Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)

What you'll study

This degree integrates core economic principles with family and consumer sciences to give students a practical understanding of household finance, consumer behaviour and resource management. Coursework typically covers microeconomics and macroeconomics fundamentals, family resource management, personal financial planning, consumer economics, statistics and research methods. Students also study topics in human development, family life education, textiles and apparel, nutrition fundamentals, and public policy affecting families and consumers.

• Core economics and quantitative courses: introductory microeconomics and macroeconomics, applied statistics, research methods, and data analysis for human sciences.
• Family and consumer sciences: family resource management, family relations and lifespan development, consumer education, housing and interior environments, and textile/apparel studies.
• Applied and professional practice: practicum or internship placements in community agencies, extension services, non-profits or private sector settings; project-based courses addressing real-world consumer and family issues.
• Policy and community engagement: courses examining consumer protection, public policy, nutrition policy, and community education strategies.
• Electives and capstone: opportunities to take electives in related areas such as human resource management, marketing, public health, or to complete a capstone project or honours thesis.

Entry requirements

Admission is to Middle Tennessee State University, with programme-specific guidance provided by the Department of Human Sciences. Typical applicants will hold a high-school diploma or equivalent. Successful candidates usually demonstrate proficiency in mathematics and English through their high-school coursework.

• Completion of secondary education with a curriculum that includes algebra and English composition is normally expected.
• Where standardised tests are required by the university for admission, applicants should meet the institution's general undergraduate requirements; check the MTSU admissions pages for current testing policies.
• Transfer applicants should provide transcripts from prior post-secondary institutions; relevant community college coursework can often transfer into the major.
• International applicants must meet MTSU's English language proficiency requirements and provide certified academic records for evaluation.
• Some courses or experiential placements may require background checks or proof of immunisation depending on host site policies.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for roles that apply economic reasoning to family and consumer contexts or for further study. Career pathways include community and extension education, consumer advocacy, financial counselling and planning, family services, program coordination in non-profit organisations, retail and merchandising roles such as buyer or product analyst, and positions in public policy or government agencies concerned with consumer protection and family welfare.

• Financial and consumer counsellor or coach
• Family and consumer extension agent
• Community education or outreach coordinator
• Policy analyst or research assistant focusing on consumer or family policy
• Retail buyer, merchandise analyst or product development assistant
• Human resources, programme management or nonprofit administration
• Graduate study in economics, public policy, social work, family studies or related fields

Why study at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)

MTSU offers an applied, student-centred approach within the Department of Human Sciences, with small-class interactions, faculty who conduct applied research, and opportunities for hands-on learning. Students benefit from internship and practicum connections in the Nashville region and across Tennessee, where community organisations, government agencies and businesses offer placements relevant to consumer and family economics.

• Applied learning: strong emphasis on internships, service learning and capstone projects that develop workplace-ready skills.
• Faculty support: access to faculty with expertise in family resource management, consumer economics and community outreach.
• Location advantages: proximity to a diverse regional economy provides opportunities for practicum placements, partnerships and networking.
• Campus resources: career services, research labs and student organisations related to human sciences help students build experience and professional connections.