Consumer Science
The CONSUMER SCIENCE major provides each student with a strong core of courses focusing on the economic well-being of consumers and families and a choice of additional study in related areas, including business, economics, financial planning or counseling, and social work. Students may choose a concentration in either Consumer Affairs or Personal Finance.
The Consumer Science major meets the needs of students interested in qualifying for employment or graduate study in business, economics, personal finance, consumer law, or qualifying for employment or graduate study in the specialized areas of consumer behavior or family economics. Students may prepare themselves specifically for positions in business and in local, state, and federal government that require a knowledge of consumer interest and an ability to aid consumers through such skills as complaint handling, creation and dissemination of consumer information, educational programming, and consumer protection; or they may utilize the flexibility of the consumer science major to provide an alternative, consumer-oriented approach in preparing for careers in such areas as consumer products marketing, retailing, consumer finanical planning, government service, and consumer affairs in business. In addition, the major can be utilized as preparation for graduate work outside the consumer field, including law, business, public administration, and banking.
Graduate study is necessary for positions as extension specialists in family and consumer economics and for teaching or research positions at the university level.
Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to gain practical knowledge through the consumer science internship program.
Consumer Science - Consumer Affairs 2007-2008 Checksheet (pdf)
Consumer Science - Personal Finance 2007-2008 Checksheet (pdf)
