Overview
Retailing and Consumer Science (RCS) at the University of Houston is a unique, on-campus/online undergraduate program for those seeking to understand consumers and retailing. It focuses on consumer-oriented business practices in the fields of retailing, technology entrepreneurship, e-tailing, sales, customer service, and public relations. Consumer orientation is key in meeting customer demand that drives business success.
Our Mission
The Retailing and Consumer Science undergraduate degree program (RCS) within the Department of Human Development and Consumer Sciences (HDCS) provides academic excellence in programs that produce well-educated and dedicated retailing and consumer science professionals. The faculty actively engages in scholarship that benefits students and is a resource of excellence for the community.
Our Curriculum
Retailing and Consumer Science (RCS) at the University of Houston is a unique, on-campus/online undergraduate program for those seeking to understand consumers and retailing. It focuses on consumer-oriented business practices in the fields of retailing, technology entrepreneurship, e-tailing, sales, customer service, and public relations. Consumer orientation is key in meeting customer demand that drives business success.
Program Specializations & Professional Studies Pathway
The program offers specializations in Retailing and Consumer Science, Technology Entrepreneurship, e-Tailing, Training and Development and Professional Studies. The professional studies option is designed for students who have completed an associate’s degree or an extensive content block and wish to build upon this content to complete their bachelor’s degree. The program builds on prior academic experience, providing additional knowledge in merchandising, consumer science, sales, and training and development.
Key Features of the RCS program
- RCS prepares students with consumer-oriented and merchandising skills attractive to prospective employers.
- Demand for graduates in RCS far exceeds supply
- RCS has an outstanding record in placing graduates in professional careers
- An RCS degree provides a competitive advantage for mid-career professionals looking to advance
- eRCS offers a convenient online curriculum, as well as face-to-face instruction.
- A complete online program with several options
- A high-tech and high-touch online experience can be linked to and blended with physical campus classes
- Curriculum integrates knowledge of consumers & merchandising processes that apply to a wide range challenges facing prospective employers
- RCS actively works with the local business community to keep abreast of best practices and opportunities for internships, jobs and executive positions.
- Faculty meets regularly with external RCS Advisory Board
- The program hosts community events such as STAR Awards, Movers & Shakers and professional interviewing workshops.
- Faculty appears regularly in local print and television media
Retail and Consumer Science Fast Facts
- Internship/employment placement = 100%
- Major courses offered both online and face-to-face = 100%
- Accredited: American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences
- Number of RCS majors = 177*
- Faculty/student ratio = 1:18*
- Retention rate = 91%**
- Graduation rate 6 years = 67%***
- Graduates in 2023 = 47
* Headcount fall 2023
** Fall 2022-2023 transfer cohort
*** Fall 2022-2023 transfer cohort
For more information, please contact hdcs [at] uh.edu (hdcs[at]uh[dot]edu).