The MS in Design and Merchandising focuses on research addressing design interaction and inclusive design, environmental sustainability, applications of new materials and technologies, new forms and new product design, and new developments in the history of design criticism and curation. The objective of this research degree is to raise each student's ability to apply fully developed design thinking, mastery of merchandising systems, and deep understanding of selected contexts to applications in targeted areas. These areas currently include supply chain management, cultural studies, healthcare design, integrated marketing communications, and sustainable and functional design practices. Areas of focus may be expanded, however, to meet student demands if resources and faculty expertise is available. Students may elect to pursue either a thesis or a non-thesis track. The thesis requires an additional six credit hours of research culminating in the defense of a faculty-mentored study.