Family and Consumer Sciences Master's Degree Program at UW
Choose from three concentrations based on your ambitions and interests:
- Design, Merchandising and Textiles elevates your knowledge of apparel design and the merchandising of textiles. You will be provided with one-on-one mentorship, opportunities to engage in research and creative scholarship with faculty and resources to help travel to conferences.
- Human Nutrition and Food increases your understanding of food and nutritional science and how to apply that knowledge to disease prevention and enhancement of human potential. You will receive research training and mentorship and engage with faculty across campus. You may also receive financial support for your thesis work and conference travel. Most graduate students in the Human Nutrition and Food concentration are funded and many have teaching responsibilities.
- Human Development and Family Sciences offers an opportunity to earn your master’s FULLY ONLINE while expanding your knowledge of individuals and families across the lifespan. Particularly beneficial for graduate students who are currently working in human services fields and would like to further their education, this concentration is an entirely online degree program that allows you to progress through the curriculum at your own pace.
Application Deadline: March 1
All Students
- A bachelor’s degree based on a four-year curriculum from an institution accredited by one of the regional associations of the Commission on Institution of Higher Education or equivalent
- GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale in the previous degree
Domestic Students
- GRE is NOT required
**Domestic students whose GPA does not meet the basic requirement of 3.0 but who wish to apply based on their extensive experience in the field and/or strong research experience should consider taking the GRE to support their application. A strong background and strong GRE score may offset a GPA that falls slightly below the minimum of 3.0.
International Students
- GRE IS required
** Rarely the GRE may be waived for international students with extreme extenuating circumstances. These requests will be evaluated by the graduate faculty. If approved, alternative materials will be required. For more information, please contact the department at fam-consci@uwyo.edu. - For international students whose native language is not English, a minimum TOEFL score of 76 or an official IELTS score of 6.5
- Evidence of adequate financial resources
What Can You Do With a Family and Consumer Sciences Master’s Degree?
With a master’s in Family and Consumer Sciences, you’ll gain the skills to make a lasting difference. This program prepares you for impactful careers in education, community outreach, nonprofits, business and more. Turn your passion into purpose and help shape healthier, stronger communities.
- Public health
- Community nutrition
- Extension
- College teaching
- Research
- Family support and intervention programs
- Governmental agencies
- Program evaluation
- Apparel design and marketing
- Textile development
Family and consumer sciences is all about understanding basic human needs like food, shelter, clothing and relationships, while also looking at how they fit into the bigger picture of society. UW's master’s program focuses on promoting healthy, sustainable living for people of all ages and helping improve the well-being of individuals, families and communities.
In particular, we integrate theory, research and practice in human growth and development, personal behavior, environment and housing, food and nutrition, textiles and apparel and resource management. As part of a university that has been fiercely independent since 1886, we also focus on reflective learning, so graduate students can make sound decisions and enjoy a healthy, productive and more fulfilling life while helping others — because the world needs more outside thinkers.
- Education: Schools, colleges, adult education and community programs
- Healthcare: Nutrition services, wellness programs and public health agencies
- Nonprofit Organizations: Community outreach, family support and advocacy groups
- Government: Social services, policy development and public health departments
- Business and Corporate: Human resources, employee wellness and consumer research
- Retail and Apparel: Textile and fashion industries, sustainable product development
- Community Development: Housing agencies, urban planning and social work organizations
- Food Industry: Food safety, nutrition education and product development
Family and Consumer Sciences in Action: Honoring Tradition, Empowering Community
Associate Professor Jill Keith is a member of the Restoring Shoshone Ancestral Food Gathering (RSAFG) group on the Wind River Indian Reservation. Members of RSAFG are reclaiming knowledge about the use of Shoshone foods, preserving traditional methods of gathering and preparing those foods, and sharing traditional recipes, stories and other food knowledge among community members and non-Native partners.
