Exploring consumer data to elevate brands
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. Our program has over four decades of facilitating competitive internships and successful career launches for our students, and you could be one of them!
College is a big investment, but a University of Arizona education may be more affordable than you think. No matter your background or family’s financial situation, you have options to make it manageable.
At Arizona, 9 out of 10 students receive financial aid. That means most students pay less than the estimates shown here. By maximizing your financial aid – scholarships, grants, loans, or work-study – you can lower your costs while earning a degree that will pay you back for a lifetime.
Estimated cost of tuition for first-year and transfer students:
- Arizona residents: $13,900/yr
- Non-Arizona residents: $42,300/yr
Get our degree guide to learn how students like you are funding their futures.
Application requirements vary based on your status as a first-time, transfer, international, online or returning student.
- Students who haven't completed 12+ transferable post-high school college credits are considered a first-time college student, and must meet Arizona's core competency requirements to be eligible to apply.
- You are considered a transfer student if you have completed 12+ transferable post-high school college credits.
- If you are under the age of 22 at the start of your desired term, you will need to meet the core competency requirements and have a minimum 2.0 cumulative college/university GPA.
- If you are 22 or older at the start of your desired term, you will need a minimum 2.0 cumulative college/university GPA.
- SAT/ACT scores are not required for general admission.
- You have the option to submit a resume and 500-word personal statement during your application.
Get our degree guide to find out more details about the application process and deadlines.
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.
$1,000,000+ in scholarships
The College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences (CALES) offers $1 million in exclusive scholarships to our students. Combine these options with university scholarships and support from privately funded scholarships and you're well on your way to achieving your educational goals at a price you can afford.
Resources to Help You Succeed
Get exclusive resources from a college that is dedicated to help you grow as you follow your interests.
- CALES Learning Lab: personalized academic support – from major-specific resources to tutoring.
- Student Wellness: resources to help you live a healthier, more resilient life.
- CALES Career Center: get the tools you need to find, apply and interview for your dream internships and jobs.
Ready to start your career in the retail industry?
From our welcoming local community to our sunny campus, every corner holds the promise of new adventures and personal growth. Your journey to a career at the intersection of retailing and consumer science starts here. Sign up to discover what it means to be a part of the University of Arizona College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences.