What will you learn in the classroom?
Majors & Degrees
You'll learn how to sell a variety of consumer goods ranging from clothing and food, to general merchandise and professional services, when you pursue a degree in retailing and consumer sciences from the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona. You'll examine a broad spectrum of the retailing industry, so you're prepared to sell just about anything online, through the mail, or in stores.
You may choose to dive deeper into areas of special interest through one of our fashion-focused programs or one of our specialized certificate programs in food retailing, international retailing, or visual merchandising.
Fashion Programs
If you're interested in fashion, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Humanities have teamed up to offer two specialized fashion studies programs. The programs share core courses, so you can either pursue a Bachelor of Science in Retailing and Consumer Sciences paired with our fashion minor, or pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Humanities with a focus on fashion studies.
In the retailing and consumer sciences program, you'll pair your interest in fashion with the study of retail industry and consumer behavior; in the humanities program you'll pair your interest in fashion with the study of interpersonal and intercultural relationships.
Retailing & Consumer Sciences Class Sampler
You'll complete general education requirements, core retailing and consumer sciences classes, and a selection of electives designed to increase your understanding of the retail industry and consumer behavior.
Consumers, Environment and Sustainable Consumption
Consider consumer attitudes and behavior related to the sustainable consumption of goods, services, and natural resources, as well as the role of retailers, manufacturers, and regulators in promoting environmental sustainability.
Fashion Consumers and the Economy
Explore how consumers adopt fashion in contemporary society, taking a close look at the behavior, fashion theories, evolution of fashion, and the role of fashion in a global economy.
Retail Business Analysis and Decision Making
An introduction to the fundamentals of business analysis including analytical tools used to develop and manage a company's strategic direction.
Retail Mathematics
Study retail planning and control procedures with an emphasis on retail mathematics and computer applications.
Retail Promotion and Visual Merchandising
Study promotion strategies and integrated marketing communications in the retailing environment and develop and present your own retail promotion concept and visual merchandising campaign.
Retail Innovation and Entrepreneurship
An introduction to the challenges and opportunities associated with a retail entrepreneurial venture.
Consumer Behavior in Retailing
Gain insight into consumer behavior and the decision-making processes involved when individuals or groups select, buy, use, or dispose of products and services to meet their needs and desires.
Omnichannel Retailing/Multichannel Retailing
Examine the organizing principles and strategies applied by retailers when marketing goods or services using a multichannel business model.