The department offers both a M.S. and a Ph.D. degree. The graduate program provides in-depth study in either consumer and family economics or housing within a broader, interdisciplinary context. Coursework is centered in the department but draws upon offerings from across the college and throughout the university.<br><br>The Department of Housing and Financial Planning, Housing and Consumer Economics (FHCE) offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science, the Master of Science Non-Thesis and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The graduate program provides in-depth study in consumer economics, family financial planning, or housing within a broader, interdisciplinary context. Course work is centered in the department, but draws upon offerings from across the college and throughout the university. The interdisciplinary nature of the materials makes these related offerings essential.<br><br>The past several decades have witnessed dramatic changes in the family economic system, the consumer's orientation to the marketplace and the issue of family shelter. The tremendous increase in female labor force participation, for example, has made management within the family more important and has redefined many traditional consumer roles. Technological changes have transformed the marketplace and, in the case of housing, opened new options to consumers.<br><br>Most students complete either program in four semesters.