Family and Consumer Science

Mission, Goals and Overview of Family and Consumer Sciences

The mission of the Family and Consumer Sciences program is to develop the knowledge, skills, and practice of professionals whose work will be to help individuals and families manage the challenges of living and working in a diverse, global society across the life span. This program focuses on empowering individuals, strengthening families, and enabling communities through teaching, research, and service. The program prepares students to assume professional responsibilities in a variety of career fields such as education, business, industry, social agencies, and government, or to enter a graduate program for further study.

Student Learning Outcomes of the Family and Consumer Sciences Program

Upon completion of the program, students will:

  • Analyze the mission and Body of Knowledge of Family and Consumer Sciences.
  • Explain how their strengths will support the mission and Body of Knowledge in Family and Consumer Sciences.
  • Create an academic plan based on their strengths and goals for their career, graduate school, community service, and/or lifelong learning.
  • Demonstrate high standards of professional practice through an internship.
  • Integrate the knowledge from various disciplines within Family and Consumer Sciences to promote individual wellbeing and stronger families and communities.
  • Apply major core concepts in Family and Consumer Sciences in professional situations.

The Family and Consumer Sciences major is designed for students who are entering careers that call for a broad knowledge of all family and consumer sciences areas, such as teaching in public schools and the Cooperative Extension Service, secondary and adult education. When they combine the family and consumer sciences major requirements with those for secondary licensure, the student is qualified to teach 6–12 family and consumer sciences in North Carolina. Students who choose teacher licensure should see the department for specific requirements. When they combine the major with a major or minor in business, the student is prepared for a career in consumer services, utility companies, product and equipment promotion, and government agencies.

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

FCS-274: Personal Finance

An analysis of consumer decision making in the marketplace; government protection for the consumer; consumer credit institutions; insurance, investments, management of personal finances, retirement and estate planning.

Notes

No credit given in major for business, or economics.
Also offered as ECO-274.

FCS-290: Foundations in Family and Consumer Sciences

Historical and theoretical perspectives, and current trends in various disciplines in Human Environmental Sciences are explored. Students will be provided with the foundation to apply human systems theory and life course development to their area of specialization in Child Development, Family and Consumer Sciences, Fashion Merchandising and Design, and Interior Design.

FCS-299: Introduction to Research in Family & Consumer Sciences

In conjunction with a faculty mentor, the student will participate in a research or creative project investigating topics and problems in Family and Consumer Sciences. This course will provide an introduction to the methods and techniques of the discipline. The research experience will culminate in a paper and presentation. May be repeated for a total of six credit hours. A research proposal form completed by the student and faculty mentor is required for registration.

Required Prerequisites

Freshmen and Sophomore Family and Consumer Sciences majors, and others by permission of the instructor.
Instructor's consent required.

Notes

Completed and signed Research Study Forms must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar.

FCS-355: Family Resource Management

The use of human resources to promote individual and family development. Emphasis on family life management skills from a woman's perspective.

FCS-424: Professional Perspectives in FCS

Investigation of historic development, interdisciplinary nature, integrative approach, and ethical perspectives of Family and Consumer Sciences field of study; introduction to professional opportunities within business, education, research, and service agencies; formulation of individual career plan.

FCS-425: FCS Practicum

Provides a culminating experience for Family and Consumer Sciences majors seeking careers in business and community services. The internship is selected by the student through career analysis, and is conducted in cooperation with an approved internship sponsor. The student must work 150 hours total over the course of the semester in an approved site.

Required Prerequisites

FCS-424

FCS-498: Honors Thesis in Family & Consumer Science

In conjunction with a faculty mentor, the student will formulate and execute a research project at an advanced level of complexity that will culminate in a paper and a presentation. The project must meet Honors Program thesis requirements as well as the expectations of the family and consumer sciences faculty. A research proposal form completed by the student, faculty mentor, and Honors Program director is required for registration.

Required Prerequisites

Senior Standing Family and Consumer Science majors, who are members of the Honors and/or Teaching Scholars Programs.

Notes

Completed and signed Research Study Forms must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar.

FCS-499: Research in Family & Consumer Science

In conjunction with a faculty mentor, the student will develop and conduct a research or creative project exploring topics and problems in Family and Consumer Sciences. The research experience will culminate in a paper and presentation. A research proposal form completed by the student and faculty mentor is required for registration.

Required Prerequisites

FCS-355
Junior and Senior Standing Family and Consumer Science major, and others by permission of the instructor.
Instructor's consent required. 

Notes

May be repeated for credit for a total of six credit hours.
Completed and signed Research Study Forms must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar.

FCS-764: Methods of Teaching Family & Consumer Sciences

A study of planning, implementing, and evaluating family and consumer sciences programs. Emphasis on identifying needs of learners, writing objectives, planning lessons, using a variety of teaching/learning strategies, and assessing effectiveness.

Required Prerequisites

Admission to the Teacher Education program, Nutrition majors, or with permission of the instructor.

Notes

Required for secondary family and consumer sciences licensure students and food and nutrition majors.

FCS-765: Family & Consumer Science Education

A survey of the curriculum for secondary family and consumer sciences education. Includes a program philosophy, organization, needs assessment, advisory committees, curriculum development, vocational student organizations [FCCLA], and legislation. Includes field experience.

Notes

Required of secondary Family and Consumer Sciences education majors.