| Abstract: | Data collected from practicing executive level consumer affairs professionals (CAPs) was used to identify areas they felt were important in preparation for a career in consumer affairs. The business administration major was considered the most useful major, with middle and junior level CAPs most favorable to the business administration major. Important areas of study delineated through factor analysis included consumer oriented subjects, communication skills, marketing, management, ethics and poverty, home economics, and physical sciences. Variations in the relative importance of majors and courses were found by type of company, level of management, and by sex. The study concludes that an interdisciplinary academic program appears to be most desirable for preparing students for a career in consumer affairs. |
