Contact
ADDRESS: 283 EML Hall, NDSU Fargo ND 58105
TELEPHONE: (701) 231-8268 Dr.Jim Deal, Head
FAMILY ECONOMICS
The study of family and consumer economics within the field of family science prepares students to work with individuals and families to manage their resources. The family science curriculum emphasizes the importance of resources such as time, money and information for families, and how families can learn to use these resources to maximize their quality of life. Students become prepared to work with families experiencing financial difficulties, or who have money to save and invest. Students also become informed of consumer rights and responsibilities to advocate for consumers, and learn how to work with low income families to create or extend human and financial resources. Coursework in this area helps students to understand the interaction between families, economic well-being, and public policy.
CAREER OPTIONS
The following is a list of career options for family science majors who take an emphasis in/or family economics:
- Financial Planner
- Community Relations Representative
- Consumer Education Coordinator
- Credit Specialist in a Healthcare Setting
- Financial or Consumer Credit Counselor
- Extension Family Economics Specialist
- Consumer Information Specialist
- Family Support Specialist, Community Mental Health
- Government Agencies such as the Housing Authority or Office of Consumer Affairs
- Director of Non-profit Agencies such as Consumer Credit Counseling Services, or
- Small Business Institutes
- Consumer Fraud Investigator
- Renter's Hotline Coordinator
- Public Information Officer
- Personal Banker
- Stockbroker
- Credit Fraud Investigator
- Claims Analyst for an Insurance Company
- Customer Service Representative
REQUIRED COURSES
All CDFS majors are required to take CDFS 230, 353, 485 and 496.
In addition, family science majors must take CDFS 357, two family science courses, 2 human development courses and two family economics courses. Consult an advisor and a curriculum guide for information on specific courses included in each of these categories.
RECOMMENDED COURSES
In addition to the requirements listed above, students interested in family and consumer economics are encouraged to take the following courses:
CDFS 186 - Consumer and Society
CDFS 477 - Financial Counseling
CDFS 462 - Family Crisis
CDFS 468 - Women in Economic Systems
CDFS 478 - Financial and Consumer Issues of Aging
Depending on career interests, additional courses outside the CDFS Department might include finance, consumer law, marketing, insurance, accounting, communications, economics or woman's studies.
NDSU also offers a master's degree in Family Financial Planning through the Great Plains Interactive Distance Educating Alliance (GPIDEA). Talk with an advisor if you are interested in graduate study.
MINORS:
The following are some of the minors on campus that compliment the family science major:
Business Administration
Psychology
Sociology
Individual and Family Wellness
Woman's Studies
Gerontology
Communication
- Although a minor is not required, students interested in pursuing
careers in financial services or consumer advocacy are
encouraged to pursue a business administration minor.
- A minor in psychology is helpful to better understand individual
behavior.
- A minor in sociology is useful to better understand the interaction
of the family system with larger social systems.
- A wellness minor is important for a holistic understanding
of ways to improve all aspects of well-being.
- Students who desire an understanding of gender issues will benefit
from taking the women's studies minor.
- The gerontology minor prepares students to work with aging
individuals and their families on issues such as retirement, long-term
care, and estate planning.
- The communication minor is appropriate for students desiring
to develop written or visual materials and do presentations focused
on family issues.
GRADUATE WORK
Students interested in attending graduate school are encouraged to take the Statistics course. With further education, students can pursue careers in Family Law, Estate Planning, Public Policy Formation and Assessment, Accredited Financial Counselors, or become Certified Financial Planners.SALARY POSSIBILITIES
Entry level salaries begin at approximately $18,000. Salary increases and maximum levels depend on the position and location. Graduates who work in family service agencies generally earn between $20,000 and $35,000 annually, although those in higher level financial services positions can expect to make much more.
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