MBA in Retail Management Syllabus (2025-26): All Semester Subjects List in India

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a globally recognized graduate qualification that serves as a cornerstone for professionals seeking career growth. Among the many specializations the professional MBA offers, Retail Management is in high demand. 

With the boom in the e-commerce arena, the demand for an MBA in Retail Management continues to be on the rise, as professionals aspire to learn and work in diverse areas of retail – FMCG, fashion, lifestyle, e-commerce, and more. It is for this reason that the MBA in Retail Management syllabus combines core business concepts with specialized retail courses. 

A few of the specializations covered in the second year of the program include Retail Customer Relationship Management, International Retailing, and E-retailing. This blog takes a deep dive into the various core and elective subjects covered as part of the syllabus of the MBA in Retail Management to help you make an informed choice for your future career path. 

What is an MBA in Retail Management?

An online MBA in Retail Management offered by Manipal University Jaipur can be pursued on the Online Manipal platform. The course has been designed to help prepare professionals to excel in the fast-paced retail industry. As the retail business today witnesses rapidly evolving trends – growing popularity of e-commerce and dynamic changes in supply chain management – the course helps professionals stay up to date. 

Not only does it offer the opportunity to learn critical retail concepts such as international retailing and e-retailing, but the MBA in Retail Management also unlocks varied career prospects for eligible graduates:

Eligible Job Profiles	Key Industries
Merchandise Planning	FMCG
Category Management	Consumer Electronics
Inventory Management	Sporting Goods
Store Management	Home Improvement
Sales Management	E-commerce
Retail Management	Fashion & Apparel
E-commerce Management	Luxury Brands
Supply Chain Management	Tourism
Digital Marketing	Hospitality

Read more: MBA Retail Management course details

MBA in Retail Management: 1st Year Syllabus (Sem 1 & 2 Subjects)

The first year of the MBA in Retail Management degree program focuses on teaching students core business concepts. These include Entrepreneurial Practice, Managerial Economics, Operation Management, and many more. 

Retail-specific specializations are introduced in the second year as electives or optional subjects. Note that Year 1 of the MBA in Retail Management syllabus includes only core subjects across the two semesters.    

MBA in Retail Management: 1st Year Course Overview & Structure

• 1st Year Key Subjects: Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Managerial Economics, Legal Aspects of Business, Entrepreneurial Practice, and many more. 
• Learning Objectives: To help prepare students to assume leadership roles in the retail industry by learning about consumer behavior, supply chain management, e-commerce, and much more in the course.
• Skills Learned By Students: Merchandising, Negotiation, Omnichannel Retailing, Retail Technology, Adaptability, Time Management, etc.

MBA in Retail Management: 1st & 2nd Semester Subjects

Year 1 of the program is divided into 2 semesters, and a total of 14 subjects are taught across both semesters, as part of the MBA in Retail Management syllabus. Check out the key subjects covered in the first and second semesters of the first year of the course below:  

Semesters	Subjects
Semester 1	Entrepreneurial Practice Business Communication (WAC) Managerial Economics Financial Accounting Data Visualization (Excel/Tableau) Organizational Behavior Marketing Management
Semester 2	Business Research Methods (R/Python) Operation Management Human Resource Management Management Accounting Financial Management Legal Aspects of Business Business Communication (VAC)

MBA in Retail Management: 2nd Year Syllabus (Sem 3 & 4 Subjects) 

The MBA in Retail Management syllabus in the second year takes one step forward from the basics, moving on to more advanced specialization options. Students may choose any elective subject or specialization that aligns with their academic interests and/or career goals. 

The elective subjects are more retail-specific than those covered in Year 1 and enable learners to apply theoretical knowledge hands-on through projects and internships.

MBA in Retail Management: 2nd Year Course Overview & Structure

• 2nd Year Core Subjects: Strategic Management, Term Paper, International Business Management, and Project. 
• 2nd Year Electives: Retail Customer Relationship Management, E-retailing, Entrepreneurship in Retail Business, Advertising and Brand Management, etc.
• Learning Objectives: To learn advanced and hands-on application of the knowledge and skills earned in Year 1, and gain expertise in creating strategic retail plans in the modern professional landscape. 
• Skills Learned by Students: Financial Management, Problem-Solving, Strategic Planning, and Operations and Inventory Management.
• Internships & Projects: Potential internship roles are Brand Management Intern and Retail Operations Intern, and popular project ideas include Competitive Analysis, Customer Behavior Analysis, and Marketing Campaign Development.
  

MBA in Retail Management: 3rd & 4th Semester Subjects

The second year of the MBA in Retail Management course features a host of electives or specializations that enable learners to choose their area of study and gain expertise. The MBA in Retail Management syllabus of Year 2, spanning across 2 semesters, covers the following:  

Core Subjects in Semesters 3 and 4

Semesters	Core Subjects
Semester 3	Strategic Management Term Paper
Semester 4	International Business Management Project

Elective Subjects in Semesters 3 and 4

Semesters	Elective Subjects/Specializations
Semester 3	Sales and Distribution Management Retail Customer Relationship Management Retail Marketing E-Retailing
Semester 4	International Retailing Entrepreneurship in Retail Business Retail Buying and Merchandising Advertising and Brand Management

Useful Read: Is an MBA in Retail Management a good career choice?

FAQs

1. What are the subjects taught in the first year of the MBA in Retail Management?

Year 1 of the MBA in Retail Management program covers the following subjects:

Semester 1

• Entrepreneurial Practice
• Business Communication (WAC)
• Managerial Economics
• Financial Accounting
• Data Visualization (Excel/Tableau)
• Organizational Behavior
• Marketing Management

Semester 2

• Business Research Methods (R/Python)
• Operation Management
• Human Resource Management
• Management Accounting
• Financial Management
• Legal Aspects of Business
• Business Communication (VAC)
  

2. What are the eligibility criteria for an MBA in Retail Management?

Students applying for an MBA in Retail Management from Manipal University Jaipur on the Online Manipal platform must meet the following criteria for admission:

• Complete a 10+2+3-year Bachelor’s from a recognized university/institution or an equivalent recognized by the Association of Indian Universities.
• Score at least 50% aggregate in Bachelor’s.
• Score a minimum of 45% (in case of reserved categories).

Note: Eligibility criteria may vary from one university to another.

3. Can I take an online MBA in Retail Management?

Absolutely! You can choose to take the course online from the comfort of your home. Popular platforms such as Online Manipal are ideal places to pursue an online MBA in Retail Management offered by Manipal University Jaipur.

4. What career opportunities are available after completing an MBA in Retail Management?

Some of the popular career prospects that are likely to unlock after graduating with the MBA in Retail Management are:

• Merchandise Planning
• Category Management
• Inventory Management
• Store Management
• Sales Management

These roles become available in several sectors, such as:

• FMCG
• Consumer Electronics
• Sporting Goods
• Home Improvement
• E-commerce

5. What are the elective subjects covered in the MBA Retail Management course?

Some of the most popular electives covered in the second year of the MBA Retail Management program are: 

Semester 3

• Sales and Distribution Management
• Retail Customer Relationship Management
• Retail Marketing
• E-Retailing

Semester 4

• International Retailing
• Entrepreneurship in Retail Business
• Retail Buying and Merchandising
• Advertising and Brand Management

7. What is the average starting salary after completing an MBA in Retail Management course?

The average starting salary after graduating with an MBA in Retail Management may vary depending on a professional’s qualifications and work experience. For example, the average earning potential of a Merchandise Planner after completing an MBA in Retail Management is approximately between INR 5 lakh and INR 9 lakh per annum.

8. What are the subjects covered in the MBA 2nd year Retail Management? 

The second year of the MBA Retail Management program comprises two semesters and offers a combination of core subjects and elective options. 

Core subjects:

Semester 3

• Strategic Management
• Term Paper

Semester 4

• International Business Management
• Project

Electives:

Semester 3

• Sales and Distribution Management
• Retail Customer Relationship Management
• Retail Marketing
• E-Retailing

Semester 4

• International Retailing
• Entrepreneurship in Retail Business
• Retail Buying and Merchandising
• Advertising and Brand Management

9. Are case studies and live projects part of the Retail Management curriculum?

Yes, the second year of the online MBA in Retail Management includes case studies and live projects to provide learners with hands-on experience. It also enables students to apply the theoretical concepts they have learned to solve complex real-world business challenges.

10. How often is the MBA Retail Management syllabus updated to match industry trends?

The curriculum of an MBA in Retail Management is generally updated every 3-5 years to remain aligned with the latest industry trends. This enables learners to stay abreast of the changing landscape and adapt to the latest industry demands.