by our College Data Analytics TeamDelve into the fascinating exploration of the policies and processes that contribute to successful individual or family management. A major in Family and Consumer Economics will allow you to study the science of family life as well as microeconomics, macroeconomics and how the economy affects the consumer. You will also study financial goal setting, debt management and how to prevent and resolve financial difficulties. The goal of the major is to improve the experiences of the consumer by learning about sales and resource management at all levels. You will also learn how consumers are influenced by marketing and the consequences of advertising deception.
Some courses that you may take while studying include: consumer behavior, price theory, advanced mathematics, economic forecasting, microeconomics, macroeconomics, indexing, and commodities analysis.
Concentrations within this major include Family Resource Management, Consumer Economics, and Consumer Services and Advocacy.
In 2021-2022, family & consumer economics was the 211th most popular major nationwide with 1,335 degrees awarded. This year's Best Family & Consumer Economics Schools ranking compares 16 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom consumer economics rankings further below.
To be successful in this major you should feel comfortable taking the leadership role. You will be the guiding factor in the lives of many people by empowering consumers to make good economic decisions. Patience and empathy are valuable traits as you work with individuals and families to help understand their spending behaviors and family finances.
Be prepared to take multiple classes in math, economics, social sciences, public policy, and computer technology. You will be applying the knowledge you've gained in your classes to consumers through social sciences and public policy. You should be able to effectively communicate and work with people from diverse backgrounds.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most consumer economics degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. Once you obtain your degree, additional consumer economics certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
There are many different consumer economics degree levels. Family & Consumer Economics programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest consumer economics degree you can get. The type of consumer economics degree you choose will determine how long it takes to get your diploma.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A master's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to consumer economics, with approximately 58.6% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for consumer economics workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Master’s Degree | 58.6% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 24.1% |
| Doctoral Degree | 6.9% |
| Post-Master’s Certificate | 6.9% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 3.5% |
Most workers in consumer economics have at least a master's degree. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in family & consumer economics have obtained.
The education level required is different depending on the consumer economics career you are seeking.
Graduates will have a broad education they can use in a variety of fields. Those who are able to analyze and communicate consumer issues are valuable to many employers. There is always a need for consumer affairs in all different areas like business, government, and social services. Some graduates also go into financial planning and counseling. Additional career opportunities could be in consumer education, consumer affairs, marketing, or even media. You may also work solely in family financial management and work with social service agencies.
Want a job when you graduate with your consumer economics degree? Family & Consumer Economics careers are expected to grow 7.7% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to family & consumer economics.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Farm and Home Management Advisors | 11,200 | 7.7% |
Family & Consumer Economics graduates between <nil> reported earning an average of $40,853 in the <nil> timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $28,180 to as high as $75,686. As you might expect, salaries for consumer economics graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for family & consumer economics graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers consumer economics grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Farm and Home Management Advisors | $52,700 |
With over 53 different consumer economics degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased consumer economics school rankings to help you with this.
One of 8 majors within the Family, Consumer & Human Sciences area of study, Family & Consumer Economics has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| General Family Resource Management Studies | 920 |
| Other Family & Consumer Economics & Related Services | 249 |
| Consumer Economics | 118 |
| Consumer Services & Advocacy | 48 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Human Development & Family Studies | 41,177 |
| Food, Nutrition & Related Services | 4,365 |
| Textile & Apparel Studies | 3,136 |
| General Family & Consumer Sciences | 2,780 |
| Human Sciences Business Services | 592 |
