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California State University, Long Beach
Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
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Consumer Affairs

Consumer Affairs is an option within the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. Our program is one of the leading undergraduate programs in the field. It offers an interdisciplinary study of the financial, legislative, psychological, sociological, and cultural factors involved in consumerism.

Areas covered in Consumer Affairs are Consumer Advocacy and Protection, Financial Management, and Housing. In addition, the course work in Consumer Affairs is complemented by minors in several areas including Business Management, Economics, and Marketing.

Through this diverse yet integrated course of study, students will gain specific skills and knowledge, learn by doing in applied field experiences, and have opportunities for independent study in areas of individual interest. Course of study includes:

Consumer Advocacy and Protection

  • Consumer Protection Laws and Agencies
  • Roles and Responsibilities of Federal and State Government
  • Legislation related to Credit, Investments and Product Safety

Personal Financial Planning and Counseling

  • Cash Flow Management, Goal Setting
  • Investments & Retirement Planning
  • Taxes & Insurance
  • Debt Management and Legal Recourse

Housing Services

  • Housing for the Consumer
  • Housing-related Legislation
  • Housing in an Urban Setting
  • International Housing Issues

Career Opportunities

Preparation in the Consumer Affairs area provides a solid foundation with which to enter into a variety of careers such as:

  • Law
  • Public utilities
  • Retail
  • Manufacturing
  • Education
  • Credit counseling
  • Health care
  • Financial services
  • Government
  • Food and beverage
  • Housing industry

Professional Organizations

  • Students and faculty have an opportunity to participate and network in professional organizations such as:\
  • American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences
  • American Association of Housing Educators
  • American Council on Consumer Interests
  • Association of Financial Counseling and Planning Education
  • College of Financial Planning
  • International Association for Financial Planning
  • Society of Consumer Affairs Professionals

Available Internships

The faculty in the Consumer Affairs area have secured a variety of both paid and unpaid internships. Students have interned at some of the following organizations: Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs, Los Angeles Attorney General’s Office, KNBC - Fight Back!, Minolta, The Los Angeles Times, Pepsi, and Consumer Credit Counseling Services.

What order do I take classes in?
Sequence flowchart

Choose an advising sheet according to the year you declared Consumer Affairs as your major:

2007-2008
2006-2007
2005-2006
2004-2005
2003-2004
2002-2003
2001-2002
2000-2001
1999-2000

University Catalog

Advisors go by your last name:
Letter of Your Last Name Advisor
A-M Sondhi, L.
N-Z Schult, D.