Strengthening families, communities, and the marketplace...

Innovative programs, a concern for society, a focus on hands-on experience and cutting-edge research unite the programs in the John and Doris Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences. Whether you are interested in helping troubled families, teaching parenting skills, or directing international imports for a major retail company, the School offers critically acclaimed programs. No graduate leaves the Norton School without opportunities for hands-on experience in the field and a head start on a future career.

Welcome message from Norton School Director, Dr. Soyeon Shim.

Family Studies and Human Development

The division of Family Studies and Human Development (FSHD) provides more than just a curriculum for its majors. Our goal is to provide students with a rich and rewarding educational experience in which they will receive all possible opportunities to flourish. The FSHD division offers two bachelor of science degrees for undergraduates majoring in family studies and human development or family and consumer sciences education (FACS), as well as advanced study at the graduate level. Students also have the opportunity to enhance their classroom learning through involvement in a variety of non-classroom experiences, including internships and practicums offered by the The McClelland Institute, faculty-supervised research experiences, and student organizations such as the FSHD Ambassadors and the Family Studies Student Round Table (FSSRT).

Retailing and Consumer Sciences

The University of Arizona's program in Retailing and Consumer Sciences (RCSC) is one of the most unique retailing programs of its kind in the nation, offering both four-year and graduate studies leading to B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. In addition, RCSC benefits greatly from its alliance with the Center for Retailing and Consumer Sciences Education and Research which maintains active partnerships with the business community. Programs provided through the Center bring visibility to the RCSC division and provide internship and networking opportunities for students.

Family and Consumer Sciences Education (FACS Ed)

Family and consumer sciences education (FACS) is a teaching-oriented major for students who enjoy classroom or community-based instruction. One track leads to provisional teacher certification in secondary education (grades 7-12) and vocational FACS. Another prepares students as family life educators, certified to teach in non-formal settings.

Institutes and Outreach Programs

The McClelland Institute for Children Youth and Families

The Institute for Children, Youth and Families was created in 1997 to advance multidisciplinary research and outreach on issues important to life span human development and family relationships. Our mission is to enhance the capacity of the University of Arizona to address the most critical social, emotional, and physical issues facing today's families. By working to solve today's social problems, we envision a future where children and families can thrive.

Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing

Since 1993, the Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing at the university's John and Doris Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences has brought together the resources and expertise of academia and the retail industry with a shared goal of developing strong future retail professionals. Supported by the Corporate Advisory Board partners and sponsors, the Center is able to offer the benefits of research and scholarship to industry and a perspective on the working world to Retailing and Consumer Sciences students. Through these business partnerships, the Center offers students unique opportunities for research, career exploration and development, internships, professional in-class speakers and industry tours. The Center provides funds to support graduate students and various research activities with our top-notch faculty, and as a result, continues to enhance its reputation at the local, state, national, and international levels as The place for retail studies and prospective retail leaders.

Take Charge America Institute (TCAI)

The mission of the Take Charge America Institute for Consumer Financial Education and Research at University of Arizona is to improve consumer financial well-being through our research and outreach programs. If you are a researcher, you may be interested in our research activities, such as current research, call for research proposal, doctoral dissertation proposal competition, special journal issue, etc. If you are an educator or practitioner, you may find helpful information about our outreach and education programs, such as Duel in the Desert, Credit Wise Cats, Small Steps to Health and Wealth, and the course “Money, Consumers and Family.”

Family Economics and Financial Education (FEFE)

FEFE's mission is to provide educators with curriculum materials free of charge and the skills and confidence to effectively teach family economics and finance.  FEFE curriculum materials utilize the multiple intelligences and an activity based approach designed in a ready-to-teach format requiring minimal educator preparation.  They are developed by a unique collaboration – an advisory board comprised of middle and high school educators, collegiate educators, industry professionals, and the FEFE Master Teacher team.  Educators may also receive professional update materials via FEFE newsletters and the opportunity to participate in one of FEFE's highly interactive state or national trainings.  Housed in the TCAI at the University of Arizona, FEFE continues to develop curriculum and conduct professional development opportunities for educators throughout the United States and Internationally.