The PhD program in Human Ecology: Consumer Behavior and Family Economics (CBFE) develops scholars able to apply social science theories to understanding household and consumer interactions within the marketplace and the public sector. Students undertake research on consumer decision-making affecting the social and economic well-being of individuals and families. This is a multi-disciplinary degree program. The goal of this program is to prepare students for the following types of job placements:

1. Tenure-track academic faculty positions, primarily in other schools of human ecology, consumer science or related units
2. Research administration positions in government, non-tenure academic units, nonprofit organizations, think tanks and related entities
3. Applied consumer research in the public and private sector, including market research, policy research and consulting.

Requirements: The PhD degree is designed for completion in four semesters of full-time coursework plus dissertation work. A minimum of 51 credits of graduate work is required. Requirements include Consumer Science courses, advanced statistics and research methods, field courses in either Consumer Behavior or Family Economics and research and dissertation credits.

CBFE Alumni:

Madelaine L’Esperance, PhD 2019

Fei Men PhD 2018

Kathryn A. Carroll, PhD 2017, CFCS, CPFFE

Sunyee Yoon PhD 2016

Nilton Porto PhD 2014

Dee Warmath, PhD 2012