THE FOUNDATION: heartbeat of our purpose

Family and Consumer Sciences at Morgan State University (FACS) is all about mastering the art of living your best life—it's the science behind thriving. This field embraces the core of who we are, blending knowledge, creativity, and compassion to empower individuals, families, and communities. It's not just about one stage of life, but about shaping well-being across all ages and environments.

Imagine peeling apart what we know and then putting it back together in fresh ways. That’s how we dive into our Body of Knowledge.

Our Body of Knowledge branches into three major zones: Core Principles, Integrative Elements, and Infuencing Elements—all of which give shape to what makes FACS dynamic and relevant.

Introduction

The Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Body of Knowledge establishes the framework that serves as the foundation for the field. It provides a blueprint through which FCS professionals communicate, research, and practice the professional and through understanding and application of the Body of Knowledge, FCS professionals may enhance individual well-being, build community vitality, and grow global independence.

Core Principles

Human needs, individual well-being, family resilience, and community vitality are core principles of the Family and Consumer Sciences profession because they represent the essential and enduring focus of the profession’s work. These interconnected principles unify diverse areas of practice and guide FCS professionals in empowering individuals, strengthening families, and enhancing the quality of life within communities.

Human Needs

Individual Well-Being

Family Resilience

Community Vitality

Integrative Elements

Human ecosystems and lifespan progression are integrative elements of the Family and Consumer Sciences profession because they offer unifying frameworks that connect diverse environments and content areas. Human ecosystems guide professionals in understanding the complex interactions between individuals, families, and their environments, while lifespan progression ensures that services and solutions are developmentally responsive across all stages of life. Together, these elements enable FCS professionals to apply systems thinking and holistic strategies to real-world challenges and demonstrate the integrative, synergistic nature of the profession. 

Human Ecosystem

Lifespan Progression

Influencing Elements

Capacity building, global interdependence, resource development and sustainability, technology and innovation, and wellness are influencing elements in the Family and Consumer Sciences profession because they represent key societal and dynamic forces that shape the profession’s focus and evolution. These elements impact on how FCS professionals prepare for practice, respond to emerging trends and needs, and design solutions that promote well-being in a complex and interconnected world. They drive the profession to remain adaptable, forward-thinking, and socially responsive to the ever-changing environment. Each of these elements influences the context, challenges, and opportunities that define the profession’s direction and ensure the field remains responsive and relevant in a dynamic world. 

Capacity Building

Global Interdependence

Resource Development and Sustainability

Technology and Innovation

Wellness