Consumer Sciences Online

For additional information about courses in consumer sciences available through distance education contact Eve Pentecost (epenteco@ches.ua.edu). You must set up your myBama account before you can register for a course.  After you have set up your account visit http://registrar.ua.edu/registration/ for registration instructions.  To learn more about courses offered through distance education, contact the Division of Academic Outreach (web site at http://academicoutreach.ua.edu  or phone 205-348-9278 or 1-800-452-5971 or fax 2005-348-0249 or e-mail disted@ccs.ua.edu).

CSM 101, Introduction to Computing

Three hours. The course features the use of basic applications of the computer, including word processing, database, electronic presentation, internet searching, and fundamental computer maintenance.  Faculty: A. McFadden

CSM 201, Individual and Family Resource Management

Three hours. This course studies the application of the management concepts that are an integral part of the family decision-making process and of the allocation of resources to achieve goals. Faculty: E. Pentecost

CSM 204, Introduction to Personal Financial Planning

Three hours.  The course presents financial planning within the context of the family life cycle and the consumer decision-making framework.  It provides an overview of topics such as family financial goal setting, budgeting, risk management, savings, and investments. Faculty:  C. Fulmer

CSM 400, Personal Insurance Planning and Management

Three hours.  Prerequisite:  CSM 204 or permission of the instructor. Fundamentals of personal and family insurance protection, employee benefits, and retirement planning. Faculty:  Staff

CSM 401, Consumer Protection

Three hours. The study of laws and agencies affecting the consumer’s well –being, sources of consumer information and discussion of current issues. Faculty: E. Pentecost

CSM 403, Consumer Economics

Three hours.  Prerequisites: EC 110 and 111.  The role of the consumer in the economy. Economic analysis of market and nonmarket consumption activities, incorporating relevant social, psychological, political, and ecological considerations. Faculty: E. Pentecost

CSM 404, Personal Investment Planning and Management

Three hours. Prerequisites: CSM 204 or permission of the instructor. Fundamentals of personal and family investment planning including mutual funds, stocks, bonds and a full array of investment vehicles. Faculty: E. Pentecost

CSM 405, Public Policy: Analysis of Family and Community Resources

Three hours. Identification of resources available to families in and out of their immediate environment. The course includes an externship with a community service agency. Faculty: E. Pentecost

CSM 406, Consumer Management Quality Assurance

Three hours.  Provides an in-depth coverage of the primary theories and methods necessary for quality assurance in a wide range of organizational settings. Faculty: J. Dew

CSM 407, Consumer Quality Management Facilitation Skills

Three hours.  Provides a comprehensive study of facilitation skills necessary to lead an organization in continuous improvement.  Faculty: J. Dew

CSM 408 Consumer Quality Management Skills

Three hours. Provides an in-depth analysis of management systems as a method for organizing and leading business, educational, and health care institutions. The course will cover the primary issues related to management systems. Faculty: E. Pentecost

CSM 410, Personal Retirement Planning & Employee Benefits

Three hours. Fundamentals of personal retirement planning and the selection of employee benefits. Faculty: E. Pentecost

CSM 415, Customer Service

Three hours.   An in-depth study of the functions and structures of customer relations as it relates to business and government agencies. Analysis of consumer needs, complaints, and education. Faculty: A. Henderson.

CSM 420, Personal Estate Planning

Three hours. Techniques of personal estate planning within the family life cycle. Faculty: Staff

CSM 425, Consumer Conflict Resolution

Three hours.  A study of the various techniques of conflict resolution in consumer affairs. Faculty:  W. Hodge

CSM 437, Developing the Leader Within

Three hours.  An in-depth look at leadership principles, qualities, styles, and models with a focus on developing leadership skills and potential within the individual students. Designed to assist students in identifying opportunities for improvement.  Faculty: C. Fulmer

CSM 441, Consumer Communications

Three hours. This course examines the principles, methods, techniques, and resources used in planning, writing developing, and evaluating effective consumer communications programs for companies, institutions, and organizations using computers as a tool. Students use Adobe PageMaker 6.5 to prepare publications related to their specific major. Faculty: R. DeWitt

CSM 445, Microcomputers in Consumer Science

Three hours. This course teaches students to integrate technical skills, scientific methodologies and subject matter to develop computer programs and software applications to solve problems relevant to their fields of study. Proficiency is developed in the use of the WWW, word processing, spreadsheet applications and database management software programs with focus on how students can apply the use of these programs to their majors. Faculty: A. McFadden

CSM 447, Digital Resources for Multimedia, Electronic Portfolio, and Internet Applications

Three hours. This course provides students with skills to live and work in a digital environment by developing technological skills in use and application of computers, internet and other digital tools. Faculty: Rachel Walker

CSM 454, Personal Income Tax Management and Planning

Three hours. An analysis of personal income tax management and planning as it relates to consumers and families throughout the life cycle. Faculty: E. Pentecost

CSM 459, Techniques of Consumer Counseling

Three hours.  Fundamentals of counseling, communication, and ethics. Faculty: W. Hodge

CSM 460, Personal Financial Planning and Counseling Techniques

Three hours. Focuses on the development of skills required to gather adequate and accurate financial information, to analyze financial situations, and to devise effective solutions for financial problems.  Includes the evaluation of the role and usefulness of computer software in financial advising.   Faculty:  E. Pentecost

CSM 475, Entrepreneurship in Human Environmental Sciences

Three hours.  A study of home-based businesses taught from the perspective of theory and application in family resource management. Faculty:  S. Parker

CSM 480, E-Commerce at Human Environmental Sciences

Three hours.  Offers sound advice and vital practical help on developing an idea into a business on the Internet, addressing areas of specialization in human environmental sciences.  Faculty: S. Parker

CSM 486, Consumer Management of Human Capital