Consumer Affairs (CA)

CA 1347. Family and Personal Resource Management.

This course introduces students to concepts and practices used in the management of personal and family resources. Students examine how households identify goals, evaluate options, and implement decisions in response to internal priorities and external constraints. The course considers a wide range of influences, including public policy, economic conditions, and career pathways that shape resource availability and usage. Students analyze contemporary challenges affecting families, such as changing demographics, evolving workplace expectations, and shifts in social policy. By applying decision‑making frameworks and analytical tools, students gain insight into how individuals and families adapt to dynamic circumstances. Emphasis is placed on evidence‑based reasoning, problem‑solving skills, and objective evaluation of management strategies.

CA 2341. Digital Applications in Consumer Finance.

This course focuses on the hardware, software, and applications used to analyze consumers’ financial situations, needs, and goals. Topics include microcomputers, application usage, cash flow analysis, and time value of money concepts related to education, retirement, life insurance, and loan amortization. Students use tools such as Microsoft Excel and financial calculators to perform financial analyses. The course also covers the use of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint for professional communication, including the preparation of client correspondence and presentations related to financial and estate planning.

CA 2351. Personal Finance: Your Money, Your Future.

This course examines financial literacy and behavioral finance concepts with an emphasis on evidence-based approaches to personal financial decision-making. Students analyze and construct personal financial statements using consumer finance technologies and evaluate financial planning strategies based on empirical evidence and individual decision criteria. The course also analyzes economic and social factors influencing financial behavior, including cognitive and social influences, and examines the broader economic implications of individual financial decisions.

CA 3342. Consumer Law.

This course explores consumer law, which is a broad body of state and federal regulations designed to protect individuals from unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent business practices. While businesses are typically governed by contract law, consumer law specifically addresses the power imbalance between individual buyers and professional sellers. Principles of consumer law covered include consumers’ right to safety, information, and choice, right to be heard, and redress. Additionally, state and federal agencies that help consumers will be identified.

CA 3351. Consumer Financial Management I.

This course examines key principles and strategies used in personal financial management across the lifespan. Topics include income tax planning, management of monetary assets, credit use and credit history, and decision-making related to major purchases and housing. The course also explores financial goal setting, budgeting, and long-term financial planning concepts. Emphasis is placed on the development and interpretation of financial statements and the application of analytical tools to assess financial outcomes. Technical skills relevant to financial counseling, planning, financial services, and human resource management are included. Prerequisite: CA 1341 or CA 2351 either with a grade of "D" or better.

CA 3352. Consumer Financial Management II.

This course examines risk management principles in personal financial planning, with a focus on insurance decision-making across the lifespan. Topics include home, automobile, health, and life insurance, including policy features, coverage options, and cost considerations. The course explores financial goal setting, risk assessment, and trade-offs in financial decision-making. Emphasis is placed on evaluating insurance needs and analyzing strategies used to manage financial risk. Technical skills relevant to financial counseling, planning, financial services, and human resource management are included. Prerequisite: CA 1341 or CA 2351 with a grade of "D" or better.

CA 4301. Internship in Consumer Affairs.

This course is an internship program in Consumer Affairs that provides applicable educational experiences that enhance students' academic qualifications and prepare them for post-graduation employment. An internship is to be completed in a consumer-related profession, service, business, or industry. Students must apply to the internship program independently. Applications will be reviewed and approved by the faculty of record before registering for the internship class. Repeatable for credit with (Capstone Course) (WI) Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

CA 4341. Personal and Family Financial Counseling.

This course provides an in-depth study of the essential role, ethics, and responsibilities of the professional financial counselor. Topics covered will increase awareness and knowledge of the psychological and behavioral characteristics of people facing financial difficulties, as well as the complex, multifaceted factors affecting such situations. Students explore building relationships between the helper and the helped, fostering rapport, empathy, and effective communication skills for the counselor-client relationship. Financial counseling processes, theoretical approaches, and professional communication skills for the counselor-client relationship also will be covered. Prerequisite: [CA 1341 or CA 1347 or CA 2351 or CA 3341] and [CA 3351 or CA 3352] all with grades of "D" or better.

CA 4342. Personal and Family Financial Counseling Practicum.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of practical financial counseling, focusing on the application of core interpersonal skills within a professional setting. Students examine the financial counseling process, and how to utilize effective communication techniques to foster trust and drive positive client outcomes. The course examines how to adapt counseling strategies for broader financial education initiatives. By bridging theory and practice, the course prepares students to guide clients through complex financial decisions with empathy, clarity, and professional expertise. Prerequisite: CA 4341 with a grade of "D" or better.

CA 4391. Independent Study in Consumer Affairs.

This course involves independent reading and/or research on a specific topic related to a student’s primary area of interest under the guidance of a faculty mentor. It enables advanced or specialized study tailored to individual academic goals. Work may include research projects, literature reviews, or other appropriate independent academic activities. Students must obtain approval from a faculty mentor and demonstrate the ability to complete independent work and manage project timelines. The course may be repeated once for credit with instructor approval. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.