Central to these careers is the ability to analyze issues and problems from the perspectives of consumers, business, and government. Students learn to reasonably advocate consumer interests and to help consumers improve their well-being. They develop fundamental skills that are used to resolve problems faced by consumers in the marketplace and the work place. Graduates enter careers related to consumer affairs, marketing and sales, business management, and human resources. Required courses build a thorough understanding of households in the dual roles of producers and consumers that function within an international economic marketplace affected by government policy and regulation.
Students study current events to track changing conditions and public policy.
Additional courses develop skills for effectively processing and conveying information. A choice of controlled electives enables a student to tailor study to consumer business management, consumer public relations, consumer financial services, consumer housing counseling, or consumer health promotion. Consumer studies majors are provided a variety of learning experiences on and off-campus. Through involvement with student professional associations, as well as relevant state and national organizations, students can develop leadership and organizational skills and network with active professionals. An individualized study experience, typically an internship related to personal career interests, is required.