Our Bachelor of Science, Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies program is accredited by the Textile and Apparel Program Accreditation Commission of the International Textile and Apparel Association.
Available Concentrations
Retailing and Consumer Studies Concentration
Often, retailing and consumer studies majors tell us that they love their concentration because it allows them to bridge their interest in fashion with their sense for business. If you, too, like the idea of working in a fast-paced business environment, the retailing and consumer studies concentration will position you for apparel retailing, marketing, merchandising, and distribution.
Our graduates have been hired by companies such as Belk, TJ Maxx, Macy’s, Amazon, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Nordstrom. The sample courses below will help you envision the knowledge you’ll take with you when you earn your first great job!
We also have Consumer, Apparel and Retail Studies minor options available to students.
Internships and Practicums
Bring your classroom learning to life with exciting internships at some of the most successful companies in the industry.
In CARS, practical learning experiences complement academic programs. Without a doubt, our required internship experience is a transformative experience that will bring your classroom learning to life. The internship program prepares students for the real world of work while providing the industry with well-trained employees.
As a student in the CARS major, you will begin preparation for the internship during your junior year with a professional development course. This course is designed to help you become aware of industry hiring trends and to ensure that you feel prepared for the role of a professional business person.
Located in the Piedmont Triad (Greensboro, High Point, and Winston-Salem), UNCG offers CARS students the unique opportunity to integrate classroom work with the retail, apparel, and textile industries that fuel the local economy. Our interns have worked in firms such as Kontoor Brands, Champion, Polo/Ralph Lauren, and Belk.
If you’d prefer to move outside the Triad, you could go to such exciting places as New York, Los Angeles, London, or Hong Kong. Companies, where CARS students have interned, include Barney’s, Sak’s, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Vibe Magazine, and Alice and Olivia.
Intern positions held by our students:
- Assistant retail buyer
- Assistant designer
- Visual merchandiser
- Fashion illustrator
- CAD operator
- Assistant stylist
- Merchandise specialist
Prepare to become work-ready
U.S. and international companies are actively seeking graduates with product development and marketing capabilities for careers in retailing, manufacturing, international sourcing, design, and marketing.
Whether applying for their first full-time position or looking for the internship that will get them that first big job, our students find positions with leading companies such as Kontoor Brands, HanesBrands, Polo/Ralph Lauren, Belk, TJX, Tommy Hilfiger, and many more local and global organizations. Because of the University’s proximity to North Carolina’s textile and apparel industry, many students remain in-state.
Others seek opportunities in major metropolitan cities across the U.S. and around the globe, such as New York, Los Angeles, London, and Hong Kong. Our faculty will prepare you and the CARS community will provide the support and networking; altogether, your CARS experience will help you forge a clear path to your goals.
In addition to the on-campus resources, there are plenty of industry-specific sites, such as fashioncareercenter.com and apparelsearch.com to help you in your job search.
Professional associations such as the American Apparel and Footwear Association and National Retail Federation can also be helpful resources.
Military-Affiliated Students
UNCG has been named both Best for Vets and a Military Friendly School. We’re a Yellow Ribbon Program participant, and are proud to offer a variety of benefits for veterans, active-duty military, and military-affiliated students, such as:
- Online application fee waiver for active-duty service members
- In-state tuition for out-of-state students (in accordance with the Veterans Choice Act)
- Credit for relevant military service/training
- Tutoring assistance
For more information on UNCG Military-Affiliated services and benefits, visit military.uncg.edu.
Have Questions?
If you have any questions regarding our Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies program, please feel free to reach out to Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies Department ([email protected]) or call (336) 334-5250.
