Division of Consumer Science (Graduate)

Website URL:

https://hhs.purdue.edu/graduate-students/programs/?department=hospitality-and-tourism-management

Department/School Head:

Ceridwyn King, Professor and Head

Academic Programs:

The consumer science graduate program offers world-class postgraduate programs for industry professionals seeking to move ahead in their careers and aspiring academics seeking to gain the knowledge and skills to be researchers and teachers.

PhD Program

The PhD program is designed to be one of the strongest research-based programs in the world. The program - which includes a strong element of statistics and research design - prepares you for careers at major research universities or research-based agencies. Upon graduation, you are expected to have a curriculum vitae that includes instructional knowledge, publishing experience in research journals, and a record of presentations to industry and research societies.

Master of Science Programs

The Master of Science degree program allows you to specialize and apply theoretically grounded, cutting-edge research in one of two areas: consumer behavior or family and consumer economics. The MS program offers one of the most up-to-date and integrated blends of theory, technology and applications in consumer science. Core courses will advance your understanding of this dynamic industry while allowing you to explore how to conduct research and analyze information. You will then specialize in your area of interest through a variety of electives and research projects. The non-thesis option meets the needs of those wishing to earn a master’s degree and return to the industry. Students pursuing this degree track are not eligible for automatic consideration into the consumer science PhD program. 

Concentrations (Areas of Study):

In the consumer science master’s and doctoral programs, you’ll gain significant exposure to research, working directly with the school’s faculty to explore important issues across consumer science:

• Branding and consumer experience
• Consumer financial behavior
• Machine learning and data analysis in consumer research
• Financial risk tolerance and behavioral finance
• Retail innovation and shopping behavior

Students in the Consumer Science graduate programs can select a concentration to provide a primary focus of study.

• Consumer Behavior. 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)
J. Day (HTM)
S. Gordon (HTM)
J. Ismail (HTM)
J. Kang (CSR)
D.Nelson (HTM)
A.Nicely (HTM)
J. Sun (CSR)
S. Sydnor (HTM)
S. Tang  (HTM)

Assistant Professor

K. Byrd (HTM)
A. Fan (HTM)
W. Heo (CSR)
S. Jung (HTM)
L. Lawry (CSR)
S. Lee (CSR)
J. Riley (CSR)

Emeritus Faculty

B. Almanza
L. Kreul
B. Lazarus
A. Morrison
T. Pearson
J. Rouselle