Human Development, Consumer and Family Sciences
Consumer Affairs
You can earn a bachelor of science degree with a major in consumer affairs in the Human Development, Consumer and Family Sciences Department. The Human Development, Consumer and Family Sciences Department also offers a minor in consumer affairs--the only such minor offered in South Dakota and open to all university majors.
Students in the Consumer Affairs major gain a broad background in family and consumer sciences and develop skills to achieve their career goals. Courses in consumer education and family resource management are taught within the department. Subject matter knowledge is strengthened through courses offered in the other areas of family and consumer sciences such as human development and family studies. Students can decide which major emphasis is best for them and their future plans.
General university requirements and electives provide emphasis in the humanities, natural sciences and social sciences. Professional courses for the major include a 10 week internship experience during the spring semester of their senior year.
A major in Consumer Affairs prepares you for careers in business, communications, government and industry. For example, a professional in consumer affairs in a business public relations position could aid in creating a wider market for a company's product or service, instruct consumers about use of a product, or interpret consumers' views to the company.
Professional coursework includes courses in family and consumer sciences and select courses related to business, journalism, communication and other areas to match your career goals. Graduates may be involved in analyzing business and consumer trends, identifying and reporting individual and family concerns, designing public relations/marketing strategies, counseling families in financial management, and identifying needs for new products.
The human development, consumer and family sciences department offers a minor in consumer affairs. The minor includes courses such as consumers and the market and experiences in adult education, which prepare you to help people manage their resources more effectively.
Preparing for the Major
Students who plan to major in consumer affairs should take classes such as math, science, English composition, and family and consumer sciences. However, courses are offered at SDSU to help students with various high school backgrounds.
Active involvement in high school and community organizations such as FCCLA, 4-H, the school newspaper and yearbook can also provide valuable preparation for a career in family and consumer sciences.
Professional Organizations
Students in the human development, consumer and family sciences department have the opportunity to participate in organizations to increase their knowledge of the family and consumer sciences profession and to develop valuable leadership skills.
All students in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences are eligible to become members of the student-member section of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. You also may be selected to membership in Phi Upsilon Omicron, an honorary society for family and consumer sciences students who have demonstrated leadership and scholastic achievement. Consumer affairs students may join the student chapter of the National Consumers League.
You are encouraged to participate in Family and Consumer Sciences EXPO each spring. Many other organizations, such as FCCLA Alumni and Collegiate 4-H, are available on campus, also.
Faculty and Facilities
The faculty members in family and consumer sciences and consumer affairs consider teaching exciting and challenging. They have a strong general background in family and consumer sciences and are specialized in the areas of journalism, resource management and consumer affairs.
Program Guide Sheets Consumer Affairs CA Guide Sheets in Word [External Hyperlink]
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