The DCS enhances the quality of life for consumers, with particular emphasis on the sustainable management of resources in a global context. Four major themes underpin the Consumer Sciences vision and mission:

• Commerce: Consumer Sciences students learn about design and production processes and consumption patterns and behavior in the global marketplace;
• Creativity: Consumer Sciences students engage in problem-solving activities that produce experiential work within project constraints that is a result of creative collaboration;
• Resource Management: Consumer Sciences students understand the need for prioritization of resources to help consumers and businesses make optimal decisions; and
• Leadership Development: Consumer Sciences students engage in leadership development opportunities.