Department of Family & Consumer Sciences

Overview

The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, formerly the Department of Home Economics, offers the Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with two comprehensive tracks; Fashion Merchandising and General Family and Consumer Studies. The department's curriculum encompasses the study of relationships among people in their personal spaces, focusing on the impact of the physical, biological, social and economic environments, and their effects on human behavior and development.

Mission

The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences prepares students with competencies and skills required for public service to address ongoing changes and new developments in goods and services. The department conducts research to implement progress that will improve family life in urban populations. Through collaborative relationships, the department enhances the viability and quality of family life in the communities served by the University.

Department Tracks

Fashion Merchandising

This track offers students the opportunity to prepare for careers in retail and wholesale buying, merchandising, fashion coordination, publicity, sales, and marketing. Courses are designed to give students maximum exposure to business and management concepts so as to allow qualified students the opportunity to move rapidly into areas of management. A part of the program includes an industry work-study internship.

General Family and Consumer Sciences

This track is designed to prepare students for career opportunities in schools, colleges, extension services, businesses, federal programs, and child care. *Students who desire to teach Grades 7 through 12 or Early Childhood Education must pass Praxis I and II to be certified.