Family and Consumer Sciences, Family Studies Specialization, MS

Master of Science Family and Consumer Sciences
Program Coordinator
Jan Bowers, PhD
Michaelsen Hall, room 100

Purpose: The purpose of this program is to provide an opportunity for students to concentrate at the master’s level in one or more of the subject areas related to family and consumer sciences. The goal of the program is to prepare persons for further graduate study, for public school or college teaching, as specialists in service agencies, or as professionals in, or consultants to business, industry, and government.

Program: In consultation with a faculty advisor, and with the approval of the department chair, students may develop a program of courses in one of two specializations. Each student will complete a set of core courses plus coursework specific for each specialization. The two specializations include family studies and family and consumer sciences/career and technical education. All candidates shall complete at least 45 credits as outlined in an approved course of study filed with the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. The student’s advisor and graduate committee, comprised of at least three faculty, will assist in the development of the program. With approval by the department chair and the committee chair, faculty can be selected from another department.

It is expected that four to six thesis credits will be included in the student’s program.

Family Studies Specialization
The family studies specialization is an advanced interdisciplinary study of interpersonal and family relationships. The graduate program has a strong emphasis on community involvement, practical application and research. Graduates are prepared for advanced career opportunities in family service agencies, parent education programs, family counseling centers, other family life education settings or doctoral study in family relations.

Graduate students in the family studies specialization who enter the program without prior coursework needed for preparing them for the graduate degree will need to take undergraduate courses as deficiencies or demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the area. Deficiency courses include FS 334, FS 433, and PSY 454.