In an era of globalization, businesses are relying on consumer psychology to generate revenues and enhance their brand image. Consumer psychologists attempt to understand behavior patterns to encourage consumers to buy their company's products and services. They apply diverse research methods, like focus groups and surveys, to improve advertising and marketing techniques across a wide variety of industries.

Consumer Behavior and Marketing Major

Tulane University in Louisiana allows business management students to specialize in consumer behavior and marketing. The major features several courses designed to improve a student's understanding of consumer psychology. In addition to standard management classes in economics and finance, consumer behavior specialists also take several classes in psychology. Tulane designed the course of study to help students "entering industries that rely upon consumer sales and brand management," according to the department's website.

Social and Consumer Psychology Specialization

New York University grants master's degree students the chance to specialize in social and consumer psychology. The program, which requires a bachelor's degree prior to enrollment, helps students advance their careers in marketing, market research, public relations or consumer education. Students are required to take courses in statistics and research methods in addition to their work in the psychology department. Students can tailor their program of study to their specific industry by choosing among several different elective options. Completion of the degree requires either a master's thesis or passage of a series of comprehensive examinations.

B.S. In Consumer Psychology

Colorado Technical University offers a B.S. degree in psychology with a concentration in consumer psychology. The interdisciplinary program explores concepts from psychology, marketing, economics, anthropology and sociology. Students explore various research methods, including surveys and focus groups, and interpret data with professors to apply their knowledge through a variety of projects. Graduates may work on marketing campaigns, help shape public policies and develop public relations strategies.

Consumer and Industrial Research

Master of Arts students in the psychology department at Cleveland State University may specialize in the consumer and industrial research program. CIRP students take courses in psychology and research methods in their first year of the two-year program. They devote their second year to writing a thesis and taking specialized electives, depending on their area of study. Course work includes advertising and branding strategies, enhancing employee motivation, measuring the effectiveness of ad campaigns and a number of other psychological concepts.

B.S. in Consumer, Apparel and Retail Studies

Undergraduate students at the University of North Carolina Greensboro's Bryan School of Business can concentrate their studies in the Department of Consumer, Apparel and Retail Studies. North Carolina's history as a global center for clothing and apparel production gives students the opportunity to apply consumer psychology to the garment industry. Students learn how designers can improve apparel product performance by understanding consumer behavior. They also take courses in finance and economics to enhance their marketability in the business world.

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Nick Robinson is a writer, instructor and graduate student. Before deciding to pursue an advanced degree, he worked as a teacher and administrator at three different colleges and universities, and as an education coach for Inside Track. Most of Robinson's writing centers on education and travel.