Through a combination of classroom instruction and field-based experience, students prepare for entry-level positions in diverse occupations and for advanced education. The retail and consumer sciences major is one of the largest programs of this type in the southeast. Retailing is one of the fastest growing segments of our economy, and opportunities for employment will continue to be excellent through the 21st century.
Retail and consumer sciences provides students with knowledge of the retailing industry and the principles and theories involved in managing personnel and merchandising goods for the consumer. A business minor is built into the degree requirements. The progressive direction that this program takes provides graduates with excellent management opportunities in the retail sector.
This program requires field study experiences where students are guided by faculty in the selection of locations for on-the-job experiences related to their career area as a part of their educational program. Professional contacts made in field study experiences often lead to opportunities for career placement upon graduation.
uTrack Requirements (for first-year students)
Universal Tracking (uTrack) is an academic monitoring system designed to help students stay on track for timely graduation. In order to remain on track, students must complete the minimum requirements for each tracking semester known as milestones. Milestones may include successful completion of specified courses and/or attainment of a minimum GPA. uTrack requirements only affect first-time, first-year, full-time, degree-seeking students entering Fall 2013.
Progression Requirements
Students should apply for progression into the major after completing RCS 210 , and prior to entering RCS 391 *. Applications for progression are available in the department office.
For progression into the major, students must meet the following criteria.
- Cumulative grade point average 2.3 or greater with a minimum of 30 semester hours completed.
- Grade of C or better in all retail and consumer sciences prefix courses.
- Completion of ENGL 101 *, ENGL 102 *, and MATH 125 *.
- Complete 300 post-secondary school hours of industry related work for the chosen major. A list of appropriate work experiences is available in the department office.
For graduation, students must earn a grade of C or better in all retail and consumer sciences courses.
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