B.S. in Retailing & Consumer Science
$77,180
Median INDUSTRY Pay (U.S. BLS 2023)
Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
Entry Terms
Tucson & Online
campus Locations
Tap into human behavior to improve sustainable buying, social commerce and brand innovation from a customer-centric perspective.
Why major in Retailing & Consumer Science?
The B.S. in Retailing and Consumer Science combines the study of consumer behavior with a wide variety of merchandising specialties, such as marketing, management, technology and sustainable product development. As a student in this program, you'll become a leader in global retailing, consumer products and customer experience, making you a top-tier applicant in careers ranging from media manager to merchandise buyer.
Study Retailing & Consumer Science Online
The B.S. in Retailing & Consumer Science can be completed 100% online, making it perfect for professionals and individuals who wish to study from anywhere, at any time. You get the same top-shelf education from the same expert faculty as main campus students, all without compromising your commitments.
Top 3% Online Bachelor's Program in the Nation
– U.S. News & World Report, 2024
A degree in Retailing & Consumer Science prepares you for analytical and business management careers in the retail industry. It can also serve as a springboard for graduate school. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for advanced careers in the retail industry, like merchandise buying, starts at $77,180 per year (2023).
Although your career possibilities are limitless, here are some example career paths our students follow:
- Merchandise Buyer: buy products and services for organizations. Purchasing managers oversee the work of buyers and purchasing agents.
- Supply Chain Manager/Logistics Analyst: analyze and coordinate an organization’s supply chain to meet consumer demands.
- Retail Operations Manager: use data, mathematics and logic to help solve complex industry issues.
- Marketing & Brand Managers: plan programs to generate interest in products, services and organizations.
- Project Manager: coordinate the budget, schedule, staffing, and other details of a project.
As a Retailing & Consumer Science student at the University of Arizona, you'll take unique and informative courses like Retail Business Analysis. Courses required to complete a bachelor in Retailing & Consumer Science (RCSC) are subject to change, so remember to meet with your advisor to review your course plan regularly.
View the RCSC degree checklist, then visit the course catalog to review courses like:
- Retail Communications Strategy
- Merchandising Planning & Control
- Consumers & Globalization
- Retail Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- Customer Experience Management
As a student in the Norton School of Human Ecology, you have exclusive access to nearly $230,000 program-specific scholarships and another $230,000 in scholarships that are available to all or most students in the College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences (CALES).
Applied Learning & Professional Development
Study in Barcelona
Study abroad in Barcelona, a multicultural city in Spain known for its blend of historic and contemporary Mediterranean spirit. You will analyze the global marketing environment and gain European insights into international retail business and consumer behavior.
Internships & Career Planning
As a Retailing & Consumer Science student, you have exclusive access to professional resources like the CALES Career Center and Norton School internship listings to prepare you for a career that matches your passion for finance and helping others.
Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing
Network with industry leaders and join case competitions, workshops and more through the Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing as you apply what you learn in the classroom towards professional development opportunities and hands-on experiences.