Consumer Affairs

Consumer Affairs is an option within the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. Our program is one of the leading undergraduate programs in the field. It offers an interdisciplinary study of the financial, legislative, psychological, sociological, and cultural factors involved in consumerism.

Areas covered in Consumer Affairs are Consumer Advocacy and Protection, Financial Management, and Housing. In addition, the course work in Consumer Affairs is complemented by minors in several areas including Business Management, Economics, and Marketing.

Through this diverse yet integrated course of study, students will gain specific skills and knowledge, learn by doing in applied field experiences, and have opportunities for independent study in areas of individual interest. Course of study includes:

Consumer Advocacy and Protection 

  • Consumer Protection Laws and Agencies
  • Roles and Responsibilities of Federal and State Government
  • Legislation Related to Credit, Investments, and Product Safety

Personal Financial Planning and Counseling

  • Cash Flow Management, Goal Setting
  • Investments and Retirement Planning
  • Taxes and Insurance
  • Debt Management and Legal Recourse

Housing Services

  • Housing for the Consumer
  • Housing-related Legislation
  • Housing in an Urban Setting
  • International Housing Issues

 

Fifteen units as approved by a Consumer Affairs Faculty advisor. Complete two of the following courses: CAFF 223, 226, 228. Complete three of the following courses: CAFF/HM 305, CAFF/CRJU 307, CAFF/BLAW 309, CAFF 321, CAFF 322, CAFF 388, CAFF/GERN 420, CAFF 422, CAFF 425, CAFF 426, CAFF 427, CAFF 429, CAFF 492C. 

The Minor in Consumer Affairs is available to any non-Consumer Affairs major.

Choose an advising sheet according to the year you declared Consumer Affairs as your minor:
2024-2025 (PDF)
2023-2024 (PDF)
2022-2023 (PDF)
2021-2022 (PDF)
2020-2021 (PDF)
2019-2020 (PDF)
2018-2019 (PDF)
 

Advisors go by your last name:
Letter of Your Last NameAdvisor
A-ZKreysa, P. 

  • Law
  • Public Utilities
  • Retail
  • Manufacturing
  • Education
  • Credit Counseling
  • Healthcare
  • Financial Services
  • Government
  • Food and Beverage
  • Housing Industry

Students and faculty have an opportunity to participate and network in professional organizations, such as:

  • American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences
  • American Association of Housing Educators
  • American Council on Consumer Interests
  • Association of Financial Counseling and Planning Education
  • College of Financial Planning
  • International Association for Financial Planning
  • Society of Consumer Affairs Professionals

The faculty in the Consumer Affairs area have secured a variety of both paid and unpaid internships.
Students have interned at some of the following organizations: 

  • Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs
  • Los Angeles Attorney General's Office
  • KNBC - Fight Back!
  • Minolta
  • The Los Angeles Times
  • Pepsi
  • Consumer Credit Counseling Services