Master of Science (M.S.) Major in Merchandising and Consumer Studies (Non-thesis Option)
Program Overview
The Master of Science (M.S.) major in Merchandising and Consumer Studies will educate the next generation of product developers, retail and merchandising managers, as well as consumer studies professionals, who will make pivotal and transformative decisions vital to intelligent economic, social, and environmental resource management. Our goal is to prepare students with competencies that address current and future consumer-related employment needs of Texas. Building on the undergraduate foundation, the master’s level curriculum engages students in the analysis, critical thinking, and holistic problem solving needed to respond to the complexity and growth of consumer-centric systems.
Application Requirements
The items listed below are required for admission consideration for applicable semesters of entry during the current academic year. Submission instructions, additional details, and changes to admission requirements for semesters other than the current academic year can be found on The Graduate College's website. International students should review the International Admission Documents page for additional requirements.
- completed online application
- $55 nonrefundable application fee
or
- $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
- baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university
- official transcripts from each institution where course credit was granted
- minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
- official GRE (general test only) with competitive scores in the verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections or official GMAT with competitive scores
- resume/CV
- statement of purpose describing professional goals and rationale for pursuing graduate study
- two letters of recommendation
TOEFL or IELTS Scores
Non-native English speakers who do not qualify for an English proficiency waiver:
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and
- minimum individual module scores of 6.0
The student may qualify for English-based conditional admission the minimum scores below are met:
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 59 overall
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 5.5 overall and
- minimum individual module scores of 5.5
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science (M.S.) degree with a major in Merchandising and Consumer Studies requires 36 semester credit hours.
Course Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| FCS 5310 | Research Methods in FCS | 3 |
| FCS 5311 | Statistics and Data Analysis for Family and Consumer Sciences | 3 |
| MCS 5391 | Seminar in Merchandising and Consumer Studies | 3 |
| MCS 5398 | Directed Study in Merchandising and Consumer Studies | 3 |
| Prescribed Electives | ||
| Choose 18 hours from the following: | 18 | |
| Merchandising in the Experience Economy | ||
| Merchandising Strategies in Domestic and International Markets | ||
| Buying, Planning and Allocation | ||
| Sustainable Textiles | ||
| Merchandising and Consumer Theory and Research | ||
| Strategic Merchandise Planning | ||
| Innovation in the Global Market | ||
| Global Sourcing and Distribution | ||
| Culture, Society, and Dress | ||
| Ethics in Merchandising and Consumption | ||
| Sustainable Consumer Economy | ||
| Merchandising and Consumer Studies Practicum | ||
| Applied Philosophy | ||
| Professional Ethics | ||
| Seminar in Sustainability | ||
| Electives | ||
| Choose 6 hours of advisor-approved electives | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
Comprehensive Examination Requirements
All candidates for graduate degrees must pass one or more comprehensive examinations.
Master's level courses in Family and Consumer Sciences: FCS
Courses Offered
Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS)
FCS 5101. Graduate Assistant Development.
This course is required as a condition of employment for graduate teaching and instructional assistants. This course provides regular in-service and planned periodic evaluations of instructional responsibilities. This course does not earn graduate degree credit. Repeatable up to 3 times.
1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Graduate Assistantship|Exclude from Graduate GPA
Grade Mode: Leveling/Assistantships
FCS 5301. Graduate Assistant Development.
This course is required as a condition of employment for graduate teaching and instructional assistants. It provides information about the educational needs of Texas State University's diverse student body. It also identifies educational strategies and campus resources that support the learning of undergraduate students. This course does not earn graduate degree credit. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Graduate Assistantship|Exclude from Graduate GPA|Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Leveling/Assistantships
FCS 5302H. Sustainable Consumer Economy.
This course is a in-depth study of the role of consumption in the development of sustainable systems including the family, natural resources and economics.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
FCS 5302J. Statistics and Data Analysis for Family and Consumer Sciences.
This is a graduate level course covering statistical techniques commonly used in the field of family and consumer sciences. Topics include descriptive statistics, Chi-Square analysis, analysis of variance and covariance, simple and multiple linear regression, logistic regression, and use of statistical software. Data analysis to support decision-making is emphasized. Restricted to students in one of the graduate FCS programs.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
FCS 5302S. Sustainable Textiles.
This course is an in-depth study of the relationship of fibers, fabrics, finishes and textile products end-uses with a particular focus on their impact on sustainability.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
FCS 5305. Sustainable Housing.
This course is an in-depth study of the relationship between housing and sustainability with a particular focus on the role of materials, technology, policy and human factors in fostering healthy social, economic and natural systems.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
FCS 5307. Sustainable Lighting.
This course focuses on understanding the elements and principles of sustainable lighting and explains how it meets the qualitative needs of the visual environment with the least impact on the natural environment.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
FCS 5310. Research Methods in FCS.
This course will cover the evaluation of concepts, methods, and strategies for research in the disciplines of family and consumer sciences. The course will focus on the nature and ethics of scientific research, including design, sampling, measurement, and data collection. Restricted to graduate level majors in the School of Family and Consumer Sciences.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
FCS 5311. Statistics and Data Analysis for Family and Consumer Sciences.
This is a graduate level course covering statistical techniques commonly used in the field of family and consumer sciences. Topics include descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, analysis of variance and covariance, simple and multiple linear regression, logistic regression, and use of statistical software. Data analysis to support decision-making is emphasized. Restricted to graduate students in FCS.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
FCS 5340. International Study in Family and Consumer Sciences.
Study of Family and Consumer Sciences topics in international settings. Emphasis will be placed on an analysis of cultural differences and similarities and their application within FCS professions. Repeatable for credit. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
