CS Graduate Programs
The Department of Consumer Sciences offers both Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Science programs that can prepare you to significantly and positively impact consumers within our global economy. Graduate study in consumer sciences gives you a foundation in studying consumers and their consumption patterns and decision-making. With this knowledge you may create new ways to enhance consumer welfare and market efficiency and to improve consumer experiences in the marketplace. The graduate program core covers research methodology; theories and models in consumer sciences; the behavior of households, families and consumers in the market; and the global consumer marketplace.
Ph.D. and Master's degrees are offered in three concentrations
- Family Resource Management focuses on the allocation of human and non-human resources to achieve the goals of the consumer. You can build emphasis areas in consumer and family finance, consumer health, economics of aging, consumer policy, family economic policy, consumer behavior, or global consumer issues.
- Fashion and Retail Studies focuses on the investigation of textiles and clothing products and their use by people from historical, behavioral, and social-psychological perspectives. You will integrate the study of human behavior with the market activities of development, allocation, distribution, acquisition, and consumption of softgood products.
- Hospitality Management focuses on the hospitality-tourism industry, the largest employer in the world. You will undertake a systematic examination of the various functional areas of hospitality firms and their contribution to the greater community.
In addition to one concentration, you will select minor areas of study from other graduate fields offered in the university. The tremendous breadth of academic resources at The Ohio State University offers students a wide selection of supporting course work and interdisciplinary opportunities. Students plan their program of study with their advisory committee.
The Doctor of Philosophy program requires nine to twelve quarters of work. Students must complete a minimum of 120 hours beyond the Bachelor's degree including a dissertation.
The Master of Science program usually requires six to eight quarters of work. Students must complete a minimum of 45 credit hours of graduate coursework including a thesis or individual investigation.
Financial support
Financial support is offered through the Department's teaching and research assistantships, scholarships, and doctoral fellowships. Financial support is awarded on a competitive basis and funds are limited. A student may be accepted to the program, but not receive financial support. By checking the appropriate boxes on the Graduate School application form, the applicant shows her/his interest in being considered for financial support. There is not a separate fellowship or associateship application form. Outside funding sources may be obtained by the student.
Important deadlines
To be fully considered for financial support, international student applications are due by November 30th and domestic student applications are due by January 15th.
May 1 is the application deadline for Consumer Sciences graduate programs.
© 2009 The Ohio State University - College of Education and Human Ecology. All Rights Reserved.
If you have trouble accessing this page and need to request an alternate format, contact the webmaster.