DIVISION of Consumer Science (Graduate)

Return to: Graduate Studies

Website URL:

http://www.purdue.edu/hhs/htm/graduate

Department/School Head:

Xinran Lehto, PhD and Interim Head

Academic Programs:

Master’s and Ph.D. Programs:
 

Overall - The White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) and Division of Consumer Science (CSR) has established itself as a global leader and offers graduate students’ opportunities to become expert social scientists or executives in areas that interface psychology, communication, consumption theories, management, economics, and financial planning. Our school continues to lead as we take up the challenges of the 21st century, consistently ranking in the top 10 in the world and recently earning the #1 spot in a longitudinal study in the Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Education. Our active students benefit from and contribute to our knowledge and experience as we engage together. 

The workload to successfully complete a graduate program is intense and immense. Graduate students must balance classes, thesis/dissertation requirements, work responsibilities, and often personal/family responsibilities. It requires motivation and commitment, but it can be done - and the department will provide the resources, support, and encouragement to help you.

There are two essential parts to your graduate career: coursework and research.

Coursework-At the graduate level, coursework will immerse you in issues requiring integration, insight, and critical thinking. While undergraduate education focuses on transmitting knowledge, the goal of graduate education is teaching you how to create knowledge. The focus is not so much on content but on how to present knowledge that can be used to illuminate and create new knowledge. Students will be given guidance by the Program Director, acting as the academic advisor, on what courses can fulfill the degree requirement.

Research-Since graduate education is so special, accomplishing it requires a more one-on-one relationship with a research advisor. Unlike similar programs across the nation, research advisors are not appointed by the faculty but rather a student-initiated and mutually agreed mentor/mentee relationship. We believe this allows students to pursue their research passions, and allow them to specialize in one of many research areas.

Concentrations (Areas of Study):

• Consumer Behavior. The primary focus of study for the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in consumer behavior is the interdisciplinary study of consumer participation in the marketplace. Theories from several disciplines are employed in the study of the decision process, and activities and influences while individuals engage in the various stages of evaluation, use, and disposal of consumer goods and service. Previous background in the social sciences, marketing, or economics is assumed. Students who do not possess this background may need to enroll in supplementary coursework to build entry competencies.
   
• Family and Consumer Economics. Primary areas of study for the Master of Science degree or the Doctor of Philosophy degree are consumer economics, consumer resource management, or family economics. In addition to the primary area, both the M.S. and Ph.D. plans of study must include one or more related areas of study. These areas include, but are not limited to agricultural economics, economics, management, psychology, sociology, and statistics.

Regular Graduate Faculty by Rank:

Associate Professor

J. Bauchet (CSR)
C. Behnke  (HTM)
E. Chan (CSR)
J. Day (HTM)
J. Ismail (HTM)
J. La Lopa (HTM)
J. Kang (CSR)
D.Nelson (HTM)
A.Nicely (HTM)
S. Sydnor (HTM)
S. Tang  (HTM)

Assistant Professor

K. Byrd (HTM)
A. Fan (HTM)
S. Gordon (HTM)
S. Jung (HTM)
L. Lawry (CSR)
J. Sun (CSR)

Programs

• Consumer Science, PHD
• Consumer Science/Gerontology, PHD

• Healthcare Leadership, Post Baccalaureate Certificate
• Healthcare Operations, Post Baccalaureate Certificate
• Healthcare Quality Improvement, Post Baccalaureate Certificate

Return to: Graduate Studies