The faculty, students, and staff of the Consumer Science department at UW–Madison are committed to fostering a fair and healthy marketplace that promotes the well-being of families and individuals across the U.S. and internationally. We apply social science theories and rigorous quantitative methods to the study of household and consumer interactions, offering keen insights and innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing socioeconomic challenges.

Consumer Science faculty include interdisciplinary scholars working across research, program, and clinical capacities to address key economic and policy opportunities in our field. Our areas of specialization include:

• Social security, disability assistance and retirement savings
• Food security and nutrition assistance
• Financial capability and access
• Alternative financial services (e.g., payday lending, military lending)
• Consumer decision making and well-being
• Family relationships and financial well-being

Department Chair

Dr. Cliff Robb