The Consumer Affairs program focuses on development of abilities in management, planning, organization, and problem solving for students who will assist individuals and families to improve their economic well-being. The curriculum focuses on the interaction between consumers and the marketplace, the family financial planning process, the management of resources, public policy affecting individuals and families, and consumer behavior.
The Consumer Affairs curriculum prepares students to qualify for employment or graduate study in family financial planning, consumer behavior, consumer product marketing, consumer economics, and consumer education and policy development. Career opportunities also exist in non-profit organizations and government.
An 8-week (320 hour) full time summer internship compatible with career goals is a program requirement.
Students in the program graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Consumer Affairs and may choose between two specializations:
The Family Financial Management (FFM) Specialization is for students interested in the financial services industry and focuses on principles and practice related to family financial planning including insurance planning, investment strategies, income tax planning, retirement preparation, estate planning, and case studies to assist individuals and families with individualized family financial planning goals.
The Consumer Services Management (CSM) Specialization focuses on the application of resource management concepts for families of varying structures and conditions and implementation strategies for working with diverse adult audiences.
Check out course descriptions and program requirements for the Consumer Services Management Specialization and the Family Financial Management Specialization in the Online Catalog.
View our current program guides for the Family Financial Management Specialization and the Consumer Services Management Specialization .
Consumer Affairs Faculty
To learn more about the program, contact Dr. Lorna Saboe-Wounded Head, program leader.