Program Overview

The Consumer Affairs Option is accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS).

It is also an Association of Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE) Registered Education Program. Students may prepare to sit for the Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) designation before they graduate, which is offered through the AFCPE.”

• Admission criteria
• Student responsibilities
• General Academic Policy
• Housing
• Financial aid
• Insurance for Students
• Student Services
• Student Health Center
• Office of Disability Resources and Educational Services
• University Counseling Office
• Office of Student Services for College of HHD
• Learning Resource Center
• Oviatt Library
• Information Technology
• Recreational Center
• Grievance procedure
• University calendar
• Graduation Requirements

Patterns of Study

All students in the Consumer Affairs Option are mentored and guided by our faculty advisors. There are two patterns of study in our program:

Business (Pattern A)

This Pattern trains students to contribute their skills in a variety of work settings. The professionals in this field ensure availability of information through watching business practices and keeping lines of communication open. They also promote consumer protection through consumer advocacy and education. 

Family Financial Management and Counseling (Pattern B)

This pattern prepares students to be certifies as financial/credit, housing or bankruptcy counselors. Professional sin this field provide education and guidance to individuals and families int he area of money management. 

Mentorship & Advising

All students in the Consumer Affairs program are mentored and guided by our faculty advisers. Our courses integrate the educational experience that will help students attain promising careers in Consumer Affairs.

• Bachelor Degree Requirements
• Master Degree Requirements
• Pattern A: 2-Year Plan
• Pattern A: 3-Year Plan
• Pattern B: 2-Year Plan
• Pattern B: 3-Year Plan

For any course or program related questions please e-mail one of the following faculty advisers to make an appointment with them during their schedule office hours. Be sure to print and take your most current Unofficial Transcript and any questions you may have.

You can find all faculty and faculty advisor scheduled office hours on the Students page under Advisement Forms and Resources. 

Professional & Student Organizations

Students can develop leadership skills by participating in groups such as:

• The Student Chapter of the Society of Consumer Affairs Professionals (SOCAP)
• The Student Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (SAFCS)

Professional organizations that can result in career opportunities and professional development in the field of Consumer Affairs include:

• American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS)
• American Council on Consumer Interests (ACCI)
• Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE)

Internships

A crucial component to the Consumer Affairs academic experience is the required internship course. Students earn professional experience and academic credit toward the degree. Internships provide networking opportunities and potential lifelong professional relationships in and around Los Angeles. 

Some internship opportunities include, but are not limited to:

• Advertising firms
• Better Business Bureau
• Consumer Resource Center (on campus)
• Corporations
• Financial institutions
• Government agencies
• Manufacturers
• Market research
• Small businesses

Careers

Career opportunities are extensive. Our graduates have found rewarding careers in:

• Combating fraud or monitoring consumer trends
• Corporations
• Financial institutions
• Credit counseling agencies
• Government agencies
• Improving the quality of customer service
• Nonprofit organizations
• Product marketing

Advisement

Please e-mail your advisor to make an appointment with them during their schedule office hours. Be sure to print and take your most current Degree Progress Report (DPR) and a blank Consumer Affairs Advisement Form (according to your pattern) to your advisement appointment.

You can find all faculty and faculty advisor scheduled office hours on the Students page under Advisement Forms and Resources. 

The FCS Consumer Resource Center (CRC) is an important campus-wide hub that provides information and assistance to all CSUN community members.

To find out more about the services and resources offered by the CRC, please visit the Consumer Resource Center.