Undergraduate Majors in FCS

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A Family and Consumer Sciences major offers students a rich, interdisciplinary pathway into understanding people, families, and communities through both scientific and creative lenses. These programs integrate coursework in human development, nutrition, textiles, interior design, financial literacy, and community well‑being, giving students a holistic view of how individuals and households thrive. Alongside classroom learning, students engage in applied projects, collaborative problem‑solving, and experiential opportunities that build practical skills and deepen their understanding of real‑world challenges. With supportive faculty, diverse career pathways, and a mission centered on improving quality of life, these majors empower students to make meaningful contributions in fields that directly shape everyday living and community resilience.

 

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WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR YOUR COMMUNITY?

Family and Consumer Sciences majors strengthen their communities by applying evidence‑based knowledge to real issues such as food policy, child development, housing, and family relationships. Graduates use their expertise to support healthier lifestyles, promote sustainable living, and improve the everyday environments where people learn, work, and grow. Through roles in education, community outreach, nonprofit leadership, and public service, they help create more resilient families and more equitable, informed communities. This blend of practical skills and human‑centered problem‑solving makes Family and Consumer Sciences a vital field for anyone committed to community development, social well‑being, and long‑term quality of life.

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OUR MAJORS

Here are four of our majors at your fingertips to explore, one click at a time...

DESIGN, MERCHANDISING & TEXTILES

Our bachelor's degree in Design, Merchandising and Textiles (DMT) offers students the education they need to enter a diverse and competitive field in which individuals plan, provide, and promote apparel, interiors, and related goods desired by the consumer. Students who enjoy working with fabrics, clothing, or home furnishings and are interested in color, design, and business should choose design, merchandising and textiles as a course of study.

HUMAN NUTRITION & FOOD

Americans today are concerned about weight control, maintaining a healthy body, and practicing good nutritional habits for better health. Choosing human nutrition and food can be the beginning of a rewarding career. A bachelor's degree in Human Nutrition and Food (HNF) emphasizes physical, biological, and social sciences; math and statistics; and nutrition and food. This degree also serves as an excellent pre-med option, pre-physical therapy option, pre-dietetics, or can be combined with a minor in a related field. A degree in human nutrition and food is also a great foundation for graduate study as well.

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT & FAMILY SCIENCES

The bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS) provides students with a strong foundation in human development and family sciences while also allowing for a wide range of personalized electives and internship experiences. Upon completion of our degree program, students have the option of submitting their transcripts and materials to the National Council on Family Relationships to become a Certified Family Life Educator. Our department was the first in the nation to obtain program approval.

INTERIOR DESIGN CONCENTRATION

Our Interior Design concentration offers majors a creative, future‑focused education that blends design thinking, technical skill, and a deep understanding of how spaces shape human experience. Students learn to plan, visualize, and build environments that are functional, sustainable, and aesthetically compelling, preparing them to make a meaningful impact in homes, businesses, and public spaces. With hands‑on studio work, access to industry‑standard technology, and mentorship from experienced faculty, the program equips emerging designers with the confidence and expertise to thrive in a rapidly evolving design industry.

COMPLEMENT YOUR CURRENT MAJOR!

Adding a Family and Consumer Sciences minor is a smart way for current students to broaden their expertise and stand out in a competitive job market. Whether you’re preparing for a career in education, healthcare, business, design, or public service, our minors add a meaningful layer of versatility and purpose to your degree. A minor strengthens any major by building practical skills that employers consistently value across industries. Students gain a deeper understanding of how individuals and families function within social, economic, and cultural systems, making them more effective leaders, communicators, and problem‑solvers.

FCS MINORS

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NEED SOME STATS? CHECK OUT OUR NUMBERS!

These essential statistics highlight our exceptional funding, student body, and faculty expertise. Reach out to us to hear more about post‑graduation outcomes and the impact of a Family and COnsumer Sciences degree. These standout metrics not only reflect our department’s excellence and dedication but also highlight the value students gain through our programs.

$80000
Average total amount awarded to students from our pool of scholarships every year!
~150
# of majors in the Family and Consumer Sciences department
13
Total number of full-time faculty in the department of Family and Consumer Sciences