University of Nebraska Kearney

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary degree blends economics, human development and practical family and consumer science applications. You will study core economic concepts alongside subjects that address family resource management, consumer issues and community programming. The programme typically includes a mix of lecture, applied labs, fieldwork and capstone projects.

• Core economics and quantitative skills — microeconomics, macroeconomics, basic statistics and research methods to support evidence‑based decision making.
• Family resource management — personal and family financial planning, budgeting, consumer rights and consumer behaviour.
• Human development and relationships — lifespan development, parenting, relationship dynamics and family policy.
• Nutrition and wellness — community nutrition principles, food safety and programs that promote household health and food security.
• Program planning and evaluation — grant writing, community needs assessment, program design and evaluation methods for outreach and extension work.
• Applied practicum and internship — supervised placements with community organisations, Cooperative Extension offices, schools or non‑profits to apply classroom learning to real settings.
• Electives and special topics — options may include consumer economics, housing and textiles, leadership in family and consumer sciences, entrepreneurship or preparation for secondary teaching certification where available.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to meet University of Nebraska at Kearney undergraduate admission standards. Typical requirements for direct entry into the bachelor programme include a high school diploma or equivalent and a record of academic coursework that demonstrates readiness for college‑level work.

• Academic preparation — recommended coursework includes mathematics (such as algebra), English/communication and social sciences. Background in basic economics or home economics/family and consumer sciences is helpful but not always required.
• Transferring students — articulated transfer credit from community colleges is commonly accepted; applicants should review UNK transfer guides and speak with an academic advisor to determine how previous coursework maps to degree requirements.
• Additional requirements — some options within the programme (for example, routes leading to teacher certification) may have separate admission steps, background checks, practicum requirements or minimum GPA thresholds for professional placements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that support families, consumers and communities across public, private and non‑profit sectors. The combination of economics and applied family studies creates flexible career opportunities.

• Extension educator or community outreach specialist with Cooperative Extension or local government agencies.
• Family and consumer sciences teacher at the secondary level (where certification requirements are met).
• Financial counsellor, consumer educator or housing and credit advisor in community agencies and non‑profits.
• Program coordinator or evaluator for health promotion, nutrition education, family support or youth development initiatives.
• Consumer advocacy, retail and merchandising roles that benefit from understanding consumer behaviour and household decision‑making.
• Further study at graduate level in areas such as family and consumer sciences, public policy, social work, nutrition, or economics.

Why study at University of Nebraska Kearney

UNK provides a student‑centred environment with relatively small class sizes and accessible faculty who bring applied experience in family and consumer sciences and community engagement. The university has strong regional connections, offering opportunities for internships and practicum placements with Cooperative Extension, area school districts and community organisations.

• Applied learning — hands‑on labs, community projects and internship pathways let students apply economic and family science concepts in real community settings.
• Support for professional pathways — advising and partnerships support students pursuing teacher certification, extension careers or community programme work.
• Community engagement — local partnerships and outreach provide experience in programme delivery, needs assessment and evaluation that employers value.