According to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, 54% of Americans struggle to minimize their debt. You can help change that.
Learn the human side of finance.
This program empowers you to address consumer and financial issues that impact family economic well-being. Through coursework, hands-on experience, and service learning, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of financial literacy, money management, consumer behavior, and counseling practices.
Upon completing your coursework, you will be prepared to earn your Accredited Financial Counselor ® certification. This nationally recognized credential is organized by the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education, an organization offering valuable resources, networking and professional development opportunities for more than 30 years.
Come See For Yourself
To learn more about this program, campus life, and chat with an advisor, schedule a campus visit. Virtual visits may be necessary in some cases.
“A growing body of research indicates that cognitive, emotional, and behavioral issues are associated with negative financial management behaviors.”
Dr. Bruce Ross, FFC Assistant Professor
Washington Post, "How to teach your kids about money when you are bad with it yourself"
Introduction to the concepts and methods of sociology. Topics shall include socialization; group processes, social inequalities; social institutions; and social change. This course or its equivalent Sociology courses. Students may not receive credit for both this course and CLD 102.
UK Core - Humanities
3
AFE 100
3
AFE 100 - ISSUES IN AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND ENVIRONMENT
AFE 100
**UK Core - Community, Culture and Citizen**
3 credit hours
How do farmers in Kentucky impact families in California? How can the fashion industry curb the amount of plastic in our oceans? How does fast food affect sea life in the Gulf of Mexico? Whether we realize it or not, each of us has a relationship with agriculture, food and the environment. From race and gender, diet and lifestyles, tourism and evolving technologies, this course encourages you to recognize and think critically about the interconnected systems that affect all human life. By addressing these challenges, you will develop a greater appreciation for how you can positively impact our planet.
Prereq: This course is open to students enrolled in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment or those in the Martin- Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Residential College's Belle C. Gunn Living Learning Program. Freshman only in Fall semesters and transfer students only in Spring semesters.
UK Core - Natural, Physical and Math
3
Spring Semester
15 - 16 Credit Hours
UK Core - Comp. & Comm. II
3
FFC 251
3
FFC 251 - PERSONAL AND FAMILY FINANCE
FFC 251
Same as FAM 251
3 credit hours
Management of personal and family financial resources throughout the lifespan related to planning, credit, savings, investment, insurance, taxes, housing costs, transportation costs, retirement and estate planning.
Elective
3
ECO 201
3
ECO 201 - PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS I
ECO 201
3 credit hours
This course will introduce you to the economic way of thinking and provides basic tools of economic theory used to study markets, individual consumer behavior, and the behavior of firms. It employs concepts such as scarcity, opportunity costs, tradeoffs, marginal thinking, and gains from trade. This course will examine how markets work and how supply and demand interact to determine prices, explore market failure such as externalities, the tragedy of the commons and public goods and the role of the government in market activity. Students will also be introduced to theories of the firm and individual behavior, competition and monopoly, and welfare economics. Students successfully completing this course should leave with an understanding of these basic economic principles and their applicability to real world situations. Students should also be able to incorporate the tools of economic analysis into their own decision-making processes as they weigh costs and benefits to make choices.
UK Core - Quantitative Foundations
3 - 4
Total Sophomore Year Credit Hours
: 31
Fall Semester
16 Credit Hours
ECO 202
3
ECO 202 - PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS II
ECO 202
3 credit hours
A study of how society's needs are satisfied with the limited resources available. Topics include contemporary issues such as inflation, unemployment, economic growth, international dependencies, and how public policy deals with them. A critical understanding of the U.S. and global economies will enhance your value as a manager or executive of a business (whether for-profit or non-profit), as a family member dealing with jobs and financial decisions, and as a voter in a democracy. The course will allow you to become knowledgeable of, and able to critically think about, the major macroeconomic issues of unemployment, jobs, recessions, economic growth, inflation, deflation, oil prices, monetary policy, the Federal Reserve, fiscal policy, budget deficits, the national debt, international trade, international finance, and the financial system.
Prereq: ECO 201.
FFC 351
3
FFC 351 - ADVANCED PERSONAL AND FAMILY FINANCE I
FFC 351
3 credit hours
Management of personal and family financial resources throughout the life span. A study of individual and family finances as related to financial planning, money management practices, checking and savings, credit management, loans and borrowing, income taxes, housing costs, and transportation costs.
Prereq: FAM 251 or FFC 251.
FFC 350
3
FFC 350 - CONSUMER ECONOMICS AND ISSUES
FFC 350
Same as FAM 350
3 credit hours
An in-depth study of consumer issues, rights, and responsibilities. An examination of how individual and societal decisions affect quality of life, including consumer safety, and the interactions of consumption, health, law, government regulations and the economy. Consumer education and financial literacy will also be emphasized.
ACC 201 or ACC 221
3
PSY 100
4
PSY 100 - INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY
PSY 100
4 credit hours
An introduction to the study of behavior covering theories, methods and findings of research in major areas of psychology. Topics covered will include the biological foundations of behavior; learning, perception, motivation, personality; developmental, abnormal, and social behavior; and methods of assessment. This course is a prerequisite to a significant number of courses in this and related areas of study. Lecture, three hours; laboratory/discussion, two hours.
Spring Semester
15 Credit Hours
Elective
3
STA 210 or STA 296
3
UK Core - Global Dynamics
3
Elective
3
FFC 352
3
FFC 352 - ADVANCED PERSONAL AND FAMILY FINANCE II
FFC 352
3 credit hours
Management of personal and family financial resources throughout the life span. A study of individual and family finances as related to financial planning; property and liability risk; health care management and expenses; insurance planning; investment fundamentals; stocks, bonds, and mutual fund investments; real estate and high risk investments; and retirement and estate planning.
Prereq: FFC 351.
Total Junior Year Credit Hours
: 30
Fall Semester
15 Credit Hours
FFC 360
3
FFC 360 - INTRODUCTION TO FAMILY INTERVENTION
FFC 360
Same as FAM 360
3 credit hours
Survey course to introduce students to the various skills, strategies and professional ethical standards used by family scientists in helping relationships. The emphasis will be on learning the skills required to provide support for families and individuals. This course is a Graduation Composition and Communication Requirement (GCCR) course in the FAM and FFC majors, and hence is not likely to be eligible for automatic transfer credit to UK.
Prereq: Successful completion of UK Core Composition and Communications I and II, minimum of 30 credits.
FFC 403
3
FFC 403 - FAMILY FINANCIAL COUNSELING
FFC 403
3 credit hours
An examination of family economics and resource management issues and impact on the well-being of family across the major transitions of the family life-cycle. The complex process of financial decision-making and the role of the financial counselor are addressed. Best practices in assisting individuals and families facing financial challenges and increasing their level of financial capability, while decreasing their financial stress through personal financial counseling processes.
Prereq: FFC 351 and FFC 352 or consent of the instructor.
FFC 402
3
FFC 402 - THEORIES AND APPLICATIONS IN CONSUMER ECONOMICS
FFC 402
3 credit hours
Study of concepts, theories, and applications of consumer economics. Examination of race, gender, age, and other variables in social and economic disparities as related to personal finance and financial counseling.
Prereq: Successful completion of UK Core Composition and Communications I and II; minimum of 30 credits; ECO 201; FFC/FAM 251; or consent of instructor.
Professional Support
3
Elective
3
Spring Semester
15 Credit Hours
UK Core - Arts and Creativity
3
FFC 390
3
FFC 390 - INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODS
FFC 390
Same as FAM 390
3 credit hours
An introduction to research design, methodology, instrumentation, and data analysis with emphasis on a student’s ability to understand and critique research in the content areas of consumer economics, personal finance, human development, and family relations. This course is a Graduation Composition and Communication Requirement (GCCR) course in the FAM and FFC majors, and hence is not likely to be eligible for automatic transfer credit to UK.
Prereq: Successful completion of UK Core Composition and Communications I and II, minimum of 30 credits, STA 210 or STA 296 or PSY 216, declared major/minor in FAM or FFC or accepted into the Child Life Undergraduate Certificate program; or consent of instructor.
FFC 498
3
FFC 498 - INTERNSHIP IN CONSUMER ECONOMICS AND PERSONAL FINANCE
FFC 498
3 credit hours
A supervised working internship and course for juniors and seniors in the FFC major. The internship will take place in a community, educational, Cooperative Extension, and/or research setting. Emphasis is on observation, teaching, conceptualizing research problems, and developing competencies for providing consumer economics and financial services at the individual, family, and/or community level. The course includes lecture and internship hours (a total of 150 hours).
Prereq: FFC 403; junior or senior standing; FFC majors only; consent of instructor; completed internship learning contract.
Professional Support
3
Elective
3
Total Senior Year Credit Hours
: 29
Fall Semester
14 Credit Hours
FFC 499
3
FFC 499 - ADVANCED INTERNSHIP IN CONSUMER ECONOMICS AND PERSONAL FINANCE
FFC 499
3 credit hours
A supervised working internship and course for juniors and seniors in the FFC major. The internship will take place in a community, educational, Cooperative Extension, and/or research setting. Building on the concepts and professional development learned in FFC 498, emphasis is on observation, teaching, conceptualizing research problems, and developing competencies for providing consumer economics and financial services at the individual, family, and/or community level. The course includes virtual discussion and internship hours (a total of 150 hours). The course will meet synchronously and live via web video through multiple sections (to accommodate students in different time zones). The course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours in separate terms.
Prereq: FFC 498; junior or senior standing; Family Financial Counseling majors only; consent of instructor; completed internship contract.
Preparation for the Accredited Financial Counselor certification exam provided by the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE). A review examination of financial counseling processes, family economics, and resource management issues.
Prereq: FFC 403 or consent of instructor.
FFC 499
3
FFC 499 - ADVANCED INTERNSHIP IN CONSUMER ECONOMICS AND PERSONAL FINANCE
FFC 499
3 credit hours
A supervised working internship and course for juniors and seniors in the FFC major. The internship will take place in a community, educational, Cooperative Extension, and/or research setting. Building on the concepts and professional development learned in FFC 498, emphasis is on observation, teaching, conceptualizing research problems, and developing competencies for providing consumer economics and financial services at the individual, family, and/or community level. The course includes virtual discussion and internship hours (a total of 150 hours). The course will meet synchronously and live via web video through multiple sections (to accommodate students in different time zones). The course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours in separate terms.
Prereq: FFC 498; junior or senior standing; Family Financial Counseling majors only; consent of instructor; completed internship contract.
Professional Support
3
Elective
3
Elective
3
Please login to http://myUK.uky.edu to access your major map and
personalized degree audit via the myUK Graduation Planning System (myUK GPS).
In addition to automatic and competitive scholarships from the University of Kentucky, our students are also eligible for a variety of awards from the college. With one of the largest college-based scholarship programs, we awarded nearly $1 million to our students during the 2022-23 academic year. These awards are based on a variety of criteria such as hometown, major, career goals, high school extracurriculars, and more.
The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Living Learning Program (CAFE LLP) is open to all first-semester freshmen at the University of Kentucky.
Through field trips, professional development workshops and service programs, students in our LLP apply their knowledge and passion to global issues at the intersection of food, economics and environment. All students in this program will also enroll in connected courses, share study groups and have an assigned peer mentor - all to help with the transition to college life.
Should you choose, you can gain international experience while earning credit towards your degree. We offer a variety of study, research, intern, and service abroad programs for all budgets and comfort levels. Some students have even earned grants and scholarships to fully fund their international experiences.
These programs are designed to broaden your mind and introduce you to unfamiliar ways of thinking and living. Ultimately, these experiences will make you a more competitive applicant in the global workforce.
Pre-Med? Pre-Vet? Pre-Law?
Each year, many of our graduates attend professional schools in areas such as veterinary medicine, law, pharmacy, dentistry, and more. If you are interested in pursuing a similar path, we offer pre-professional advising services.
Our pre-professional advisors will assist you with:
Listing required courses for respective professional schools
Scheduling pre-professional courses alongside your major requirements
Suggesting supplemental coursework
Connections to student organizations, volunteer work, shadowing experiences, etc.
Students can join organizations and clubs to learn outside the classroom, gain valuable work experience and develop their leadership skills. Many of our students may be interested in:
UK MoneyCATS a team dedicated to promoting financial wellness within the student body
Community & Economic Development Initiative assist local communities while working alongside passionate faculty and staff
Family Action Council encourage and support students in their development as professionals in family sciences
