Human Ecology: Consumer Behavior and Family Economics, Ph.D.

Program Overview

The Human Ecology: Consumer Behavior and Family Economics, Ph.D. program prepares students for research-oriented positions in academia, government, non-profits, and the private sector. The program combines coursework in consumer behavior, family economics, and research methods, emphasizing interdisciplinary research and collaboration. Students work closely with faculty on research projects and must complete a dissertation. Graduates are equipped with advanced research skills and a deep understanding of consumer decision-making and its implications for individuals, families, and society.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Program Overview:

The Human Ecology: Consumer Behavior and Family Economics, Ph.D. program is an interdisciplinary program focusing on consumer decision-making affecting individuals' and families' social and economic well-being. The program prepares students for research-oriented positions in academia, government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.

Objectives:

• Develop advanced research skills in consumer behavior and family economics.
• Gain a deep understanding of consumer decision-making processes and their implications for individuals, families, and society.
• Prepare students for tenure-track academic positions, research administration positions, and applied consumer research positions in the public and private sectors.

Program Description:

The program combines coursework in consumer behavior, family economics, and research methods. Students work closely with faculty members on research and outreach programs and must complete core courses in consumer behavior, family economics, and research methods.

Outline:

Content:

• Consumer behavior: Consumer decision-making, consumer psychology, marketing research.
• Family economics: Family financial management, family well-being, public policy.
• Research methods: Quantitative and qualitative research methods, data analysis.

Structure:

• Coursework: Core courses in consumer behavior, family economics, and research methods, plus elective courses.
• Research: Students work closely with faculty members on research projects and must complete a dissertation.

Course Schedule:

• Courses are typically offered on a semester basis.
• Students can take courses in any order, but core courses must be completed before taking elective courses.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• Coursework: Exams, papers, presentations.
• Research: Dissertation proposal defense, dissertation defense.

Criteria:

• Coursework: Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA.
• Research: Students must successfully complete their dissertation proposal defense and dissertation defense.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Research projects
• Dissertations

Faculty:

• The program has a diverse faculty with expertise in consumer behavior, family economics, and research methods.
• Faculty members are actively involved in research and outreach programs.

Unique Approaches:

• The program emphasizes interdisciplinary research and collaboration.
• Students have opportunities to work with faculty members on research projects and outreach programs.
• The program offers a variety of professional development opportunities for students.

Careers:

Career Paths:

• Tenure-track academic positions, primarily in consumer science or related units.
• Research administration positions in government, non-tenure academic units, nonprofit organizations, think tanks and related entities.
• Applied consumer research in the public and private sector, including market research, policy research and consulting.