The Graduate School Bulletin
Department of Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies
210 Stone Building
(336) 334-5250
Department of Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies Homepage
Admissions Information
Quick Jump to:
Faculty
Overview
Requirements for the Master of Science in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies
Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies
APD Apparel Product Design Courses
CRS Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies Courses
RCS Retailing and Consumer Studies Courses
Faculy
Professors
Gwendolyn O’Neal, Ph.D.
Meanings assigned to apparel products and their impact on preferences and behavior, consumer perception of apparel quality, clothing related violence, African-American aesthetics of dress (Chair of Department).
Associate Professors
Melanie Carrico, M.F.A.
Wearable arts, textile design, computer-aided apparel and textile design, digital textile printing for use in wearable art and historical reproductions, analysis of 3-D body scanning data in relation to apparel sizing systems.
Nancy Nelson Hodges, Ph.D.
Social psychological issues of dress, identity, and consumer behavior; epistemological and methodological components of apparel consumer research; qualitative and interpretive inquiry into dress, consumption, and human behavior; gender, education, and apparel industry employment (Director of Graduate Study).
Assistant Professor
Kittichai Watchravesringkan, Ph.D.
Cross-cultural consumer and retail studies (inter-country and intra-country analysis), internet retailing, marketing communications, service quality and customer satisfaction, adolescents, consumer compliant behavior, measurement issues.
Jennifer Yurchisin, Ph.D.
Identity and consumption; the influence of social psychological characteristics on the acquisition, use, and disposition of apparel products; apparel brand and retail store image; employee-organization identification in the apparel design, production, and retailing industry.
Overview
The Department of Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Course work and research focus on primary concepts in the study of consumer, apparel, and retailing, integrating perspectives from the social sciences, business, economics, and humanities.
Graduate courses focus on consumer, apparel, and retail issues with emphasis on consumer behavior, marketing, and product development. Students are encouraged to select supporting course work in related disciplines such as business, economics, sociology, psychology, anthropology, statistics, and information science.
Requirements for the Master of Science in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies
The Department of Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies offers a graduate program of study leading to a Master of Science degree with both a thesis option requiring a minimum of 30 hours or a concentration in integrated apparel and related industries requiring 39 hours.
THESIS OPTION (MINIMUM 30 HOURS)
The thesis option is focused on research in consumer, apparel, and retailing issues. It is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue careers in academics and business.
Required Core Courses (10 hours)
RCS 562 Behavior of Softlines Consumers (3)
CRS 563 Analysis of Apparel and Related Industries (3)
CRS 630 Economic Dynamics of the Retail Complex (3)
CRS 682 Graduate Seminar (1)
Required Research Techniques (9-11 hours)
CRS 605 Research Methodology in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies (3)
and one of the following options:
STA 571, 571L Statistical Methods for Research I (4)
STA 572, 572L Statistical Methods for Research II (4)
or
ERM 680 Intermediate Statistical Methods in Education (3)
ERM 681 Design and Analysis of Education Experiments (3)
or
MBA 600 Business Statistics (1.5)
MBA 610 Advanced Business Statistics (1.5)
ERM 681 Design and Analysis of Educational Experiments (3)
Electives (6 hours)
The student will select 6 hours, as approved by the student’s chair in consultation with the committee, from available CRS 600- and 700-level courses.
Thesis (6 hours) (Capstone Experience)
CRS 699 Thesis (6)
Thesis Advisory Committee
The student will select a graduate advisor and two other graduate faculty members to serve as a Thesis Advisory Committee. The graduate advisor must be from the Department of Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies. The committee must be chosen and a program of study approved no later than the second semester enrolled in graduate courses.
INTEGRATED APPAREL AND RETAIL STUDIES CONCENTRATION (39 HOURS)
The concentration in integrated apparel and related industries prepares graduates to apply research findings in consumer, apparel, and retail industry settings and to seek professional industry positions. This option provides considerable flexibility in course work to pursue areas of interest. An applied research experience in the form of a project and/or paper is required.
Required Core Courses (13 hours)
RCS 562 Behavior of Softlines Consumers (3)
CRS 563 Analysis of Apparel and Related Industries (3)
CRS 630 Economic Dynamics of the Retail Complex (3)
CRS 632 Supervised Industry Practicum (3)
CRS 682 Graduate Seminar (1)
Applied Research Techniques (9-11 hours)
CRS 605 Research Methodology in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies (3)
and one of the following options:
STA 571, 571L Statistical Methods for Research I (4)
STA 572, 572L Statistical Methods for Research II (4)
or
ERM 680 Intermediate Statistical Methods in Education (3)
ERM 681 Design and Analysis of Education Experiments (3)
or
MBA 600 Business Statistics (1.5)
MBA 610 Advanced Business Statistics (1.5)
ERM 681 Design and Analysis of Educational Experiments (3)
Electives (12-14 hours)
The student will select 12-14 hours, as approved by the student’s chair in consultation with the advisory committee, depending upon whether 11 or 9 research techniques hours were taken.
Applied Research Experience (3 hours) (Capstone Experience)
A comprehensive applied research project and/or paper completed in either CRS 683, 684, or 685.
Applied Research Experience Advisory Committee
The student will select a graduate advisor and two other graduate faculty members to serve as an advisory committee. The graduate advisor must be from the department. The committee must be chosen and a program of study approved no later than the second semester enrolled in graduate courses.
Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies
The Department of Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies offers a graduate program of study leading to a Doctor of Philosophy degree requiring a minimum of 58 hours (minimum of 90 hours beyond the B.S.). At least 75% of the hours credited to the Ph.D., exclusive of the dissertation, must be in 600- or 700-level courses.
Required Core Courses (19 hours)
CRS 700 Seminar in Consumer, Apparel and Retail Studies (1)
CRS 701 Literature and Thought in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies (3)
CRS 712 Theory Development in Consumer, Apparel and Retail Studies (3)
CRS 713 Qualitative Methodology in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies (3)
CRS 714 Methodology and Modeling in Consumer, Apparel and Retail Studies (3)
CRS 720 Social Psychology of Consumption (3)
CRS 721 Consumer Behavior in Apparel and Retailing (3)
Research Techniques (9 hours)
STA 661 Advanced Statistics in Behavioral Science Research I (3)
STA 662 Advanced Statistics in Behavioral Science Research II (3)
STA 671 Multivariate Analysis (3) or ERM 682 Multivariate Analysis in Education (3)
Cognate Area (9 hours)
In consultation with the student’s chair and Advisory/Dissertation Committee, the student will identify a supporting area that will enrich and expand his or her research interest. The student will take a minimum of 9 hours within this area.
Electives (3 hours)
The student will select 3 hours, as approved by the student’s chair in consultation with the Advisory/Dissertation Committee, from available CRS 600- and 700-level courses.
Research and Dissertation (15 hours)
CRS 790 Independent Doctoral Research (3)
CRS 799 Dissertation Problem (12)
Teaching (3 hours)
CRS 765 College Teaching Practicum in Consumer, Apparel and Retail Studies (3)
Preliminary and Final Oral Examination
Advisory/Dissertation Committee
The student should consult the Advisory/Dissertation Committee section of The Graduate School Bulletin. The graduate advisor must be from the Department of Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies and one member must be from outside the CARS Department. The committee must be chosen no later than upon the completion of the first 18 semester hours.
APD Apparel Product Design Courses
| 545 | Experimental Product Design (3:2:3) |
| Pr. grade of C or better in 444 or equivalent as determined by the instructor, or permission of the instructor Experimentation with a variety of materials to create apparel using both traditional and innovative methods. Emphasis on design development and originality. Investigation of various specialty markets for apparel design. (Spring) |
CRS Consumer, Apparel and Retail Studies Courses
| 513 | Apparel and Related Consumer Products Analysis and Standards (3:3) |
| Pr. grade of C (2.0) or better in 312 or graduate standing Process of developing and analyzing product standards as they relate to consumers, industry, and international trade. Analysis of products in relation to existing or proposed standards. (Alt SP) | |
| 530 | Economics of the Textile and Apparel Complex (3:3) |
| Pr. grade of C or better in ECO 201 or its equivalent as determined by the instructor, or graduate standing, or graduate standing Economics and social aspects of production, distribution, and utilization of apparel and textiles. | |
| 582 | Problems in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies (2-6) |
| Individual study. | |
| 589 | Experimental Course |
| This number reserved for experimental courses. Refer to the Course Schedule for current offerings. | |
| 605 | Research Methodology in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies (3:3) |
| Pr. or Coreq. STA 571. Pr. admission to graduate program in consumer, apparel, and retail studies, or permission of instructor Beginning graduate course in research methodology within the domains of consumer, apparel, and retailing. Concepts, frameworks, and relationships of theory and research. Epistemological issues, types of analysis, methods. | |
| 614 | Textile Products Market Analysis (3:3) |
| Quantitative and qualitative approaches to the analysis of global markets for textiles and apparel. Embraces information sources and techniques for market, competitor, and company analysis to support strategic marketing decisions. (Alternate Fall) | |
| 615 | Advanced Textiles and Experimental Methods (3:2:3) |
| Pr. 614, CHE 205 or 351, or permission of instructor Analysis of structure and functional performance of advanced textiles (geotextiles, biomedical, nonwovens) using experimental methods such as Kawabata Hand Evaluation System. Differential Scanning Calorimeter, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis. (Alternate Spring) | |
| 620 | Analysis of Apparel and Related Industries (3:3) |
| Analysis of apparel and related industries from raw materials through consumption. Examination of production and marketing of products, technological developments, and domestic and global market strategies. (Summer) | |
| 630 | Economic Dynamics of the Retail Complex (3:3) |
| Pr. 530 and MBA 603 or permission of instructor Application of economic concepts to consumption behaviors in the retail industry with special emphasis on apparel and related products. Impact of history, trends, brands, and demographics explored. (Alternate Fall) | |
| 632 | Supervised Industry Practicum in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies (3:1:9) |
| Supervised industry practicum combining practical and academic elements for consumer, apparel, and retail studies graduate students. Course supervised by designated graduate faculty member. Approved plan required prior to experience. | |
| 660 | International Textile Products Marketing (3:3) |
| Pr. 560 or permission of instructor International textile products marketing environment; global markets, marketing programs and organizations. (Alternate Spring) | |
| 663 | Experience in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Issues Abroad (3:3) |
| Pr. 560 or permission of instructor Cultural, political, business, and consumer issues within the apparel and retail industries of a specific country. May be repeated for credit with different country. (Alternate Spring) | |
| 664 | International Retailing: Theory and Practice (3:3) |
| Pr. 484 and 560 or permission of instructor Investigation of international retailing from a combined theory and practice perspective. Analysis of global retail systems and strategy. Retail supply chains. Multinational consumer issues. | |
| 671 | Issues in Apparel and Related Industries Entrepreneurship Research (3:3) |
| Current state of research on entrepreneurship studies in general and particularly within the apparel and related products industry. (Same as ENT 671) | |
| 681 | Directed Individual Study in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies (1-6) |
| 682 | Graduate Seminar (1:1) |
| May be repeated once for credit when topic varies. (FA) | |
| 683 | Problems in Apparel (1-3) |
| 684 | Problems in Retail Marketing (1-3) |
| 685 | Problems in Retail and Consumer Studies (1-3) |
| 686 | Readings in Apparel (1-3) |
| 687 | Readings in Retail Marketing (1-3) |
| 688 | Readings in Retail and Consumer Studies (1-3) |
| 690 | Minor Research (2-6) |
| 699 | Thesis (1-6) |
| 700 | Seminar in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies (1:1) |
| Study, reporting, and discussion of current research. May be repeated for credit when topic varies. (Spring) | |
| 701 | Literature and Thought in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies (3:3) |
| Pr. admission to Ph.D. in consumer, apparel, and retail studies and permission of instructor Overview of concepts, frameworks, theory, thought, and empirical research within the domains of consumer, apparel, and retailing. Emphasis on contemporary thinking and identifying opportunities and directions for future research streams. | |
| 711 | Experimental Course |
| This number reserved for experimental courses. Refer to the Course Schedule for current offerings. | |
| 712 | Theory Development in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies (3:3) |
| Pr. 630, 660, 662, or permission of instructor Examination of business related marketing theories to consumer, apparel, and retail studies. Analysis of marketing theories, models, and conceptual frameworks. Includes business-to-business, consumer, customer relationship, and economic theories. (Alternate Spring) | |
| 713 | Qualitative Methodology in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies (3:3) |
| Exploration of development and use of qualitative research methodology in consumer, apparel, and retail studies. Focus on application of qualitative methodology to diverse research problems, data collection procedures, and analysis approaches. | |
| 714 | Methodology and Modeling in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies (3:3) |
| Pr. STA 671 or ERM 682 or equivalent and admission to Ph.D. in consumer, apparel, and retail studies, or permission of instructor Concepts, frameworks, theory, and empirical research methods and models within the consumer, apparel, and retailing domains. Emphasis on research methods and multivariate statistical models of consumer and retail research issues. | |
| 720 | Social Psychology of Consumption (3:3) |
| Investigation of approaches to research on consumption within social psychology. Focus on the study of apparel and related consumer products. | |
| 721 | Consumer Behavior in Apparel and Retailing (3:3) |
| Pr. 562 or permission of instructor Current theories and research in consumer behavior. Application of consumer behavior models to apparel, apparel-related products, and retailing through individualized research products. (Alternate Spring) | |
| 731 | Special Topics in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies (3:3) |
| Investigation of select topics specific to consumer, apparel, and retail studies. May be repeated once for credit when topic varies. | |
| 765 | College Teaching Practicum in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies (3) |
| Pr. admission to doctoral program in consumer, apparel, and retail studies and permission of instructor Supervised, structured experiences in planning, teaching, and evaluating a college level course. Professors provide guidance and mentoring of graduate students during the experience. | |
| 790 | Independent Doctoral Research (1-6) |
| Pr. STA 661, 662 Individual work on research problem(s) related to student’s primary area(s) of specialization. Research conducted with faculty guidance and direction. Objective: develop one or more publishable manuscript(s). | |
| 799 | Dissertation (1-12) |
| Required of all candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy degree. Credit may be divided over two or more semesters. | |
| 801 | Thesis Extension (1-3) |
| 802 | Dissertation Extension (1-3) |
| 803 | Research Extension (1-3) |
RCS Retailing and Consumer Studies Courses
| 560 | Advanced Retail Buying and Planning (3:3) |
| Pr. grade of C (2.0) or better in 261, 361, 362, or graduate standing An intensive analysis of marketing principles applied to apparel and related consumer products. (Fall) | |
| 562 | Behavior of Soft Lines Consumers (3:3) |
| Pr. grade of C (2.0) or better in 321 or graduate standing Study of environmental, individual, and psychological influences on behavior of consumers in the soft lines consumption process. (Spring) | |
| 584 | Retail Strategy (3:3 |
| Pr. 560 Investigation of retailing from a strategic perspective. Concepts are analyzed and integrated into applied problem-solving scenarios focused on consumer needs. |