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 Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) degree program at Southeastern is accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) and as such our overview is consistent with the organization’s professional definition, vision and mission.
What is FCS?
Family and consumer sciences (FCS) is the comprehensive body of skills, research, and knowledge that helps people make informed decisions about their well being, relationships, and resources to achieve optimal quality of life. The field represents many areas, including human development, personal and family finance, housing and interior design, food science, nutrition, and wellness, textiles and apparel, and consumer issues.
Today’s FCS professionals practice in multiple settings. They are early childhood, elementary, secondary, university/college, and Extension educators, administrators and managers, human service professionals, researchers, community volunteers, business people, and consultants who address the issues most important to our quality of life.
Our Vision
The American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) is recognized as the driving force in bringing people together to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
Our Mission
The mission of the AAFCS is to provide leadership and support for professionals whose work assists individuals, families, and communities in making informed decisions about their well being, relationships, and resources to achieve optimal quality of life.
Degree requirements include 120 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
- Nutrition
Strengths of the program
- The FCS program is accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS).
- Students completing a degree in FCS qualify to sit for the exam to become a Certified Family and Consumer Scientist offered through AAFCS.
- The FCS program has been recognized by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) as an approved program to offer students the opportunity to become Certified Family Life Educators (CFLE).
- The number of students enrolled in the FCS degree program and graduation rates for FCS majors has increased significantly in recent years.
- 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. - 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 course projects and internships.
- 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 and a network of professional contacts.
Careers in the program
Family and Consumer Sciences professionals work to assist individuals and families function optimally through prevention, education and intervention programs. Graduates with a concentration in family studies and/or nutrition can be found working in settings such as community centers, social service agencies, health care facilities, non-profit organizations, hospitals, schools and a variety of academic locations. Graduates from our fashion merchandising concentration can be found in a variety of retail, wholesale, design, management, business and industry settings.
- 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)
A wide range of entry salaries exists depending on experience, career goals and location.
Family Studies- $31,000 to $42,000
Fashion Merchandising, $30,000 to $41,000
Food and Nutrition, $32,000 to $43,000
Campus organizations and activities affiliated with the program
The Southeastern Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (SAFCS) 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
- Counseling/Marriage & Family 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
Helpful qualities for Family and Consumer Sciences majors would consist of the
Core Values of AAFCS with include:
- Valuing communication with all ages
- Believing in the family as a fundamental unit of society
- Embracing diversity and value all people
- Being dedicated to life-long learning and diverse scholarship
- Exemplifying integrity and ethical behavior
- Being open to change and new ideas
- Exhibiting technological skills necessary to function in progressive environments
- Demonstrating a willingness to serve others
- Seeking an integrative and holistic approach to career choice.
Contact Information
Family and Consumer Science Contact:
Dr. Peggy Rolling, FCS Program Coordinator
Telephone: 985-549-3696
E-mail: prolling@selu.edu
