You may be taught subjects such as introduction to retail management concepts, trends, market segmentation, pricing, merchandising, relationship marketing and the role of information technology (IT) in retailing. It may help your career if you are aware of brands, marketing strategies and retail philosophies.

The two-year MBA program is usually divided into four semesters.

• The first semester usually covers basics of accounting, communication, economic analysis, behavioral science and fundamentals of retailing.

• The second semester generally entails subjects like marketing research, merchandising management, shoppers’ behavior, human resource management and financial management. Legal aspects of management should also be covered.

• In the third semester, you will usually find subjects like strategic management, franchising in retailing, Lean Six Sigma in retail, mall dynamics and real estate management and retail branding and Customer Relationship Management (CRM).

• The last semester would probably cover subjects like advertising and sales promotion, rural retail, e-retailing, business communication and retailing of insurance products and financial services. A project or dissertation may be required at the end of the course.