University of Texas

What you'll study

This programme blends core economic theory with applied courses that focus on families, consumers and community resources. You build competence in quantitative methods while exploring how economic forces shape household behaviour, health, nutrition, and family policy.

• Core economics: introductory microeconomics and macroeconomics, intermediate microeconomics, statistics for economists, and applied econometrics or research methods.
• Household finance and resource management: personal and family finance, consumer economics, budgeting and financial planning, housing and consumer credit.
• Family and consumer sciences: courses on family development across the lifespan, child and family policy, consumer behaviour, and community resource management.
• Health and nutrition: fundamentals of nutrition, food economics, public health policy and programmes that affect household well‑being.
• Research and practicum: research project or honours dissertation option, and opportunities for community placements or internships that apply classroom learning in professional settings.
• Electives and interdisciplinary study: you can typically take electives from related areas such as public policy, social work, education, business, sociology, or psychology to tailor the degree to your career goals.

Structure

The degree is structured around a set of core requirements in economics and family/consumer subjects, supported by quantitative courses and a selection of electives. Students normally complete general education requirements alongside major courses over four years, with options for research projects, internships and capstone modules in the final year.

Entry requirements

Entry to the bachelor’s programme is competitive and typically requires a strong secondary school record. Applicants are expected to have a solid grounding in mathematics; A‑level, IB, or equivalent qualifications with good grades in maths or statistics are normally advised. Admissions may also consider university preparatory coursework, relevant extracurricular experience (for example community service or consumer-related work) and a personal statement that outlines interest in economics and family/consumer issues.

International applicants should meet the same academic standards and demonstrate English language proficiency in an accepted test where required. Transfer students from other institutions are usually assessed on college transcripts and the compatibility of previously completed courses with degree requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates leave equipped to work where economic analysis intersects with family and community well‑being. Typical career paths include:

• Policy analyst or researcher in government departments, NGOs or think‑tanks focused on family policy, social welfare, housing or consumer protection.
• Consumer researcher, market analyst or roles in financial services that focus on household finance and credit counselling.
• Community development, programme coordination or case management roles in social services and non‑profit organisations.
• Public health and nutrition support roles, education and outreach positions related to family health and wellbeing.
• Further study: many graduates progress to postgraduate degrees in economics, public policy, social work, public health or business.

Why study at University of Texas

The University of Texas offers access to a broad range of faculty expertise across economics, public policy, health and social sciences, enabling an interdisciplinary approach to family and consumer issues. Students benefit from research centres, community partnerships and internship networks that provide hands‑on experience and opportunities to work with policy makers and service providers.

Small seminar options, applied research projects and opportunities for experiential learning give students practical skills in data analysis, programme evaluation and client engagement that are directly relevant to careers in government, non‑profits and the private sector.