Admission to the Consumer Science and Retailing Majors
The deadline for applying to the majors is February 1.
Group advising sessions will take place during the fall semester in preparation for the application process.
Only students with a 2.6 or higher cumulative GPA are eligible to apply. However, it is a competitive process and a 2.6 cumulative GPA does not guarantee admission to the program.
The application should include:
- The application cover sheet (pdf).
- A statement indicating the specific major and option (Retailing, Consumer Science with Consumer Affairs option, or Consumer Science with Personal Finance option) and why you have selected that major or major and option. It is important that the admission committee can determine that you clearly understand what the major and option you selected is and that you are applying to the one that most appropriately fits your needs.
- This statement should be followed by a one-page narrative describing your goals in relation to the major and option you have selected. Be as specific as possible, but contain the information within one single-spaced page. Include:
- Past and present employment experience
- Relevant coursework
- Club and organization memberships
- Volunteer work
- Your own experiences in the field
- Your official transcript, which can be ordered via the Student Center. Instructions on how to do so are available at ordertranscript.wisc.edu.
- A "What-If" DARS for the major or major/option you have selected. Instructions on how to do so are available here.
Please turn in all application materials stapled together no later than 4:00pm on February 1 to the Student Academic Affairs Office, Rooom 135 Human Ecology.
A significant part of the evaluation is based on the student’s overall GPA. However, other aspects of the evaluation such as statement of purpose, background experiences and achievements in science and math as well as other coursework are carefully considered.
Once applications have been reviewed, you will be notified of your acceptance or denial. Final acceptance into one of these majors requires that you attend a mandatory advising session, scheduled during the spring semester.
Students are advised not to plan to study abroad during the semester following their acceptance into the major.
New majors should expect to be in the major a minimum of three (3) semesters.
Students who have completed 24 credits or more before declaring a Consumer Science or Retailing major must complete the application process. Students who have completed less than 24 credits should meet with an academic advisor in the School of Human Ecology to discuss transferring into the major. If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact the Student Academic Affairs Office at (608) 262-2608.
