Majors / Family and Consumer Science Education

Family and Consumer Sciences Education (B.S.)

Indiana State University

Description:

The University offers a bachelor of science (B.S.) in family and consumer sciences education.

The Family and Consumer Sciences Education Program prepares students to teach family and consumer sciences at the middle, junior high, and high school levels, as well as in non-school settings such as the Cooperative Extension Service, community and family service agencies, government agencies, and wellness programs. In addition, students are qualified to teach and coordinate programs that prepare high school students to enter the workforce in family and consumer sciences-related occupations, such as early childhood education and culinary arts careers.

Coursework includes a required core—plus coursework in the following areas:

  • Human development and family studies
  • Family resource management
  • Family and consumer sciences teaching methods
  • Food and nutrition
  • Health
  • Interior design
  • Textiles, apparel, and merchandising

Students also complete two years (4,000 clock hours) of successful employment in a recognized family and consumer sciences-related occupation or 1,500 clock hours of supervised work a recognized family and consumer sciences-related occupation under the Teacher Education Program coordinator or an equivalent combination.

Early field experiences and student teaching are arranged and supervised by the Bayh College of Education. In addition, courses in the major provide many discipline-specific experiences (including in-class simulated teaching experiences) that complement the Bayh College of Education classroom and field experiences. Students also attend and facilitate professional development conferences and workshops at the local, regional, and state levels, and may chose to attend national conferences.

A number of activities and organizations enable students to interact with other students and professionals in the industry. These include the Indiana Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (INAFCS), the Indiana Association of Career and Technical Education (Indiana ACTE), and the Alpha Phi Chapter of Phi Upsilon Omicron, a national honor society in family and consumer sciences.

Required Courses:

[ list all ]

Careers:

In addition to qualifying for teacher licensure in Indiana, our graduates are prepared for a variety of positions in community education, whether in nonprofit agencies, business, or industry.

These positions include:

  • Consumer service consultant
  • Cooperative Extension
  • Corporate consultant
  • Energy specialist
  • Health care director
  • Hospital educator
  • Human resource manager
  • Product designer/tester
  • Specialist in aging agency
  • Welfare advisor

Moreover, the family and consumer sciences education undergraduate degree is a solid foundation for graduate study in counseling or related fields. Those who choose to complete a master's degree become eligible for employment as an educator in cooperative extension.

According to the United States Department of Labor, employment opportunities for educators, including family and consumer science education teachers, are expected to be favorable as individuals currently employed in these positions leave the field to retire or for other opportunities. Employment of family and consumer science teachers is expected to increase 7 to 13 percent between 2008 and 2018 as student enrollments continue to increase.

Accreditation:

The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

In addition, the Family and Consumer Sciences Program is accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS), the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and the Indiana Department of Education, Division of Professional Standards.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Students have many sources of financial support for their studies, including financial aid, work-study programs, veterans' benefits, and special scholarships for entering freshmen and transfer students.

In addition, the Department of Applied Health Sciences offers a variety of awards and scholarships, including the Susan Marie Bareford Outstanding Junior in Family and Consumer Sciences Education. For information about these awards, contact the department.

Further Information

Family and Consumer Sciences Education Program
Department of Applied Health Sciences
Indiana State University
812-237-3079
www.indstate.edu/ahs

Dr. Barbara Clauss, Coordinator of the FCS Education Program
Barbara.Clauss@indstate.edu


Last updated: September 25, 2012



The Catalog of Indiana State University is the document of authority for all students. The requirements given in the catalog supersede information issued by any academic department, program, college, or school. The University reserves the right to change the requirements at any time.

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