B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences Education and Studies

Family and Consumer Sciences Education and Studies offers a curriculum for the Bachelor of Science degree. Graduates in Family and Consumer Sciences Education and Studies have a broad understanding of individual and family well-being. Graduates apply knowledge and research in family and consumer sciences content in global professional settings. They work in an integrative fashion to improve well-being by addressing and acting on complex problems confronting individuals, families, and communities. The study of Family and Consumer Sciences Education incorporates the following 16 areas: Career, Community and Family Connections; Consumer and Family Resources; Consumer Services; Education and Early Childhood; Facilities Management and Maintenance; Family; Family and Community Services; Food Production and Services; Food Science, Dietetics, and Nutrition; Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation; Housing and Interior Design; Human Development; Interpersonal Relationship; Nutrition and Wellness; Parenting; and Textiles, Fashion and Apparel. Students in the curriculum choose one of three options: Teacher Licensure, Communications, or Professional Studies. Graduates of the Teacher Licensure option may teach family and consumer sciences in middle, junior high, and senior high schools. Students who enroll in Teacher Licensure must apply and be accepted into the teacher education program prior to enrolling in advanced courses and must meet general education requirements for teacher licensure. This program option is approved by the Iowa Department of Education for the preparation of comprehensive and occupational career and technical education family and consumer sciences teachers. Graduates of the Communications option have a broad-based knowledge of family and consumer sciences and the ability to communicate in a global and technologically changing society. They are able to plan, develop, creatively present and evaluate information. Students apply the principles of educational presentations, journalism, marketing, and public relations to the family and consumer sciences field within businesses, agencies, and organizations that work to empower individuals, families, and communities. Graduates of the Professional Studies option pursue individualized career goals in family and consumer sciences that apply integrative knowledge of family and consumer sciences in diverse careers for global settings. Students are prepared to work in a variety of careers ranging from non-profit organizations to the private sector in a business or entrepreneurial venture working with family nutrition, financial planning, life planning, current issues or other topics from the 16 content areas that affect individuals, families and communities. Students in FCEDS may choose coursework that leads to becoming a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE), a program that has been approved by the National Council on Family Relations. These courses provide the basic education for students interested in working with families, including adolescents, parents, or adults working to strengthen relationships. The student takes courses that support the development of knowledge and skills in family life content areas selected by the National Council on Family Relations.