Program Coordinator/Contact
Wookjae Heo, Program Leader
Department of Consumer Sciences
Wagner Hall 425, Box 2275A
605-688-5196
Program Information
Students majoring in Consumer Affairs who pursue the Family Financial Management specialization are usually interested in financial markets, financial decision, economics, business concepts and working with individuals to develop personal financial management skills. Required courses for the Family Financial Management specialization focus on principles and practice of insurance planning, investment strategies, income tax planning, retirement preparation, and estate planning.
Completion of the Consumer Affairs major and Family Financial Management specialization prepares students to engage in a variety of careers such as: financial services, financial planning, credit/financial counseling, human resources, marketing and sales.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will apply the consumer decision-making process to improve consumer well-being.
- Students will demonstrate effective resource management skills. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills)
- Students will integrate knowledge of policy and community resources to solve consumer issues. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy; Problem Solving)
- Students will increase knowledge, awareness, and understanding of individual and social differences in consumer behavior. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
Academic Requirements
A grade of “C” or better is required for all courses with a CA prefix. An 8-week full time internship is a requirement that is usually completed during the summer between the Junior and Senior year.
Course Delivery Format
Students learn through lecture, discussion, and hands-on learning experiences. Case studies are utilized to assist students in applying family financial planning strategies to individualized financial situations.
