the scheduling of this course.
7th & 8th Semester
7th Semester
Required:
- BUS 800: Strategic Management
- RTL 303: Leading in Retail
Liberal Studies:
- One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
Core Elective: One course from Table I.
Open Elective: One Open Elective.
8th Semester
Required:
- RTL 908: Retail Futures
Liberal Studies:
- One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
Core Elective: One course from Table I.
Open Elective: Two Open Electives.
Students wishing to be considered for this program must apply for admission into the co-op option after the fourth semester of the program. Admission into the co-op program is based on the following four items:
- Recommended CGPA of 3.00 (or higher). Subject to competition, grades above the minimum may be required.
- Evidence of superior oral and written communications skills
- Interview
- Resume/Cover Letter
Direct entry students must complete the curriculum below, in addition to the following reachback courses. Reachback courses are courses from the first four semesters of the program that must be completed in order to graduate.
5th & 6th Semester
5th Semester
Required:
- FIN 401: Managerial Finance II
- RTL 302: Shopping Behaviour & Experience
- RTL 434: Retail Location & Distribution
Liberal Studies:
- One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
Open Elective: One Open Elective.
6th Semester
Required:
- RTL 700: Retail Research & Insights
- RTL 452: Visual Merchandising: Design Meets Data
Core Elective: Two courses from Table I.
Open Elective: One Open Elective.
7th & 8th Semester
7th Semester
Required:
- BUS 800: Strategic Management
- RTL 303: Leading in Retail
Liberal Studies:
- One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
Core Elective: One course from Table I.
Open Elective: One Open Elective.
8th Semester
Required:
- RTL 908: Retail Futures
Liberal Studies:
- One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
Core Elective: One course from Table I.
Open Elective: Two Open Electives.
| Year | Fall | Winter | Spring/Summer |
| Year 1 | 1st Semester | 2nd Semester | -- |
| Year 2 | 3rd Semester | 4th Semester | -- |
| Year 3 | 5th Semester | 6th Semester | WKT 104 or WKT 100 - Work Term I |
| Year 4 | WKT 204 or WKT 200 - Work Term II | 7th Semester | WKT 304 or WKT 300 - Work Term III |
| Year 5 | WKT 404 or WKT 400 - Work Term IV | 8th Semester | -- |
Direct Entry students will normally be admitted into 5th semester (3rd Year) of this program. Students should refer to their Offer of Admission for details.
Direct entry students must complete the curriculum below, in addition to the following reachback courses. Reachback courses are courses from the first four semesters of the program that must be completed in order to graduate.
5th & 6th Semester
5th Semester
Required:
- FIN 401: Managerial Finance II
- RTL 302: Shopping Behaviour & Experience
- RTL 434: Retail Location & Distribution
Liberal Studies:
- One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
Open Elective: One Open Elective.
6th Semester
Required:
- RTL 700: Retail Research & Insights
- RTL 452: Visual Merchandising: Design Meets Data
Core Elective: Two courses* from Table I.
Open Elective: One Open Elective.
* Non co-op students must complete RTL 79A/B as one of their core electives this semester. RTL 79A/B is graded on a pass/fail basis. Please read the program overview (above) for information about the scheduling of this course.
7th & 8th Semester
7th Semester
Required:
- BUS 800: Strategic Management
- RTL 303: Leading in Retail
Liberal Studies:
- One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
Core Elective: One course from Table I.
Open Elective: One Open Elective.
8th Semester
Required:
- RTL 908: Retail Futures
Liberal Studies:
- One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
Core Elective: One course from Table I.
Open Elective: Two Open Electives.
The first two semesters of the program are common for all Business Management majors.
1st & 2nd Semester
1st Semester
Required:
- ECN 104: Introductory Microeconomics
- ENT 101: Building an Entrepreneurial Mindset
- GMS 200: Introduction to Global Management
- QMS 110: Applied Mathematics for Business
Liberal Studies:
- One course from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies.
*ENT 101 and MKT 100 will be timetabled either in 1st or 2nd Semester.
Business Management students must declare their major before course intentions in March of their first year. See How to Change My Plan or Major for more information.
3rd & 4th Semester
3rd Semester
Required:
- FIN 300: Managerial Finance I
- LAW 122: Business Law
- GMS 401: Operations Management
- RTL 200: Introduction to Retail
Liberal studies:
- One course from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies.
4th Semester
Required:
- ACC 406: Introductory Managerial Accounting
- ITM 102: Business Information Systems
- RTL 400: Buying & Assortment Planning
- RTL 910: Digital Retail
Liberal studies:
- One course from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies.
5th & 6th Semester
5th Semester
Required:
- FIN 401: Managerial Finance II
- RTL 302: Shopping Behaviour & Experience
- RTL 434: Retail Location & Distribution
Liberal Studies:
- One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
Open Elective: One Open Elective.
6th Semester
Required:
- RTL 700: Retail Research & Insights
- RTL 452: Visual Merchandising: Design Meets Data
Core Elective: Two courses* from Table I.
Open Elective: One Open Elective.
* Non co-op students must complete RTL 79A/B as one of their core electives this semester. RTL 79A/B is graded on a pass/fail basis. Please read the program overview (above) for information about the scheduling of this course.
7th & 8th Semester
7th Semester
Required:
- BUS 800: Strategic Management
- RTL 303: Leading in Retail
Liberal Studies:
- One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
Core Elective: One course from Table I.
Open Elective: One Open Elective.
8th Semester
Required:
- RTL 908: Retail Futures
Liberal Studies:
- One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
Core Elective: One course from Table I.
Open Elective: Two Open Electives.
| Course code | Course title |
| RTL 79A/B | Internship Placement and Prep (This course is mandatory for non co-op students and is not available to co-op students. It is strongly recommended that this course is taken in third year, in order to not delay graduation) |
| RTL 100 | Issues & Innovations in Retail |
| RTL 500 | Retail Strategy |
| RTL 800 | Retail Projects |
| RTL 806 | Shopper Insights & Category Management |
| RTL 817 | Digital Advertising in Retail |
| RTL 821 | Research & Analytics in Social Media |
| RTL 902 | Franchising |
| RTL 905 | Design, Commerce and Culture |
| RTL 906 | International Retail |
| RTL 907 | Relationship Marketing |
| RTL 911 | Retail Sales Leadership |
| RTL 912 | Sustainability and Conscious Consumption |
| RTL 914 | Special Topics in Retail |
| RTL 917 | Experiential Travel Study |
| RTL 919 | Retail Data Analytics |
| RTL 920 | Running a Retail Business |
| RTL 922 | Social Media Marketing |