Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences
Department
Department of Counseling and Human Development
College
College of Education and Human Development
Overview of the program
The mission of the Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) profession is to "empower individuals, strengthen families, and enable communities." The FCS profession addresses "basic human needs and constant and emerging societal issues relevant to the well-being of individuals, families, consumers, and communities.
Degree requirements include approximately 125 hours for completion.
Concentrations
A concentrations is the specialization in one area of the degree program. The Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences degree program includes three areas of concentration:
- Family Studies
- Fashion Merchandising
- Foods and Nutrition
Strengths of the program
- The FCS program is accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS).
- The number of students enrolled in the FCS degree program and graduation rates for FCS majors has increased significantly in recent years.
- According to the Alumni Survey, 100% of students and Alumni were satisfied with the overall quality of their degree program in FCS.
- According to the Exit Survey and Alumni Survey, 100% of students were satisfied with the effectiveness of faculty as teachers and the academic advising received from their FCS advisor.
- The use of internships and the requirement of internship experiences demonstrate the development of professional attributes among student interns and provide hands on learning for students.
- Students are exposed to global perspectives through completion of courses which
address multi-cultural issues in all three concentration areas. - Graduates earn certification in Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP) and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People through coursework requirements.
- Several FCS courses are offered as 100% online courses. All FCS courses are Internet supported and several are offered as blended course options (50% online- 50% face-to-face) giving students much more flexibility.
- Emphasis is placed on service learning through the Family Life Conference.
- A career portfolio is required for all graduates which begins at the freshman level and is completed in the capstone course. Program emphasis on professional development through standards and ethics continue in upper level FCS courses.
Preparing for a job in the program
FCS majors hoping to pursue a career should:
- Enter the program with a desire to help improve family function and well- being.
- Satisfactorily complete the degree program, including an internship in a job related to the major concentration.
- Participate in Service Learning activities designed to develop leadership and career skills.
- Create a portfolio of "best work" throughout the degree program.
- Develop professional ethics.
Careers in the program
- Family Studies Concentration:
Child Development Program Administrator/Owner
Family Life Educator/Writer
Community and Child Welfare Worker
Program Developer and Fund Raiser
Family Advocate
Human Resources Manager
Social Services Agency Worker/Administrator
Credit Counselor/Financial Manager
Career and Technical Educator
- Fashion Merchandising Concentration:
Retail Buyer
Customer Service Representative
Image Consultant
Retail Store Owner/Manager
Visual Merchandiser
Fabric and Apparel Patternmaker/Designer
- Foods and Nutrition Concentration:
Community Nutrition Educator
Family Nutrition Educator
Health Care Administrator
Sales Representative
Weight Loss Consultant
Starting Salaries after completing the program (estimates only)
Family Studies, $29,000 to $42,000
Fashion Merchandising, $25,000 to $40,000
Food and Nutrition, $25,000 to $43,000
Campus organizations and activities affiliated with the program
The Southeastern Association of Family and Consumer Sciences is a student organization
for FCS majors. The association meets frequently throughout each semester to organize
and conduct community service projects and social events related to FCS. SAFCS offers
many opportunities to become actively involved in all areas of the FCS profession.
Related fields that might interest you
- Interior design
- Fashion design
- Fashion journalism
- Dietetics
- Manufacturer/wholesaler sales representative
- Family Law/therapy
- Culinary arts
- Hotel and restaurant management
Some of the above require training in addition to the Bachelor of Science in FCS.
How do I know this is the degree for me?
Common Strengths and interests of students in the program
- Communication with all ages
- Believe in the family as a fundamental unit of society
- Embrace diversity and value all people
- Be dedicated to life-long learning and diverse scholarship
- Exemplify integrity and ethical behavior
- Be open to change
- Possess technological skills necessary to function in progressive environments
- Demonstrate a willingness to serve others
Contact Information
Family and Consumer Science Contact:
Dr. Gail McMillon, FCS Program Coordinator
Telephone: 985-549-5398
E-mail: Gail.McMillon@selu.edu
