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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of Massachusetts AmherstFocuses on applying economic principles to consumer behavior, family decision-making, and resource allocation. Prepares students to analyze economic issues related to households and communities.
Curriculum Structure
Years 1–2: Core Foundations
Principles of micro and macroeconomics
Statistics and introductory econometrics
Courses in consumer behavior and family economics
Years 3–4: Specialized Study
Resource economics and policy analysis
Household finance and welfare economics
Electives in public policy, nutrition, and sustainable resource use
Capstone or research project
Focus Areas
Consumer decision-making
Family economic behavior
Resource management at the household level
Learning Outcomes
Analyze economic issues affecting families and consumers
Apply economic tools to social and resource challenges
Prepare for careers in public policy, social services, or graduate study
Accreditation & Reputation
UMass Amherst is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
The program is offered through the Department of Resource Economics in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, known for strong research in applied economics
The degree enjoys a solid reputation for preparing students for roles in sustainability and consumer economics fields
This program emphasizes the economics of household decision-making, consumer behavior, and resource management, grounded in real-world challenges.
Experiential learning includes:
Applied research projects through the Department of Resource Economics using data on consumer choices, nutrition, and family economics.
Training in statistical software such as SAS, Stata, and R for analyzing household and resource data.
Field trips and community-based studies to understand local economic and environmental issues.
Internships with state agencies, non-profits, and consumer advocacy organizations.
Access to the Isenberg School of Management’s research centers, supporting interdisciplinary projects on resource use and policy.
UMass Amherst’s BS in Resource Economics with a focus on Consumer and Family Economics prepares students for impactful careers addressing household economic behavior, consumer policy, and resource management. Graduates work as consumer economists, policy analysts, financial advisors, or community outreach coordinators. Here’s how UMass supports you:
The UMass Career Services Center offers personalized career advising, internship placement, and access to local agencies and nonprofits focused on consumer and family economics.
About 85-90% of graduates find jobs or continue education within six months, with starting salaries typically around $50,000–$65,000.
The program benefits from partnerships with Massachusetts government agencies, financial institutions, and consumer advocacy groups.
Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), the degree provides long-term professional and academic value.
The curriculum blends economics, family studies, and resource management with hands-on research and extension programs.
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates often pursue master’s degrees in economics, public policy, family studies, or financial planning certifications.
Official high school transcript, SAT I and/or ACT scoresLetter of Recommendation, EssayA minimum TOEFL score of 80 on the Internet-based TOEFL, Essay, IELTS score of 6.5Consumer Behavior Analyst – Study economic decision-making in households to guide policy or marketingFamily Economics Specialist – Develop programs to improve financial wellbeing of families and communitiesMarket Research Analyst – Analyze consumer data to help businesses tailor products and servicesPolicy Advisor – Advise on economic policies affecting consumers and family welfare
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