Patricia M. Stevens, Ed.D.
University College
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN   38152
Phone:  901.678.2716
Fax:  901.678.5324
pstevens@memphis.edu

THE PROGRAM

The University College at the University of Memphis offers an online Master of Science degree in Merchandising and Consumer Sciences. The degree is designed to provide advanced educational options for individuals pursuing careers related to family and consumer sciences. The integrative and interdisciplinary program prepares leaders in family and consumer sciences and marketing education as well as related fields such as business, marketing, the sciences, art, and journalism. The intent of the program is to prepare the student to practice at an advanced level with specialized knowledge and practice skills. The student will be expected to complete the program core, selected discipline-specific courses, research courses, and an internship.
 

PROGRAM PREREQUISITES

1. Completion of an undergraduate major in one of the several specific areas of family and consumer sciences or a closely allied field such as marketing, art or science.

2. Completion of application procedures for admission to the Graduate School.

3. Satisfactory performance on the Graduate Record Exam.
    
4. Satisfactory undergraduate grade point average.
    
5. Completion of academic deficiencies in course work if, after faculty evaluation of transcripts, it is deemed necessary.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

• 9 semester hours of departmental core
• 9 semester hours of professional issues and research courses
  (Successful completion of these three courses is a prerequisite for enrollment in all other courses in the MS in Merchandising and Consumer Sciences Program)
• 9 semester hours of elective courses from an emphasis area
• 6 semester hours of internship

The degree is designed so that it may be completed in one calendar year.  

PROFESSIONAL ISSUES AND RESEARCH COURSES - 9 semester hours

All students will take 9 hours of courses strengthening their understanding of professional issues and research. These courses include:

• PRST 7100 Professional Environment: Issues and Ethics
• PRST 7200 Globalization and the Professions
• PRST 7300 Research Methods

DEPARTMENTAL CORE - 9 semester hours

• CSED 7600 Entrepreneurship in Consumer Science and Education
• CSED 7700 Professional Practices in Consumer Science and Education
• CSED 7800 Consumer Issues:  Family Systems Management
   

ELECTIVE COURSES - Emphasis Area - 9 semester hours

Elective courses may be chosen from an area of emphasis with advisor approval.

INTERNSHIP - 6 semester hours

• CSED 7400-7407

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The admission requirements for the degree program correspond to those of the Graduate School of the University of Memphis. The degree applicant first applies for admission to The U of M Graduate School by completing admission forms and requesting official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities. Completion of a baccalaureate degree from a fully accredited college or university is required. Applicants must have an acceptable combination of undergraduate GPA and appropriate GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or MAT (Miller's Analogies Test) scores.  See the Graduate Catalog.