About
Founded in agriculture, rooted in life.
We put science to work to identify innovative solutions to people's everyday societal needs.
At the Norton School of Human Ecology, we put science and social responsibility to action to improve lives from individuals to families and consumers to businesses.
Our students, faculty and staff take great pride in doing problem-solving research, teaching, and Cooperative Extension work that encompasses all aspects of human behavior and quality of life.
Our research spans the full depth of human behavioral research with expertise in marginalized populations in the Southwest. From early childhood and family relationships to consumer science, we educate and train future generations to develop solutions for society's evolving needs.
Our undergraduate and graduate programs provide students with hands-on training and skills that prepare them to tackle real-world challenges in the classroom and on the job. As a student, you can tailor your degree to suit your interests and career goals. We want our students to gain both the theoretical and practical skills needed to be future financial advisors, fashion journalists, merchandise buyers or health care workers.
Our history
The Norton School of Human Ecology's history dates back to 1898 as the popularization of domestic science made its entry to higher education with the overall mission of improving quality of life for individuals and families. The history of home economics in the United States is in many ways the story of women’s education. This field emerged from the need to educate women in practical applications of science to everyday life, such as sanitation, food preparation, and household management. The Morrill Act of 1862, which established land-grant universities, played a significant role in this educational advancement, providing women opportunities for higher education.
Throughout its history, the Norton School has continually adapted to meet societal needs. The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, established by the Smith-Lever Act of 1914, expanded home economics programs offering practical guidance on nutrition, health, and home improvement. During the Great Depression and World War II, the school's extension agents played crucial roles in resource conservation and efficient home management. In 1978, the school evolved, with some faculty forming the Department of Nutrition and Food Science, allowing a more focused mission on child development, family relations, and consumer studies.
Today, the Norton School of Human Ecology remains a leader in its field, offering top-ranked programs in Retailing and Consumer Science, Human Development and Family Science, Fashion Industry's Science and Technology, and Personal and Family Financial Planning. Along with these academic programs, we also house influential research and outreach centers such as the Frances McClelland Institute, Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing, and Take Charge Cats. Though our initiatives have evolved throughout history, our mission remains the same - to improve quality of life from individuals and families to communities and organizations.